UCF Incubation Program Appoints Michael Weiss Program Development Manager

ORLANDO, Fla. -- The University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program has appointed Michael Weiss program development manager. Gordon Hogan, director of the UCF Business Incubation Program, said Weiss has seven years of marketing and communications experience within Central Florida, previously serving as the associate director of public relations for Winter Park-based publication conglomerate, Bonnier Corp., and most recently as the assistant director of public relations for UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management. Weiss earned his bachelor’s degree in communication from Florida Atlantic University and is currently pursuing his master’s at UCF’s Nicholson School of Communication. In his new role, Weiss will develop marketing and communication initiatives for the UCFBIP and also work with incubation site managers to create new support programs that will help startup businesses accelerate growth and hiring opportunities throughout Central Florida. About the UCF Business Incubation Program Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 300 emerging companies (including more than 120 current clients and more than 90 graduates) create over $500 million in annual revenue and generate an average wage that is 45 percent above the average wage in the area. With nine facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business Incubation Program is collaboration in economic development among the University of Central Florida, The Florida High Tech Corridor Council, Orange, Seminole, Osceola and Volusia Counties, and the cities of Orlando, Apopka, Winter Springs, Sanford, Kissimmee and St. Cloud. The UCF Business Incubation Program was named Incubator Network of the Year for 2013. For more information about the Program and its clients and graduates, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.

Exam Plus FL Earns Contract to Provide Services to Major Professional Employer Organization

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. -- Exam Plus FL, which provides administration of drug and alcohol testing programs for employers, governmental and law enforcement agencies, was recently awarded a continuing contract to provide services to Resource Management, Inc. (RMI), a privately owned professional employer organization based in Fitchburg, Mass. José Batista, president and chief executive officer of Exam Plus FL, said the testing programs his company administers are necessary standards for most corporations and governmental agencies. “Exam Plus provides an essential service for RMI clients to facilitate their compliance with background checks, and drug and alcohol testing programs to maintain a safe workplace,” Batista said. RMI serves small to mid-size companies with payroll preparation, risk management, HR, and employment law compliance with branch offices in Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, Orlando and Miami. Exam Plus FL, a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program located in Winter Springs, is a member of the Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association and the Substance Abuse Program Administrators Association.

Lennar’s Central Florida Division Names Attorney Kami Corbett Director of Entitlements and Due Diligence

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar’s Central Florida Division, active in more than 30 communities in the Tampa, Lakeland, Orlando, Melbourne and Clermont markets, recently named Kami Corbett director of entitlements and due diligence. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said Corbett served as senior counsel with a national client base at Foley and Lardner in Tampa specializing in land use and transactional matters. Corbett earned both her Juris Doctorate degree and L.L.M. degree in Real Property and Development, from the University of Miami School of Law. Her experience of more than 10 years includes legal work for both law firms and government. Metheny said Corbett will head Lennar’s due diligence team in the Central Florida region focusing on underwriting new acquisitions.

Avalon Park to host Ground Breaking Aug. 1 to Showcase New Rental Apartment Homes in Downtown Avalon Park

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Avalon Park will host a Ground Breaking on Thursday, Aug. 1, to showcase a new four-story building with 95 new rental apartments at The Flats at Avalon Park, located in the heart of Downtown Avalon Park. Stephanie Hodson, vice president of marketing for Avalon Park Group, said refreshments will be served at the event from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and the public is invited to attend. Hodson said the new building, with 100,000 square feet of space, will complete the third phase of The Flats at Avalon Park, which will total 232 apartment homes. Avalon Park Group partnered with sitEX Properties AG, a Swiss real estate investment company headquartered in Basel, to develop the third phase of the Flats at Avalon Park. For more information or to RSVP contact Stephanie@avalonparkgroup.com or 407-658-6565.

Avex Homes introduces Two New Floor Plans at Avalon Park West in Wesley Chapel

Wesley Chapel, Fla. -- Avex Homes and Avalon Park Group have unveiled two new floor plans for single family homes at Avalon Park West, the master planned community located off SR 54 in Wesley Chapel. Stephanie Hodson, vice president of marketing for Avalon Park Group, said the Monroe floor plan offers three bedrooms and two baths in 2,181 square feet of living space with a two car garage. Priced from $209,990, the Monroe floor plan comes with three distinctive elevations to choose from and includes an optional porch and a huge flex space that can be turned into a bonus room. Hodson said the Escambia floor plan is one of the most innovative in Pasco County. “The Escambia offers four bedrooms and two baths in 1,832 square feet,” Hodson said. “The two car garage is located at the rear of the house with a driveway that runs along the side of the home and includes a parking court,” Hodson explained. Avex Homes builds single family homes at Avalon Park West that range in size from 1,697 square feet to 2,974 square feet priced from the $170s For information call 813-782-2839 or email Stephanie@AvexHomes.com.

LENNAR’S CENTRAL FLORIDA DIVISION PROMOTES SHAWN REED TO PURCHASING MANAGER

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar’s Central Florida Division has promoted Shawn Reed to purchasing manager. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said Reed is a highly talented home building executive who joined Lennar eight years ago as a customer care representative. Reed has served as a construction manager and most recently managed regional planning in Lennar’s Regional Operations Center in Tampa. In his new role as purchasing manager, Reed will work closely with the construction team on bid agreements, scopes of work, construction documents, all phases of product development, Metheny said.

VOLUSIA ATTORNEY RECEIVES NATIONAL CERTIFICATION

Luis Gracia is the only attorney in Volusia and Flagler counties to be nationally certified in social security disability law PORT ORANGE – Luis R. Gracia, a partner in the personal-injury law firm of Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell, recently became board certified in social security disability law by the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification, making him the only attorney in Volusia and Flagler counties to hold such a distinction. Gracia, who joined the Port Orange-based firm in 1998, heads up the social security department and hosts its free annual social security seminar for Volusia and Flagler county residents. In addition to social security disability cases, Gracia also handles worker’s compensation, as well as personal injury and wrongful death cases, according to firm president Allan L. Ziffra. “We’re excited that Luis has been recognized for his expertise in this area of the law, and extremely proud that, to date, he is the only attorney in two counties to have achieved this level of certification,” Ziffra said. A graduate of Thurgood Marshall School of Law from Texas Southern University, Gracia is a member of the American Bar Association, the Florida Justice Association, American Association for Justice, the Florida Bar, the Volusia County Bar Association and the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives. In addition to being admitted to all Florida Courts, Gracia holds admissions to the National Board of Social Security Disability Advocacy and the National Trial Lawyers Association, and is admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida, as well as the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. About Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell: Founded by John D. Rue and Allan L. Ziffra, the personal-injury law firm of Rue & Ziffra has served the Central Florida community for more than 25 years. The firm’s commitment to its profession and its clients has earned it a reputation as one of the top personal-injury law firms in Central Florida. Known for handling everything from automobile and motorcycle accidents to medical malpractice, wrongful death, and social security and disability cases, Rue & Ziffra has recovered millions of dollars for injured clients and their families. With a staff of nine attorneys, the firm maintains offices in Port Orange, DeLand and Palm Coast. For more information, visit www.rueziffra.com.

Pulte Homes Unveils New Portofino Home Design at Vizcaya near Jacksonville Beach

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --- Pulte Homes has introduced the new Portofino home design at Vizcaya, located near Beach and Hodges Blvd. on Casitas Drive in Jacksonville. Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for the North Florida Division Pulte Homes, said the Portofino floor plan offers three bedrooms with two full baths and a half-bath in 2,052 square feet of living space plus a two-car garage. Special features of the Portofino include a first floor owner’s suite and a spacious kitchen. The Portofino town home is priced from $305,990. The luxury, low maintenance Vizcaya community is located just four miles from Jacksonville Beach. Amenities also include a community clubhouse with a fitness center and swimming pool. Strickler said Pulte Homes builds Mediterranean-styled luxury town homes at Vizcaya in six distinctive floor plans ranging in size from 1,718 square feet of living space to 2,369 square feet, priced from the mid-$200s to the mid-$300s.

Celebration Golf Course named one of Top 50 golf courses for women in U.S.

CELEBRATION, Fla. --- The Celebration Golf Club near Walt Disney World has been named one of the nation’s top 50 golf courses for women by GolfDigest. Carol Daniels, tournament and group sales agent, said Celebration’s welcoming atmosphere, top-course conditions, amenities and beginner-friendly ladies league along with a comfortable 5181 total yardage from the women’s tees are some of the reasons the golf course was selected. Celebration also has junior/ beginner tees. Celebration Golf Club recently launched a summer league for ladies; they meet every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. for golf, prizes and dinner.

Ashton Woods Homes has five ready-to-move-in homes at Rosedale Golf & Country Club in Bradenton

BRADENTON, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes has five ready-to-move-in homes at its community of Rosedale Golf & Country Club, located off 44th Avenue West and Hwy. 70 in Bradenton. Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods Homes, said the five homes range in size from 1,862 square feet of living are to 2,880 square feet and are priced from the $320s. All five homes will be ready in August, Roche said. Rosedale Golf & Country Club features an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Ted McAnlis. The country club features full-service dining, a state-of-the-art fitness center and a heated junior Olympic-sized pool along with lighted Har-Tru tennis courts.