Flea World Site to Be Developed Into Mixed Use Project Marking One of Largest Redevelopments in Seminole County History

Sanford, Fla. – A development team is applying to the Seminole County Government for a mixed use development at current site of Flea World. The request, if approved, would convert Flea World with additional parcels totaling 118 acres to single family, apartments, office and retail uses. The land fronts both US Highway 17/92 and Ronald Reagan Boulevard at County Home Road. Syd Levy, the owner of the property, has put together a development team of Randall Morris, Principal, RM Strategies, Inc. in Winter Park, FL and Richard Wohlfarth, Principal, IBI Group, Maitland, FL. Paul Partyka, a partner at NAI Realvest, Orlando, FL will be the broker of record. “After over 37 years in operation with millions of customers visiting the storied Flea World and earlier Fun World, I must say it is with mixed emotions we are going to redevelop this land. I will keep Flea World, with our family of vendors, open during the development approval process throughout next year at least until January of 2016,” Levy said. “If approved, the 118-acre Reagan Center as proposed would have just under 400 apartments, 80 townhomes, 17 acres of commercial office, 18 acres of retail with thirty percent left as conservation,” said Paul Partyka. Partyka estimated that the property, currently valued at $15 million, would be worth an estimated over $200 million at build out. Co-Development Manager Richard Wohlfarth stated, “Reagan Center will be a real shot in the arm for the US 17/92 corridor.” Seminole County government has been looking for a catalyst project to spark redevelopment in the US 17/92 corridor. For 17 years Seminole County and the cities of Sanford, Lake Mary, Winter Springs and Casselberry have had a Community Redevelopment Agency in place. “I can think of no better location in the corridor to spur redevelopment. This large property is directly opposite Seminole County Government Operations Center and Seminole State College and bordered by two divided roadways with close access to the Seminole County Expressway,” said Co-Development Manager Randall Morris. The application for Reagan Center including a conceptual plan is being submitted this week. Public hearings on the proposal would be in the spring of 2015. Upon approval, out parcels and some residential sites will be available for immediate development. Flea World would remain open though the entire 2015 season. Owner Syd Levy has announced his interest in replacing Flea World with a new modern Farmers and Vendors Market/Mall at a new location, so as not to leave a void for the hundreds of dealers and thousands of customers who visit Flea World every week.

Serious Simulations Announces Opening and First I/ITSEC Show Opening of Headquarters in Central Florida Research Park

ORLANDO, Fla. - Serious Simulations, LLC an innovative provider of human motion based, mixed and virtual reality training systems for the military, law enforcement, firefighting, and medical communities hosted an opening ceremony at its new facility located in East Orlando’s Central Florida Research Park, (considered the world’s center for Modeling and Simulation (M&S)). Christopher Chambers, chief executive officer of serious simulations, LLC, said over 100 of the leading figures of the M&S community attended the ceremony, open house, and demonstrations. Chambers said his company also has its first product, "ready2trainTM", ready for sale or lease. The ready2trainTM system was exhibited at the 2014 I/ITSEC (Inter-service/Industry Training Simulation and Education Conference) that ended Dec.5. “We are the simulation industry’s newest member and are delighted to open this facility, co-located amongst the leading companies of the global simulation business, as well as the U.S. military’s simulation acquisition agencies,” Chambers said. “We are also fortunate to have the support of the UCF Business Incubation Program,” Chambers added. The company is growing rapidly and is looking to book sales immediately. Our first I/ITSEC exhibit next month will provide us a world-class venue to demonstrate our simulation products that save lives by training professionals in dangerous and complex tasks,” he explained. Gordon Hogan, director of the UCF Business Incubation Program said “We are happy to have Serious Simulations working at the Business Incubator. We have been impressed by their technology and management team and know that they will be a successful business.” Damon Curry, vice president for technology, operations and production at Serious Simulations, added, “We are moving rapidly, and glad our doors are officially open now. We are grateful for the Incubator's support in a great location in the middle of Research Park with both government and industry. The cross-pollination of ideas and expertise lead to better training solutions for military, commercial and emergency services personnel.”

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty negotiates $1.8 Million Sale of Vacant Downtown Orlando site

ORLANDO, Fla., -- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty recently negotiated a sale of the vacant site at 901 North Magnolia Ave. on the corner of Marks Street and Magnolia Ave. in downtown Orlando for $1,800,000.00. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said John Kurtz, Commercial Marketing Specialist for the firm, brokered the transaction representing the seller, Wescar Magnolia, LLC of Lake Mary. The buyer of the 0.72 acres is SOTEN Enterprises, LLC, an affiliate of one of the largest high-rise developers in Brazil. Zoning of the property allows for office or retail use and up to 200 residential units. Kurtz said this is the Brazilian developer’s first project in Central Florida. “The uptown district is undergoing a flurry of commercial and residential development, and I believe we’ve found a great developer to add to the Downtown Orlando Skyline through our global marketing efforts,” Kurtz said.

Celebration Golf’s Fairways for Warriors Honors Wounded Veterans with Record Turnout at Eagle Creek Golf Tournament

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Forty-eight military service veterans made up the core of the 126 golfers who took to the links at Eagle Creek Golf Club in southeast Orlando recently for a golf tournament to celebrate the Fairways for Warriors program, which offers special privileges to wounded military veterans who take up golf. Scottish PGA Professional Kenny Nairn, co-owner and chief operating officer of Celebration Golf Management, said the turnout was the best ever for the Fairways for Warriors program. “We would not be able to do this without our sponsors and volunteers and it is truly a pleasure to host these tournaments,” Nairn said. President of Fairways for Warriors Tom Underdown said he received a note following the tournament from a veteran and beginner golfer who said the Fairways for Warriors program has affected him personally. “It has made a great impact in my life in such short time, not just getting me out of my comfort zone but also showing me that I'm not alone and that the fight that I still have and fire that that still persist in me can finally lay at rest and in peace,” the wounded warrior said.

The Partyka Group at NAI Realvest negotiates $2.1 Million Sale of International Drive Retail Building

ORLANDO, Fla., -- Paul P. Partyka and Juan Jimenez of the Partyka Group at NAI Realvest recently negotiated the sale of a 10,700 square foot free-standing retail building for $2,100,000.00. Specializing in Orlando’s International Drive tourist corridor, The Partyka Group sold the property known as the Hawaiian Plaza, located at 9901 Hawaiian Court. The property is across from the Orlando convention center, one of the nation’s most active and it’s surrounded by six hotels within walking distance. “The buyer obtained a great investment opportunity given the low inventory and high demand for prime real estate along International Drive,” Partyka said. Partyka and Jimenez represented the seller Pinnacle Bank, of Orange City. The buyer, Windermere-based VB Chocolate LLC purchased the building to expand its business – The Chocolate Factory – which has eight other locations in the U.S. Vincent Wolle of Results Real Estate Partners represented the buyer.

New Four-Bedroom model home at Claridge Townhomes at Meadow Pointe Showcases Lennar’s Open Plan design in a New Light

Tampa, Fla. --- The new model home at Lennar’s Claridge Townhomes at Meadow Pointe just north of New Tampa is a showcase of the open plan design in an efficient family townhome with four bedrooms. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said 88 new town homes are planned at Claridge Townhomes at Meadow Pointe that range from 1,178 square feet of living area to 1,612 square feet. Priced from the $130s--complete with Lennar’s popular “Everything’s Included” pledge--Claridge Townhomes at Meadow Pointe may offer the very best family home value in Central Florida, Metheny said. But it’s Lennar’s open plan design that grabs the attention. Start with the Nottingham model. It’s unique first floor entry porch and foyer doesn’t feel anything like your typical townhome. The front door opens into transitional family space---a foyer, the family and dining rooms served by the wraparound kitchen, an adjoining café, and a closet to serve a busy family coming home from school, work or shopping---or dashing out the door. The dining room expands into the huge family room with a covered lanai beyond that totaling 300 square feet for family gatherings or parties with friends. One bedroom located just off the kitchen downstairs will seem perfect for a teenager, or even more perfect as a quiet den, hobby room or office. Upstairs, a large master suite and private bath is located at one end for privacy with two adjoining bedrooms and their shared bath at the other. A passageway with utility closets, a washer and dryer present the perfect buffer between parental private space and children’s bedrooms. The Nottingham model is priced from $169,990. The affordable pricing comes with Lennar’s “Everything’s Included” pledge that offers a selection of upgrades such as crown molding, granite countertops, wood cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and a highly rated energy efficiency package all for the one Lennar Homes price. Claridge Town Homes at Meadow Pointe is conveniently located within minutes of The Shops at Wiregrass and Florida Hospital, and homeowners have access to three Meadow Pointe amenity centers. Meadow Pointe, an 1,800-acre designated CDD with several hundred acres of nature preserve, includes an array of amenities including swimming pools, basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, playgrounds, nature trails and bike paths. Visit www.LennarTampa.com .

“Train the Trainer” program slated Dec. 9-10 hosted by Total Alignment Partners

Winter Springs, Fla. --- Total Alignment Partners, based in Winter Springs, will host a special “Train the Trainer” seminar Dec. 9-10 at the University of Central Florida Business Incubator at 1511 E. S.R. 434 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Price of the program, which includes two full days of classroom live training, all materials and intellectual property copyrights provided for the company trainer’s use, is $1,795, according to Belinda MJ Brown, chief operating officer at Total Alignment Partners. Participants who complete the program will be given a DISC and Motivators Practitioner Certificate from Total Alignment Partners, including tools to deliver their own workshops. For information on the program, contact Brown at 321-300-4898 or at Belinda@totalalignmentpartners.com. Total Alignment Partners is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program located at 1511 E. S.R. 434 in Winter Springs.

Ashton Woods Homes Opens Waterside at Indian Shores on the Gulf in Indian Shores Beach, Two Furnished Models Ready for Viewing

TAMPA, Fla. – Ashton Woods Homes recently opened Waterside at Indian Shores, a unique new community with four-story townhomes located on Gulf Blvd. in Indian Shores Beach. Michael Roche, vice president of sales, said Ashton Woods Homes is building 54 townhomes at Waterside at Indian Shores featuring three bedrooms, with two, three and three-and-a-half baths in four distinct floor plans. All townhomes come standard as four-story with elevators, and offer rooftop balconies with water views. Roche said the luxury townhomes at Waterside at Indian Shores range from approximately 2,123 square feet to 2,378 square feet of living space and are priced starting from $579,990. Waterside at Indian Shores will also have 17 docks available for purchase that will provide access to the intracoastal waterway. Two furnished and decorated models are now open and ready for viewing – the 2,378 square foot Schooner model with three bedrooms, bonus room and three-and-a-half baths and the Skipjack with three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths in 2,123 square feet of living area. Visit www.ashtonwoodshomes.com

Oceans Luxury Realty to acquire Harbor Village Realty

Daytona Beach Shores, Fla. -- Oceans Luxury Realty, the Daytona Beach Shores firm that focuses on management and sales of luxury oceanfront resort homes and condominiums in Volusia County, will acquire Harbor Village Realty in Daytona Beach Shores in January. Crystal Anderson, president of Oceans Luxury Realty, said Harbor Village Realty currently manages more than 150 properties in the Volusia area and has 10 employees. Anderson said most of those workers will relocate to Oceans Luxury Realty’s property management office at 2040 S. Atlantic Avenue. Others will join the firm’s real estate sales team at 3162 S. Atlantic Avenue, Anderson added. Oceans Luxury Realty has posted sales that total almost $40 million since Jan.1 of this year.

ROYAL OAK HOMES STARTS NEW COMMUNITY NEAR MOUNT DORA, 77 HOMES PLANNED

Matt Orosz, co-president of Royal Oak Homes, said the homebuilder plans to build 77 new single-family homes at Spring Ridge Estates priced from the $190s. New four, five and six bedroom homes in will be offered from Royal Oak’s Academy and Legacy series of floor plans and will range from 1,676 square feet of living area to 4,700 square feet. Orosz said there are four move-in ready homes and two models available now to preview. Spring Ridge Estates is convenient to historic downtown Mount Dora’s boutique shopping and dining. Major arterial roadways are conveniently accessed and residents are minutes from national retail stores, along with numerous natural springs in the area with a year round water temperature of 72 degrees. Visit www.royaloakhomesfl.com or the Royal Oak Homes sales center at Spring Ridge Estates.