Valrico, Fla. --- Pulte Homes has unveiled two new loft floor plans that seem perfectly suited to the oversized home sites at The Highlands, located at 1519 Windy Gap Place south of State Road 60 in Valrico.
Sean Strickler, division president of Pulte Homes-West Florida, said the Summerwood with Loft floor plan offers from 1,861 square feet of living space to 2,007 square feet with two, three or four bedrooms and two baths, along with a two-car attached garage.
The Palm with Loft floor plan offers four or five bedrooms with two or three baths in 2,446 square feet of living space and a three-car attached garage.
The Palm features six different elevations, and offers a variety of options, including bedroom, den, bath and shower choices and an extended covered lanai.
“The Highlands is a real family neighborhood,” said Strickler. Nearby “Nelson Elementary, Mulrennan Middle School and Durant High School all rank among the best in Florida.”
With 106 oversized home sites, Pulte designed six Life Tested® homes with loft options that appeal to families who can choose from four to six bedrooms and two to six-and-a-half bath options.
Pulte’s open space design creates huge indoor family living areas that are perfect for holiday gatherings or neighborhood social occasions.
Pulte’s “Life Tested,” designs filled with special features only found in a Pulte home, like the Drop Zone at the Owner’s Entry, and the Super Laundry room.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
BLACKTON INC. MOVING ROOFING DIVISION TO NEW 40,000 SQUARE FOOT FACILITY ON OBT IN OCTOBER
ORLANDO, Fla. – Blackton Inc. a major provider of roofing and flooring materials to the homebuilding industry, is moving its roofing division to 2200 N. Orange Blossom Trail in October.
Michael “Micky” Blackton, chief executive officer at Blackton, said his firm recently leased a 40,000 square foot industrial building on a one-and-a-half-acre site at the location to house the roofing operations including a staff of 25.
“We relocated our roofing operations to this location because of its central location and proximity to major arterial highways to better serve homebuilders in Central Florida,” Blackton said.
The main offices and flooring supply division will remain on Alden Rd. next to the train tracks where it has been since opening in 1954.
Blackton’s sales so far this year are up some 32 percent over last year, he added. (
Michael “Micky” Blackton, chief executive officer at Blackton, said his firm recently leased a 40,000 square foot industrial building on a one-and-a-half-acre site at the location to house the roofing operations including a staff of 25.
“We relocated our roofing operations to this location because of its central location and proximity to major arterial highways to better serve homebuilders in Central Florida,” Blackton said.
The main offices and flooring supply division will remain on Alden Rd. next to the train tracks where it has been since opening in 1954.
Blackton’s sales so far this year are up some 32 percent over last year, he added. (
Thursday, September 17, 2015
DRW Life Skills Institute in Kissimmee to Launch Emotional Intelligence-Diversity Division
KISSIMMEE, Fla. --- The DRW Life Skills Institute in Kissimmee will launch an Emotional Intelligence-Diversity Division starting Oct. 1.
Dr. Wanda Bonet-Gascot, Ph.D. (“DrW”), holistic doctor, certified coach and mediator who heads the DRW Life Skills Institute, said the new division will provide training, coaching and mediation to help small businesses and corporations identify and remove barriers to equal employment opportunity in recruitment, hiring, promotion, retention, professional development, and training policies and practices.
“Emotional Intelligence or EQ is the 21st century solution to reduce discrimination, harassment and retaliation, facilitating the diversity and inclusion management,” said DrW. “EQ is the most cost-effective way to manage diversity and inclusion at the workplace," she said.
DrW said the Emotional Intelligence-Diversity Division will be formally launched at a seminar at the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Kissimmee on Friday, Oct. 16 from 9 a.m. to noon. Admission to the seminar is free and the public is invited.
Dr. Wanda Bonet-Gascot, Ph.D. (“DrW”), holistic doctor, certified coach and mediator who heads the DRW Life Skills Institute, said the new division will provide training, coaching and mediation to help small businesses and corporations identify and remove barriers to equal employment opportunity in recruitment, hiring, promotion, retention, professional development, and training policies and practices.
“Emotional Intelligence or EQ is the 21st century solution to reduce discrimination, harassment and retaliation, facilitating the diversity and inclusion management,” said DrW. “EQ is the most cost-effective way to manage diversity and inclusion at the workplace," she said.
DrW said the Emotional Intelligence-Diversity Division will be formally launched at a seminar at the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Kissimmee on Friday, Oct. 16 from 9 a.m. to noon. Admission to the seminar is free and the public is invited.
Meritage Homes Opens Furnished Model at New Gated Hampton Estates with 24 Oversized Homesites
ORLANDO, Fla. – Meritage Homes recently opened Hampton Estates, its newest gated community with only 24 homesites located on Old Lockwood Road off of McCulloch Road in Oviedo.
Tatiana Souza, vice president of sales for Meritage Homes, said 12 homes at Hampton Estates were sold to buyers on the summer presales interest list before the first model was completed.
Souza said Meritage is building one and two-story energy efficient homes at Hampton Estates with from five to eight bedrooms on quarter-acre homesites.
Five distinct floor plans are offered at the community ranging from 3,000 to more than 5,000 square feet of living area, with many options to make each unique, and priced from the high $400s.
A furnished and decorated model home was recently opened at Hampton Estates and is available for touring daily.
The two-story Wimberley II features six bedrooms, with master downstairs, four full bathrooms, in 4,500 square feet of living area and four-car garage space, priced from $518,000.
Located just minutes from UCF, A-rated Seminole County schools, prime employment centers and outdoor recreation, Hampton Estates will most likely be sold out by the end of this year, according to Souza.
Tatiana Souza, vice president of sales for Meritage Homes, said 12 homes at Hampton Estates were sold to buyers on the summer presales interest list before the first model was completed.
Souza said Meritage is building one and two-story energy efficient homes at Hampton Estates with from five to eight bedrooms on quarter-acre homesites.
Five distinct floor plans are offered at the community ranging from 3,000 to more than 5,000 square feet of living area, with many options to make each unique, and priced from the high $400s.
A furnished and decorated model home was recently opened at Hampton Estates and is available for touring daily.
The two-story Wimberley II features six bedrooms, with master downstairs, four full bathrooms, in 4,500 square feet of living area and four-car garage space, priced from $518,000.
Located just minutes from UCF, A-rated Seminole County schools, prime employment centers and outdoor recreation, Hampton Estates will most likely be sold out by the end of this year, according to Souza.
Meritage Marks First Week Selling at Twinwaters with 9 Homes Sold
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Meritage Homes recently started selling new four to eight-bedroom homes at Twinwaters, its new lakefront community located off Hartwood Marsh Road on Johns Lake in Winter Garden.
Tatiana Souza, vice president of sales at Meritage Homes in the Orlando region, said nine homes were sold in the first week of opening the community at an average sale price of $500,000.
The homebuilder plans to build 140 new homes at Twinwaters priced from the $370s to the high $500s. Several lakefront lots are available and homeowners will have access to Johns Lake, Souza said.
New Meritage homes on oversized (quarter-acre +/-) lots at Twinwaters will range from more than 3,000 square feet of living area to 5,800 square feet. There are 10 one- and two-story floor plans to choose.
The homebuilder recently broke ground at Twinwaters on its single-story Palermo model home priced from $369,990 with four bedrooms, three baths in 3,000 square feet of living area with a three-car garage. The Palermo will be furnished, decorated and open for viewing by the end of November, and two more models will get underway at the community later this fall, Souza added.
Meritage is pre-selling Twinwaters homes from Johns Lake Pointe, another Meritage Homes community in Winter Garden at 565 Egret Place Drive. Visit www.meritagehomes.com
Tatiana Souza, vice president of sales at Meritage Homes in the Orlando region, said nine homes were sold in the first week of opening the community at an average sale price of $500,000.
The homebuilder plans to build 140 new homes at Twinwaters priced from the $370s to the high $500s. Several lakefront lots are available and homeowners will have access to Johns Lake, Souza said.
New Meritage homes on oversized (quarter-acre +/-) lots at Twinwaters will range from more than 3,000 square feet of living area to 5,800 square feet. There are 10 one- and two-story floor plans to choose.
The homebuilder recently broke ground at Twinwaters on its single-story Palermo model home priced from $369,990 with four bedrooms, three baths in 3,000 square feet of living area with a three-car garage. The Palermo will be furnished, decorated and open for viewing by the end of November, and two more models will get underway at the community later this fall, Souza added.
Meritage is pre-selling Twinwaters homes from Johns Lake Pointe, another Meritage Homes community in Winter Garden at 565 Egret Place Drive. Visit www.meritagehomes.com
Meritage Homes in Orlando Promotes Marketing Manager to Regional Marketing Director, Sales Associate promoted to Marketing Manager
ORLANDO / TAMPA -- Meritage Homes, a top 10 U.S. homebuilder with communities in 20 markets in the U.S., recently promoted Jennifer Mountain to regional marketing director and Polly Heard to marketing manager.
Brian Kittle, Orlando division president for Meritage Homes, said Mountain joined the company four years ago and was formerly marketing manager for the Orlando area.
In her new role, Mountain will direct region-wide marketing plans including advertising, merchandising, sales support, budgeting and market analysis for Orlando, Tampa and South Florida communities. Mountain has more than 14 years of experience with national homebuilders.
At the same time Heard was promoted to fill the Orlando marketing manager position vacated by Mountain. Heard was hired as a sales associate one year ago but she has a strong marketing background. Prior to joining Meritage, Heard held marketing management positions with internet and investment firms and was also the owner/operator of a printing business for eight years.
Heard’s new job responsibilities include managing advertising, internet and direct mail campaigns, development of marketing materials, merchandising and sales support for Orlando division communities, Kittle said.
“Jennifer and Polly are very driven, experienced and knowledgeable, and will play a major role in our growth in Florida,” Kittle said.
Meritage Homes builds single-family luxury homes priced from under $400,000 in 19 communities in the Orlando area, eight communities in the Tampa Bay area and two in South Florida.
Brian Kittle, Orlando division president for Meritage Homes, said Mountain joined the company four years ago and was formerly marketing manager for the Orlando area.
In her new role, Mountain will direct region-wide marketing plans including advertising, merchandising, sales support, budgeting and market analysis for Orlando, Tampa and South Florida communities. Mountain has more than 14 years of experience with national homebuilders.
At the same time Heard was promoted to fill the Orlando marketing manager position vacated by Mountain. Heard was hired as a sales associate one year ago but she has a strong marketing background. Prior to joining Meritage, Heard held marketing management positions with internet and investment firms and was also the owner/operator of a printing business for eight years.
Heard’s new job responsibilities include managing advertising, internet and direct mail campaigns, development of marketing materials, merchandising and sales support for Orlando division communities, Kittle said.
“Jennifer and Polly are very driven, experienced and knowledgeable, and will play a major role in our growth in Florida,” Kittle said.
Meritage Homes builds single-family luxury homes priced from under $400,000 in 19 communities in the Orlando area, eight communities in the Tampa Bay area and two in South Florida.
Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Named Sales and Marketing Representative for Penthouse in Downtown Signature Condominium Overlooking Lake Eola
ORLANDO, Fla. - Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty was recently named exclusive sales and marketing representative of a 2,500 square foot luxury penthouse in The Sanctuary a prestigious downtown Orlando condominium overlooking Lake Eola.
Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said the 16th floor penthouse residence features extra high ceilings and extensive window exposure for spectacular views of the city and lake.
The open design of the residence features a spacious grand living area, gourmet kitchen, dining area, game room, elegant entry foyer with glass and lighting detail, and spacious master suite and guest suite.
The recently redecorated and finely appointed penthouse is priced at $997,400 – well below recent appraised value, Soderstrom said.
Michelle Hochfelder, luxury homes specialist at Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty’s Dr. Phillips office is representing the property.
The Sanctuary, bordered on Church, Eola, Pine and Osceola Streets in downtown Orlando, provides its residents with building security, second level parking, concierge service and resort style pool, spa, cabanas and sunning deck, fitness center and club room.
Link to YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/v/0MYT7BDj1ZU
Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said the 16th floor penthouse residence features extra high ceilings and extensive window exposure for spectacular views of the city and lake.
The open design of the residence features a spacious grand living area, gourmet kitchen, dining area, game room, elegant entry foyer with glass and lighting detail, and spacious master suite and guest suite.
The recently redecorated and finely appointed penthouse is priced at $997,400 – well below recent appraised value, Soderstrom said.
Michelle Hochfelder, luxury homes specialist at Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty’s Dr. Phillips office is representing the property.
The Sanctuary, bordered on Church, Eola, Pine and Osceola Streets in downtown Orlando, provides its residents with building security, second level parking, concierge service and resort style pool, spa, cabanas and sunning deck, fitness center and club room.
Link to YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/v/0MYT7BDj1ZU
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Pulte Unveils New Three-bedroom Rosemont Floor Plan at Country Walk in Wesley Chapel
Tampa / Wesley Chapel, Fla. --- Pulte Homes has unveiled a new three-bedroom Rosemont floor plan at Country Walk, located off Meadow Pointe Blvd. south of S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel.
Sean Strickler, division president for Pulte Homes-West Florida, said the Rosemont floor plan is Pulte’s latest leap forward in popular open space design with a twist: smaller, smarter open space with plenty of family privacy.
The massive family living area includes a huge kitchen with island option that serves a great room, dining nook and patio. That’s more than 500 square feet of floor space to accommodate friends, neighbors or family gatherings, all located at the rear of the home with the owner’s suite and huge privacy bath.
Two additional bedrooms and a bath are located near the front of the home, Strickler said.
With 1,674 square feet of living space and a two-car garage, the Rosemont is designed for growing families and independent couples, Strickler said.
Pulte Homes is building 32 new three and four bedroom homes at Country Walk ranging in size from 1,674 square feet of living space to 2,443 square feet.
New homes at Country Walk are priced from $219,990.
Strickler said four Life Tested® home designs are available at Country Walk with features that include flex rooms, lofts, game rooms and optional drop zones at the owner’s entry as well as extended lanais.
Country Walk features a 5,000 square foot community clubhouse, two swimming pools, tennis courts, basketball court, outdoor covered children’s playground and fitness center.
With an A-rated school system including Wiregrass High School and Dr. John Long Middle School, Country Walk is minutes from the Shops at Wiregrass and boasts easy access to I-75 and I-275.
Sean Strickler, division president for Pulte Homes-West Florida, said the Rosemont floor plan is Pulte’s latest leap forward in popular open space design with a twist: smaller, smarter open space with plenty of family privacy.
The massive family living area includes a huge kitchen with island option that serves a great room, dining nook and patio. That’s more than 500 square feet of floor space to accommodate friends, neighbors or family gatherings, all located at the rear of the home with the owner’s suite and huge privacy bath.
Two additional bedrooms and a bath are located near the front of the home, Strickler said.
With 1,674 square feet of living space and a two-car garage, the Rosemont is designed for growing families and independent couples, Strickler said.
Pulte Homes is building 32 new three and four bedroom homes at Country Walk ranging in size from 1,674 square feet of living space to 2,443 square feet.
New homes at Country Walk are priced from $219,990.
Strickler said four Life Tested® home designs are available at Country Walk with features that include flex rooms, lofts, game rooms and optional drop zones at the owner’s entry as well as extended lanais.
Country Walk features a 5,000 square foot community clubhouse, two swimming pools, tennis courts, basketball court, outdoor covered children’s playground and fitness center.
With an A-rated school system including Wiregrass High School and Dr. John Long Middle School, Country Walk is minutes from the Shops at Wiregrass and boasts easy access to I-75 and I-275.
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Graphic Designer at Stirling Sotheby's International Realty Created Coloring Book for Marketing an International Feed the Future Innovation Project
Lake Mary, Fla. – Marielle Novak, senior graphic designer at Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has given her expertise and time to an international project with a long term impact: Masfrijol which means: More Beans
Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Novak who has been with the firm for one year and directs graphic design for all of Stirling Sotheby’s global marketing projects, just completed illustration of a coloring book for the targeted young Spanish speaking Guatemalan families to help market the project’s effectiveness and goal of reaching 25,000 resource-poor households in 200 communities in the Guatemalan Highlands.
Novak, a native of Guatemala who taught graphic design at the University of Guatemala, was recommended to Michigan State University’s Legume Innovation Lab which is directing and managing–by customized technologies and educational programs–the increased bean productivity by resource-poor smallholder farmers in the Western Highlands of Guatemala.
Novak immersed herself in the Masfrijol project with the goal of assisting in the improvement of nutritional quality of family diets through increased consumption of beans in combination with other nutritious vegetable and animal-source foods.
Soderstrom said the Sotheby’s International network is the perfect marketing tool for “great causes like Marielle’s and we are excited to support her efforts.”
Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Novak who has been with the firm for one year and directs graphic design for all of Stirling Sotheby’s global marketing projects, just completed illustration of a coloring book for the targeted young Spanish speaking Guatemalan families to help market the project’s effectiveness and goal of reaching 25,000 resource-poor households in 200 communities in the Guatemalan Highlands.
Novak, a native of Guatemala who taught graphic design at the University of Guatemala, was recommended to Michigan State University’s Legume Innovation Lab which is directing and managing–by customized technologies and educational programs–the increased bean productivity by resource-poor smallholder farmers in the Western Highlands of Guatemala.
Novak immersed herself in the Masfrijol project with the goal of assisting in the improvement of nutritional quality of family diets through increased consumption of beans in combination with other nutritious vegetable and animal-source foods.
Soderstrom said the Sotheby’s International network is the perfect marketing tool for “great causes like Marielle’s and we are excited to support her efforts.”
Phil Rawlins CEO / Founder of the Orlando City Soccer Team Recipient of the Prestigious International Rotary Award for Community Service – Presentation at Charity Golf Tournament this Month
WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. – The Rotary Club of Winter Springs with Rotary International, which ranks as one of the world’s great service organizations, has named Phil Rawlins, CEO and founder of MLS Orlando City Lions, recipient of its prestigious “Service Above Self” Award to be presented at the 31st Annual Winter Springs Rotary Charity Golf Classic at Tuscawilla Country Club Sept. 14.
“Every year Rotary International recognizes a central Florida person for superior community service by presenting the “Service Above Self” award,” said Paul P. Partyka of NAI Realvest, former Mayor of Winter Springs and Chair of the Winter Springs Rotary Golf Committee.
“This year’s recipient of this prestigious award – Phil Rawlins – was cited for his diligent efforts and success in bringing the MLS Orlando City Lions to Central Florida,” Partyka explained.
This year’s Rotary Charity Golf Tournament, which is sponsored by Tuskawilla Nursing & Rehabilitation center, is sure to attract a bigger crowd than usual with Rawlins as the honoree and playing in a foursome of Lions members, said Partyka.
Golfers who register by 11 a.m. for the 12:30 shotgun start, 4-person scramble, will be eligible for an array of prizes, free beverages on the course, lunch and dinner. Individual entry is $150 with a limit of 32 foursomes.
Numerous sponsorships are available and all net proceeds go to local charities. For information, to register in advance for the tournament or pledge a sponsorship, please email ppartyka@realvest.com or call 407-341-0805 (Partyka) 407-585-0217 (Gary Grund co-chair) or 321-230-3698 (Scott Whittmer, co-chair)
Orlando Rotary International District 6980 represents 48 Rotary Clubs with more than 2,100 members in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake and Sumter Counties.
“Every year Rotary International recognizes a central Florida person for superior community service by presenting the “Service Above Self” award,” said Paul P. Partyka of NAI Realvest, former Mayor of Winter Springs and Chair of the Winter Springs Rotary Golf Committee.
“This year’s recipient of this prestigious award – Phil Rawlins – was cited for his diligent efforts and success in bringing the MLS Orlando City Lions to Central Florida,” Partyka explained.
This year’s Rotary Charity Golf Tournament, which is sponsored by Tuskawilla Nursing & Rehabilitation center, is sure to attract a bigger crowd than usual with Rawlins as the honoree and playing in a foursome of Lions members, said Partyka.
Golfers who register by 11 a.m. for the 12:30 shotgun start, 4-person scramble, will be eligible for an array of prizes, free beverages on the course, lunch and dinner. Individual entry is $150 with a limit of 32 foursomes.
Numerous sponsorships are available and all net proceeds go to local charities. For information, to register in advance for the tournament or pledge a sponsorship, please email ppartyka@realvest.com or call 407-341-0805 (Partyka) 407-585-0217 (Gary Grund co-chair) or 321-230-3698 (Scott Whittmer, co-chair)
Orlando Rotary International District 6980 represents 48 Rotary Clubs with more than 2,100 members in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake and Sumter Counties.
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