The popular riverfront community of Old San Jose on the River has been recognized by the Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA) with two Parade of Homes awards for new home excellence. The community’s builder, New Leaf Construction, Inc., and architect, BSB Design–Jacksonville, received a gold award for the Halstead condominium model and a silver award for the Avondale single-family home model. The Parade of Homes honors the best in new home construction in Northeast Florida.

“Our team at Old San Jose on the River is thrilled to receive this recognition from NEFBA,” said Victoria “Vikki” Robbins of Victoria Robbins Realty, Inc., the real estate company responsible for sales at Old San Jose. “We have experienced great success and received such a tremendous response to both of our fully decorated models at Old San Jose on the River. Buyers are drawn to our exceptional quality construction and innovative floor plans as well as the community’s luxurious amenities and fabulous location.”

The Halstead at Old San Jose on the River is a new designer-decorated condominium model that offers the size, comfort and features of a single-family home but with the ease of a condominium lifestyle. The single-level condominium homes at Old San Jose on the River are housed in low-rise buildings holding three units, one lower level and two upper level residences, ranging in size from 1,967 square feet to 2,075 square feet. Every residence has a private entry and offers direct access to an attached two-car garage. The spacious designs include open kitchens with large islands overlooking the living and dining areas and luxurious master suites. The first floor condominiums offer an expansive lanai and the second story residences include a large balcony and a private elevator. Pricing for the condominium homes starts at $349,900.

The beautiful designer-decorated Avondale model showcases the innovative single-family floor plans at Old San Jose on the River. Since opening in August of 2012, the response to the single-family homes has been so strong that Old San Jose on the River has just three riverfront home sites remaining. All of the community’s single-family designs include a three-car garage, paver driveway, concrete tile roof, 10-foot ceilings, and Rinnai tankless gas water heater to highlight just a few of the included appointments and specifications. Prices for the riverfront single-family homes, which come complete with a dock permit for a private dock, start at $979,900.

Old San Jose on the River is located at 5000 San Jose Blvd. in Jacksonville, Fla. To schedule an appointment to tour the community’s model homes, or for additional information, call (904) 733-6399 or visit www.oldsanjose.com.

THE PLAYERS continued its partnership with 26.2 with Donna, hosting THE PLAYERS 5K with Donna on Saturday, May 18, with an at-capacity field of 1,250 registered runners. Runners and walkers of all levels enjoyed a 5K route through the back nine of THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. A post-race celebration and awards ceremony took place in The Patio. 

Bret Fransen of Jacksonville Beach was the first place male and overall winner. Joni Gruwell of Jacksonville Beach was the first place female winner.

The race was originally a pre-tournament event scheduled for Saturday, May 4, but was postponed due to heavy rains earlier in the month.

Net proceeds from THE PLAYERS 5K will go to breast cancer research at Mayo Clinic and care for those living with breast cancer. To date, THE PLAYERS 5K with Donna series has raised more than $121,000 for 26.2 with Donna. 

The Northeast Florida Builders Association recently honored area builders, developers and other industry professionals at its 2013 Parade of Homes banquet.

Recognizing the best in new home construction in Northeast Florida, this year’s Parade of Homes featured 69 new homes in neighborhoods throughout the region. The winners of the 2013 Parade of Homes in all categories are:

$115,000 – $120,000

• Gold – Dream Finders Homes, Ashwood, Plantation Village

$140,000 – $150,000

• Gold – Dream Finders Homes, Bainbridge, Villages of Valencia

$175,000 – $185,000

• Gold – GreenPointe Homes, The Clover, Cedar Bay
• Silver – SEDA New Homes, Weatherby, The Hideaway

$190,000 – $200,000

• Gold – Landon Homes, The Vilano, Adams Lake
• Silver – Mattamy Homes, The Captiva, Willowbrook Townhomes

$210,000 – $220,000

• Gold – Dream Finders Homes, Copperfield II, Willow Cove at Nocatee
• Silver – Lennar, Cordova Bonus, Lexington Park

$220,000 – $230,000

• Gold – KB Home, Plan 2089, Pine Ridge
• Silver – DR Horton, Longwood, Azalea Ridge

$235,000 – $250,000

• Gold – SEDA New Homes, Savannah, Trails at Bent Creek
• Silver – Lennar, Ermont, Yellow Bluff Landing

$260,000 – $270,000

• Gold – David Weekley Homes, Whimbrel, Enclave at Town Center
• Silver – Lennar, Bordeaux, Coronado

$270,000 – $280,000

• Gold – Lennar, Cernay, Benton Lakes
• Silver – Lennar, Serenata, Johns Creek

$285,000 – $300,000

• Gold – Dream Finders Homes, Fleming with Bonus, MuraBella
• Silver – Drees Homes, The San Pablo, Two Creeks

$310,000 – $320,000

• Gold – Drees Homes, The Bartram, Forest Hammock
• Silver – Lennar, Talbot III, Eagle Landing

$320,000 – $335,000

• Gold – Providence Homes, 3110, Yellow Bluff Landing
• Silver – KB Home, Plan 2552, Adams Way

$335,000 – $350,000

• Gold – DR Horton, St. Johns, Woodlake
• Silver – Dennis Homes, Edgewater II, Madeira

$350,000 – $365,000

• Gold – Providence Homes, Arlington, Eagle Landing
• Silver – Standard Pacific Homes, Summit, Whisper Ridge Reserve

$375,000 – $390,000

• Gold – Drees Homes, The Gatewood, Eagle Harbor
• Silver – ICI Homes, Preakness V, Amelia National

$395,000 – $405,000

• Gold – Riverside Homes, Wheaton, Durbin Crossing North
• Silver – Drees Homes, The Durbin, Durbin Crossing

$405,000 – $415,000

• Gold – Richmond American Homes, Darla, Glenlaurel Estates
• Silver – Richmond American Homes, Dillon, Woodcross Manor at Durbin Crossing

$415,000 – $425,000

• Gold – New Leaf Construction, Halstead, Old San Jose on the River
• Silver – Standard Pacific Homes, Hamilton, Greenleaf Village at Nocatee

$445,000 – $460,000

• Gold – David Weekley Homes, Finnigan, Willowcove at Nocatee
• Silver – Andy Reynolds Homes, The Sanibel, Hunters Creek

$460,000 – $475,000

• Gold – Drees Homes, The Northgate, Eagle Landing
• Silver – Dostie Homes, Pinehurst Mediterranean, Providence Island at Queen’s Harbour

$490,000 – $500,000

• Gold – Dream Finders Homes, Barcelona, Eagle Landing
• Silver – ICI Homes, Nottingham, Highland Glen

$530,000 – $550,000

• Gold – Toll Brothers, Anastasia Mediterranean, Coastal Oaks at Nocatee
• Silver – Providence Homes, Normandy, Durbin Crossing North

$580,000 – $600,000

• Gold – David Weekley Homes, Windward, Greenleaf Village at Nocatee
• Silver – New Leaf Construction, The Avondale, Old San Jose on the River

$600,000 – $625,000

• Gold – ICI Homes, Plantation II, Magnolia Preserve

$680,000 – $700,000

• Gold – Arthur Rutenberg Homes, Marcus Allen Homes, Inc., Bermuda 1216, Palencia

Congratulations to all of the award winners!

JAX Chamber Board members declared it’s “a new day” when they introduced Daniel Davis as the new president and CEO of the largest business membership organization in Northeast Florida. Representing the rebirth of the organization, the announcement occurred in front of the Downtown Chamber building, which is undergoing extensive renovations. Davis officially assumes the role July 1, 2013.

“Daniel is uniquely positioned to advance the interests of member businesses throughout the region and the entire state of Florida,” said JAX Chamber Chair and Northeast Florida Market President of Bank of America Merrill Lynch Greg Smith. “His exceptional management skills, experience leading a membership organization and in-depth knowledge of the region will strengthen the Chamber’s ability to help businesses start and grow.”

Davis is a member of the Florida House of Representatives and chair of the House Transportation and Highway Safety Subcommittee. Since 2006, he has been the Executive Director of the Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA), Jacksonville’s second largest membership organization. During his time at the organization, Davis grew membership by the largest percentage of any chapter in the United States and worked to advance the association’s agenda throughout the region.

“We conducted a deliberate, national search to find the best person to build an even better business environment in Northeast Florida,” said Kelly Madden, chair of the Chamber Search Committee and Wells Fargo North Florida wholesale president. “Of the exceptional leaders interviewed, Daniel was the most outstanding. His understanding of local issues, strong relationships and passion for our region made him the clear choice.”

Davis served on the Jacksonville City Council from 2003 to 2010. He was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2010.

Davis takes the reigns as the 30-year-old Chamber building becomes Downtown’s New Front Door. More information about the JAX Chamber is available online at www.myjaxchamber.com.

Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville (HabiJax) is celebrating the fifth anniversary of its ReStore, a store dedicated to providing a more affordable avenue for home improvement projects for Northeast Florida residents. A celebration will take place at the ReStore on Saturday, May 25. The ReStore will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with numerous sales offered all day long. A sidewalk sale will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will include $5 specialty items, hotdogs, popcorn, a clown and raffle prizes. The ReStore is located at 5800 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207.

“Our goal at the ReStore is to use what would typically end up in a landfill and restore it so that it can be used again,” said HabiJax President and CEO Mary Kay O’Rourke. “We are so grateful to those who have donated items and helped furnish the home of a fellow Jacksonville resident. It’s all about coming together as a community and making a difference in the lives of those around us.”

The ReStore accepts donations of new and gently used items. All proceeds go back to helping support HabiJax’s mission of eliminating substandard housing.

For more information about the ReStore, please call (904) 208-6648 or visit www.habijax.org/restore.

Jacksonville just got a little more charming! PANDORA at the St. Johns Town Center will celebrate its grand opening on Thursday, May 23, with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting beginning at 6 p.m. The event will be attended by The Face of FOX 30, Sharon Wilbur, Jacksonville City Councilman Don Redman, representatives of the JAX Chamber, business colleagues and loyal customers.

Known for its popular charm bracelets, PANDORA is a billion dollar company and one of the world’s most recognized jewelry brands. PANDORA at the Town Center, which is located adjacent to Artsy Abode, is the first stand-alone PANDORA retailer in Northeast Florida. There are only about 300 stand-alone PANDORA stores in the United States.

“We are very excited to bring the PANDORA brand experience to life in a separate concept store at a fabulous shopping destination, the St. Johns Town Center,” said Leah Lytle, the franchise owner of PANDORA at the St. Johns Town Center. “The PANDORA brand continues to grow in popularity and the new store offers an expansive selection of PANDORA jewelry and the finest shopping experience for our new and existing customers.”

During the grand opening celebration, the first 100 guests will receive a grand opening gift with purchase. PANDORA at the St. Johns Town Center will donate a percentage of all purchases during the grand opening event to the Arthritis Foundation.

Lytle is also the founder and owner of Artsy Abode, which has nine stores in Florida. The PANDORA line of jewelry has been a best seller in all Artsy Abode stores, which feature popular brands such as Vera Bradley, Brighton Jewelry, Alex and Ani, Kameleon jewelry and other home décor, jewelry and gift items. According to Lytle, personal attention and extensive selections of preferred brands have been the foundation for Artsy Abode’s success.

Lytle currently owns a PANDORA store in Gainesville and is considering adding PANDORA stores in other markets where she has Artsy Abode stores. She is also the creator and founder of a collegiate licensed jewelry line, Fan Flirties, which she sells online and in her stores.

The record-breaking success continues at Prudential Network Realty. For the period ending March 31, the community reported double-digit growth in every area including a 41 percent increase in closed sales during the first quarter of 2013.

For the past three consecutive years, Prudential Network Realty has achieved double-digit growth in annual closed sales. The 2013 first quarter results indicate the company is on track to continue its momentum and achieve record-breaking success this year.

“Our sales associates, coupled with the leadership and guidance of our managing brokers and sales support team, continue to place Prudential Network Realty ahead of the competition,” said Prudential Network Realty Founder, President and CEO Linda H. Sherrer. “Our success is the result of the dedication and hard work by our team, which is constantly raising the bar to deliver the highest level of performance and service.”

Prudential Network Realty is an industry leader that is well known for its innovation and exceptional customer service. The Northeast Florida real estate firm is one of the Top 50 affiliates among the Prudential Real Estate network’s more than 1,500 offices nationwide.

“We are thrilled to announce our outstanding 2013 first quarter results, and we look forward to continuing improvement,” said Christy Budnick, executive vice president of residential real estate, Prudential Network Realty. “Our amazing sales team’s commitment to excellence has been the key to our success.”

Community First Credit Union and the St. Augustine Amphitheatre have partnered to present a free summer movie series in St. Johns County. The family friendly “Community First Night Owl Cinema Series” will stretch over the summer months, kicking off Memorial Day weekend with a screening of “Wreck It Ralph” on Friday, May 24 at 8 p.m.

Community First Night Owl Cinema will be held monthly May through August on Fridays at 8 p.m., with two screenings in August to close out the summer series. Movies include “The Hunger Games” on June 28, “Rise of the Guardians” on July 12, “Pirates of the Caribbean” on August 2, and “Oz: The Great and Powerful” on August 23. Parking at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre is free on movie nights and a variety of concessions will be available for purchase. Moviegoers at each screening will enjoy special family friendly entertainment and activities inspired by the featured movie’s theme. Children of all ages are welcome to come dressed in character.

For more information, visit www.staugamphitheatre.com.

Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville (HabiJax) is preparing for its annual Blitz Build and needs volunteers to assist with the seven-day long event. Between Saturday, June 1, and Saturday, June 8, HabiJax has committed to building 25 homes in New Town, a community located west of Downtown Jacksonville.

Partnering with the Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA), along with hundreds of volunteers, HabiJax will construct and complete these homes for families that have been qualified for its homeownership program. The 25 homes are symbolic of the 25^th anniversary that the non-profit will celebrate this year.

“The Blitz Build is a fun way to give back to the community,” said HabiJax President and CEO Mary Kay O’Rourke. “Our volunteers are the foundation of this week-long event and we are so grateful for those who have already committed.”

Volunteer opportunities include assisting in building homes and providing support at the main location site to help serve refreshments during breakfast and lunch. Volunteer days are available Tuesday, June 4 through Friday, June 8. All volunteers are asked to meet at 7:30 a.m. at the vacant lot on the corner of Acorn and Beaver Streets in New Town. Other needs include in-kind donations of construction materials, house builders and house sponsors.

For more information on volunteering, contact Erin Hagen at (904) 208-6674 or visit http://habijax.org/25th-anniversary-blitz-build. If you wish to give in other ways, please contact HabiJax at (904) 798-4529.

GreenPointe Homes, award-winning builder in the north Jacksonville community of Cedar Bay, was recently awarded with a Parade of Homes award for its model, The Clover, in the 2013 Parade of Homes’ $175,000 – $185,000 category.  The annual event showcases the finest homes in Northeast Florida.

The award-winning Clover offers residents the ideal place to call home. Home sites are available with stunning views of the natural beauty of the wooded preserves or on the beautiful Broward River.  The home features:

• Three unique elevations options
• More than 2,362 square feet of open and flexible living space ideal for entertaining
• Four bedrooms, equipped with walk-in closets
• Two-and one-half baths, all including  linen closets
• Over-sized loft that can be used as a fifth bedroom or second entertaining area
• Private office
• Gourmet kitchen with center island and Clean Steel appliances
• Large storage closets
• Covered veranda perfect for outdoor living
• Spacious front porches with room for rocking chairs
• Two-car garage
• Prices begin from $178,990

In addition, the homes have a number of distinctive features that are included in all GreenPointe homes such as unique exterior appointments include a stucco front elevation, designer landscaping with St. Augustine sod and irrigation and 30-year fungus resistant architectural roof shingles. Luxurious custom interiors include Colonial wood trim throughout, raised six-panel Colonial doors, satin nickel finish hardware and lighting fixtures, pre-wired for ceiling fans in all bedrooms, living room and library, and tray ceilings in the owners’ suite.

Cedar Bay is a 153-home community located in North Jacksonville with A-rated elementary and middle schools located around the corner. The community is convenient to River City Marketplace, Jacksonville International Airport and minutes from downtown Jacksonville. The Cedar Bay Community Park offers the perfect place for get-togethers, family outings and celebrations with amenities such as community grills, tables and benches that overlook the Broward River, a shade structure and playground equipment for children.  Residents will also enjoy numerous natural amenities as well as a convenient location close to the city’s major employers and nearby shopping and dining opportunities.

For more information about GreenPointe Homes and Cedar Bay, call (904) 619-1928 or (904) 591-5505 or visit www.greenpointehomes.com.