Penny Martin

Clockwork Marketing Services announces Penny Martin has joined the marketing and public relations firm as Operations Manager and Bookkeeper.

In her role, Martin is responsible for the day-to-day management of office operations including IT processes and maintenance. Martin’s organizational skills and attention to detail keep the office running smoothly. She manages the financial matters of the company including accounting, payroll, budgets, taxes and cash management. Her responsibilities include overseeing clients’ financial accounts including contract management, payment processes, terms and procedures in addition to serving as Clockwork’s Human Resources liaison.

Prior to joining Clockwork Marketing, Martin served as an office manager of a technology company. Her previous experience includes more than eight years in the IT field, more than 11 years of business management experience and more than 25 years working in the veterinary field. Martin attended St. Petersburg College in St. Petersburg, Fla., and the Veterinary Management Institute at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind.

“Penny is a great asset to Clockwork and we are glad to have her as part of our team,” said Clockwork Marketing President Maxine McBride. “Her organizational skills and willingness to learn and face new challenges has strengthened our company and continues to help us grow.”

The Florida Realtors Association is creating an art piece that will include tools of real estate from over the years. They are seeking: old lock boxes, surveyor’s instruments, MLS books, For Sale signs, Open House signs, first-generation cell phones, Realtor pins, designation pins, print ads of home and or land prices from years gone by. Sev Scaglia is eager to incorporate donations into the art piece. Please mail donations to by Friday, July 3, to Florida Realtors, c/o Sev Scaglia, 7025 Augusta National Drive, Orlando, FL 32822.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty welcomes everyone to take the challenge and support its 16th Annual Backpack Challenge.

The Northeast Florida real estate firm is collecting backpacks and school supplies for local children at all area Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty offices through Monday, Aug. 3. Last year during the Backpack Challenge, the company collected a record 571 backpacks filled with school supplies for local children.

“Every child deserves to begin the school year with a new backpack and the supplies needed for school,” said Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty Founder, President and CEO Linda Sherrer. “A new backpack filled with school supplies is a wonderful gift, providing the tools every student needs to begin a successful school year.”

Backpacks and supplies may be dropped off at the following Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices office locations:

• Home Office – 4190 Belfort Road, Suite 475, Jacksonville
• Avondale/Ortega/San Marco – 3627 St. Johns Ave., Jacksonville
• Beaches/Intracoastal West/Southside – 375-1 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach
• Fleming Island/Orange Park – 3535 Highway 17, Suite 10, Fleming Island
• Mandarin/St. Johns – 11576 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville
• Ponte Vedra/Nocatee – 333 Village Main St., Suite 670, Ponte Vedra Beach
• St. Augustine – 112 Sea Grove Main St., Suite 210, St. Augustine Beach

The company is collecting backpacks for students in kindergarten through grade 12. Suggested school supply items include No. 2 pencils and pencil sharpener, three-ring binders, erasers, glue sticks, rulers, pencil bag or pencil box, folders, wide-ruled paper, notebook, crayons, pens, construction paper, dividers, composition notebooks, colored pencils, tissues, blunt scissors, college-ruled paper, highlighters, calculator, USB flash drive, and graph paper. Visit www.askfloridanetwork.com/16th-annual-backpack-challenge for more information.

“We welcome and encourage everyone to join our Backpack Challenge,” said Broker/Executive Vice President Christy Budnick. “We want children in our community to have the tools they need to succeed.”

Leadership Jacksonville, an organization that develops youth and adult leaders in Northeast Florida, recently announced its new officers and members of its 2015-16 board of directors led by president Chuck Hedrick, partner at Foley & Lardner LLP.

In addition to the election of Hedrick as the board president, the organization announced the election of the following officers to the board:

• President-elect – Karen Mayfield, client advisor/senior vice president, SunTrust Bank North Florida
• Secretary/Treasurer – Clark Robertson, assistant vice president, CSX Transportation, Inc.
• Immediate Past President – Deborah Moore, senior vice president, marketing director, EverBank

Chuck Hedrick

“Leadership Jacksonville is a great organization to be a part of, and I am excited to have the opportunity to lead a board which strives to make Northeast Florida a better place,” said Hedrick. “I look forward to working with the talented people of Leadership Jacksonville to administer and improve the Leadership Jacksonville programs while fulfilling its mission.”

New members of the Leadership Jacksonville board are Gordon Bailey, Rosa Beckett, Kelly DeGance, Jamie Shelton, and Becky Steele.

“Our board members are active throughout our community and are inspirational leaders in their respective industries,” said Jill Dame, Executive Director of Leadership Jacksonville. “With yet another group of great board members, we anticipate a successful year of developing youth and adult leaders throughout the First Coast.”

To learn more about Leadership Jacksonville and its programs, visit www.leadershipjax.org or call (904) 396-6263.

Due to high demand, elacora has launched a new collection of floor plans in Madeira at St. Augustine: the Serena Collection. These new plans join the company’s current Portada Collection, which has generated record sales in the community.

Homes in the Serena Collection include innovative floor plans ranging in size from 2,280 square feet to more than 3,300 square feet and are sited on larger lots. All include three-car garages and are priced from $309,900.

A new model home will be open for tours in August. The Villena model home plan showcases a clever option for multi-generational living by featuring two owner’s suites. All of elacora’s well-appointed homes in Madeira feature innovative designs that will surprise and delight even the most discerning buyer.

“We are thrilled with the strong buyer response we are seeing for both of our plan collections,” said Victoria Robbins, exclusive agent for elacora Northeast Florida. “There are several move-in ready homes available, and we are offering a choice of buyer incentives: seller-paid closing costs or $5,000 prepayment of CDD fees.”

The designer-decorated model home in the Serena Collection will be designed by Barbara Ondo Designs. This will be the second decorated model in Madeira at St. Augustine. Late last year, the firm also completed the Capri model for the Portada Collection. Homes in both collections include a rich set of features which include concrete tile roofs and solar panels as well as many other included specifications not usually found in this price range.

“We are proud to be the only homebuilder in Northeast Florida to include solar panels in our new homes,” said Robbins. “The panels harness Florida’s abundant sunshine to reduce electric bills and are a key component of elacora’s commitment to leave a smaller environmental footprint in our home building practices. These solar panels also allow our homeowners to qualify for a federal tax credit in the year of purchase.”

Madeira’s two floor plan collections range in size from 1,797 square feet to more than 3,300 square feet and were designed for active Florida lifestyles. Additional home sites will soon be released in Madeira to provide maximum choice for homebuyers. Home prices start in the mid-$200’s.

Homeowners in Madeira also enjoy membership in the community’s private Residents Club, a spacious amenity center with a clubhouse, fitness center, pool with lap lanes, spacious shade pavilion and adjacent party plaza.

The community is conveniently located on U.S. 1 in northern St. Augustine. The sales office is open daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.  For more information, call (904) 484-9024 or visit www.elacora.com.

2048 Crown Drive, St. Augustine

The rental market in Northeast Florida is booming. Rents, spurred by surging demand, have risen strongly, while the rental vacancy rate has fallen to historic lows. In the last year, rental prices have risen 10 to 15 percent while days on the market are decreasing. Some listings are rented in less than 24 hours.

With a limited supply, there is an increased demand for property management services. That’s why Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty added a property management division to its family of services last year. Florida Network Property Management specializes in the management of single-family homes and condominiums, offering exceptional services to investment property owners and tenants.

“With its strong employment base, military presence, state-of the art medical services and outstanding quality of life, Northeast Florida is an appealing market for single-family rental properties as well as for home buyers and sellers,” said Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty Founder, President and CEO Linda Sherrer. “We are proud of our newest division and to offer a class of property management services previously unseen in Northeast Florida.”

Florida Network Property Management provides first-rate management services for single-family homes and condominiums including pool homes, golf course homes, oceanfront condominiums and riverfront estates located in Duval, Clay, St. Johns and Flagler counties. The company brings together the strength of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand with the success of Florida Network Realty, the local market leader.

Under the leadership of Asset Manager and Realtor Shelby Heinemann, Florida Network Property Management provides full management services including marketing, tenant screening, leasing, maintenance, mid-term property reviews and accounting.

“Whether it is a single-family residence or condominium, most owners need the support of a professional to assist in finding suitable tenants as well as maintaining the property,” said Heinemann. “Florida Network Property Management is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the value of our clients’ properties while generating the highest possible return on their investment. Our company can also assist in locating the perfect rental to suit every need.”

Florida Network Property Management manages the area’s most desirable rentals and offers outstanding customer service to help tenants find a home that meets their needs. With the company’s knowledge of the Northeast Florida real estate market, Florida Network Property Management can help owners of investment properties earn strong financial rewards.

“Investors are increasingly exploring real estate as an alternative to stocks and bonds,” said Broker/Executive Vice President Christy Budnick. “A rental property is an ongoing investment in today’s market, and the right property management company is the most important link to property owners achieving their goals. Our company offers management solutions that enhance investment value as well as some of the most attractive rental properties on the First Coast.”

More information is available at FloridaNetworkPM.com.

Imagine a beautiful new community with a superb location close to everything, a place where residents enjoy elegant surroundings and world-class amenities. An exclusive community where neighbors become friends.

This narrative describes what is happening at the Jacksonville community of Tamaya. The master-planned community located between the Beaches and Downtown Jacksonville is coming to life.

“Tremendous planning has gone into the development of Tamaya, and it is exciting to see the community coming to life,” said Don Wilford, Northeast Florida division president of ICI Homes. “Tamaya is a one-of-a-kind community and a special place to call home. I encourage everyone to visit and experience all we offer at Tamaya.”

The thriving new community is abuzz with activity. The first neighborhood, Bella Nina, is more than 50 percent sold. Homes are being built and families are moving in. ICI Homes at Tamaya recently hosted a special residents’ event at the community’s vision center with wine and cheese for the adults and special entertainment and activities for the kids. More events like this are planned in the future so that residents can get to know their neighbors and become friends.

“It is marvelous to bring our family friendly community together for a fun get-together,” said Sales Manager Lisa Sarraf. “Our residents at Tamaya share a wonderful enthusiasm for their new homes, the community’s prestigious amenities and lifestyle, and the sense of camaraderie that is emerging here.”

A new grand entrance and Residents Club are now under construction at Tamaya and planned for completion in early 2016. The $11 million Residents Club will be the crown jewel of the community and serve as a centerpiece for entertainment and gatherings as well as a place for fitness, wellness and relaxation for Tamaya homeowners. The 10,000-square-foot clubhouse will feature a resort-style pool and outdoor recreation areas, including tennis and an event lawn. The plans call for nearly 4,500 square feet of fitness space inside of the clubhouse including an expansive cardio room and a separate yoga and pilates studio overlooking a garden and fountain area. The Residents Club will have numerous social gathering places including a spacious great room with catering kitchen, a clubroom, a covered porch and an outdoor patio.

Tamaya’s new grand entrance fronting Beach Boulevard will lead to a tree-lined boulevard and a magnificent two-story gatehouse welcoming residents and guests to the community. Beautiful parks and meandering walking paths also will punctuate Tamaya’s special surroundings and luxurious Mediterranean-style homes.

“The Residents Club will serve as the perfect place for families to gather and enjoy the Tamaya lifestyle,” said David Haas, chief development officer at ICI Homes of Tamaya. “The new grand entrance will add to the community’s style, providing wonderful surroundings for the residents of Tamaya.”

Since opening for sales in 2014, Tamaya has experienced extraordinary success. Tamaya homebuyers are drawn to the community’s family atmosphere and its proximity to top-rated Duval County public schools. The community is zoned for Kernan Trail Elementary, Kernan Middle School and Atlantic Coast High School. Tamaya also is located near many excellent private schools and is a short drive from several universities and colleges.

ICI Homes of Tamaya offers a wide variety of distinctive, flexible and customizable home designs showcasing Tuscan, Mediterranean and Spanish architectural influences. The plans feature flexible spaces for living and entertaining, spectacular outdoor living space and generous storage spaces. Homes range in size from 1,900 square feet to more than 4,000 square feet and range in price from the $300,000s to $600,000s. ICI Homes is known for its ability to completely customize a floor plan to uniquely suit the homeowner while delivering the highest quality craftsmanship, personal service and value.

“About 85 percent of our homes at Tamaya are customized for the buyers,” Sarraf added. “As long as the design fits on a home site, we can do anything.”

New home buyers who purchase this summer will move in to their newly built home approximately the same time the Residents Club and grand entrance is complete. For those who would like to move in to the community sooner, ICI has a selection of quicker move-in homes available for purchase at Tamaya. The move-in ready homes are located on 60- and 75-foot-wide home sites and feature special savings.

The best way to envision life at Tamaya is to visit the community and its model park and vision center. ICI Homes has eight designer-decorated model homes available at Tamaya. The community is located off Beach Boulevard, midway between Kernan and Hodges boulevards in Jacksonville, Fla.

For more information, call (855) 279-6053 or visit www.TamayaFl.com.

Atlantic hurricane season is June 1 to Nov. 30

Hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean is underway through Nov. 30.

In the event of an emergency, do you know the effect of the hazards that could impact our area and how to prepare your family and animals?

For more information and tips, visit the City of Jacksonville’s Emergency Preparedness page here, and read the 2015-2016 Emergency Preparedness Guide from Duval County Emergency Management.

Established as a program to stimulate growth of leadership in Northeast Florida, Leadership Jacksonville has announced its Five-Year Strategic Plan. The organization’s Board of Directors and volunteers engaged in an in-depth analysis to update its Strategic Plan and Vision and recently unveiled the results. Signifying the evolution of Leadership Jacksonville, its Five-Year Strategic Plan includes a new mission statement; “Leadership Jacksonville educates, connects and inspires diverse leaders to build and strengthen their communities.”

“Since its inception in 1976, Leadership Jacksonville has provided quality community leadership programming and has remained connected to its alumni and to the Jacksonville community,” said Jill Langford Dame, Executive Director of Leadership Jacksonville. “Our new mission clarifies our forward focus and confirms the key outcomes of our programs and community impacts.”

Another organizational change for Leadership Jacksonville will be its relocation in December 2015 to new office space in downtown Jacksonville at the Jessie Ball duPont Center.

“Working in such close proximity with other Jacksonville nonprofit organizations will be a tremendous opportunity to connect and build on the synergy of the nonprofits relocating to the Center,” said Dame. “Community engagement and relationships ensure that Leadership Jacksonville remains relevant. We are excited about this next phase.”

To learn more about Leadership Jacksonville and its programs, visit www.leadershipjax.org or call (904) 396-6263.

Contemporary amenities at The John Gorrie include 12-foot ceilings, expansive windows, stainless steel GE appliances, CaesarStone countertops and hardwood floors

In the summer of 2012 during a visit to Jacksonville, Blythe Duckworth and Denys Zayets enjoyed coffee across the street from The John Gorrie a condominium at Bold Bean Coffee Roasters.

“We were immediately drawn to the building,” said Duckworth. “The John Gorrie has impeccable design with historic charm.”

After living in Ukraine and Italy, Duckworth moved back to Jacksonville and Zayets, originally from Ukraine, moved to town from Italy.

“We had first toured The John Gorrie in February 2014 and absolutely fell in love with the space,” said Duckworth. Awaiting The John Gorrie’s Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approval, the couple revisited in January 2015, hoping approval would be closer. “We selected the home we wanted and crossed our fingers it would still be available once the FHA approval came through. Lucky for us, it worked out.”

Prior to moving in, the appeal of The John Gorrie was not lost on Duckworth and Zayets.

“The building has a modern restoration that’s kept the charm and character of the walls and floors, but most appealing was the exposed brick and 12-foot ceilings,” said Duckworth.

Designed by noted Jacksonville architects Roy A. Benjamin and Mellen C. Greeley, John Gorrie Junior High School was constructed in 1923, as reflected by its ornate Mediterranean Revival architecture characteristics popular during that time. The buildings were listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1987 and the school was closed in 1997.

The John Gorrie’s owner, Delores Barr Weaver, completed an extensive renovation and restoration to transform the historic landmark school into 68 residences with luxurious contemporary amenities including 12-foot ceilings, expansive windows, stainless steel GE appliances, CaesarStone countertops and hardwood floors. Now 75 percent sold, The John Gorrie a condominium is home to professionals of all ages, retirees, families and their pets.

In addition to being FHA and Fannie Mae (FNMA) approved, making it possible for qualified homebuyers to obtain low down payment, fixed-rate mortgages at competitive rates, owners at The John Gorrie a condominium receive an ad valorem tax abatement toward their homeowner’s tax bill through 2021.
Duckworth and Zayets moved into The John Gorrie in May 2015 and enjoy their third floor home, the quiet nature of the building and its residents.

“We both consider Jacksonville home now,” said Duckworth.

The John Gorrie offers one- and two-bedroom residences and two-story townhomes priced from the upper-$100,000s. The community’s amenities include private gated parking, a private courtyard, custom fitness center, elevators, a resident reading room and Wi-Fi Internet access.

For more information about how you can be part of The John Gorrie community, call (904) 383-3688 or visit www.TheJohnGorrie.com.