We are thrilled to announce that our new website, www.advantagepublishinginc.com, launched on Friday. At this site, you can find out about all the activities taking place at API, as well as use it as a portal to find the sites for all our different functions. Look for revisions to the Building Edge and Commercial Building Edge sites in the coming weeks.
Just a reminder, the second hearing on Marion County's Springs Protection Ordinance is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday. It is certainly interesting that the first hearing was on Halloween, and this hearing is held on Thanksgiving week, when many families are preparing for travel, or to receive guests. The good news may be that three commissioners are now raising questions about the ordinance, but nevertheless, history has shown us that there is nothing like a packed room to give elected officials pause. So it is critical that we pack the room in order to convey the idea that this is a poorly planned, rush to judgment.
Speaking of Thanksgiving, we have been reflecting in the office in recent weeks about how much for which we have to be thankful.
We have three successful magazines - two of them highly regarded by the building industry in North Central Florida, and a third which has been very warmly received by the community.
As an industry, we continue to see signs that improvement is coming, and that's great news. Forget for a moment what you keep reading in main street media. Remember, the New York Times and its affiliated are looking for subscriptions. Shock value does not take facts into consideration. When you hear about companies reporting, it is from previous months and is not a true indicator. There are people out there buying and our community is still a great place to live!
On a personal level, I have been blessed. I have a family that is wonderful and supportive. The launch of the new magazine and the opening of the office never would have happened without my wife, Jennifer. I have a team that works with me, led by Kyle Lindsey and David Greenberg, who make me shine, even when they are as deserving, if not more so, of the compliments dished out, and a group of individuals that I have met through the magazines that have now become some of my closest friends. During this week of Thanksgiving, I am truly lucky that I have so much for which to be thankful.
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www.BuildingEdgeMagazine.com
If you have not yet received our November issue in the mail, you should any day now. The cover feature is Demetri Homes of Ocala. The National Feature is on Green Building: engineered wood/stone, heating/cooling alternatives, sustainable building materials, increasing IAQ (indoor air quality), plastic piping.
December, featuring GC Construction of Gainesville is now in production. The National Feature is on Construction Technology.
We kick start the new year with Allen Stine and All America Homes. Our National Feature will be on Home Technology. This issue is open for sales now, and will close November 29th.
February we return to Lake City and feature Sparks Construction. The National Feature will be on Surfaces & Finishes: Countertops, floorcoverings, walls & ceilings. Advertising and editorial deadline is December 29th.
Our Fall 2007 Commercial issue should be arriving in the next few days. The cover story is a feature on Ocala's Ausley Construction , one of the premiere commercial builders in North Central Florida.
We are currently working on the Winter issue, featuring Trunnell Construction on the cover. You may remember a few months back we did a residential issue featuring Greg Trunnell, along with Mitch Glaeser and Myles Kinsell, promoting The Palms. This issue is open for sales now, and will close November 29th.
HOME™: Living in the Heart of Florida: The feedback on our newest magazine, Home™: Living in the Heart of Florida has been phenomenal. Distribution is now at about 300 locations, and requests for subscriptions have come in from 14 states. It is nice to see that The Heart of Florida is as popular as ever, and I am humbled that we have been chosen by so many, so quickly to be the vehicle to deliver the news on the area. We are hard at work on our next issue, which will include a cover story on Sister Hazel's Andrew Copeland. Drew exemplifies everything we want for this magazine. He is a North Central Florida native, has chosen to raise his family here, and gives so much back to the community. In case you didn't know, Sister Hazel kicks off The 12 Days of Christmas Tour 2007 at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Tuesday November 27th at 7:30 p.m.To be featured, advertise or just interested in receiving the magazine, please email us at info@advantagepublishinginc.com or call us at 352-372-5854, x203.
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McClain, Payton, Stone Favor Rewrite on Springs Protection
Supporters of Marion County's proposed Springs Protection plan may come up dry in trying to tap enough commission votes to put the new rules on the books. Commissioners Stan McClain, Jim Payton and Charlie Stone said Monday that unless the proposed ordinance was overhauled, they would not vote to pass the legislation that would phase out traditional septic tanks and require homeowners to replace them with costlier Performance Based Treatment Systems. The commission is scheduled to vote on the ordinance Nov. 20.
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Magna Selling Land Once Slated for Ocala Racetrack
Hopes that nearly 500 acres along Interstate 75 and U.S. 27 would be home to a racetrack where thoroughbreds thunder toward a finish line likely will have to settle for the clanking of an industrial park. Magna Entertainment Inc. is making good on its plans announced in August to sell the 490 acres that were once slated for a racetrack.
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Youth Program Unveils New Building
Leaders at the Reichert House youth program in Gainesville say that when their main facility was built in 2005, they had already basically outgrown it. But with the addition of the new "Tony R. Jones Career and Education Center," which was unveiled to the public Tuesday evening and named in honor of one of the program's founders, the Reichert House will not only be able to support the students it already has, but will be able to take on more.
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Gainesville Area has Lowest State Unemployment
The Gainesville area had the lowest unemployment rate in the state in October - along with the Okaloosa County area - despite losing jobs over the year, according to the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation. Nonagricultural unemployment was up, at 3.0 percent from 2.4 percent a year ago. This reflects a loss of more than 300 jobs and 735 more people unemployed - for a total of 4,006 unemployed in the Gainesville Metropolitan Statistical Area, which consists of both Alachua and Gilchrist counties.
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Marion County Jobless Rate Still Steady
Unemployment in Marion County remained steady at 4.8 percent in October, amid signs the local economy is stabilizing. The jobless rate, as reported by the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation, remained unchanged since July. Florida's statewide rate, if not adjusted for seasonal work, also remained unchanged from September at 4.3 percent. The nationwide unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted, dropped from 4.5 to 4.4 percent.
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Lake City Business Owners Have Their Own Ideas for Revitalization
Downtown Lake City is on the precipice of great things. Businesses are moving in, more people are walking in and some are planning on staying in the area that was once the hub of all activity for the city. But as the City of Lake City looks to revitalize and update the Lake City Downtown Action Plan, downtown merchants have a few ideas of their own as to what should be done to manage and nurture the area's growth.
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Alachua County Fears Tax Hit
Alachua County officials estimate a loss of more than $4.4 million in revenue if voters in January pass a referendum to boost the homestead exemption and other tax-cutting measures. The money represents about a 4 percent cut from the current general fund and municipal services budgets and would come on the heels of a 5 percent reduction implemented for the 2007-08 fiscal year.
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Williston Road Land No Deal for Wealthy Bulgarian
Valentin Zahariev has been described as the Bill Gates of Bulgaria. Where Gates made his money from Microsoft, Zahariev's is from steel. Zahariev has owned or directed various steel and metal companies that have been key industries in Bulgaria and, through sales and trading, have made him news in European news media.
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Gainesville's Extreme Home Makeover
With a wide smile augmented by excited and infectious laughter, Sandra Harrison watched as a backhoe tore through her home of 12 years. The faded blue walls and white porch - held up by failing beams and ridden with termites - crumpled under the machine's quick-moving claw Thursday. But Harrison cheered at the thought of a three-bedroom house the city of Gainesville and community groups would be building for her on the property.
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RUA Votes to Expand Wastewater Treatment Capacity
The Greater Lake City Regional Utility Authority board voted Tuesday at its monthly meeting to increase the capacity at the St. Margarets Street Wastewater Treatment Plant by 200,000 gallons per day.City Engineer Henry Sheldon discussed the need for additional capacity at the board meeting and how the city will remain in DEP compliance with the increase.
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Lake County Water Authority Fine-Tuning Water Policy
The Lake County Water Authority will revisit a policy change on when to challenge permits for surface water withdrawals that exceed 250,000 gallons a day. "If you go chasing too many things the board would be spread to thin." said Chairman Larry Everly Sr. The board was set to decide on the policy Wednesday but asked staff to make some minor adjustments.
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Lake County Home Will Illustrate Green Design
Roberto Carrion is expecting visitors to his new Lake County home early next year. In fact, he's expecting not one, not two, but thousands, even before he has had a chance to settle in. Although the three-level, lakefront home will be completed in mid-December, Carrion and his wife, Cyndi, won't be moving in until at least March. This will be after the home has served its purpose as a showcase home for the 2008 International Builders' Show Feb. 13-16 in Orlando.
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MCBIA Calendar of Events
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BANCF Calendar of Events
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Gov. Crist Bets Deal Will Mean $100M a Year for State, but Lawmakers Could Sue
Gov. Charlie Crist signed a deal with the Seminole Tribe on Wednesday that would give the tribe Las Vegas-style casino operations in Florida in return for at least $100 million a year to the state.
The 25-year compact grants the tribe exclusive rights to add table games such as blackjack and baccarat, as well as Vegas-style slot machines, at its Hard Rock facilities in Tampa and Hollywood, and five other casinos. In return, the tribe will pay the state a base sum of $100 million in the first year of operations, climbing to at least $150 million annually by year three, and even higher if casino revenues continue to rise.
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Plan Puts Clay County Road Costs on Builders
County officials estimate a proposed transportation impact fee could generate nearly $315 million over the next 25 years. The fees would range between $2,442 and $5,362 for residential and non-residential development. A local builders group is taking a stand, arguing the fees would be like a tax aimed only at new home buyers and businesses. Neighboring county officials who charge similar fees say they seldom stretch far enough to cover road system needs.
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Cooler Weather, Hotter Market?
On a cool, but sunny morning, Bob and Judy Ries of Salt Lake City rode in a golf cart around the well-manicured grounds of the Oceanwalk Condominiums in New Smyrna Beach. "Isn't it lovely?" Judy Ries asked. A few minutes later, a long, black snake slithered down a wall as the golf cart drove by. Judy was less thrilled by this aspect of the local flora and fauna. Welcome to Florida. The Rieses have been thinking for some time about buying a vacation home in Florida. In the current buyers' market, they've decided the time is right.
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Official in Hurry to Go Green
More than 18 months ago, the Tampa City Council called for an ordinance to encourage environmentally friendly construction. The city's staff hasn't produced one yet, and the delay has spawned a competing effort by a City Council member to put one on the table.
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Business Leaders Seek Delay in Impact Fee to Help Counteract Housing Market
With the slump in the housing market showing no sign of ending, the Naples Area Chamber of Commerce will be asking county commissioners for help today. Commissioners will be asked during their meeting to delay increasing impact fees for about six months beginning in January 2008. Impact fees, which are onetime charges on new construction, are scheduled to increase in January.
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Eco-Friendly Builders Seek 'Green' Standard
What makes a "green" home green? It depends on who is using the word. In the next several months, three nationwide certifications for environmentally friendly homes will be available to builders. But buyers may be confused by the array of standards.
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Developer to Build Orlando-Area Vacation Homes for Disabled
Disabled travelers face an obstacle course each time they leave home. Despite efforts to make access to airports, restrooms and restaurants, the world is still filled with barriers. As the nation's population ages, the number of people facing access problems is rising. One Central Florida developer sees that as an opportunity.
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Panel: Green Building Movement Here to Stay
Building environmentally friendly structures is quickly moving from a niche market to mainstream as developers, homeowners and even local governments are signing on to produce what had become a $10 billion industry in 2005 and is slated to be worth $60 billion by 2010.
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House Passes Homeowner Protection Bill
A House bill aimed at protecting borrowers from abusive home loans faces a tougher future in the Senate amid opposition by the mortgage industry and criticism from the White House. The bill, passed Thursday evening by a 291-127 vote, garnered support from 64 House Republicans. No Democrats were opposed.
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NAHB Seeks Entries for 2008 Best of 50+ Housing Awards
The National Association of Home Builders' 50+ Housing Council has issued a call for entries for The Best of 50+ Housing Awards 2008, the premier design and marketing competition for the seniors housing industry. Professionals involved in this market niche have until Feb. 29, 2008 to enter their best community designs, model merchandising and advertising and marketing efforts. The evening ceremony will then take place on May 20, 2008 in New Orleans.
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Voter Anger May Free Up Energy Bills
Earlier this year, lawmakers warned of an impending energy crisis as they debated wide-ranging legislation to improve automotive efficiency, reward energy conservation and spur development of alternative power sources. When the Senate passed an energy bill in June, crude oil was trading near $65 a barrel, the highest price in a quarter-century. With gasoline and heating oil prices near record levels, lawmakers going home for the holidays to face the electorate want to be able to say that they have taken steps that will eventually help. The politics of energy are difficult, with lawmakers divided not just by party and ideology, but by region. The hard part is to find a way to accomplish everyone's measures and pay for them in a way that is acceptable to majorities in both houses of Congress.
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Builders Defies California Real Estate Downturn
Undaunted by recent discouraging news in the California housing market, condominium developer South Group is finishing up its third high-rise building in downtown Los Angeles and planning two more. The Portland, Ore.-based builder is the largest developer of new residential buildings downtown and it is gambling $750 million that demand for housing in condo towers in urban neighborhoods is still strong and that today's dip in the market will be brief. Angelenos are hungry for a more pleasing street scape and developers who help provide it will prosper as the city's trend of growing-in instead of just out picks up speed.
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L.A. Panel Approves Ambitious Green Building Plan
The Los Angeles Planning Commission on Thursday approved one of the most ambitious green building programs of any big city in the nation, requiring large new developments to be 15% more energy efficient. The new rules, which also restrict water use, aim to cut the city's emissions of greenhouse gases.
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'Green' Draws Talent
More corporations are going "green" and discovering that helping the environment isn't the only payoff. Eco-friendly policies can also help companies attract young talent, increase productivity and reduce costs. Students are looking to work for companies that care about the environment. A recent poll on green employment found that 80 percent of young professionals are interested in securing a job that has a positive impact on the environment, and 92 percent would be more inclined to work for a company that is environmentally friendly.
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Franchisee Rebuilds Gainesville Gas Stations, Donut Shops
After opening a Dunkin' Donuts on NW 13th Street in April, franchisee John Oberg is rolling out his second shop in conjunction with a rebuilt BP gas station/convenience store Nov. 19 on Newberry Road near I-75. With the opening, he said he is looking for a new location for the Dunkin' Donuts kiosk that has been at the Texaco station next door, which he also owns.
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Contractor Demolishes Marion County Courthouse Façade
A local demolition contractor could be seen demolishing the east face off the Marion County Judicial Center Monday morning. The demolition started last Saturday. It is part of a two-year, $40 million expansion of the county courthouse, which began last month. The five-story, 150,000-square-foot addition will connect to the east side of the building.
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Lifestream Gets $7 Million for Its New Facility
LifeStream Behavioral Center now has the $8 million necessary to pay for its new Hope and Recovery Center. Tavares City Council members and Leesburg city commissioners have now agreed to issue $7 million in industrial development bonds. LifeStream has raised the balance of the money through agreements with Leesburg Regional Medical Center, Florida Hospital Waterman and South Lake Hospital, said Jon Cherry, president and CEO of LifeStream.
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Ocala's Gateway Bank Breaks Ground on New Facility
Gateway Bank of Central Florida broke ground Thursday on its new headquarters building. The 17,000-square-foot facility will be located at 1635 E. Silver Springs Blvd. on the former site of Downtown Baptist Church.
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Energy Audits Pay Off Big for Schools
An energy management department created two years ago by the Marion County School Board is paying off in a big way, saving county coffers $2.5 million since December 2005. On Tuesday, the two-man energy management team, consisting of James Newkirk and Colin Barrett, presented the latest update to School Board members.
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Charlotte Lowers Commercial Fees
In an attempt to jolt the slumping local economy, the Charlotte County Commission rolled back commercial impact fees Tuesday to 1998 levels. Effective for one year, the reduction could save developers millions in building costs -- and cost the county revenue used to build roads and other infrastructure.
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AGC of Greater Florida Calendar of Events
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Residential November 2007
Commercial Fall 2007
HOME: Living in the Heart of Florida
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