Floridabound

Issue 1 Summer 2015

FLORIDABOUND

An exclusive magazine for Florida homeowners based in the UK

BUSINESS

BRANSON STYLE Jacksonville Golf Package Competition THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN MIAMI

In association with

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CONTENTS

FLORIDABOUND – A n

exclusive magazine for Florida homeowners based in the UK

Tee Time Florida’s First Coast of Golf look at northeast Florida

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Golf competition A chance to win accommodation and rounds of golf in Jacksonville

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Business Branson Style Alan Prior interviews the entrepreneur, Richard Branson

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The Sushi Guide Get to grips with what to order when going Japanese

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Japanese Restaurants in Orlando

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Once you know what to order – here’s a few places to find it

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Panama City Beach

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Tailor made for a Perfect Fit

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A north Miami Beach home with style

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Florida Taxes: A Quick Look

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The Top 10 Reasons to Charter in Miami

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Visit Florida – Miami Beach Centennial

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Visit Florida – Explore the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

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Visit Florida – Shop Till You Drop

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Visit Florida – Orlando – A Hub of Activity

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Top Summer Beach Body Treatments

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Are You Florida Bound?

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Surviving Long Haul Erica Ho, founder and editor of Map Happy looks at travelling afar

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Airport Uncovered – Orlando International Our guide to finding your way around the airport

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22 F L O R I DA BOUND PROPERTY PAGES Choice Overseas Homes

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Rosemont Woods Vacation Village A gated golf community in the Orlando/Disney area

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Florida Property Purchase – the facts...

Our guide to the property market in Florida

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Owners Club of Florida Check out the benefits of joining this club

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FLORIDABOUND Property We have joined forces with Contempo Florida Vacation Homes to bring you some of the best buys on the market

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FLORIDABOUND magazine is published by Nova Travel, Edward Way, Burgess Hill, West Sussex RH15 9UA www.nova-travel.com +44 (0)1444 231400 Chairman: Andy Fry Publisher: Alan Prior Editor: Zach Fry Design: Kim Lower Editorial team: Jon Woodhead, Hayley Bradbury, Stuart Sutherland, Rosmary Fair, Donna Fry Printed in Great Britain by Nova Direct.

Contributors: Jill Zander, Erica Ho, William Davis.

Grateful thanks to Contempo Group, Owners Club of Florida, Choise Overseas Homes, VisitFlorida and Florida’s First Coast of Golf for their contributions.

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The Leaning Tree Palencia Club

TEE Time

History and Northeast Florida are synonymous.

Whether it’s on the 500-year-old streets of St. Augustine, the World Golf Hall of Fame or the back nine of the TPC Sawgrass – THE PLAYERS Stadium Course, Florida’s First Coast of Golf is the gateway to 27 visitor-friendly championship golf courses and 20 member resorts/hotels. Florida’s First Coast of Golf is comprised of five distinct areas – Amelia Island, Jacksonville and The Beaches, Clay County, Palm Coast & The Flagler Beaches, and St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach. Each is unique unto itself; the combination of the five areas creates an unbeatable destination for families, couples and golf buddies looking for the best of Florida.

oldest city. Its brick streets are lined with historic buildings, hotels, bed and breakfasts and restaurants, making St. Augustine a good headquarters for visitors to Florida’s First Coast of Golf. The city’s horse drawn carriage rides and night-time ghost tours each are good ways to experience the charm and history of St. Augustine.

A ‘must visit’ Start with the 75 miles of coast line, which makes Northeast Florida home to the most coastal golf in the entire Southeast. Golfers challenge Mother Nature, as well as legendary course architects such as Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus (Ocean Course at Hammock Beach) alongside the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean that help make Florida’s First Coast of Golf a ‘must visit’ any time of year.

St. Augustine, with the landmark Castillo de San Marcos, has long been recognized as America’s

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Castillo de

San Marcos,

Carriages on King Str

e

St Augustin

eet, St Augustine

Just a few miles northwest of St. Augustine, the World Golf Village Hall of Fame & Museum is the centerpiece of the World Golf Village Resort. The Hall of Fame is ground zero for golf history buffs with exhibits and memorabilia that trace the game of golf’s roots from its beginning to today.

World Golf Village offers a variety of accommodation options – from resort hotels as the Renaissance World Golf Village Resort to villas as the Residences at World Golf Village. The World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum features more than 4,000 artifacts and photographs, many of which go back hundreds of years. A good introduction to the museum, particularly for first-time visitors, is to take the informative audio tour.

The World Golf Village also has pair of outstanding courses – the Slammer and Squire that pays homage to Hall of Famers San Snead and Gene Sarazen; and the King & Bear, co-designed by legends Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.

Annual Eight Flags Shrimp Festival North of St. Augustine is Amelia Island, a 13-mile barrier island whose main city, the historic shrimping village of Fernandina Beach.

Fernandina Beach is home to some outstanding restaurants in its historic downtown area. The city celebrates its shrimping heritage with the annual Eight Flags Shrimp Festival each May. The Festival attracts more than 100,000 visitors from around the world.

Amelia Island has some of the region’s greatest golf, particularly at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation. The 1,350-acre beachfront resort’s main attractions are its three golf courses: Oak Marsh, Ocean Links, and Long Point. The oceanfront holes on the Ocean Links Course are only five of the 39 holes of Coastal Golf on Florida’s First Coast of Golf.

Omni Amelia Island Plantation in 2014 hosted The Golf Channel’s popular THE BIG BREAK that featured 12 women who competed for a chance to play with the world’s top female professionals.

Main pic: Hidden Hills

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About an hour south of Amelia Island is Ponte Vedra Beach and THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. Host to The PLAYERS, The PLAYERS Stadium Course might be Pete Dye’s best-known creation and the par-three 17th with its island green the most famous (or infamous) hole in golf. Tickets to THE PLAYERS are available now at www.florida-golf.org.

With locations at TPC Sawgrass and World Golf Village, PGA TOUR Experiences’ TOURAcademy combines top instructors and advanced teaching technology. The TOURAcademy at TPC Sawgrass also features a TaylorMade Performance Lab and club-fitting area.

Less than an hour south of World Golf Village is the Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast. Featuring more than 300 guest room and suites, as well as a spa and variety of kids’ activities, Hammock Beach Resort is another great headquarters option for families and golf buddies.

Windsor Parke

Nicklaus-designed Hammock Beach has two outstanding courses — the Nicklaus-designed Ocean Course and the Tom Watson designed Conservatory. The Ocean Course, with six stunning ocean holes, likely will be the last course ever built along Florida’s Atlantic Coast. The Conservatory course, is more the links-style design that Watson – a five-time British Open Champion – loves. The Conservatory’s back nine that’s as good as any stretch of resort holes in Northeast Florida.

What makes Northeast Florida so unique is the proximity and variety of courses as well as activities that are fun for the entire family. Northeast Florida is home to the PGA TOUR headquarters, Champions Tour, LPGA Tour, World Golf Hall of Fame, THE PLAYERS and the Web.com Tour Championship only to name a few!

Marriott Courtyard

To learn more about Florida’s First Coast of Golf, and to book your next golf vacation, visit our comprehensive web site at www.florida-golf.org or call (888) 896-9045.

You will see why we are your ‘Trusted Source for Golf Travel Planning.’

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Jacksonville Beach

P M E O T C I T F I O L N O G YOUR CHANCE TO WIN...

  

2 nights at the Courtyard by Marriott in Jacksonville A round of golf for two people at The Palencia Club A round of golf for two people at Hidden Hills Golf Club

FloridaBound in conjunction with Florida’s First Coast of Golf are offering you the chance to win a fantastic golfing prize.

The Court yard by M arriott

To enter, simply email us the answer to the following question: Which course is the traditional home of the Masters?

Club lencia The Pa

One lucky winner will be drawn on 31 July and the prize must be taken by the end of 2015 (subject to availability).

Email your answer to golf@nova-travel.com for your chance to win this great prize.

Hidden H ills Golf Club

The winner will be notified by email.

Jacksonville Beach

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Business

Branson Style...

Interview by Alan Prior

Named as 24th most wealthy billionaire in this year’s Sunday Times list, it’s fair to say that Sir Richard Branson, the man behind the all-encompassing Virgin brand, didn’t get to where he is today without tenacity and clear business accruement.

It is also interesting to note that his most visible business, Virgin Airways, was created, and continues to operate, from Sussex and is a major employer in the region.

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“If you want to be a millionaire, start with a billion dollars and launch a new airline.”

At 63 years old, the entrepreneur, activist, philanthropist and some might say, incorrigible show off, spreads his Virgin moniker across copious commercial arms. Yet despite the success of Virgin Airways, plus media, fitness, drinks and train line offshoots to oversee – and that’s just four of many – the tycoon remains refreshingly grounded.

Based on Necker Island, a 74-acre luxurious base he owns in the British Virgin Islands, it may seem Branson lives a rather charmed existence. “Yes I’ve got a big house on a paradise island and I’ve got a big boat, but I’d rather make it a sailing boat rather than a motor boat - make it that little bit more tasteful,” he laughs. “Ultimately, I don’t feel comfortable with ‘flash’. If somebody comes up to my house in a Rolls Royce and offers

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me a drive around, it doesn’t strike a very relevant chord for me.”

Flashy wheels may not suit the temperament of this mass money operator, but he clearly sits easy with social media, acknowledging its capacity for immediate, truly global communication in a modern world that craves immediacy.

With the online world representing an ever-accessible virtual community, Branson has collected over four million Twitter followers, in a period of digital innovation at stark contrast from when the entrepreneur set up his first business at just 16 years of age.

“It’s interesting because I didn’t get that involved with my Twitter site until I realised that I had over a million people following me!” the tycoon laughs. “So I now

take a personal interest in it and make sure everything that goes up I’m involved with or write myself; I think that’s incredibly important.

You can get immediate feedback about what people think about a speech you’ve made or a product you’ve launched. That’s so powerful in modern business.”

Ambitious self-starters make up a considerable proportion of Branson’s online following. With his career trajectory an obvious inspiration, the London-born entrepreneur is a torrent of advice for those looking to set up shop. “My slogan is ‘Screw it, just do it’ and if you get great people around you, a small team of really committed people that you can work with on whatever you’re doing, then you’ve got a good chance of achieving something special.

“Of course, you also need to try to stand out from the crowd, and to offer things that are slightly different from other people. And although we’ve now climbed out of recession, perhaps still think about offering something that’s slightly better value for money compared to the opposition, even if that just means charging less during various hours of the day and more in others. You’ve just got to be smart when it comes to marketing your proposition in a unique way.”

One to walk the talk, Branson has clearly followed this ethos within his own working life. The son of a solicitor and an air hostess, Branson’s less-than perfect educational performance at school only increased his determination to succeed outside of the classroom.

virgins to the business world...

Leaving school with little other than the words of frustrated teachers in his ears, he set his sights on the music industry, determining to sell vinyl records by mail order for a fraction of the price of high street retailers. It didn’t take long for Branson to cut the ribbon on his first music store in London’s Oxford Street, and within time, his turnover allowed him to create his own record label. The iconic moniker ‘Virgin’ came about when a colleague commented on how they were all virgins to the business world.

Fast forward to the 1980s, and economic downturn threatened many livelihoods. But while other

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“Above all, you want to create something you are proud of. That’s always been my philosophy of business. I can honestly say that I have never gone into any business purely to make money. If that is the sole motive, then I believe you are better off doing nothing.” businesses crumbled, the decade became one of Branson’s most lucrative, and he feels there may be similarities between this period and the current crisis we still seek to climb out of.

“We’ve been through a dreadful time of late, and it’s not just Britain, but the whole global market. It’s one of those passages whereby it seems as if we’re moving out of danger only to be sucked back in, and you know, it might not be over yet, although I must say all the signs are positive.

Opportunity “But it’s during these quiet periods, if you want to call them that, that the opportunity comes to really make a difference. The business that now trundles along breaking even may well be the business that goes global when people rediscover they have money in their pockets – and I believe they are doing that now.”

As living proof that “fortunes are made out of recessions”, Branson insists we can emulate these conditions for success within the present climate.

“As long as businesses can keep their heads above water, and as long as managers and directors can inspire and involve staff, most industries have the chance to do something great. I think the move now is to treat staff as stakeholders, not employees.

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There are some fantastic businesses in the UK who do exactly this.

Empowering people creates better output – immeasurably so.”

Making waves Perhaps it was through empowering people that Branson continued to reap profits through the recession-hit early 1990s too, making waves with his fitness and communications businesses.

“I get involved with things that interest me,” he insists. “The interest always has to be there, and it has to go beyond a desire just to make money. I don’t think I’ve ever launched a brand that hasn’t excited me as a product or service. And, you know, when that commodity stops exciting me, that’s normally the time to move it on.”

That’s not to say it’s always been smooth sailing. In his early years, to pay off Virgin Records’ overdraft, 20-year-old Branson pretended to buy records for export to escape an excise tax on sales within Britain, but sold them in the UK nevertheless. Discovered and put behind bars for the night, he was only released when his mother secured his bail by pledging her home as collateral. Branson’s plea bargain called for him to pay a hefty £60,000 or face a criminal record. What did he learn from this?

“I promised myself that I would never again do anything that would cause me to be imprisoned or, indeed, do any kind of business deal that would shame me again,” he explains. “My parents had always drummed into me that all you have in life is your name. You may be very rich, but if you lose your good reputation, then you’ll never be happy. Having said that, as a 22-year-old it is important to have an absolute blast. You are only 22 once! Make sure you have the time of your life, stay up for plenty of sunrises and meet all kinds of people in as many places as possible.

One step at a time If you get the opportunity to travel, grab it with both hands and don’t forget your toothbrush (and these days, condoms)! Get out there, dance and play as well as working hard and creating things. I never looked 40 years ahead. It was one step at a time, building block upon block and sometimes finding those blocks fell to the ground on the way.

But I’ve been extraordinarily lucky, have a wonderful family and friends, and would change very, very little. I absolutely love being in a position to make a positive difference in the world – I am going to do my best not to waste that position.

I don’t have any regrets about my decisions aged 22, and would try to live with the same zest for life whether I was under 20 or over 100. Age isn’t important so long as you are surrounded by people you love, doing things you passionately believe in.”

Giving Pledge As well as hard commercial interests, the charitable sector remains a constant area of interest for Branson, and he is an essential component in the philanthropy club Giving Pledge, an elite assembly of a dozen billionaires who are publicly committing to give away more than half of their fortunes to charitable causes.

“Entrepreneurial approaches to help make a difference in the world, and l will give half my wealth when l liberate by asset out of Virgin’s airline, media and other holdings. “Stuff’ really is

not what brings happiness.

Family, friends, good health and the satisfaction that comes from making a positive difference are what really matters. Happily our children, who will be our principal heirs, agree with me on this. I want the value created by the Virgin Group to be used to invest in new collaborative approaches to addressing issues, where business, governments and not-forprofits join forces to create a healthy, equitable and peaceful world for future generations to enjoy.” Members of the Giving Pledge commit to give away at least half their wealth to charitable organisations and philanthropic causes. The pledge was established three years ago by Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, his wife Melinda and Warren Buffett.

Gates said: “Money has no utility to me beyond a certain point. Its utility is entirely in building an

organisation and getting the resources out to the poorest in the world.” Co-founder Warren Buffett is the fourth richest person on the planet with a reported worth of $53.5bn while Mr Gates has a fortune of $66.2bn. According to Forbes, Sir Richard has a net worth of $4.2bn.

Other billionaires to sign up to the pledge include Russian nickel and media mogul Vladimir Potanin and India’s software magnate Azim Premji. A total of 105 families from nine countries have now signed the pledge.

With the Virgin Group now an empire of more than 200 diverse enterprises that run independently, with different shareholders and boards, Branson still relies of one integral business component: brand recognition. He has never been shy in promoting his brands.

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We all recall the madcap ballooning adventure with Per Lindstrand that so nearly ended in disaster, the Virgin Atlantic Challenger’s attempt to take the famous Blue Riband for the fastest Atlantic crossing and the endless publicity stunts he has pulled to promote his brands – the most recent of which saw him kite surfing with a naked model on his back! It would also be difficult to ignore his recent attempt to put people into space aboard the Virgin Galactic although that is already years behind schedule. A show off or a canny selfpromoter?

He is also well known for his sense of humour. In 2010, Branson entered the ruinously expensive world of Formula 1 with the Virgin Racing Team and made a bet with Tony Fernandes, the owner of Air Asia and rival racing team Lotus that the Virgin team would finish ahead of the Lotus team at the end of the season. The wager would see the loser don air hostess drag and serve drinks on the winner’s airline.

Branson said: ‘It’s true we both had Grand Prix teams and I was absolutely certain that I was going to win, and I thought it would look very fetching for Tony to be in a Virgin Atlantic 16

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stewardess outfit. Something went wrong.’ Not only did Branson honour the bet and duly turn up in full drag aboard an Air Asia flight but then had the last laugh by ‘accidently’ spilling an entire drinks tray over Fernandes mid-flight. ‘As Tony said we had a fun day, glad to have got his bet over and done with, and I’m looking forward to getting back into my own clothes. This has been a real first for me but I have enjoyed the experience and I have nothing but respect for what our fabulous flight attendants do every day to keep us safe,” said Branson after the flight. He also revealed the stunt raised over $300,000 for the charity Starlight Foundation, which both Virgin Australia and Air Asia support.

Get the right mix of people With Gatwick being integral to the past, present and future of Virgin Airways, we asked what advice he might have for the countless startups and SME’s across Sussex. “When you’re planning a start-up or preparing to launch a small business, it’s hard to know which tasks to delegate, which to delay, and which to tackle right away. One area where you should do a lot of the work yourself is hiring. If you get the right mix of people

working for your company, it will have a far greater chance of success.

While the founder of a company usually wears many hats during the first few years – I handled everything from the secretarial work to the company accounts at my first businesses – you’ll have to delegate those duties as your business grows. It might be hard to even imagine this right now, but you should be hiring with an eye to the day when you’re going to delegate even your CEO position and step back from the business’s day-to-day operations so that you can focus on making sure that your company is prepared for what’s next.

As I’ve written in previous columns, it was partly due to my dyslexia that I learned early on to delegate as there were some tasks that I struggled with. When we were getting ready to launch Virgin Atlantic, I realized how important the ability to delegate was going to be, since I had no experience in the airline industry.

Within weeks we had assembled a team of aviation experts to blend with our experienced Virgin managers. Together they worked on creating and delivering the level of service that I had hoped for.

Hiring the right people is a skill, and you get better at it with practice, but there are some good shortcuts that can help you learn quickly. Here are my tips for identifying great people and building your team.

Whenever possible, promote from within

A great personality goes a long way During the job interview, you need to find ways to decide whether a candidate fits with your company culture. One great way to test this may be to ask two or three of the employees who would work with this person to join you at some point in the interview and to come prepared with a few of their own questions. When your employees start talking to the candidate, it’s time for you to listen.

How is everyone getting along? While a little awkwardness and nervousness can be expected, look for someone who is fun, friendly and caring, because that is a person who likely understands teamwork and will help others.

A resume is just a piece of paper Next, the person’s resume can come into play.

One good question to ask a candidate is what he didn’t include. While you may need to hire specialists for some positions, take a close look at people who have thrived in different industries and jobs - they are versatile, with transferable skills, and can tackle problems creatively. Above all, don’t get hung up on qualifications. A person who has multiple degrees in your field isn’t always better than someone who has broad experience and a great personality.

Take chances on people When you’re interviewing, it’s possible that a candidate may say something so interesting about your industry or business that you’ll want to keep talking after the interview is over. Her resume may not be quite right, and she may be a little different than everyone else ON your team, but this might be a good time to take a risk and hire her anyway.

Such people can seem like oddballs at first, but in my experience, they can become indispensable. A maverick that sees opportunities where others see problems can energize your entire group.

If you’ve been hiring great people all along, when an executive or manager does leave, you should fill that job from within if possible. The key is to keep up a constant stream of strong candidates into all positions, especially the entry-level ones that your competitors might ignore. At Virgin Active South Africa, we have made a point of hiring talented young people who may manage one of our businesses someday. Xiki Baloyi, for example, began her career at Virgin Active in 2003 as a receptionist – she had trained in sports management but couldn’t find a position on that career path. But Xiki’s people skills attracted attention and she was soon promoted to the job of fitness instructor, where she demonstrated her commitment to getting members fit and motivated to train. In the last seven years she has been promoted several times; in 2013 she was named the assistant general manager of our new Alice Lane Health Club.

When to consider bringing someone new in If you’re in a situation where your business is becoming stale or stuck on a problem, it may be time for you to bring in talented people from outside the company. Two of the Virgin Group’s higher-profile hires were John Borghetti, now the CEO of Virgin Australia, and Craig Kreeger, Virgin Atlantic’s CEO. John had worked at Quantas Airlines and Craig had worked at American Airlines, so they knew our competition well, and were able to give us a fresh take on our business Great hiring takes time and a healthy dose of curiosity. You need to meet a lot of people, ask them about themselves and their careers, and tell them about yourself and your company in turn. So relax and be yourself – the people you eventually choose are, after all, going to play big parts in your shared adventure of building a business.

“It’s a person taking an interest in you and your products that makes all the difference in the world. For a business to achieve that is colossal.

And that’s the next challenge for businesses – to be content relevant as well as product relevant.

One is beginning to feed into another, and if consumers believe they are being spoken to as well as being sold to, that’s an extremely powerful subconscious message and remember – screw it, just do it.”

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The Sushi guide Japanese food is very much in fashion – but do you know what you’re ordering? Our sushi guide will give you the lowdown on this tasty cuisine.

Maki The most familiar type consisting of a filling such as salmon, tuna, cucumber and avocado with sushi rice, wrapped in nori seaweed.

Futomaki The word ‘futomaki’ is Japanese for fat roll and these rolls are usually at least 1.5 inches (3.81 cm) in diameter if not larger!

These are just large maki.

Temaki A large cone-shaped piece of nori on the outside and the ingredients spilling out at the wide end.

Nigiri An oblong mound of sushi rice, typically topped with prawn or salmon. Vegetarian versions may be topped with omelette.

Gunkan A clump of rice is hand-wrapped in a strip of nori, but instead of a filling in the centre, it has an ingredient piled on top.

Uramaki Inside-out rolls with the filling in the middle surrounded by nori, then a layer of rice, and a coating of roe or toasted sesame seeds.

Inari A small pouch made from tofu or omelette, filled with rice.

Oshi A block-shaped piece formed using a wooden mold, called an oshibako.

And of course, not forgetting a bowl of edamame beans to munch on while you choose your favourite sushi.

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Japanese Restaurants in Orlando Here are some of our favourite places to eat Japanese around the Orlando area...

Amura Sushi: 50 W Church St, Orlando, FL 32801

Tel: (407) 316 8500

Benihana: 1751 Hotel Plaza Blvd, Orlando, FL 32830

Tel: (407) 827 4865

Bikkuri Sushi: 1915 E Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32803

Tel: (407) 894 4494

Fusian: 12281 University Blvd, Orlando, FL 32817

Tel: (407) 736 8987

Giant Panda: 11726 E Colonial Drive, Orlando 32817

Tel: (407) 381 1860

Hanamizuki Japanese Restaurant: 8255 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819

Tel: (407) 363 7200

Ichiban Japanese Restaurant: 19 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801

Tel: (407) 423 2688

Kobe Japanese Steak House: 5605 S Kirkman Rd, Orlando, FL 32819

Tel: (407) 248 1978

Nagoya Sushi: 7600 Dr Phillips Blvd # 66Orlando, FL 32819

Tel: (407) 248 8558

Origami: 11903 E Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32826

Tel: (407) 736 1263

Oyshee Japanese: 7685 E Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32807

Tel: (407) 877 4787

Plum Tree: 10627 Narcoossee Rd, Orlando, FL 32832

Tel: (407) 249 1818

The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes: 4012 Central Florida Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32837

Tel: (407) 545 5791

Sushi 99: 024 Avalon Park, North Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32828

Tel: (321) 804 5868

Sushi En: 4115 W Town Center Blvd, Orlando, FL 32837

Tel: (407) 888 9985

Sushi Kichi: 5368 Central Florida PkwyOrlando, FL 32821

Tel: (407) 778 1953

Urban Hibachi: 3120 S Kirkman Rd Ste J, Orlando, FL 32811

Tel: (407) 295 7777

The Venetian Room: 8101 World Center Drive, Orlando, FL 32821

Tel: (407) 982 4349

Walt Disney World Swan And Dolphin Character Dining at Garden Grove: 1200 Epcot Resorts Blvd, Orlando, FL 32830

Tel: (407) 477 4479

Benihtaanilas cock

We love Benihana and what better way to start your meal than with one of these cocktails...

BENIHANA PUNCH Myers’s Platinum Rum with strawberry and peach liqueurs and tropical fruit juices

STRAWBERRY WHISKEY SMASH Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Choya Plum Liqueur, fresh strawberries, lemon and aromatics

YUZU MARGARITA Patrón Silver Tequila, Combier Orange Liqueur, organic agave nectar and yuzu sour mix

COCONUT MOJITO Cîroc Coconut Vodka, Malibu Rum, coconut, pineapple, fresh limes and mint

RED PLUM SAKE SANGRIA Red wine, Benihana Sake, plum wine with pomegranate and orange juice 20

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Real. Fun. Beach.

About Panama City Beach Panama City Beach is situated on 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches bordering clear, emerald-green waters where the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrew Bay converge. With 320 days of sunshine annually and attractions such as St. Andrews State Park and Pier Park, the region has long been favoured by travelers seeking an affordable beach vacation with year-round offerings for families, couples, groups and adventure-seekers.

These include championship golf courses, spas, sporting events, award-winning dining and diverse recreational activities. In addition, Panama City Beach’s Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport offers non-stop flights on Delta Airlines and Southwest Airlines. For more information, visit the official website of the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau at http://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com.

Panama City Beach, Florida, Events Hotlist 2015 Panama City Beach, Florida, reveals its hotlist of events for 2015. The northwest Florida coastal playground will be hosting more exciting events than ever before – with festivals and celebrations for the whole family.

“In Panama City Beach, we pride ourselves in having fun,” shares Dan Rowe, president and CEO of Visit Panama City Beach. “2014 was a record-breaking year for visitation, and with more events lined up in 2015 as well as new direct flights scheduled for Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport this spring, we invite everyone to join us at our Real.Fun.Beach.”

From Coaster to Coast Panama City Beach Announces New Flight from Orlando

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) is pleased to announce a new flight service with Silver Airways, linking Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Tampa International Airport (TPA), with the pristine beaches of Panama City Beach. The two, non-stop flights will begin a daily service from March 19 2015, meaning holiday makers can now easily combine the adrenaline of the Orlando theme parks with a relaxing beach stay on Florida’s Northwest Coast.

The addition of Silver Airways at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is a huge milestone in the growth of the airport and Northwest Florida. “We’re excited that visitors will be able to reach our beautiful beaches even more easily, and see the part of Florida that the UK and European markets are only just discovering,” says Dan Rowe, President and CEO of Visit Panama City Beach. “Once you’ve seen our beaches and felt this sand for yourself, you’ll want to come back again and again.”

Flights are available to book online now: http://www.silverairways.com Panama City Beach, North West Florida is the ideal setting for a beach break, with 27 miles of beautiful white sandy beaches, emerald waters, and lots of family friendly activities. From building sandcastles and shelling the beach to water parks and nature trails, Panama City Beach offers endless amounts of fun 6 on FLORIDABound 22 FLORIDABOUND and relaxation for all. SUMMER 2015

Panama City Beach Top 5 Events in 2015: 1. February 13-14, 2015 Panama City Beach Mardi Gras & Music Festival Perfect for the whole family, the two-day Mardi Gras Festival is packed with live music, traditional float tours, Fat Tuesday Street Fair and of course, tasty Cajun cuisine. Headlining the festival will be Aaron Neville, of the Grammy award-winning Neville Brothers.

For more information, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com.

2. April 22-16, 2015 Seabreeze Jazz Festival Named ‘Top 10 Jazz Festival in the USA’ by JazzIZ Magazine and recently nominated as ‘Best Jazz Festival’ at the Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards, the Seabreeze Jazz Festival combines the top national smooth jazz artists with a full weekend of fun, sun, great beaches, and good times – all on the west end of Panama City Beach. The event now attracts over 20,000 fans from the USA, Canada, and Europe for the ultimate performance-packed weekend of jazz.

For more information, visit www.seabreezejazzfestival.com.

3. September 4-6, 2015 Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam, Sept. 4-6, 2015 This Labor Day weekend, the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam will bring the best of today’s country music to the beach. Festival-goers will get a chance to see many of the biggest names in country music as they take to the stage on the beach then, as the sun begins to set, patrons can ride free shuttles to the headline stage at Frank Brown Park. For more information, visit www.gulfcoastjam.com.

4. September 14-20, 2015 Lobster Festival and Tournament – Sept 14-20 Schooners Last Local Beach Club sets the stage for the largest lobster festival in Florida, as the 26th Annual Lobster Festival & Tournament, gives divers a chance to compete and attendees a chance to eat amazing lobster dishes. Tournament participants compete in a variety of categories including Spiny lobster, Shovelnose lobster and Big 6. Weigh-ins begin on Saturday and end Sunday, with grand prizes and a Lobster Feast. The popular Sand Sculpting Contest is now in its 18th year, and takes place on the beach behind Schooners. For more information, visit www.schooners.com.

5. October 8-10, 2015 Pirates of the High Seas Festival, Oct. 8-10, 2015 Columbus Day weekend will bring a wave of fun-filled adventures to Panama City Beach with the Pirates of the High Seas Fest.

Taking place throughout the coastal community, the festival will include an ensemble of parades and sword-swinging showdowns, culminating with a dueling fireworks display reenacting The Battle of the Seven Seas. For more information, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com.

Panama City Beach Calendar of Events in 2015: February 10: Winter Resident Senior Prom www.visitpanamacitybeach.com February 13-14: Panama City Beach Mardi Gras & Music Festival www.visitpanamacitybeach.com April 22-16: Seabreeze Jazz Festival www.seabreezejazzfestival.com April 29 – May 3: Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally www.thunderbeachproductions.com Summer 2015: FREE Summer Concert Series at the Aaron Bessant Park amphitheater July 4: 4th of July Spectacular September 4-6: Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam www.gulfcoastjam.com September 14-20: Lobster Festival and Tournament www.schooners.com September 25-26: Chasin’ the Sun Music Festival www.visitpanamacitybeach.com October 2015: Pier Fishing Challenge October 8-10: Pirates of the High Seas Festival www.visitpanamacitybeach.com October 16-17: Seafood and Music Festival www.PCBSeafoodFestival.com November 7: Ironman Florida www.ironmanflorida.com November 9-14: Emerald Coast Cruizin’ www.emeraldcoastcruizin.com December 31: Eighth Annual New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop www.visitpanamacitybeach.com

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Article courtesy of Florida Design’s MIAMI Home and Decor

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US NON-RESIDENT TAX SPECIALISTS Qualified US Tax Specialists offering US tax filing services to Non-resident homeowners and investors.

When a Non-Resident investor buys property in Florida and rents it out for more than 14 days, he is subject to the US Tax laws of the IRS and Florida State.

Owner Accounting Services What do we offer?

If you own or share property in the US, it is important to get expert advice from a tax professional. By choosing Owner Accounting Services, you are guaranteed just that!

We will take care of complex US tax compliance issues and guide you through the process.

Our company was established in Florida, in 2003 and is now UK based.

A British qualified Accountant can also advise on the UK tax implications of rental homeownership.

We are Enrolled Agents before the IRS and Certified Acceptance Agents.

We file your mandatory tax returns and provide the essential ITINs for all our clients as part of our service.

If you would like a ‘No Obligation’ discussion on any of the following issues: Applications for US Tax IDs (ITINs) Annual filing of 1040NRs or LLC tax returns Advice on Tangible Personal Property Tax returns and preparation of forms W8-ECI FIRPTA – on the sale of your US property. …we will set you on the right track and you can expect professional advice delivered in a friendly manner!

STEPHEN HARTER CGMA (ENROLLED AGENT) OWNER ACCOUNTING SERVICES LLP WARBURTON HOUSE, 14B EAGLE BROW LYMM, CHESHIRE, WA13 0LJ Tel: 01925 758330 Fax: 01925 758353 E-mail: info@owneraccounting.com Web Site: www.owneraccounting.com

Florida Taxes: A Quick Look Major taxes collected in Florida include sales and use tax, intangible tax and corporate income taxes.

Information regarding these and additional taxes can be located from the list below. There is no personal income tax in Florida.

• Florida Sales Tax: Florida sales tax rate is 6%.

• Florida State Tax: Florida does not have a state income tax.

• Florida Corporate Income Tax: Corporations that do business and earn income in Florida must file a corporate income tax return (unless they are exempt).

• Florida Property Tax: Florida Property Tax is based on market value as of January 1st that year.

Taxes in Florida Explained For decades, Florida has had one of the lowest tax burdens in the country, according to the independent research organization Tax Foundation. But not all taxes are created equal, and the state collects in a variety of ways that residents need to be aware of.

Income Tax: The strength of Florida’s low tax burden comes from its lack of an income tax, making them one of seven such states in the US. But Floridians still have to pay federal income taxes.

Estate Tax: Florida also does not assess an estate or inheritance tax. No portion of what is willed to an individual goes to the state.

Sales Tax: The state charges a 6% tax rate on the sale or rental of goods, with some exceptions such as groceries and medicine. Additionally, counties are able to levy local taxes on top of the state amount, and most do. For a complete list of the additional sales tax rates by county, visit the Florida Department of Revenue: http://dor.myflorida. com/dor/forms/2013/dr15dss.pdf

Use Tax: State sales tax needs to be paid for on internet or other out-of-state purchases, even if no tax was charged at the time of purchase, or were charged at a rate less than the Florida sales and use tax rate. While this includes taxable items bought in Florida, it mostly applies to items bought outside of the state which were brought in or delivered. Florida residents are required to report these sales and pay the use tax on them personally.

Property Tax: These rates are assessed at the local level and can vary by county, and they are based on the value of the property. Property taxes in Florida are some of the highest in the country, although there are several exemptions to try to lighten the load on some Floridians.

Property Tax Exemptions: Homestead Exemptions are available on primary residences in Florida.

These exemptions can be available up to $50,000. However, only the first $25,000 of this exemption applies to all taxes. The remaining $25,000 only applies to non-school taxes.

Widow(er) Exemptions: of $500 are available to widows and widowers who have not remarried. If you were divorced at the time of your ex-spouse’s death, you do not qualify for this exemption.

Senior Citizen Exemptions: are available in http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/property/taxpayers/pd f/FLsrhx.pdfcertain counties and cities only. They are valued up to $50,000 for residents 65 years old and older who have gross income below $20,000 in 2001 dollars, adjusted for inflation.

This exemption is in addition to the Homestead Exemption.

Total and Permanent Disability Exemptions: are available for homeowners who have a total and permanent disability. Quadriplegics who use their property as a homestead are exempt from all property taxes. Others who must use a wheelchair for mobility or are legally blind and have a gross income below $14,500 in 1991 dollars, adjusted for inflation, can be exempt from all property taxes as well.

Other Taxes: Florida collects taxes on many other goods and services residents pay for.

Documentary Stamp Taxes are assessed on documents that transfer interest in Florida real property, such as warranty deeds and quit claim deeds. Additional taxes are charged for fuels, tobacco products, communications services, and more.

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The Top 10 Reasons to

Charter in Miami

“What do you love most about Miami?”

Ask a hundred different visitors to this South Florida hotspot and you’ll likely receive a hundred very different answers. Whether it’s the endless stretch of warm white beaches, the vibrant city nightlife, or its distinct blend of cultural flavors, Miami lives up to the phrase ‘something for everyone’ like few other places can.

While this list is, by no means, definitive, it does give a glimpse of all that awaits you on a private yacht vacation from Miami. Choose from The Moorings’ fleet of spacious catamarans and enjoy premium comfort at sea as you explore in Miami and beyond.

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Incredible Weather It’s no coincidence that Miami resides in Florida, appropriately nicknamed ‘The Sunshine State’.

With average temperatures ranging between 71 and 86 degrees, Miami weather is some of the best in the country. Paired with calm ocean conditions and steady winds up to 17 knots, you’ll move with ease between Miami and the beautiful Florida Keys.

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World-Renowned Beaches Attracting some of the world’s most beautiful and affluent travelers, South Beach is famed for its breathtaking scenery and chic, upscale atmosphere, but your choices don’t stop there.

Just a brief voyage south from The Moorings marina, Key Biscayne offers a secluded beach experience complete with myriad opportunities for recreation and relaxation in two neighboring parks.

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Vibrant Arts From the signature art-deco buildings to boutique galleries and acclaimed annual festivals, there’s no shortage of visual beauty in this South Florida city. Visit Perez Art Museum Miami and immerse yourself in a world of expression, or window shop the numerous galleries on an evening stroll down Ocean Drive.

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World-renowned beaches

Endless activity Superb shopping

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Tantalizing Cuisine Take a vibrant blend of cultural traditions and contemporary flavors, combine them with a prime seaside location, and you’ve got a recipe for some of the country’s most mouthwatering cuisine. Feast on traditional Cuban dishes like roasted pork and fried plantains in Miami; grab a fresh-caught grouper sandwich in Marathon; or head to Key Largo for a signature slice of key lime pie.

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Unbeatable Nightlife When the sun goes down, the night heats up in world-renowned dance clubs, bars and lounges along the Miami waterfront. As you continue your voyage, complete your days with refreshing cocktails and magnificent sunset views from any one of many beach bars throughout the Keys.

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Superb Shopping While Miami is a mecca for designer brands and premium shopping, the neighboring Keys have a bounty of unique boutiques and galleries perfect for finding those memorable keepsakes. Browse the shops in Islamorada for one-of-a-kind artwork, jewelry, sweet treats and more.

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Endless Activity Ready for adventure? A Miami charter offers myriad opportunities for fun in the sun. Hike the trails of Elliott Key, located within the 170,000-acre Biscayne National Park; fish off the coast of Islamorada, “the Sport Fishing Capital of the World”; or dive in and discover America’s first undersea park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park off the shores of Key Largo.

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Onboard Fun A Moorings yacht is far more than a means of transportation; it’s a home on the water.

Whether you choose a high-performance power yacht like the 474PC or a swift sail catamaran like The Moorings 3900, you’ll enjoy resort-style comfort complete with en-suite staterooms, fully furnished interiors and spacious layouts for groups of up to 10.

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All

Extraordinary Sights With turquoise waters below, clear skies ahead and everyday worries fading in the wake, you might have to pinch yourself to make sure you’re not dreaming. Sometimes, words can’t describe the allure of the Florida coast, but when you first see the endless ocean horizon, the sunset glow reflecting off the bow, you know you’ve found paradise on earth.

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The Freedom to do it All Above all else, a private yacht charter gives you the freedom to do more of what you want, when you want, in Miami and beyond. Spend each day in a new locale, or shore up for an extended stay in your favorite port. Experience the popular attractions or venture from the beaten path. Time at sea should be spent in a way you’ll want to cherish for years. Escape with The Moorings and make your time on the water truly unforgettable.

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The Freedom to do it

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Miami100 Miami Beach turns 100 in 2015 and the centennial year is the perfect time to explore ‘America’s Riviera.’ To help you get started, the Visit Florida website offers you a list of 100 things to do on your visit. Go to www.visitflorida.com for the full list.

4. Crack open some fresh claws at the 100-year-old Joe’s Stone Crab. You’ll likely have to wait for a table but it’ll be worth it.

16. Check out a concert or comedy show at The Fillmore at Jackie Gleason Theater, a historic landmark.

100. Go jogging on the 56. Gather your thoughts among the blooming exotic trees and Japanese-style landscaping with a red bridge and stone lanterns at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden.

Boardwalk, which stretches for 40 blocks with plenty of places to stop for a drink or a snack.

41. Lounge year-round at one of the three infinity azure pools, all temperature-controlled, at the Setai Hotel.

48. Unwind with a soothing

27. Feast your eyes on the epitome of opulence known as the

Hamam mud bath, an acupuncture session or a sensual ‘sound shower’ at The Standard spa.

Versace Mansion on Ocean Drive, formerly one of America’s most expensive homes owned by Gianni Versaci, with 11 bathrooms and a pool lined in mosaic tiles and 24k gold.

It’s now a boutique hotel known as The Villa by Barton G.

53. Try a real Cuban sandwich, 2. Take a narrated Historic Art Deco District tour by foot or bike. See stunning architectural landmarks from the 1920s and beyond and hear the interesting stories behind them.

hot-pressed, or some tender ropa vieja with a side of plantains at the no-frills, diner-style Puerto Sagua.

80. Rent beach scooters for your main mode of transportation for the weekend. You’ll enjoy seeing the city from a bike and find parking a little easier.

5. Navigate the streets and beachside walkways using Miami’s bike share program.

97. Grab a coffee and snack and watch an indie flick at the Miami Beach Cinematheque & Gallery.

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Explore the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

By Gary McKechnie To see Florida the way it was before there were buildings, billboards, subdivisions, (and electricity even), I’d suggest you head off the beaten path to just east of Titusville and the Black Point Drive entrance to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Covering more than 140,000 acres, the natural preserve is a throwback to a simpler time, when it didn’t take a thrill ride or a 3D film to entertain you.

It’s also a throwback to the early days of America’s space program, since the refuge (established in 1963) was needed to provide a buffer zone between civilization and the ready-to-launch rockets.

At the visitor’s center you can watch a video about your surroundings, hike a nearby trail, and look for manatees from a viewing area. You’ll also find boat launch areas and sites for fishing.

Along seven-mile Black Point Drive Loop, the pleasure is in a slow and meandering exploration on a dirt road that crosses a variety of ecosystems and reveals an abundance of wildlife (often camouflaged by the surroundings). According to the rangers, more than 50 species of waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds, and raptors live here.

A little more than midway through the drive you’ll find restrooms as well as a hiking trail that leads further into the wilderness. About 100 yards away, an observation beckons and should you go to it and climb the steps, the surrounding view is majestic in that “I didn’t realize how pretty emptiness can be” sort of way.

The wide expanse of land, the new (yet familiar) sight of Florida, the understanding that the slower you drive the more you’ll see... it all conspires to remind you of the natural beauty that’s available to us every day.

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Sawgrass Mills

If shopping’s your bag, you’ll find it in Florida.

Here’s a roundup of some places where you can find whatever you might possibly want or need in the Sunshine State.

Fort Lauderdale: On West Sunrise Boulevard in Sunrise, you’ll find Sawgrass Mills, the largest outlet shopping mall in the United States with more than 350 stores.

Baytowne Wharf

Fort Myers/Naples: A successful shopping centre relies on environment as much as the goods in the stores. Prepare to be charmed by the downtown vibe at 5th Avenue South in Naples.

Jacksonville: Every city has a one-stop-shop for entertainment, food and retail therapy, and in downtown Jacksonville, that place is Jacksonville Landing on the St. Johns River.

Florida Mall

Key West: Before you head to Mallory Square to witness one of Key West’s world famous sunsets, venture into Clinton Square Market, nestled between the historic Custom House and the Key West Aquarium.

Orlando: If you just want to take a break from the parks, head to one of Orlando’s luxurious shopping malls, including the Florida Mall or the Mall at Millenia.

Palm Beach/West Palm Beach: Worth Avenue isn’t just one of the most sought-after shopping locales in Florida. It’s one of the most sought-after locales in the country.

Panama City Beach: No trip to Panama City Beach is complete without shopping time at Pier Park, an outdoor complex with an IMAX movie theater, restaurants, live music venues and 124 stores.

Duvall Street, Key West

Pensacola: Head to the Portofino Boardwalk for shopping, dining and entertainment in Pensacola Beach.

Sandestin: The Villages at Baytowne Wharf is an outdoor shopping and eating area located in the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort.

Tampa Bay: The place to see and be seen is International Plaza and Bay Street, the most upscale shopping stop in town.

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ORLANDO –

Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, Orlando is central to most of Florida’s most thrilling attractions. The city is filled with so many theme parks, nature reserves, shopping destinations and family attractions that you will never experience a dull moment on your trip to central Florida. We recommend taking extra time to make memories with your family.

Family Attractions Orlando, Florida, USA is home to many major theme parks and unique family attractions. Visit Walt Disney World, which is divided into four different parks, each offering a distinctive experience, or Orlando’s other major theme park destination, Universal Studios, where you can ride movie-themed roller coasters at the Island of Adventure, get accepted into the mythical Hogwarts at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and see how the magic happens behind the screen at the main park.

You can also add a little wilderness to your adventure by visiting Sea World, Busch Gardens, Discovery Cove, and Florida’s own Gatorland! Or discover something strange at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium and the upside-down world of Wonderworks.

• Walt Disney World Theme Parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom) • Universal Studios (Islands of Adventure, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Wet ‘n Wild) • Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach • Disney Quest at Downtown Disney • Sea World (Aquatica, Busch Gardens) • Gatorland

Studios CityWalk.

• Hard Rock Live Coliseum of Rock ‘n Roll • House of Blues • Atlantic Dance Hall • Blue Man Group Museums & Culture The Orlando area is also host to a great number of museums and art galleries including the Orlando Science Museum, the Morse Museum (home of the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany), and the Orlando Museum of Art. After you see all you can in the Orlando area, less than one hour away from the convention site is the Kennedy Space Center, which is a must visit location for space enthusiasts and science fans.

Or if you’re heading west toward the Gulf of Mexico, you can make a destination out of the highly-interactive, family-friendly Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa.

• Kennedy Space Center (Cape Canaveral) • Museum of Science and Art (Daytona Beach) • Orlando Museum of Art • Orlando Science Center Nature A wonderful detail about Florida being the destination for the 2014 Convention is the diverse landscape. Just outside the bustling tourist attractions are many different nature preserves (Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve, Ocala National Forest, Florida Everglades) and zoos where you can get a first-hand look at Florida’s wildlife. And of course you cannot visit Florida without experiencing the 120,000 miles of beaches!

• Discovery Cove • Wonderworks • Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium Live Music & Entertainment Outside of the major parks are many venues and theaters offering live music and entertainment. See live performances by Cirque Du Soleil and the Blue Man Group or enjoy shows at the Hard Rock Live (dubbed the Coliseum of Rock ‘n Roll) at Universal 36

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Sports Looking for a one-of-a-kind experience outside of the theme parks? In Orlando, you can skydive indoors (iFly Orlando), drive at top speeds of 120 MPH (Richard Petty Driving Experience), visit professional athlete training facilities (ESPN Wide World of Sports), and golf on Florida’s famed greens.

A HUB OF ACTIVITY

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Top Summer Beach Body Treatments Boobs

Wobbly Arms

Taming a Tummy the Booty

Scars & Stretch Marks

Cellulite

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Jill Zander, Founder of the Jill Zander Skin Rejuvenation Clinic, shares the latest high-tech body-perfecting treatments to help cheat your way to a buff beach body this summer. Get ready, the countdown is on!

Best for: Boobs

Best for: Wobbly Arms

NEW! Frozen Frontier Cleavage Facial Technology: Cold therapy and plant stem cells How it works: The sub-zero treatment tightens, nourishes and rejuvenates boobs using plant stem cells. A special ball of ice stimulates vascular microcirculation and encourages the cellular active ingredients to better absorb. Results are instant, with improvement after 12 hrs.

Treatments Needed: One a month Price: £95 per treatment

NEW! 3D Lipo Cryolipolysis Technology: Cryolipolysis How it works: Exposure to cooling causes fat cell apoptosis – a natural, controlled cell death, which leads to the release of cytokines and other inflammatory mediators that gradually eliminate the affected fat cells. Arms will be slimmer and smoother.

Treatments Needed: Only 1 treatment Price: £350 per treatment

Best for: Taming a Tummy

Best for: Cellulite

Exilis – Skin Tightening Technology: Radio Frequency and Focused Ultrasound How it works: A combination of high energy, mono polar radio frequency and ultrasound deliver deep thermal heat into the skin resulting in collagen remodeling, skin tightening, and fat loss. Scientifically proven to treat laxity and melt fat within several painless treatment sessions.

Treatments Needed: Up to 4, 2 weeks apart Price: £350 per treatment

NEW! BodyShock Technology: Acoustic Wave Shock Therapy & Topical Active Ingredients How it works: A bespoke programme for each person’s specific type of cellulite is created. Includes Lipotripsy acoustic wave shock therapy, a body peel, serum, active solution, mask and firming gel.

Treatments Needed: up to 10, twice weekly Price: £220 per area, per treatment

Best for: Scars & Stretch Marks

Best for: the Booty

Legato Technology: iPixelRF Technology + IMPACT Ultrasound How it works: Legato Fractional Skin Resurfacing helps to resurface scars and stretch marks and stimulates collagen production and allows for effective delivery of cosmeceutical products into the skin, leading to regeneration and rejuvenation. Scars and stretch mark become smoother and less visible.

Treatments Needed: Up to 6, 3-4 weeks apart Price: From £100 per area, per treatment

Advanced 3D Lipo Body Contouring & Skin Tightening Technology: Cavitation, Cryolipolysis, Radio Frequency & 3D Dermology How it works: 3D-Lipo combines Cavitation and Cryolipolysis to physically destroy fat cells which are naturally drained by the body. With the combination of Radio Frequency and 3D-Dermology, you are also able to combine an effective skin tightening treatment.

Treatments Needed: Up to 8, 1 week apart Price: £150 per area, per treatment

For further information, please contact: Sarah Allen sarah@truegracepr.com T: 020 8241 8998 Jill Zander Skin Rejuvenation Clinic www.jillzander.co.uk SUMMER 2015 FLORIDABOUND

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Are You Florida Bound?

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Consider the reasons for buying property in Florida.

Attractions include the climate, favourable exchange rates and the availability of flights (and bargain fares) from all major UK airports. Few purchasers appear to be put off by travel time – a minimum of eight hours from London, depending on whereabouts in the state you are flying to.

As the US economy recently slid into recession and the long-standing property boom came to an end, many developers in Florida have faced tough market conditions in which to promote their projects. One consequence of this has been that intrepid British buyers have been able to get some great discounts on new properties. Another is that the exchange rate between the US Dollar and Sterling means Brits are getting far more property for their Pounds.

Consider popular locations in Florida. This guide gives a flavour of the areas of Florida most popular with British second home purchasers – the central region around Orlando, the east (Atlantic) coast and the resorts on the southwest (Gulf) coast.

Central Florida – The central part of the state, particularly around Tampa and Orlando, has long been a favourite with British holidaymakers, especially families, as it is there that most of the big attractions are located, including Disney World, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens and Sea World.

Unlike some other parts of Florida, it is warm all year round, and there is less rain than in coastal areas.

Its popularity, and the resulting healthy rental market, which offers owners the best returns in Florida, makes the area a magnet for both second home purchasers and buy-to-let investors. Prices reflect this, but generally still represent good value as the volume of new construction helps keep them competitive. Most purchasers here are looking for detached villas with pools.

The Gulf Coast – In July and August, the potential for letting properties, certainly to families, is not as good, but growing. However, it makes up for these disadvantages with magnificent white beaches, azure seas, plentiful moorings and fine restaurants – attributes that have made it popular with the super-rich. Around 60 per cent of the US’s

wealthiest citizens winter in Naples or Sarasota on the Gulf Coast, or in Palm Beach/Boca Raton, on the Atlantic Coast. Consequently, the Gulf Coast is a hugely expensive area. Houses on the waterfront, in particular, command prices easily in excess of twice those of similar-sized ones in the Orlando area. Properties further inland (less than two miles and still close to the beach) or up the coast are slightly less expensive. For investment properties, consider buying a home within 5 miles (8.0 km) of the coast line. Sarasota is one of the fastest growing cities on the Gulf Coast with a large European and expat population, in contrast with the more Northeastern-centric population in Naples, Florida.

Tampa

The Atlantic Coast – Florida’s Atlantic Coast stretches from St Augustine through Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami, right down through the Florida Keys to Key West. It includes some of North America’s most desirable (and expensive) locations, such as Palm Beach, where prices routinely run to millions of dollars. However, not everywhere on the Atlantic Coast is this pricey, and if you choose your location carefully, you can find a three-bedroom house with a pool for around $250,000 (approximately £125,000).

An apartment in a good area of Miami will start from around $300,000 (about £150,000) – not bad considering how much the city offers: beautiful beaches, blue seas, non-stop nightlife, a varied arts and culture scene, fascinating Art Deco architecture and a consistently warm climate.

There is currently a boom in high-rise and downtown developments in Sarasota and Miami as more Americans have chosen to relocate to Florida.

So, the choice is now up to you. Whatever you decide, you can be sure that Florida will offer you an amazing lifestyle in the sun.

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As the second most visited country in the world, the USA continues to be one of the most popular car rental destinations for Affordable Car Hire, with the Sunshine State of Florida leading year on year.

With prices starting from just £15 per day*, you can experience the holiday of a lifetime travelling around Orlando’s popular theme parks; explore the subtropical paradise of Key West and soak up Miami’s vibrant culture – all in a single visit.

Book your Florida car hire with Affordable for zero excess,free additional driver and free upgrade offers. Young driver packages from just £10 per day and there are no one-way fees within the state of Florida.

For a limited period only we are offering no summer high season supplement**. If you upgrade to our platinum package you will have a tank of fuel and unlimited additional drivers included.

For further details visit www.affordablecarhire.com or call our Reservations Team on 0845 9000 420.

*£15 per day rate is based on May 2015 pick up’s and based on a economy size vehicle **All offers are subject to availability and applicable to selected suppliers and locations.

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Surviving long haul

Erica Ho is the founder and editor of Map Happy.

When she’s not writing about travel, well, she’s just planning her next trip.

I think it’s safe to say that few people enjoy long-haul flights. But here’s how to safely survive a couple of days trapped in an aluminum canister with your sanity intact.

Some flights pass by in the blink of an eye; some drag on forever. The good news is that some flights are better than others and there are things that will help mitigate the journey along the way. Don’t also underestimate the power of dread; long-haul flights are intimidating if you travel infrequently, but it’s not near as bad as you think it is after the hundredth time.

I’ve definitely flown my fair share, including some rough routes. The worst flight I’ve ever endured involved a 12-hour flight from Hong Kong to Istanbul, followed by another 13-hour flight from Istanbul to Los Angeles. Instead of traditionally flying over the Pacific, I basically flew in the other direction. The layover was eight hours long. (It was cheap and it was for the holidays, what can I say?)

It should be noted that this advice mostly applies to people who are flying international long-haul flights in economy class. If you’re in business class, you might want to take your glass of wine and see how the other half do it.

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Seating Like on any flight, a good seat is paramount. On a transcontinental or transoceanic flight, though, trust me, you want an aisle seat. No matter how much you hate it, there is no way anyone can avoid the airplane bathroom over a 12-hour period.

If you’re sitting in an airplane that has a three-row configuration—where there is a section of seats on the left side of the plane, followed by a middle section, and section on the right side—you should opt for one of the aisle seats in the middle section in particular. Though it may not seem obvious, this seat has several advantages.

Most importantly, it gives you easy access to the aisle and bathroom while also giving the people sitting in the middle seats two options to get to the aisle. This should automatically reduces your chances of getting climbed over (or having to politely exit your seat so others can get out) by 50 percent or somewhat significantly. The aisle seats toward the left and right section of the plane don’t have this advantage.

Moving It’s actually quite important to keep the blood flowing while you’re sitting down for ages. Though it’s not happened to me personally, AllThingsD’s Kara Swisher suffered a transient ischemic attack, or a ‘mini stroke,’ on a plane en route to Hong Kong a couple of years ago when blood temporarily stopped flowing to her brain.

For those concerned, some of the foreign carriers are pretty good at demonstrating in-flight exercises in their safety videos. (CNN also has an instructional airline yoga article, who knew?)

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I always use bathroom breaks as a periodic opportunity to stretch my legs and either hang out in the back of the galley, at least for a few minutes, or walk down the aisle once or twice.

Eating In the days leading up to the flight, I would stick to fairly light and healthy meals. There’s nothing worse than sitting with a Mexican burrito like a stone in your stomach when you’re trapped in an aluminized tube of claustrophobia. When you combine this with large periods of no movement, you’re going to feel pretty gross.

Though some people suggest skipping the meal service to combat jet lag, this depends on your own personal discipline. (I have a particularly strong sense of smell and the olfactory cues kick in my hunger pangs. Even watching The Food Network is sometimes a form of masochism.) Airlines actually tend to serve more correct portions—think Asian and European sizes – so I just generally take whatever the flight attendant puts in front of me.

However, if that’s not going to be enough, pack something that’s easy to snack on.

can personally tell you this as someone who once fainted in the middle of an aisle during a 9-hour flight from Singapore to Australia.

During the meal service is when the aisle seat particularly comes into handy. Once the food is served and half of the plane begins to digest their food, you can be sure that the bathroom is going to be pretty popular soon. Don’t forget the fact you’re most likely on a pretty big-ass plane, which means there are lots of people on board. If you wait too long to do your business, you run the risk of being uncomfortable in your seat while everyone uses the loo.

In fact, there is an opportune time to go. There should be a fairly short window when the flight attendants have served the food and are no longing blocking the path to the bathroom just right before the meal trays are collected. Now, for some reason, people like to wait until the trays are collected before getting up from your seat. This is actually your golden opportunity, should you choose to take it.

Though it’s annoying to hold up your tray table and set it back down to get to the aisle, it’s going to be a lot more annoying waiting for six people to finish using the bathroom. Going to the bathroom during this in-between time ensures you won’t have to wait later, and even better, it means that you still have a relatively clean bathroom before everyone else has used it. This is especially true if this just happens to occur after the first meal service.

Sleeping

In terms of tangible objects, investing in a cheap eye mask and earplugs work magic, and I do mean ‘magic’ in terms of improving the quality of your sleep and regulating your circadian rhythm by limiting light. Travel pillows do considerably less in comparison; pillows are one of those things you’re better off using the complimentary one onboard. Not only are most airline pillows sufficient, you’ll also have one less thing to carry on the plane with you.

Getting to actual sleep is a far trickier business.

Some people swear by complete sleep deprivation; I prefer to do things a little bit less drastically, especially if you have to work in the days preceding the trip. That said, shortening your normal sleep by a few hours does help. (Lastminute packing does wonders!) It’s not necessary, however, to feel like you need to get on the time zone of your destination immediately. This will either occur eventually or not at all.

In frequent traveler circles, some people like to cite melatonin as one of the more natural remedies for visiting the Sandman. The truth is, though, this is really dependent on how your body reacts to it like any other drug. While I’ve had poor results, I know others who swear by it. I would prefer melatonin if it actually worked for me, but the alternative is using more traditional over-the-counter sleeping aids.

Though Ambien is one of the more popular sleeping pill brands, I’ve had excellent results with Unisom.

It knocks me out faster than a light on even half the suggested dosage. For a flight, I would suggest to take only a quarter of a pill. Personally, I’m not sure if I would try a sleeping aid for the first time on a flight without knowing how it affects me beforehand.

(Its active ingredient is doxylamine succinate but clearly check with your doctor before trying it. It can also leave users slightly groggy.)

Especially because international flights usually serve free booze, people often resort to alcohol to help them sleep. Unfortunately, not only is alcohol a depressant, it’s also a dehydrating agent, so I actually generally discourage drinking on the plane.

When you combine this with the pressurized cabin of an airplane, its effects can be amplified. I also

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The main thing I look at, besides connection points and costs, when booking flights more than anything else is the arrival time. One of the most important factors in beating jet lag has to do with remembering that it’s a lot easier to go to bed later than to wake up earlier. Keeping this in mind, flights that have a late afternoon or nighttime arrival are preferred. If you arrive earlier, all it means is that you’ll have to stay up a whole lot longer. (The key is to keep moving when you arrive until you have to go to bed; once you start resting, it’s game over.)

To get a good idea of when I should be sleeping on the plane, I usually immediately change the time settings to my destination on my phone once the aircraft is en route. Though it’s pretty tempting to pass the whole flight in a complete state of unconsciousness, sleeping the entire time can mess up your internal clock just as much.

Jet lag Everything starts from the minute you book the flight. If it’s inevitable that you’re going to have a flight with a connection, try booking the connection at the end. Nothing is more draining than beginning a 12-hour flight after you’ve spent three or five hours flying across the country just to get to the hardest portion of it. This may or may not be possible depending on where you live – travelers that live in major hub cities often have the most choices.

If you’re fortunate enough to be able to reverse the connection so it happens at the end, this puts the hardest part, the long-haul portion, upfront. Not only will you have more energy to deal with the most taxing part of the flight, but by the time you make the connection, you’ll be exhausted. It sounds counterintuitive, but it’s actually not: by the time you reach the connection, you’ll end up sleeping through most if not the entire second leg.

Most of the time, I end up passing the time in a wonderful, pure state of black unconsciousness.

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The cabin crew is pretty good at giving visual cues during a flight; for instance, they’ll dim the cabin lights when it’s a good time to rest or turn them completely on and be in-your-face during specific intervals. The point is to not be deterred if you can’t sync your body exactly, but to sleep proportionately when you need to. Even if the best you can do is to flip flop the waking and sleeping portions of the flight, it will still help overcome serious jet lag.

If you’re on a long-haul flight, the chances are pretty high that we’re looking at a minimum time zone shift of six to twelve hours (unless you’re travelling north-to-south or south-to-north). If I sleep for half or up to three-quarters of the flight to anticipate an approximately 12-hour time zone change, I consider that a job well done. I find 6-hour time zone changes – give or take a few hours – are the hardest to acclimate to. If you’re flying east to Europe from the U.S. East Coast, you’ll run into these.

In a nutshell…

The thing about most of these tips is that what may work for another person may be completely different, but like anything, it’s only over time and with lots of practice does someone get used to flying long distance. Still, many of the strategies I mentioned can cut down significantly on the stress of flying. The important thing to remember is that, thankfully, the flight does eventually end.

AIRPORT vered unco

Our lowdown on Florida’s airports.

We start with the popular tourist choice of Orlando International

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MCO: Orlando International Airport

Orlando International Airport is the secondbusiest airport in the state of Florida.

It has a large main terminal building and four airside concourses accessible via elevated tram systems or people movers. The main terminal building is divided into two terminals; A and B. The airport features an expansive lobby area for guests awaiting flights, convention space, several bars, and two restaurants.

Orlando is a major transportation hub for the Central Florida region and provides various ground transportation options including public transit, private transportation, and car rental.

Lynx: The local metro area public transportation system operates a sub-station at the airport with public bus service to Downtown Orlando and other area routes.

Disney’s Magical Express: A complimentary coach service runs to all twenty four Walt Disney World resort hotels.

Departing Orlando: Check-in for departing flights is on the Departures Level (Level 3) of Terminal A or Terminal B. Make sure you know which terminal you are due to depart from.

You may check-in with the skycaps on the curb if you are travelling within the US or you may also proceed inside the terminal, and check-in at one of the self-service kiosks. Or you may check-in at your airline’s ticket counter inside the terminal.

Once you have checked in and have your boarding pass, follow the overhead signage towards the gate from which your flight is departing.

Check on the flight information displays to check the gate and time of departure.

Cruiseline transportation: The airport serves as a major inbound gateway for cruise line passengers departing out of Port Canaveral.

Just before you board the AGT (train) to the gate area, you will pass through the Transportation Security Administration security checkpoint.

Taxis/Shuttles: Taxi cabs are available via a taxi stand line on the Ground Transportation level of both terminals.

In the hub of the Airside Terminal you will find a variety of facilities including bathrooms, telephones, restaurants and shops.

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on arrival...

Arriving international passengers who require immigration and/or customs clearance are processed through checkpoints in the airside terminal where they arrive. After clearing U.S. immigration, passengers collect their baggage and clear U.S. customs. After clearing customs, international passengers must ride the people mover to the main terminal.

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BUY YOUR DREAM HOME IN FLORIDA

57 New Homes for Sale in Providence Golf Resort

Exclusive launch price of $340,000 (ÂŁ218,000)* *subject to current exchange rate

Contact: sales@contempouk.co.uk 0843 289 1813 www.contempouk.co.uk

an excellent opportunity to add to your investment portfolio • 4/5 Bedrooms properties available • Private Pool • Beautiful Italian Style design • Generous Plots • Full Heating and Air Conditioning • Modern Fully Fitted Kitchens • Luxurious Master Suites and Bathrooms • High-Speed internet & WiFi • 5 Year Leaseback @ $1,600 pm • Full Furniture and TV package • 5 Years of running cost paid • 14 days owner usage • Full Management Service • Exclusive Supplier for Virgin Holidays in Florida

Rosemont Woods Vacation Village A gated golf community in the Orlando/Disney area, Florida

Reserve your lot for only $5,000 Email property@nova-travel.com for more details 56

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This beautiful Italianesque ‘Vacation Village’ will be managed by Contempo Florida Holidays and exclusively rented by Virgin Holidays.

A 2,200 pristine acre setting in Central Florida with exquisite homes and numerous amenities.

It’s a place where manicured landscapes meet rippling lakes that gracefully tie together the Michael Dasher designed golf course.

The beauty of nature has been preserved as well with more than half of Providence conservation and green areas.

At Providence, you can enjoy: 

A championship golf course designed by Michael Dasher

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An elaborate golf clubhouse, with pro shop, lounge and restaurant with seating for up to 200 people

Rosemont Woods will consist of 57 fully furnished pool homes ranging from 1,938 sq.ft. to 2,378 sq.ft. under air, respectively 2,611 sq.ft to 3,270 sq.ft under roof with the largest vacation home sites at Providence.

These new homes will feature distinct architectural and exterior details, a multitude of energy-saving features, luxurious master suites and baths, superior interior attributes and 10 year structural warranty. 

Full vacation home property management for Disney Area homeowners

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Two swimming pools

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Allocated ‘Personal Managers’

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Lighted tennis courts

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A family-oriented fitness and aquatic centre, featuring state-of-the-art exercise equipment

High profile Contempo Plaza management centre

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Housekeeping and commercial laundry service

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In-house maintenance and repairs including pool and lawn

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Monthly computer accounting

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Newly designed hi-tech online reservation system

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All homes feature wireless high speed internet with VOIP telephones

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Rental program that is second to none – we are Virgin Holidays preferred supplier for vacation pool homes in the Disney Area

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24-hour manned gatehouse

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Wide sidewalks for safe bicycling, jogging and walking, boating and fishing lake

At Providence, you’re close to:  Walt Disney World Resort (15 min)  Sea World (20 min)  Universal Studios (25 min)  LEGOLAND (25 min)  Orlando Airport (30 min)  Atlantic beaches (60 min)  Gulf beaches (90 min)

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BRINDISI

The Brindisi – a 1,938 sq foot house with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a garage for 2 cars.

GENOA

Brindisi floor plan

Genoa floor plan

The Genoa – a 2,129 sq foot house with 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and a garage for 2 cars.

Email property@nova-travel.com for more details Rosemont Woods site plan 58

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RIMINI

Rimini floor plan

The Rimini – a 2,378 sq foot house with 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and a garage for 2 cars.

Each home features: Architectural and exterior details  Beautifully designed transitional style elevations  Tile roof  Raised banding on the front elevation  4 colour exterior paint schemes  Swimming pool with heater  Paneled garage doors  Pre-wires for garage door opener  Fiberglass 6-panel, insulated 8’ high front door, per plan  Decorator style windows  Covered lanai on all plans  Covered front entry  Acrylic decking on rear lanai and front entry  Concrete masonry construction  Wood frame walls above first floor – 2 storey plans  Irrigation system  St. Augustine sodded lawn  Upgraded landscape package  3 exterior weatherproof outlets  2 exterior hose bibs  Underground utilities  Steel reinforced concrete slabs  Engineered roof trusses with hurricane tie-downs  Coach lights Energy saving features Energy efficient hood vents  Maintenance free aluminum fascia  Fifoil insulation on block walls  50 Gallon water heater  Programmable Z-wave thermostat  Front door lock with Z-wave technology  R-11 insulation on second storey exterior walls  Low E windows 

Kitchen features 50/50 undermount stainless steel sink  Whirlpool® cook top  Whirlpool® microwave/oven combo 

    

Whirlpool® dishwasher Whirlpool® 21.8 ft side-by-side refrigerator Island kitchen – all plans Designer 42” maple wood cabinets Granite countertops

Luxurious master suites and baths Tiled showers with glass enclosures in master bath, per plan  Elongated commodes  Cultured marble vanity tops in all baths 

Interior details Baby howe castings and ogee baseboards  Shaw® tile in all wet areas and throughout first floor excluding bedrooms  2 panel interior doors  Ventilated closet and pantry shelving  Marble window sills  ‘Knock-down’ finish ceilings  High speed cat 5 telephone outlets in kitchen and master bedrooms  High resolution RG-6 cable TV outlets in family room and all bedrooms  Fans in family/great room and all bedrooms  ‘Rocker’ style light switches  Kwikset® dorian lever door knobs in all rooms  Whirlpool® washer and dryer  Broadview™ security system  2” faux wood blinds 

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Florida Property Purchase – the facts...

The Floridian system of property purchase is quite different from the UK’s and has several pitfalls for those unfamiliar with it, so appropriate professional guidance is essential.

In Florida, nearly every property for sale is listed on a central database available to all estate agents (known as realtors in the US), so there is no need to visit individual agents.

Agents tend to work as seller’s agents or buyer’s agents. It is wise to consult a buyer’s agent experienced in working with British purchasers.

Cover the costs. To cover legal, title insurer and notary fees, title insurance premiums, transfer taxes, property taxes and mortgage fees (if applicable), you should allow around five per cent of the purchase price.

Understand the purchase process. Once a price is agreed, the purchaser pays a small goodwill deposit before making a formal offer in the form of a purchase contract. When signed, this is binding, though contingency clauses allow either side to withdraw in defined circumstances. A 10 per cent deposit is then paid into an escrow account. A title insurance company scrutinises the public records and insures the property against any third party claims. Completion, including the transfer of the balance of the purchase price into the escrow account, can then take place.

Time is a crucial element of the US home-buying system. If you fail to observe dates stipulated in the contract, you risk losing your deposit.

Obtain a mortgage. When working out how to finance your property purchase, consider all the options. Paying cash, if you can afford to, is often recommended, but you may not want to tie up a relatively large sum in this way. If this is an option for you, be sure to consult one of the specialist currency exchange companies in the market, as you can get far better exchange rates and potentially save thousands in the process. The other options are remortgaging your UK home or arranging a mortgage on your Florida property through a UK or US lender. Remortgaging offers the easiest solution. Releasing equity in a UK home means that the second home can be purchased for cash, without the need for another mortgage. However, this may only be feasible for those who own their first home outright. Several UK mortgage providers will lend funds of up to 80 per cent of the purchase price for second home purchase over, typically, a 15-year term.

Get a mortgage in Florida. If you decide to obtain finance in the US, bear in mind that most mortgages available to foreign nationals require a minimum 20 per cent down payment. Some even stipulate 30 or 35 per cent. At the beginning of the process, make sure you obtain what is known as a Good Faith Estimate. This is a standardised document used to detail all the costs of obtaining your mortgage, including both monthly and one-off payments.

If possible, try to secure a self-certified mortgage. Unlike in the UK, this kind of mortgage does not necessarily carry a higher interest rate than a fully documented mortgage, and it could save you a lot of time and trouble spent assembling documents.

Understand the taxation system. The US taxation system is a complex one, and may involve payments to at least four different levels of government: local, regional, state and federal. A Double Taxation Treaty between the US and the UK prevents double payment of taxes.

Income tax, a progressive tax ranging from zero to 35 per cent of taxable income, forms the bulk of taxes collected by the US government.

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Florida ranks lower than many other US states in terms of the tax burden it imposes. It is one of only nine states that do not levy a personal income tax.

More than half of its non-federal revenue is collected at local level, mostly through property taxes, which, for homeowners, amount to approximately 1.5 per cent of their property’s value per annum.

All rental income in Florida is subject to tax, which is charged on a sliding scale (currently 15 to 34 per cent), depending on the amount. ‘Intangible personal property’ (that is, stocks, bonds, mutual funds and so on) is also taxed.

Florida’s sales and use taxes provide over half of state revenue. Sales tax applies to most retail items (excluding groceries, medicines and certain other items), as well as to car and hotel room rentals and theatre tickets. The rate is currently 6 per cent.

Local governments may levy an additional local sales tax of up to 1.5 per cent. The use tax is levied on wholesale items brought into Florida for sale.

Get the right passports, visas and residency sorted. Passports and visas – British citizens may visit the US for business or pleasure without a visa for up to 90 days per year. A passport is required.

The traditional Visa Waiver programme in operation for most European nationals allowing them to stay in the US for up to 90 days is set to change in January 2009. From this point, all travelers wishing to use the Visa Waiver will be required to register themselves online before departure for the US. This should preferably be done at least 72 hours in advance, and is intended to afford an extra layer of security for the US authorities. The online registration will be valid for up to two years; will be named the Electronic System for Travel Authorization; and will be similar to Australia’s Electronic Travel Authority in operation. The ESTA is also valid for multiple entries into the US, so for property owners it is possible to fill out the online registration once and then travel for two years under the normal Visa Waiver Programme.

face close scrutiny by the Immigration and Naturalization Service, particularly if they wish to start a business.

Those not planning to work, including retirees, must be able to demonstrate substantial means.

This can be an obstacle to many people’s dream of retiring to Florida.

EB-5 Investment Visas for those wishing to immigrate into the United States of America.

Have an immigration and real estate attorney advise and assist you in selecting the best means for your individual needs and investment taxation strategies dependant on your purpose, to immigrate or just invest.

Contact a professional Florida realtor and select your types of investment properties and then have the attorney set up offshore holding corporations in which to own your investment properties. This should provide legally attractive tax benefits to foreign investors vs owning and then later selling as a foreigner and being taxed as such.

Select your type of visa from the multiple visas available which best suits your needs weather it is an EB-5 Investment or any of the other visas readily available to you as an investor in the USA. Individual circumstances will vary widely, so it is essential to obtain professional advice and guidance tailored to your particular situation, especially in areas such as property purchase, potential rental returns, taxation and mortgages.

Although there are no restrictions on foreigners buying a property in Florida or anywhere else in the US, there are limits to how long they can spend in the country each year. Many areas of Florida also impose restrictions on the number of days per year that homeowners are allowed to let their property.

Some ban letting altogether, so if you are counting on your property in Florida to pay for itself through rentals in any way, it is vital that you know what the letting situation is as early as possible.

Those wishing to stay between 90 days and six months must hold a B2 visa. To be successful, applicants must prove they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay.

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Join the Owners Club of Florida today and you too could enjoy some of the fantastic benefits of being a member.

We are continually striving hard to obtain beneficial travel arrangements and discounts with our chosen suppliers.We do this by using our buying power through our many members.

The more members we have, the better discounts we can achieve.

As you will see from the website, as soon as you become a member you will benefit from booking specially negotiated air travel with Virgin Atlantic, as well as a guaranteed lowest price on attraction tickets.

A number of other special offers are being negotiated currently including local attractions, restaurants, shopping and events!

FLIGHTS WITH VIRGIN ATLANTIC With our exclusive contract enjoy special fares and conditions when flying your family from the UK to USA. DISCOUNTED CAR RENTAL Whether you wish to rent a compact car, a van or a convertible! Members can benefit from our offers with Alamo Rent-a-Car. HOME & TRAVEL INSURANCE Why not let the club provide you with cheaper travel insurance whilst also covering your Orlando home.

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BENEFITS OF JOINING THE OWNERS CLUB OF FLORIDA Here are just a few great reasons to join the Owners Club Of Florida:  Pay only a deposit of £30 per person at time of booking (Virgin will charge full price at time of booking)

 Balance due just 6 weeks prior to travel (Most companies have a balance due of 8-12 weeks prior to travel)

 Build up/accrue miles with Virgin Atlantic s Flying Club (Miles cannot be used to pay for flights with the owner s club, but owners can accrue their miles and then when they have enough use them for flights directly with Virgin)

 All flights fully ATOL protected  Extremely competitive prices  Prices guaranteed at time of booking (No additional taxes or increases in tax will be passed on to owners club members, except Government imposed airport fees)

 Date changes allowed free of charge up to 6 weeks prior to travel (subject to availability)

FLORIDABOUNDproperty in conjunction with

Check out our latest properties for sale around central Florida. For all enquiries please email us on property@nova-travel.com

4 bedroom house – USD $215,000 Rebecca Drive, Haines City, 33844 This 4 bed/2 bath home has a very sunny sitting area situated around the main TV which also features a DVD player and VCR, as well as a dining area with large kitchen.

The kitchen features all appliances such as a dishwasher, large fridge and full size cooker with microwave. The home also has a separate laundry area and the home is fully air conditioned for your comfort. Wireless internet.

Outside you will find your own pool with fully furnished sun deck. The pool is inviting and is heatable if you desire.

5 bedroom house – USD $275,000 Heron Hill, Clermont, 34714 This beautiful 5 bedroom home has been furnished to the highest of standard and offering so much and more for your vacation. There are 3 master bedrooms all with ensuite bathrooms with an additional family bathroom. The living areas have been sumptuously furnished and offer 2 sitting rooms, one of which is a family room with entertainment unit featuring a playstation with games as well as a large TV with DVD player.

The other sitting room is more formal and sits next to the dining room. The kitchen is modern with all appliances such as a dishwasher, large fridge and full size cooker to name but a few. The feel of this home is light and airy giving you so much space for all your family. A laundry room finishes off the rooms and of course the home is fully air conditioned.

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4 bedroom house – USD $204,500 Oakpoint Cir Davenport, 33837 This home is located in Oakpoint one of the most quiet communities on Ronald Regan Road in the area of Champions Gate.

This beautiful single storey home has 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and is cozy with an open feel. There is a formal seating area in the kitchen, formal dining area in living room area and breakfast nook.

The 4 bedrooms are elegantly furnished. The master bedroom with en-suite has a TV & DVD, with a walk- in shower in the master bathroom.

The second bedroom has a queen size bed and the 3rd and 4th bedrooms have twin beds and share the 2nd bathroom.

This home has a fully equipped kitchen complete with a dishwasher, refrigerator/freezer with an icemaker, microwave oven, waste disposal unit and all crockery and cutlery are included. The breakfast nook is ideal for informal dining. The dining room table is a perfect choice for a family style sit down dinner.

4 bedroom house – USD $199,000 Robin Road, Davenport, 33896 This beautiful fully furnished villa makes for the ideal vacation home if travelling with more than one family. It has 2 master bedrooms both with ensuite bathrooms as well as an additional 2 bedrooms with another family bathroom.

The sitting area is very comfortable and is situated around one of the TV’s which also comes with a DVD player for enhanced entertainment.

The kitchen is very modern and comes with all appliances that make life easier such as a dishwasher, large American style fridge and cooker and microwave. There is a dining area and the home is fully air conditioned.

Outside you will find your very own pool situated around a fully furnished sun deck, some of which is partly covered for some relief from the sun. This is the perfect place for taking your breakfast or perhaps eating your evening meal al fresco. The pool is heatable and is a welcome haven from the hot Florida sun, or perhaps you would prefer to top up your tan on one of the sun loungers.

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3 bedroom house – USD $169,000 St Augustine Blvd, Haines City, 33844 This newly refurbished, comfortable, 3 bedroom family home has everything you need for your family vacation.

The master bedroom with king size bed has a 32" flat screen TV/DVD player plus an ensuite bathroom. Bedroom 2 has a queen size bed with 24" flat screen TV/DVD player and bedroom 3 has twin beds and a TV. There is a second bathroom upstairs and a half bathroom down stairs.

A very comfortable lounge area is situated around the main TV which is a 42" flat screen HDTV with a DVD player and a small selection of movies to choose from. The kitchen is fully equipped with dishwasher, large fridge and full size cooker.

Outside, you will find your heatable pool situated on a sunny, furnished deck. The pool faces the golf course, affording stunning views, whilst also being very peaceful.

If you're looking for a great base whilst you explore Florida with that home from home feel, then this is the one.

5 bedroom house – USD $309,900 Victoria Drive, Davenport, 33837 This very stylish single storey, 4 bedroom and 3 bathroom home is furnished to a very high standard.

The home has two master bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and queen size beds and 2 guest bedrooms with two twin beds in each room.

This home has a fully equipped kitchen complete with a dishwasher, refrigerator/freezer with an icemaker, microwave oven, waste disposal unit and all crockery and cutlery are included. The breakfast nook is ideal for informal dinning.

Enhancing your dream vacation is only beyond the patio door. Stepping outside, onto a large pool deck you can enjoy a day of sun. The patio furniture allows you to enjoy a beautiful Florida sunset or a wonderful alfresco dining experience.

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