Press

ST. AUGUSTINE – With Hurricane season and tropical storms in the news, the St. Johns County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) and Long-Term Recovery Organization (LTRO) held an Open House on Aug. 29 to learn more about what they do in time of pending disaster and recovery.

VOAD/LTRO is a coalition of non-profit organizations, faith-based groups, government agencies and community partners dedicated to providing a coordinated disaster response and recovery efforts. Community members are also welcome to join.

Membership provides the ability to tap into shared resources and being connected to donations and funding opportunities. This holistic approach reduces duplication of services and offers a strong mechanism to respond to disasters with cohesion and coordination.

Their mission is to foster a more efficient and effective disaster response through collaboration, communication, and cooperation among member organizations and the community.

Founded in 2015, St. Johns County VOAD/LTRO has been at the forefront of disaster response in the community. They have grown to include 48 organizations, each bringing unique skills and resources to a collective effort.

A VOAD/LTRO general membership meeting will follow the Open House at Noon. A boxed Honey Baked Ham lunch is included.

For more information visit www.ltrostjohns.org or call (904) 826-9459.

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – St. Johns Housing Partnership (SJHP), a nonprofit that develops affordable housing, today announced that Patriot Place has earned Gold Certification under the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) Homes Standard.

“We are excited to be part of this important project. Homes for transitional veterans, built on a beautiful infill lot with an incredible live oak for them to sit and relax under,” noted FGBC President Bill Kachman. “To be involved with this project means so much knowing that Patriot Place will be able to house an at-risk or homeless veteran – after everything they have done for our country.”

Patriot Place comprises six new, low-income residences to address St. Johns County’s critical need for housing for at-risk and homeless veterans. Residents began moving in at the end of 2023.

Green building practices were utilized throughout the construction process to address FGBC criteria such as energy performance; water conservation; site conservation; health, air quality and moisture, materials, and disaster mitigation.

“Patriot Place is a good example of what can be done when the public and private sectors come together. I want to congratulate all the partners, donors and supporters that made Patriot Place a reality for an at-risk segment of our community, Affordable housing must be sustainable over time both in terms of actual affordability and debt service along with building performance and long-term maintenance” added SJHP Executive Director Bill Lazar,

Founded in 1998, the SJHP has helped expand housing options for the greater community, not just to benefit veterans. To achieve that, the group brings together public and private sectors including investors on projects that create low- and moderate-income housing, rebuild neglected homes and revitalize neighborhoods in disadvantaged areas.

The project is a collaboration between MountainStar Partners, a real estate investor and developer, SJHP and St. Johns County. The total cost of Patriot Place was $1million, including infrastructure improvements. MountainStar Partners committed over $500,000 for land acquisition and construction costs. Patriot Place marks the first time that a density credit exchange for low-income housing was created and housing delivered to the community.

Patriot Place was built by Robert Marshall of World Island Builders and designed by Architect Bryan McCloskey. Financial partner Ameris Bank financed the construction.

Patriot Place took five years to complete, including finding and purchasing the lot, securing financing for construction, permitting and zoning. The one-bedroom apartments are 630 square feet each and veterans will pay about 30 percent of the market rate with the balance subsidized through the partnership with Flagler CareConnect.

Patriot Place residents will be managed by the UF/ Flagler Health+ social health program UF/Care Connect+ which links area residents with resources like safe housing, food pantries, counseling services, workplace readiness and transportation.

Former St. Johns County Development Services Director Suzanne Konchan conceived the original idea for Patriot Place and St. Johns County Commissioners Roy Alaimo and Henry Dean helped Patriot Place become reality.

The Northeast Florida Association of Realtors, Bo Strange with Lovely Loo and the Snodgrass Family Foundation donated additional funds, time, and materials.

Other contributors and supporters included, The Home Depot Store # 6334, Eagle Scout Michael Korfhage and Boy Scout Troup 243, University of Florida IFAS Master Gardeners and FGBC certifying agents Kachman and Ralph Locke, both military veterans, who waived their fee and volunteered their time. The entire Solar panel systems was donated by Everybody Solar, JinkoSolar and Synergy Solar.

FGBC is the state’s leading certifier of green projects. The FGBC Certification Program tailors’ carbon-reducing, green building standards to the Florida climate, allowing builders, developers, and communities to meet green building standards while simultaneously constructing sustainable properties best suited for Florida’s ecosystem.

Going Green? In Florida you have a choice. Contact the Florida Green Building Coalition at info@floridagreenbuilding.org, visit www.floridagreenbuilding.org or call (407) 777-4914.

Michigan native and career broadcast executive Brian Maloney, renowned for his extraordinarily successful 40+ years as a radio executive, is proud to announce his latest venture, “The Sonic Coast.” This groundbreaking app-based streaming radio station, firmly grounded in Americana and roots-rock music, now emerges as a platform for both established and emerging artists within the genre, encompassing folk, rock, country, soul, and blues, underscoring Maloney’s dedication to the Michigan music culture and his Michigan roots.

Born and raised in the Great Lakes State, Brian Maloney’s profound love for Michigan music and deep connection to the state sparked his desire to pay homage to the sprawling musical community that so shaped his journey and broadcast career in the state’s first all- digital Americana/Roots-Rock station that puts a special emphasis on given local bands exposure.

“After traveling throughout the nation during my career, I realized that Michigan was truly unique in its grand scope of legacy musical talent and sheer volume of amazing emerging talent,” Maloney remarks, “This, coupled with the fact that radio has, for the most part long given up on supporting local talent, I have felt the clear need to create a platform that offers local bands/artists in Michigan a major potential platform for exposure.

Sonic Coast is also delighted to feature another renowned Michigan ex-pat broadcast voice, his Specs Howard classmate Jane Asher of San Diego. Asher has been a popular voice on Southern California radio since the mid-1980s. “Being part of the new Sonic Coast is the thrill of a radio lifetime for me,” says Asher, “This fresh music format that Maloney is curating sounds like the very best of my favorite Michigan memories, mixed up with emerging regional artists that I enjoy more every single time I tune in.”

Maloney’s new company, Sonic Detroit LLC, will announce other Michigan-related audio brands soon. The Sonic Coast launched on September 18th.

The Sonic Coast is accessible via dedicated Android and iOS apps, as well as home listening devices and online at www.TheSonicCoast.com. The Sonic Coast ensures that listeners can tune in from anywhere, anytime. Maloney, known for taking a very different approach to programming and broadcast sales is offering initial category exclusive partnerships within specified time periods for select Michigan businesses. “It’s a crowded world of messaging and our category-exclusive partnerships allow our marketing partners to stand out in a way that nobody else offers, while at the same time supporting Michigan’s rich music history and community”.

Listeners can embark on their journey with The Sonic Coast by downloading the exclusive apps for Android and iOS devices, online at www.thesoniccoast.com or through their home listening devices.

Findings indicate that text messaging is quickly becoming the preferred way for individuals and businesses to communicate.

A recent study conducted by TextUs and Benenson Strategy Group surveyed smartphone users nationwide on their usage of text messaging. The results provide an insightful look into how consumers interact with text messages in both their personal and business lives.

Consumer preferences largely indicate a strong propensity to utilize SMS to stay in touch.  The study revealed that 77% of users find text messaging helpful for staying in touch with friends and family.  Additionally, 42% say text messaging is a good way to save time compared to phone or email. Only 2% of users say that they usually ignore text messages as much as possible.

The findings also showed that 42% of those surveyed believe that texting is a non-intrusive way to interact with companies or organizations, while 41% of those aged 30-49 think it’s a great way for companies or organizations to keep them informed about new offerings or opportunities. Moreover, 63% of respondents said text messaging was their go-to method for daily communication with people they know, and 50.4% said it was their most effective channel of communication for their business.

“We are encouraged by the findings of our research,” said TextUs VP of Marketing Maggie Mistovich. “We have always known that people are increasingly relying on texting as an effective form of personal communication, but are excited by the growing number of consumers that prefer to interact with businesses via SMS.  This further supports the need for businesses to make sure they are leveraging this channel to engage with prospects, candidates, customers and more,” she adds.

Whether keeping in touch with friends or communicating with customers, texting has become the go-to method for staying connected.  Many people rely on texting more than ever before, and understanding its power is essential for businesses looking to reach consumers effectively.

A Mission to Transform Organic Waste into Renewable Natural Gas and GreenEdge^® Enhanced-Efficiency Fertilizer

With passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, infrastructure to responsibly manage organic waste – including anaerobic digestion infrastructure – is being increasingly funded and growing nationwide. The use of anaerobic digestion to convert organic waste feedstocks to renewable natural gas is rapidly expanding as part of efforts to address climate change and other environmental concerns. Under current market conditions, the demand for renewable products has created a favorable market for investment in infrastructure.

The formation of this company shows our long-term commitment to sustainability and conservation of natural resources.

Renewable natural gas (RNG) is a clean and sustainable energy source that is derived from organic waste materials such as agricultural residues, food waste, and other bio-based materials. GreenEdge Renewables will utilize state-of-the-art anaerobic digestion and biogas upgrading technologies to convert these waste materials intoRNG, which can then be utilized as an environmentally friendly fuel for transportation, heating, and other applications.

Furthermore, GreenEdge Renewables will also focus on the production of GreenEdge^® enhanced-efficiency fertilizer. This innovative fertilizer is created from nutrient-rich byproducts called digestate that are generated during the RNG production process. By transforming organic waste into a high-quality fertilizer, GreenEdge Renewables aims to advance circular agriculture through nutrient upcycling.

The launch of GreenEdge Renewables aligns perfectly with GreenTechnologies’ overarching goal of driving positive change through advanced technologies and provides additional focus on new markets. By converging waste management, energy production, and agriculture, the company is poised to contribute to a circular economy where resources are optimized and waste is transformed into a resource.

About GreenTechnologies:
GreenTechnologies is a science and technology based organic fertilizer manufacturer renowned for its commitment to developing innovative and eco-friendly agricultural solutions. GreenEdge^® is the company’s patented line of enhanced-efficiency fertilizer. GreenEdge^® fertilizer recycles nutrients from local sources to create high-quality and environmentally friendly products. With an unwavering dedication to research and development, GreenTechnologies is at the forefront of revolutionizing the global fertilizer industry. GreenEdge^® products are USDA Certified Biobased.

MountainStar Partners and the St. Johns Housing Partnership (SJHP) along with St. Johns County, the City of St. Augustine and Flagler Health+ commemorated the long-awaited Patriot Place on Tuesday, July 25. Patriot Place comprises six new, low-income housing for at-risk and homeless veterans in St. Johns County. The event, which included tours of the nearly complete units, was held in advance of veterans moving into their new homes in August.

Patriot Place, at 79 Masters Drive in St. Augustine, is a collaboration between MountainStar Partners, a real estate investor and developer, the St. Johns Housing Partnership and St. Johns County to address the county’s critical need for housing for at-risk and homeless veterans. The unique partnership resulted from a request from the county to develop four residences.

“This day is so special for me and the team at MountainStar Partners,” said Chris Lazzara, CEO of MountainStar. “Local veterans and heroes deserve our respect and Patriot Place is just one way we honor their service. Commemorating Patriot Place so they can move in their new homes is a dream come true for our organization.”

Patriot Place took five years to complete, including finding and purchasing the lot, securing financing for construction, permitting and zoning. The one-bedroom apartments are 630 square feet each and veterans will pay about 30% of the market rate with the balance subsidized through SJHP fundraising efforts. Patriot Place will be administered by the Flagler Health+ social health program Care Connect+ which links area residents with resources like safe housing, food pantries, counseling services, workplace readiness and transportation.

“For years, our local veterans’ office has struggled to help local veterans who need clean, safe housing to remain living in St. Johns County,” said St. Johns Housing Partnership Executive Director Bill Lazar. “Patriot Place provides a level of case management and stability for our residents to get back on their feet. We thank them for their service and stand by them while they integrate back into our community.”

The total cost of Patriot Place is estimated at $900,000. MountainStar Partners committed nearly $500,000 for land acquisition and construction costs to develop Patriot Place.

Along with the four units requested, two additional residences were constructed at the facility providing additional homes for veterans. The SJHP was able to secure additional funding and donations of things like the installation of solar panels to further reduce the living costs of the heroes who make Patriot Place their home. Patriot Place marks the first time in St. Johns County that a density credit exchange for low-income housing was created and housing delivered to the community. Former St. Johns County Development Services Director Suzanne Konchan conceived the original idea for Patriot Place and St. Johns County Commissioners Roy Alaimo and Henry Dean helped Patriot Place become reality.

Patriot Place was constructed by World Island Builders and designed by Architect Bryan McCloskey. The Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) certified Patriot Place as a “Florida Green” facility. Bo Strange and Lovely Loo and the Snodgrass Family Foundation donated additional funds, time and materials. Financial partner Ameris Bank financed the construction. Solar was donated by Everybody Solar, JinkoSolar and Synergy Solar.

MountainStar Partners, with offices in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida and Vail, Colorado, is a private equity firm investing across a variety of industries. For more visit www.mountainstar.com or call (904)567-1400.

PR client St. Johns Housing Partnership (SJHP), Everybody Solar, partners, supporters and sponsors gathered for the Patriot Place Solar Top Off Thursday.

SJHP plans to harness solar energy to help power its central office and three of six apartment units for homeless and at-risk Veterans at Patriot Place in St. Augustine. By harnessing the power of the sun, SJHP not only reduces operational costs but also sets an inspiring example for sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.

“We hope to showcase this solar system as a way to generate more interest and support for solar initiatives in our area,” SJHP Executive Director Bill Lazar said. “As a green-certified organization, we are proud to expand access to solar energy in our community.”

Patriot Place will be certified “Florida Green” by the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC). Founded in 2000, FGBC is the state’s leading certifier of green projects and one of the Solar Top Off event sponsors.

Donors and partners for the solar project include AltWays Solar, JinkoSolar, Synergy Solar, anonymous donors, and Kathryn Cryts, David Ellis, Joshua Hedlund, Connor Howell, and Carolyn McInness.

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – The Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC), the state’s leading certifier of residential and commercial construction, land developments and local governments, has launched its new Web site.

“The redesigned www.floridagreenbuilding.org grew from utilizing technology to serve our members and buoy green certifications throughout Florida,” noted FGBC President Kyle Abney. “We will continue to strive to enrich and improve the contents of our Web site.”

Months of updating content, testing, input from the FGBC board, and implementing best practices has resulted in the revamped site. Avid Design of St. Augustine, Fla. did the design work. The new Web site is launching in honor of Earth Day.

“Our focus was on the specific user experience and the journey they will go through as they navigate the site,” added FGBC Executive Director C.J. Davila. “The Web site offers the ultimate user-friendly experience with improved navigation and functionality while allowing visitors to clearly understand our mission, the certification process, our educational programs and community outreach.”

Visitors to the new site can stay informed with the latest FGBC and industry news and events calendar through the new online blog. The blog will contain richer online content such as green building tips, press releases, project profiles, newsletters, and links to social media platforms.

FGBC recently passed 30,000 “Florida Green” certifications of single-family homes, commercial buildings, high-rises, land developments and local governments.

In 2000 FGBC brought together industry professionals from the construction, government, academic and research communities to create green standards tailored specifically to Florida. Beyond third party certifications, FGBC is also a resource for the builders, developers, contractors, architects, and municipalities when considering going green.

Unlike other national and international green certifications, FGBC standards take a scientific approach and are developed with state-specific criteria. They address Florida’s hot-humid environment, climate, distinctive topography, unique geology, resiliency, and natural disasters.

Going Green? In Florida you have a choice. Visit www.floridagreenbuilding.org.

About the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC)
Promoting a State of Sustainability Since 2000, the non-profit Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) is the state’s leading certifier of green homes, buildings, communities, and local governments. Over two decades ago FGBC brought together industry professionals from the construction, government, academic and research communities to create green standards tailored specifically to Florida. To date it has certified over 30,000 residential, commercial, high-rise, land developments and local governments participating in its certification programs. FGBC certification programs are the only standards developed with state specific criteria to address Florida’s hot-humid environment, climate, distinctive topography, unique geology, resiliency, and natural disasters. Visit www.floridagreenbuilding.org.

Media Contact:
Mike Bonts Public Relations
(904) 424-6641
mike@bontspr.com

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville, Fla. based Mike Bonts Public Relations continues to expand its real estate marketing practice by offering public relations and brand development strategy, tools and tactics that are comparable in scope, results and service to larger firms, but at lower fees and costs.

From a media release on a community or project to pitching the positive impact of development and construction, to unveiling the latest technology that’s changing the real estate landscape or announcing mergers and acquisitions, the mbpr creates and launches corporate branding, thought leadership and project-specific marketing and corporate communications that drive results and help move clients’ businesses forward.

“The scope of work varies based on needs, objectives and budget. We don’t sell, we tell, we inform, we steer influence and persuade by reaching targeted audiences. PR can be many things, but mostly it is about creating timely content. Knowing how and where to connect effectively; it is about conversations while crafting and packaging stories designed to inform,” said Mike Bonts.

Understanding that marketing dollars don’t grow on trees, mbpr works with partner-clients on local, state, regional and national media relations, creative marketing initiatives, and social media campaigns that engage audiences through digital and traditional platforms – all with the goal of raising awareness and supporting business growth.

One focus is on promoting a firm’s projects, homes and communities via proactive media outreach as well as on positioning its professionals as experts in their respective areas of expertise and placing them in trend stories and content in residential building and design.

There’s also support to maximize participation in industry conference and events, as well as corporate communications and investor relations. Additionally, the firm represents attorneys who specialize in real estate transactions and litigation.

“Our goal is to serve as a trusted advisor to leading developers, builders and real estate professionals across the industry spectrum. Partner-clients benefit from our team’s deep experience and a strategic, solutions-oriented approach,” Bonts said. “We take pride in our long-standing relationships in the trade and consumer media and are one of the few firms with a true real estate marketing focus.

 For more information, call 904.424.6641 or e-mail mike@bontspr.com.