Exotic Plants Affecting Florida's Ecosystem

Exotic plants continue to adversely affect Florida’s native biodiversity and plant communities. As exotics displace native plants, ecologies change and may leave endangered and other animal species without food.

“Exotic plants are a problem statewide,” said Beth Jackson, environmental program supervisor for Orange County’s Environmental Protection Division.

Despite the knowledge about the risks of invasive exotic plants, retailers continue to sell the plants; homeowners then place them in their gardens; and Orange County and other stewards of public and natural lands remain vigilant as they fight the non-native species and educate people about the risks.

“There are native alternatives that will give people the same feel in their yard [as exotics],” Jackson said.
About 25,000 non-native species are present in Florida and account for more than one-third of all plants in the state.

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New Year, New Financial Plan

With the new year comes reflection, resolutions and good intentions. Whether it is adopting a healthy lifestyle or organizing the garage, setting and meeting goals produces a sense of accomplishment. Putting one’s financial affairs in order is just as important, according to David Strunc, C.R.P.C., of Sunrise Wealth Advisors.

Today’s volatile and challenging economy is cause for investors to be particularly diligent in the management of their funds, especially if they are close to retirement.

Sunrise Wealth Advisors was co-founded by Strunc and Nicholas J. Russell, C.R.P.C., with the idea of breaking away from the big firms and wire-houses’ way of only selling their company’s products, by not selling any in-house products and providing advice that is completey independent and unbiased. Sunrise Wealth Advisors impartially shops annuity, insurance and investment companies to truly let clients know what options are available, as well as the pros and cons of each.

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Winter Garden

Kathleen Whalen of Winter Garden announced the engagement of her daughter, Alexandra “Alex” Whalen, to Brandon Russ, son of George and Lizabeth Russ of Fruitland Park. Alex works as the production coordinator for MTV Networks/Telesis, and Brandon is an editor at DNP Studios. Brandon proposed during a hot air balloon ride, and a June 2012 wedding is being planned.

Et Al

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, announced the appointment of Southwest resident Benjamin Hillman as an international marketing specialist in the Southwest Orlando area. Benjamin is a former hotelier and restaurateur. He previously owned two restaurants, served as a food and beverages manager for the Peabody Hotel Group, and worked in management at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. He earned a real estate license in 2004 and launched his real estate career.

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Business Briefs ...

Joy McGinty, founder of The Gift of Swimming and Southwest Aquatics, located at 205 Windermere Road in Winter Garden, was named as a board member for Florida Swimming Inc.’s newly formed Outreach and Diversity Committee. Florida Swimming is an affiliated member of USA Swimming Inc. Its goal is to reach out to youths and families who are most at risk of drowning, as well as those who are under-represented in the sport of swimming. For more information, call 407-905-0999 or visit www.giftofswimming.org on the Web.

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Southwest Sports

As part of NBA Cares Home for the Holidays, Orlando Magic guard Jameer Nelson surprised two local families with Christmas gifts and a trip to the Amway Center. The Southwest resident took photos and spent time with the families as they opened their presents.

During U.S. Tennis Association Florida’s 62nd annual awards ceremony, Susie Rahimitabar of Orange Bay was honored with the 2011 USTA Florida Volunteer of the Year Award. Rahimitabar works at Lake Cane Tennis Center as director of junior programs, which includes QuickStart Tennis Levels I and II, and Munchkins; director of Fun & Sun Tennis Camp; and MG Tennis in-house singles league coordinator. She and her son, Jason, also maintain a free agents list to connect interested players and teams.

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