One of Southwest Florida’s heavyweight developers is seeking an extension on its plans to build a massive residential and golf course community at the eastern end of Bonita Beach Road.

The Ronto Group filed for the extension with the city of Bonita Springs for two projects well east of Interstate 75 that are permitted for nearly 2,000 housing units as well as a golf course and retirement community.

The Bonita City Council voted unanimously Wednesday night to continue the public hearing over the extension to a second meeting. No one from the public expressed concerns over the extension, and no council members addressed the project during the meeting.

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BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. - In a couple of years, hundreds of acres of empty land in Bonita Springs will be growing into what developers envision as a thriving golf community. And growing with it, local leaders hope, will be jobs.

The property is located on the far east edge of Bonita Beach Road. Once you get about 3-4 miles past the interstate, the pavement ends. There's not much else to see except grass and trees. But on those acres of open land, Executive Vice President of Ronta Group Anthony Solomon sees big potential. "Probably about 1,200 to maybe 1,400 homes, units in the final mix," Solomon said.

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Bonita’s next building boom may be less than a year away.

The Ronto Group is expected to break ground on a golf course community with as many as 1,200 homes within the next year, said Anthony Solomon, executive vice president of Ronto.

Officials with Ronto and RP Bonita Beach Road LLC will go before the Bonita Springs City Council today and ask for an extension on the property’s buildout date to more than 10 years, to July 2035.

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The new owners of TwinEagles put their best foot forward last month for the first news conference held at the North Naples golf community in five years.

Landscaping and grounds crews buzzed away at trees and brush overgrown from several years of neglect.

Grass sprigs were being planted as part of the reconstruction of the community's second 18-hole golf course.

A complete overhaul of the community entrance would be coming next, as would the construction of a fitness center, the owners said.

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Anthony Solomon says gated residential communities in Collier County are reaching equilibrium between supply and demand for new homes. His company, The Ronto Group, recently partnered with New York private equity firm Angelo, Gordon and acquired the 1,115-acre TwinEagles development in North Naples from Bonita Bay Group for $11 million. Photo by Nancy DeNike.

Anthony Solomon remembers the day he knew the Naples real estate market was headed for a fall: Jan. 3, 2006.

On that day, the local newspaper’s top headline declared the number of existing-home listings had tripled. “Everybody’s rushing for the exits,” Solomon remembers thinking. “That struck us right in the face.”

Anthony Solomon, 36, and his father, Jack Solomon, 63, had just closed on a 500-acre parcel in Bonita Springs that their Naples-based company, The Ronto Group, was about to develop into a 1,200-home community in partnership with Rockpoint Group, a private equity investment firm. After that headline in 2006, they halted the project.

Clearly, good timing played a role in Ronto’s survival, one of the few development firms on the Gulf Coast that avoided disaster. “We were fortunate to some degree that we had no big projects underway,” says Anthony Solomon.

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Contributed by Caffrey & Associates

Naples-based Ronto Group announced that Gulfshore Homes and Diamond Custom Homes have begun construction of model residences in the Miramonte and Torino luxury villa neighborhoods within the Grey Oaks Country Club community.

Miramonte's brick-paved cul-de-sac streets are lined with one- and two-story Mediterranean-style villa residences. Lake and garden view villas feature luxury interior and exterior accents. In addition to the model residences under construction, 16 homesites are available to choose from in Miramonte.

Both Gulfshore Homes' Hibiscus model and Diamond Custom Homes' Alessandra model in Miramonte offer more than 3,700 square feet under air. These homes both include large master suites, two guest bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, formal living and dining rooms, a library/study, island kitchens, family rooms, covered lanais with outdoor kitchens, a pool and spa, and a three-car garage. The Hibiscus is priced starting at $1,389,000. The Alessandra is priced starting at $1,395,000.

Torino is an enclave of Old World Tuscan-style luxury villas. Each brick-paved cul-de-sac street is lined with one- and two-story residences offering luxury villa living that takes full advantage of the surroundings. In addition to the model residences under construction, 35 homesites are available to choose from in Torino.

Diamond Custom Homes' Bougainvillea model under construction in Torino includes 3,170 square feet under air, three bedrooms, 3.5 baths, study, formal living and dining rooms, an island kitchen, family room, outdoor kitchen and lanai, pool and two-car garage. The Bougainvillea is priced starting at $1,095,000.

The Wisteria model by Gulfshore Homes offers 2,897 square feet under air with three bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a library, gallery hallway, island kitchen, great room, outdoor kitchen and lanai, pool, two-car garage and golf cart garage. The Wisteria is priced starting at $1 million.

Grey Oaks Country Club's amenities are fully completed and debt free. Amenities includes three golf courses, eight Har-Tru tennis courts, fitness facilities and two clubhouses.

Grey Oaks Country Club is off Airport-Pulling Road, north of Golden Gate Parkway in Naples. Grey Oaks Realty is the exclusive sales and marketing representative of Grey Oaks. Online at www.greyoaks.com.

NAPLES, Fla. (Nov. 12, 2010) - The Ronto Group has announced that the design project for the complete reconstruction of the Aerie golf course at the TwinEagles Club has been awarded to renowned golf course architect Steve Smyers. Smyers, along with co-designer Patrick Andrews, will reconstruct and redesign the Aerie golf course prior to the course's grand reopening in the fall of 2011.

Smyers has been a golf course architect for more than three decades, beginning his career with respected golf course architect Ron Garl immediately after graduating from college and began his own golf course design firm in 1983. He has since been involved in over 60 well-known projects, and his portfolio includes an impressive list of outstanding new design and redesigns to highly ranked and famed layouts such as Isleworth in Windermere, Fla. (home to the world's No. 1 player and a host of other Tour players), Southern Dunes in Orlando, Old Memorial in Tampa, South Course at Olympia Fields in Chicago, Blue Heron Pines' East Course in Egg Harbor City, N.J. and Wolf Run in Indianapolis.

Smyers is also highly involved in the U.S. Golf Association, serving on their executive committee since 2006. His current and past service (since 1986) to the USGA includes the championship committee, equipment standards committee, green section, TurfGrass and environmental research committee, amateur status committee and international team selection committee.

Smyers is also an accomplished golfer who began his competitive golf career playing against Ben Crenshaw and Bruce Lietske as a junior, and earning a scholarship to the University of Florida where he was a member of their 1973 NCAA championship team. His teammates at UF included PGA notables Gary Koch, Andy Bean and Andy North. He has remained a career amateur and has qualified for 17 USGA events including seven U.S. Amateurs and three British Amateurs. In 2010, he captained the U.S. team that won the Copa de las Americas in South America and qualified this past September for the U.S. Senior Amateur Championship. Smyers is a resident of Lakeland, Fla.

The TwinEagles community includes the outstanding Talon Course co-designed by Jack Nicklaus and Jack Nicklaus Jr. Its natural setting and vistas can be viewed from every window of the spacious two-story 47,000-square-foot Scottish manor clubhouse. TwinEagles is the winter home of The Suttie Golf Academy with legendary instructor Dr. Jim Suttie, who is currently No.16 on the prestigious Golf Digest "America's 50 Greatest Teachers" list for 2009-2010, in a field of over 30,000 eligible teachers. Suttie's training employs the principles of biomechanics using state-of-the-art equipment and computer video analysis to improve all facets of the game.

TwinEagles also features two themed botanical parks named for the plant life that gives them their character. The Palmery has more than a dozen species of palms, a hedge maze and shaded seating beneath a vine-wrapped pergola. The Fernery is enclosed by a hedge, has the sky as a ceiling and features dense green ferns, colorful bromeliads and benches surrounding a center fountain.

TwinEagles is located on Immokalee Road in Naples, approximately three miles east of Collier Boulevard (SR 951). The master-planned community consists of approximately 1,115 acres, with homes and recreational amenities surrounded by more than 300 acres of open green space. For more information on the Twin Eagles Golf Club, call 239-352-0002.

Homebuyers and Realtors may request additional information or arrange an escorted tour by visiting the TwinEagles Information Center, calling toll free 888-403-0085 or logging onto www.twineagles.com. The information center is located inside the community's entrance on Immokalee Road seven miles east of I-75.

NAPLES, Fla. (Nov. 16, 2010) - The Ronto Group has named Richard J. McPhail, CCM, as general manager/chief operating officer of TwinEagles, with responsibility for managing all club operations.

For the past three years, McPhail was general manager at both Shadow Wood Country Club and The Brooks Commons Club in Estero, Fla. He was previously responsible for club operations at Estero Country Club. While residing in Cincinnati, McPhail managed private country clubs and city/athletic clubs for Dallas-based Club Corporation of America, the world's largest owner-operator of private clubs. He began his club career at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

"Dick's background, knowledge and respect for the traditions of golf are a great fit for the vision of TwinEagles as a golfers' country club," said Anthony Solomon, executive vice president of The Ronto Group. "His high standards for the private club experience will be instrumental in creating a new excitement and an outstanding reputation for the TwinEagles Club."

McPhail has served as a Golf Digest "Top 100" panel member since 1981, assisting the magazine in rating and evaluating top courses throughout the country. He earned his certified club operator credentials upon completion of Club Corporation of America's renowned Star University Program in Dallas. During his tenure with Club Corporation, he was awarded Rising Star Manager of the Year, as well as Asset Manager of the Year.

He earned his certified club manager designation through Club Managers Association of America, where he currently is an active member of the Everglades Chapter of the Florida CMAA and serves as education chairman.

McPhail is a graduate of Xavier University in Cincinnati, with post graduate coursework in Hospitality Management Studies at Cincinnati State.

The TwinEagles community includes the outstanding Talon Course co-designed by Jack Nicklaus and Jack Nicklaus Jr. Its natural setting and vistas can be viewed from every window of the spacious two-story 47,000-square-foot Scottish manor clubhouse. TwinEagles is the winter home of The Suttie Golf Academy with legendary instructor Dr. Jim Suttie, who is currently No.16 on the prestigious Golf Digest "America's 50 Greatest Teachers" list for 2009-2010, in a field of over 30,000 eligible teachers. Suttie's training employs the principles of biomechanics using state-of-the-art equipment and computer video analysis to improve all facets of the game.

TwinEagles also features two themed botanical parks named for the plant life that gives them their character. The Palmery has more than a dozen species of palms, a hedge maze and shaded seating beneath a vine-wrapped pergola. The Fernery is enclosed by a hedge, has the sky as a ceiling and features dense green ferns, colorful bromeliads and benches surrounding a center fountain.

TwinEagles is located on Immokalee Road in Naples, approximately three miles east of Collier Boulevard (SR 951). The master-planned community consists of approximately 1,115 acres, with homes and recreational amenities surrounded by more than 300 acres of open green space. For more information on the TwinEagles Golf Club, call 239-352-0002.

Homebuyers and Realtors may request additional information or arrange an escorted tour by visiting the TwinEagles Information Center, calling toll free 888-403-0085 or logging onto www.twineagles.com. The information center is located inside the community's entrance on Immokalee Road seven miles east of I-75.

Southwest Florida developer donates $32,000
scale model to Fire Department

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 31, 2006) - The Naples-based Ronto Group has donated its $32,000 scale model of Paramount at the Shores in Gulf Harbour Yacht & Country Club to the Iona-McGregor Fire Department, announced Robin Driskill, Sales and Marketing Director for the developer.

John Spicuzza, Division Chief of Training for the fire department, plans to use the model to train emergency responders in strategies and tactics for high-rise buildings.

Spicuzza learned about the model two years ago when he read about in the newspaper. A photo of Driskill and the model appeared alongside the article. He called Driskill to request the company donate the model. At the time, Driskill needed the model, but told Spicuzza that when the actual building was complete, she would see what she could do. Two years later, Driskill, remembering her promise to the fire department, tracked down Spicuzza and agreed to make the donation with the approval of the developer recognizing the tremendous benefit for training.

"I can't think of a better use for this model," Driskill said. "We invest so much in our marketing materials that it's nice to see them put to a good cause after we're finished using them."

The Paramount model will be especially useful to the fire department, because it is so detailed.

"I have been building my own models out of Styrofoam and wood for years," Spicuzza said. "But this model is so elaborate and detailed, right down to roadways, landscaping and access points. It is the best model I have ever seen."

Driskill and the fire department hope that other developers will be willing to donate their scale models to help local firefighters be prepared for responding to emergency situations in high-rise buildings.

For more information about the Iona-McGregor Fire Department's Training Division, contact John Spicuzza at (239) 433-0660.

Since 1967, The Ronto Group has constructed more than 10,000 high-rise units and 2,000 single-family homes in addition to land development and commercial and retail projects. Along with Paramount, the Naples-based company is the developer of Palmira Golf & Country Club in Bonita Springs, Forest Glen in Naples and Hideaway Beach in Marco Island.

The Paramount at the Shores sales office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Gulf Harbour Yacht and Country Club is located on McGregor Boulevard, just north of Gladiolus Road. Call (239) 437-1122 or visit www.Ronto.com.

Jinx McDonald Designs of Naples has styled the Sutera after an Old Florida river house complete with designer finishes including Rotpunkt cabinetry, granite countertops, marble accents, dressing table in the master bath, dark wood floors throughout and furniture reflecting a tropical Florida lifestyle. The plantation-style model features 3,340 square feet of luxurious living area with three-bedrooms, 3.5-baths and private elevator lobby.

"Our homes in Paramount offer the best in interior finishes," said Robin Driskill, director of sales and marketing for developer The Ronto Group. "At The Ronto Group, we strive to achieve excellence in design, inside and out. We are proud to showcase our newest achievement to the community."

Paramount features sparkling sky estates overlooking the Caloosahatchee River, Gulf Harbour Yacht & Country Club Marina and golf course. Forty-five 24-karat residences are situated in the 11-story building, offering unique river estate-sized floor plans all with a private elevator, floor to ceiling windows and spacious terraces.

A contemporary, art deco-influenced amenities area will include a grand lobby, fitness center with saunas and locker rooms, game room and social room. These areas will overlook Paramount's radiant resort-style pool.

Paramount is situated within Gulf Harbour Yacht and Country Club and residents will have exclusive access to amenities such as the 190-slip deepwater marina with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico, a ship's store, sports club with spa, fitness center and community pool, 18-hole championship golf course, a clubhouse with formal and informal dining as well as men's and women's locker rooms, and a pro shop.

The Paramount at the Shores sales office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Gulf Harbour Yacht and Country Club is located on McGregor Boulevard, just north of Gladiolus Road. Call (239) 437-1122 or visit www.Ronto.com.