Town of Harmony Wins 2003 Residential ENVY Award from Florida Association of Realtors Â®

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Town of Harmony Wins 2003 Residential ENVY Award from Florida Association of Realtors Â®

HARMONY, FLORIDA, Aug. 18 -/E-Wire/-- The Town of Harmony, a new conservation community east of St. Cloud, has received the 18th Residential Environmental Award from the Florida Association of Realtors (FAR). Presented at FAR's 87th Annual Convention and Trade Expo, in Hollywood, Florida, the award â popularly known as the ENVY â recognizes developers who make the most significant contributions toward building within Florida's sensitive environment.

"I can't tell you how much we appreciate this," said Harmony conservation manager, Greg Golgowski. "We knew a lot of people wanted a closer relationship with nature, wanted to live in a community where nature is respected. We set out to make Harmony exactly that kind of place, letting the land dictate the development of the property. We think we've created a new kind of community, a model for integrating development within the natural environment. The ENVY Award is another sign that we're on the right track. It 's major."

The simple fact that Harmony has a full-time conservation manager goes a long way toward explaining its selection for the ENVY award. The award criteria include the very things that define Harmony. The FAR judges look at preservation of the land's native flora and fauna (making a conservation manager a big plus), the blending of the community with its surrounding environment, common areas such as nature trails and playgrounds, family recreation and safety, streets, drainage, sanitation and more.

What the judges saw is an environmentally sensitive community designed to provide an old-fashioned hometown lifestyle, while preserving its natural setting. Harmony sits amid 11,000 acres of wilderness highlighted by a wide array of wildlife, two natural 500-acre lakes, and miles of trails.

The developers are committed to preserving more than 6,000 acres (approximately 70%) in their original state. To that end, no homes will be built on either of the lakes, and only non-fossil-fuel boating will be allowed. There will also be no homes fronting the 18-hole, Johnny Miller-signature golf course, already open to the public. The course's wetlands have been incorporated into its design and serve as wildlife nesting and breeding areas. All of the community's public lighting is directed downward to avoid light pollution of the night skies. Treated sewer water is to be used for irrigation. Community fencing is made of 100% recycled materials. And more than 3,000 new trees have been planted, actually enhancing the natural beauty of the setting.

Harmony is also home to the Harmony Institute, a nonprofit organization created by Martha Lentz, and designed to promote healthier living as the natural result of interactions between people, animals and the environment. In fact, the community's very existence is a result of her search for an appropriate setting for her institute. When nothing measured up environmentally, she and her husband began to plan for Harmony.

When complete, Harmony will also offer a village center, shops, theaters, restaurants, riding stable, swim center, business parks and more. There will be linear parks, cozy pocket parks for each neighborhood, even pet parks with dog runs. Classes are already in session at the K-5 charter school (eventually K-8), and an all-new Osceola County high school is under construction.

Homes will be Energy-StarÂ® compliant and neo-traditional in style. Decorator single-family models are now open, and come from five highly regarded builders: Distinctive Homes, D.R. Horton Homes, MWA Builders, Robertson Homes, Inc. and Wetherington Builders. Prices range from the $140's to the $600's.

The Welcome Center is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 to 6, and Sundays from 11 to 6. From St. Cloud, take U.S. 192/441 east to the entrance on the left. For more information, phone (407) 891-8358, or visit www.harmonyfl.com.

Harmony Development Company

St. Cloud, Florida 34769

[REDACTED-EMAIL]

http://www.harmonyfl.com

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