BUSINESS OBSERVER

+ John Cannon Homes reports increase in sales volume
John Cannon Homes surpassed $23 million in sales in its fourth quarter.

The east Manatee County-based firm, according to a release, sold 27 homes in the quarter for $23.3 million in sales volume, “a dramatic increase” over past quarters. Prices ranged from $400,000 to $2 million, according to the release.

John Cannon Homes President and CEO John Cannon says he believes the 2012 fourth-quarter momentum will carry into 2013. The firm builds in the Lake Club and Country Club East in Manatee County, in addition to several other communities from Sarasota to Tampa. It will also build custom homes on lots for clients in Charlotte, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota counties.

“We saw interest in the custom-home market begin to pick up in early 2011 and continue on through 2012,” Cannon said in the release. “With used inventory at the lowest it’s been in years, our buyers looked to build new custom homes with all the amenities and features for today’s lifestyle.”

The firm plans to add three more models to its portfolio in 2013.

“Today’s buyer realizes that prices are no longer declining,” said Cannon. “Now is the time to take advantage of today’s pricing.”

+ WCI Communities welcomes new tennis pro
WCI Communities has named Paul Jones as the new tennis professional at Tidewater Preserve, the 373-acre master-planned community along the Manatee River in Bradenton.

Jones, a native Floridian who studied at Eckerd College, brings more than 45 years in tennis to the position.
A PTR-certified instructor, Jones was previously the head teaching pro at Terra Ceia Golf and Tennis Country Club, where he instructed junior, advanced junior, high school, collegiate and adult players in the development of technique and tennis strategy. 

A former teaching pro at Bradenton Country Club, assistant director of Tapes Tennis and coordinator of player development for the Ferrer Tennis Academy, Jones also continues to teach youth tennis at the Manatee County YMCA in Bradenton.

Jones has competed in tennis tournaments throughout the eastern U.S. and has won or placed in men’s doubles and singles as well as mixed-doubles divisions in Florida, Indiana, Kentucky and North Carolina, including first place in the 2006 USTA National Eastern Mixed Doubles Championships in Puerto Rico.

+ Chickadees Eatery opens in Bradenton
Spiros and Jeanne Kambitsis celebrated the opening of their restaurant, Chickadees Eatery, with a ribbon cutting Jan. 9.

The restaurant, located at 7246 55th Ave. E., off Tara Boulevard, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Call 758-5675 for more information.