Tampa Bay area company news, notes and announcements

Architecture

SchenkelShultz Architecture, 4890 W Kennedy Blvd., Suite 930, Tampa, announces its contract to design the new $8.7 million Volusia County combined dispatch/emergency operations center in Daytona Beach. The facility consists of 45,000 square feet and includes an emergency operations center, 911 dispatch call center, debriefing room, male and female sleeping quarters, training rooms, media room, administrative offices and other shared areas. (813) 383-5500 or visit www.schenkelshultz.com.

Construction

Creative Contractors Inc., 620 Drew St., Clearwater, has been selected to construct two new student housing buildings at Saint Leo University. The units will be four-bed, two-bathroom suites with a total of 324 beds. Other features include a theater, cafe, fitness center, laundry rooms, study areas, arcades and a large saltwater aquarium. Construction cost of the project is $19 million, and the projected is slated for completion in August 2012. (727) 461-5522 or visit www.creativecontractors.com.

Financial

Raymond James Financial Inc., 880 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, has been named the best full-service broker in the 2011 SmartMoney Annual Broker Survey. Raymond James was chosen for its strong performance in the several categories, including stock picking. (727) 567-2824 or visit www.raymondjames.com.

Insurance

Jeff Holman has opened a new Allstate Insurance Co. office at 10646 Gandy Blvd. N, St. Petersburg. Holman sells auto, property and life insurance, and protection for motorcycles, boats, motor homes and recreational vehicles. (727) 576-5949 or visit www.allstate.com.

Legal

Dax Nelson announces the opening of Dax Nelson PA at 2903 S MacDill Ave., Tampa. Nelson focuses on individuals and families, concentrating in the areas of wills and trusts, asset protection, wealth-succession planning, taxation, entity formation, business-succession planning, probate and trust administration, and estate gift and tax returns. Nelson is a graduate of Stetson University College of Law and received a master's degree in taxation from the University of Florida Levin College of Law Graduate Tax Program. (813) 739-6695 or visit daxnelsonlaw.com.

Real estate

Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services, 7650 Courtney Campbell Parkway, Suite 920, Tampa, announces the sale of Sherwood Arms, a 20-unit apartment complex at 2729 Fourth St. S. Sale price was $365,000. (813) 287-4700 or visit www.marcusmillichap.com.