The Oaks of Lake City, Florida Announces Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to Celebrate Completion of World's First O'Connor Signature-Branded Equestrian Facility

Equestrian Olympians Karen and David O'Connor Will Attend March 10th Event

(LAKE CITY, FL, February 11, 2008) - The Oaks of Lake City (www.TheOaks LakeCity.com), a new-ruralism residential community, will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, March 10th, celebrating the barn completion as part of the extraordinary equestrian facilities at the world’s first exclusively-branded O’Connor Signature equestrian facility, which is associated with renowned equestrian Olympians Karen and David O’Connor. The community, which combines the best of rural living with the best of suburban living, will feature a 33-stall custom barn, a David O’Connor-designed cross-country course, and other equestrian amenities.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. EDT at The Oaks barn. The Oaks community is located at 6514 SW Tustenuggee Avenue, which is one mile south of Country Road 240*.

The event, which is open to the public, features a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2:00 p.m., an interior/exterior tour of the barn, a tram tour throughout The Oaks community, and a formal dedication featuring equestrian experts Karen O’Connor, who was recently named Equestrian of the Year by the United States Eventing Association (USEA) for her 2007 equestrian achievements, and David O’Connor, current president of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).

The construction of the 1,222-acre community is modeled on successful golf-industry branding and management concepts, similar to communities that boast an Arnold Palmer or Jack Nicklaus golf course. The Oaks was designed in partnership with Dicks Realty, the O’Connors, and Equestrian Services, LLC, the company that is setting the standards for planning, designing and managing equestrian amenities for resorts and communities worldwide. The community features superior amenities and facilities for both the equestrian and nature-lover alike. It provides an opportunity for residents to enjoy country living, only 35 minutes from Gainesville, which was nominated “The Best Place to Live in the USA” in 2007 by USA Today.

“Phase One Lot sales began in mid-January, with nearly 50 qualified and interested buyers expressing interest. Of those, we expect six to eight lots to close this month,” said Brad Dicks, Owner of Dicks Realty. “This is unprecedented real-estate news, and we are pleased to be the bright spot in the Florida real-estate market, Lake City and Columbia County.”

Michael Donovan, principal of Equestrian Services added, “We are delighted to announce that our O’Connor Signature management team will manage The Oaks’ equestrian facilities. We will ensure that the equestrian facility and amenities will offer Oaks residents a level of excellence and quality all horse owners and enthusiasts will appreciate.”

Located in Northern Florida, northwest of Gainesville, and west from Jacksonville, the O’Connor Signature at The Oaks features special characteristics and amenities:

• More than 348 acres of open space and parks;
• More than 40 acres of fenced pasture;
• 234 home sites, including 136 equestrian estate lots with access to concierge-style services offered at the central facility, as well as 98 traditional lots;
• 76-acre Gold O’Connor Signature competition-quality equestrian center;
• A custom 33-stall barn;
• Outdoor arena;
• Covered arena and covered round pen;
• David O’Connor-designed cross-country course;
• Strategically-located Equestrian Recreation Areas (ERAs);
• 15 miles of looped multi-use trails for hiking, jogging and walking, which meander throughout the community;
• Dog park.

“The equestrian facilities and amenities will allow the community residents to take full advantage of the equestrian lifestyle,” said David O’Connor. “Karen and I are pleased to be involved in building this equestrian community.”

Nearly two million people own the 9.2 million horses in the United States, with another two million people involved as equestrian volunteers or engaged in the equestrian lifestyle through family affiliation, according to the American Horse Council Foundation (AHCF).

For more information about The Oaks of LakeCity, please visit www.TheOaksLakeCity.com.

About The Oaks of Lake City:
The Oaks of Lake City is a new ruralism community, which encompasses the best of rural living with the best of suburban living. Devoted to equestrians and nature lovers, The Oaks' grand 1,222-acre O’Connor Signature equestrian community provides an opportunity for residents to enjoy country living without the fuss. Custom designed in partnership with Dicks Realty, equestrian Olympians David and Karen O’Connor, and Equestrian Services, LLC, The Oaks boasts superior amenities and facilities for both the equestrian and nature lover alike. For more information about The Oaks of Lake City, please visit www.theoakslakecity.com.

*DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO THE OAKS:
6514 SW Tustenuggee Avenue
One mile south of Country Road 240
Lake City, Florida