Author: Jasmine

Neal Communities Promotes 14 Employees

Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier homebuilder based in Lakewood Ranch, has promoted 14 employees over the last several months. With 295 employees, Neal Communities is a prominent employer in the local area. The promotions show a commitment to developing talent from within the company.

“We try hard to create a family atmosphere,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “Many employees stay with us for a long time, and we work with them to ensure they are growing in their careers.”

The promotions include two vice presidents: Ivory Matthews promoted from director of community and governmental affairs to vice president of community and governmental affairs, and Carlos Puente promoted from vice president of sales to vice president of sales and marketing.

In addition, the following employees were promoted: Pam Curran from bank financing manager to director of finance, Rob Kozlowski from senior financial analyst to business insights and analytics manager, Janet Ladwig from director of design to director of community design and product development, Mathew Lavish from project manager to director of construction, Heidi Lustig from staff accountant III to senior accountant, Jodi McConnell from assistant controller to controller, Marjory McGloin from job coordinator to purchasing supervisor, Kristin Mullins from senior accountant to accounting manager, Ben Renner from area construction manager to director of construction, Kameren Saffold from assistant construction manager to construction manager, Michael Thomas from purchasing agent to estimator and Rob Woods from project manager to area construction manager.

The employees’ tenure with the company ranges from just over two years to nearly 14 years.

August 2, 2022
Neal Communities and Canoe Creek Win Gold as Bradenton’s Best

At Neal Communities, we strive to build homes in great cities throughout Southwest Florida. Our neighborhoods reflect their cities – beautiful locations where residents can enjoy natural beauty, make lasting connections and thrive in all aspects of life. Why? Because Where You Live Matters.

The Bradenton Herald recently released its annual “Bradenton’s Best” edition. This magazine honors local businesses in a variety of categories for being “the best of” the city. These awards are particularly meaningful as the winners are decided by votes of current Manatee County residents.

As a proud builder in Bradenton, we are incredibly honored that we took the top spot in the “Best Home Builder” category! Bradenton is a city with a rich culture and history, and we are happy to build in a location where residents can always find something new every day.

As one of Southwest Florida’s most celebrated homebuilders, we pride ourselves in creating high-quality communities and homes that allow homeowners to find a place matching their personal idea of the Florida lifestyle. That is why we overjoyed to see that Bradenton residents also voted Canoe Creek into the top spot for the “Best New Home Community” category.

Opened in 2018, Canoe Creek is a warm and inviting community, offering comfortable living with an urban farmhouse feel. It provides easy access to a host of venues such as the Ellenton Outlet Mall and Fort Hamer Park and is perfect for families as it is close to a variety of schools. Emphasizing community connection, the casual elegance of Canoe Creek also offers spacious homes and a suite of amenities allowing owners to meet and enjoy time with their friends and neighbors.

We are honored to receive these distinctions from Bradenton’s public and to continue building more homes in this area and the rest of Southwest Florida. To learn more about the communities fulfilling your needs, contact us here.

August 1, 2022
Neal Communities Sponsors 23rd Annual BIG Backpack Event in Fort Myers

Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, sponsored the 23rd Annual BIG Backpack Event in Fort Myers for the seventh consecutive year.

The BIG Backpack Event, hosted by the Multicultural Centre of Southwest Florida, provides students with backpacks and school supplies donated by local community members, organizations and sponsors. This year’s event, held on Sunday, July 24 at Fort Myers Skatium Rink, provided nearly 3,000 students in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties with school supplies. Nearly 1,000 more students were assisted this year than in prior years.

According to organizers, the line of vehicles stretched more than a mile from the parking lot to U.S. 41. Typically, the event provides 2,000 students with supplies, but this year’s event surpassed expectations. Organizers said they had to start an hour early to accommodate the additional students.

As the primary sponsor, Neal Communities and its trade partners raised nearly $25,000 to assist with the event – the highest amount raised for this event by the home builder and its partners to date. Other sponsors, including corporate and individual donors, also helped to make the event possible.

“We are so appreciative of the generosity of Neal Communities, their staff and vendors over the years,” said Leonardo Garcia, founder of the Multicultural Centre of Southwest Florida and the Annual BIG Backpack Event. “Their support makes it possible to provide students with new backpacks and school supplies each year.”

Local vendors also were on site to provide additional benefits to families. One sponsor provided 1,000 bags of groceries, and a local health department provided vaccines to incoming seventh graders.

An estimated 150 volunteers, including Neal Communities employees, helped make the event possible. Several people volunteered on Saturday, July 23rd to pack the backpacks and prepare other supplies to distribute at the event.

“The volunteer network, led by the Multicultural Centre of Southwest Florida, is strong,” said Tim Oak, Southwest Florida Regional President of Neal Communities. Some volunteers have returned to help every year throughout the event’s 23-year-history, he said.

“We are very proud to be a part of the BIG Backpack Event,” Oak said. “Those at Neal Communities and our trade partners are happy to help the children and families of Southwest Florida. We look forward to this event every year.”

July 29, 2022
Neal Communities Breaks Ground on New East Manatee Community

Southwest Florida’s premier private homebuilder, Neal Communities, has broken ground on a new community in eastern Manatee County.

Marisol, located on 39 acres near Lakewood Ranch’s northeastern sector, will include 172 paired villa homes. The community will feature a British West Indies and Coastal architectural theme. All of the villas are maintenance-assisted for worry-free upkeep. Two villa home styles ranging from 1,434 square feet and 1,524-square feet will be offered inside the new neighborhood.

The community will be conveniently located just outside of Lakewood Ranch’s borders on State Road 64. The homes will encircle a small lake, and some will have waterfront views from their lanais. The community also will have a private pool with bathroom facilities.

Marisol residents will enjoy the close proximity to Lakewood Ranch, a 50-square-mile community filled with shopping, dining, arts, entertainment, nature and recreation. State Road 64 also offers easy access to Bradenton, Holmes Beach, Anna Maria Island and I-75.

“We are happy to announce the start of construction of a new neighborhood in growing eastern Manatee County,” said Pat Neal, founder and CEO of Neal Communities. “These homes are perfect for those looking to right-size their living space in a maintenance-assisted community while still being close to all the area has to offer.”

Neal Communities, based in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, is Southwest Florida’s largest and most established locally owned and operated private builder. During the company’s 50-year history, it has built over 19,000 new homes in more than 90 acclaimed communities from Tampa to Naples. The company consistently ranks among the nation’s top 100 home builders and has earned numerous awards including the prestigious Builder of the Year from Professional Builder in 2015 and America’s Best Builder in 2012 from BUILDER Magazine.

For more information about Neal Communities and Marisol Villas, call (941) 229-0630 or visit NealCommunities.com.

July 25, 2022
The Four Steps of Homeownership

As one of Southwest Florida’s most celebrated homebuilders, Neal Communities strives to create the feeling of “home” for future homeowners by offering innovative floorplan designs found only in our beautiful communities.

Whether this is your first home or your tenth, we want to make the experience as effortless as possible. To help, we’ve identified the four key steps that will guide you on this exciting new construction home journey!

July 15, 2022
Pace Center for Girls of Manatee County Floats 26,312 Ducks Down Manatee River, Raises more than $150,000

Approximately 26,312 ducks floated down the Manatee River on June 11, raising more than $150,000 for Pace Center for Girls of Manatee County.

For the seventh consecutive year, Neal Communities, southwest Florida’s premier private homebuilder, partnered with Pace Center for Girls of Manatee County as a Diamond Duck sponsor of the nonprofit’s 13th Annual Lucky Ducky Race for Pace.

In addition to its $5,000 donation, Neal Communities’ employees also supported the cause individually by purchasing more than 230 ducks, raising more than $900 additional dollars.

“Neal Communities was pleased to support of the Lucky Ducky Race for Pace again this year,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities.

The race, which started at Caddy’s at the Pointe in Bradenton, is one of Pace Center for Girls of Manatee County’s largest fundraisers. The Pace Center offers a year-round school that provides girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy. The comprehensive program integrates social services and education in an individualized manner, and it is recognized nationally as one of the most effective programs in the country for keeping adolescent girls out of the juvenile justice system. Pace Manatee has worked with more than 1,500 girls over the years and is one of Pace Center’s almost two dozen Florida locations.

“Funds from our generous Diamond Duck sponsors, including Neal Communities, completely offset the cost of the event,” said Christi Haley, development director of Pace Center for Girls. “When individuals like the Neal Communities’ staff members adopt ducks, funds raised directly impact the lives of girls right here in our community.”

Neal Communities, based in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, is Southwest Florida’s largest and most established locally owned and operated private builder. During the company’s 50-year history, it has built over 19,000 new homes in more than 90 acclaimed communities from Tampa to Naples. With a core belief that “Where You Live Matters,” Neal Communities has given more than $7.5 million to local charities throughout Southwest Florida and is committed to the communities where they live, work and build.

For more information about Pace Center for Girls Manatee, visit www.pacecenter.org/locations/manatee. For more information about Neal Communities, visit staging.nealcommunities.com/.

July 12, 2022
Neal Communities Announces Grand Opening of Tide Marsh

Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier private homebuilder, is celebrating the grand opening of its Tide Marsh neighborhood in Fort Myers. This small boutique community offers a coastal and island architectural theme and features 63 homesites.

The homebuilder started offering pre-sales in late April and has sold already over 10 homes. Many of Neal Communities’ best-selling, designer-decorated plans are already in-progress with all-in pricing starting in the mid $500s.The gated community offers both one-story and two-story floor plans from Neal Communities’ Cruise and Celebration series. The homes range from 1,531 to 3,014 square feet. Two models are available for tours.

There is no community development district (CDD), which means no added district fees to live in this tranquil gated community.

Tide Marsh is situated close to Estero Bay Preserve State Park and features a quiet setting for homeowners off Winkler Road. With its location west of I-75 and U.S. 41, the community offers easy access to downtown Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach and a range of retailers, restaurants and medical providers.

“We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of Tide Marsh,” said Tim Oak, who is president of the south region of Neal Communities. “Tide Marsh is close to golf courses, parks and preserves ideal for hiking and wildlife watching. It’s also just a short drive to the world renown beaches on Sanibel Island and the beautiful Fort Myers Beach.”

Book an appointment to speak with a Neal Communities expert today. Call (239) 360-3450 or visit staging.nealcommunities.com/new-homes/tide-marsh.

July 5, 2022
Sarasota Among America’s Top Ten Places to Live

At Neal Communities, we believe where people live has an impact on their lives. We want to create wonderful communities in locations that allow our homeowners to thrive and enjoy life.

As a proud member of the Sarasota area, we were overjoyed to see that the city was named as one of the best places to live in the country by the U.S News & World Report. Sarasota ranked at #9, making it the only Florida city in the top ten. Our communities there embody the Sarasota lifestyle – personal retreats offering an intimate atmosphere located near a host of venues where you can enjoy the very best of Florida living.

While Sarasota is an idyllic vacation destination, there are several key factors underscoring its high ranking on the list.

Quality of Life

Quality of life was more important than ever this year due to the fluctuating housing market. A home is an investment, so homeowners will want to settle down in a location offering a comfortable lifestyle.

Sarasota appeals to a wide demographic – from retirees to families – with many citing the year-long warm weather as one reason. The average temperature is 83.4°F, providing residents with the opportunity to do any beloved activities outside in the fresh air. With the constant sunshine and warmth, you can rest assured that snowfall is extremely unlikely.

The schools and safety of the town are additional reasons families make the move to Sarasota. The city has access to 27 public schools (elementary, middle and high) as well as 57 private schools, providing students with access to a quality education. The current crime rate is far lower than the 2020 national average, making the area a safe environment for all inhabitants to grow and prosper.

Cost of Living

As prices continue to climb in the housing market, the cost of living might make you cross off certain cities from your list. While Sarasota is no exception to escalating prices, it maintained its ranking at #9 on the U.S. News & World Report list from the previous year. One item that helps is how Florida is one of nine states with no state income tax, allowing homeowners to save more money every year.

As additional assistance, the state also provides the advantage of a homestead exemption – providing your Florida home is your primary residence. By obtaining this, you will pay less for certain property taxes, effectively decreasing the taxable value of your home.

Desirability

What makes Sarasota a desirable location for many? While a tourist destination with a plethora of beaches and a budding food scene, many enjoy the charm and versatility of this unique city.

The true beauty of Sarasota lies in how it combines today’s luxuries with a timeless, seaside ambience. When visiting downtown Sarasota, residents are met with a variety of major stores, fine dining and resorts with local businesses nestled in between. However, when arriving at a spot such as St. Armand’s Circle , residents are able to walk down the streets and discover a host of boutique shops, restaurants and modern art. This duality allows you to explore a large city while enjoying its small-town atmosphere.

Sarasota is well-known for its vibrant arts scene. One location is the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, a historic site demonstrating the state’s rich history with John Ringling’s “Greatest Show on Earth.” Sarasota also hosts no shortage of galleries and outdoor music events, so it makes for quite the immersive experience.

Many also enjoy the booming Rosemary District, a neighborhood providing performances from local artists thanks to the many theatres and dance studios. Over the past decade, this district has seen an explosion of wall murals, highlighting the talent of local and national muralists at every turn.

We are honored to share several of our communities and award-winning floorplans with Sarasota and the rest of southwest Florida. To learn more about the communities matching your needs, contact us here.

June 28, 2022
Neal Communities Announces Grand Opening of Wysteria in Wellen Park

Southwest Florida’s premier private homebuilder, Neal Communities, recently announced the grand opening of Wysteria, a 153-home community in Wellen Park nestled in southern Sarasota County.

As the latest addition to the Wellen Park master-planned community, Wysteria offers 64 paired villas and 89 single-family homes with a British West Indies and Coastal architectural theme. The community offers six floorplans, including two villa designs ranging from 1,434 square feet to 1,524 square feet. The villas include two-bedrooms, two-bathrooms and optional den per plan. The single-family homes range from 1,531 square feet to 1,859 square feet.

The homes in Wysteria are within walking distance of a central neighborhood amenity that features a gathering room, screened area, a pool and spa space with three shade structures and a garden trellis. The community also offers two pickleball courts for residents to enjoy.

Wellen Park has been named the No. 5 top-selling master-planned community in the U.S. for 2021 by prominent real estate consulting firm RCLCO. The community offers a vibrant mix of residential, commercial and recreational options amongst three districts: West Villages, Downtown Wellen and Playmore. Wysteria is located in the Playmore District.

“We are thrilled to be opening another beautiful neighborhood inside Wellen Park,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “Wysteria is a perfect place to call home inside an exciting and growing area of Sarasota County.”

Wysteria is the second Neal Communities neighborhood to recently open in Wellen Park. On March 31 of this year, the homebuilder celebrated the grand opening of Avelina, a 96-home community that offers five stunning floorplans ranging from 2,327 square feet to 2,762 square- feet. Eight homes were sold in Avelina within the first 30 days since its opening. Avelina also is in the Playmore District of Wellen Park.

Bordered by Manasota Beach Road and Preto Boulevard, Wysteria is close to Sarasota County’s beaches, shopping and cultural experiences. Wysteria also is conveniently located 1.5 miles from CoolToday Park, an Atlanta Braves spring training facility and stadium, and less than two miles away from Downtown Wellen, a shopping and entertainment district. Downtown Wellen is slated to open during the fourth quarter of 2022. It will include 175 lakefront acres, waterfront dining, a town hall, a children’s playground and splash pad, a food truck kiosk area and an outfitter who will rent e-bikes, paddle boards and kayaks.

Neal Communities will be hosting a virtual grand opening celebration at 12 p.m. on Thursday, June 23, 2022 on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. During the virtual event, Neal Communities’ sales team will walk spectators through Wysteria’s model homes and give an overview of the community. Spectators will also learn more about Downtown Wellen. Register for the grand opening event in advance at https://on.nealcommunities.com/wysteria-go-event/.

For more information about Wysteria, visit NealCommunities.com/New-Homes/Wysteria or call (941) 229-0630.

June 21, 2022
Neal Communities Donates $15,000 to Venice MainStreet

Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s largest private homebuilder, donated $15,000 to Venice MainStreet to sponsor its Friday night concert series and marketing efforts. The homebuilder is the first annual sponsor for this popular entertainment series in downtown Venice.

For 35 years, Venice MainStreet has supported the city of Venice’s historic downtown district by hosting special events like the Friday night concert series. On the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month, free music performances take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Centennial Park. The series, which is open to the public, has an annual average attendance of 10,000. The program helps attract both tourists and residents downtown and stimulates economic spending in dining, shopping and recreational activities.

“Venice MainStreet is grateful for Neal Communities for supporting our mission through sponsorship of our annual concerts in the park series. The funds will be used to pay local artists to perform and support marketing efforts for downtown” said Kara Morgan, CEO of Venice MainStreet. “We look forward to an exciting roster of performers throughout the summer months and we hope everyone will try to catch a concert downtown this year!”

Venice MainStreet is an accredited Main Street organization through the Florida Main Street Program and Main Street America. Its mission is to preserve and enhance the character, beauty and economic vitality of historic downtown Venice. The organization achieves its goals through marketing, promotions, special events and historic preservation advocacy.

“We are proud to support an organization dedicated to economic development and business vitality in the Venice community,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities.

During the company’s 50-year history, Neal Communities has built over 18,000 new homes in more than 90 acclaimed communities from Tampa to Naples. As a prominent builder in the area, Neal Communities has a core belief that “Where You Live Matters.” The private homebuilder has given more than $7.5 million to local charities throughout Southwest Florida and is committed to supporting the communities where it builds.

For more information about Venice MainStreet’s concert schedules, performers, or to join the Venice MainStreet e-newsletter visit www.visitvenicefl.org. For more information about Neal Communities, visit NealCommunities.com or call (941) 229-0630.

June 15, 2022