Author: Jasmine

Get To Know Our Team: Darice Levasseur

Since 2015, Darice Levasseur has been in the business of home matchmaking as a New Home Sales Associate at Neal. Her favorite part about her job is creating personal relationships with her customers, allowing her to match their personalities and wants to a dream home.

In catering to a wide variety of clientele, Darice enjoys how she always learns something new about the world. She’s had the opportunity to guide a variety of people, from teachers and entertainers to doctors and lawyers through their homebuying journeys. Becoming a homeowner is an exciting adventure, and she enjoys sharing her insight and passion for homebuilding with buyers.

“I’m a new home consultant. I don’t sell, I help put people together with homes,” she says. “The job I have in being a consultant is so impactful. I’m consulting people through one of the biggest purchases in their lives.”

Darice’s favorite floorplan to date is the Kiawah, a perfect home for families. As a dedicated mother of five, she appreciates how this home offers plenty of space for everyone as well as an expansive covered lanai area meant for entertainment and unforgettable family memories.

In her free time, Darice is a creator – she loves sewing and as advocate for self-care, also develops her own skincare and haircare products. And – as a self-proclaimed rockstar, she also enjoys making music!

Get to know Darice and the rest of our team by making an appointment to visit one of our stunning communities.

January 24, 2022
Pat and Charlene Neal make final donation in $1 million commitment to Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County

Five years ago, Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities, and his wife, Charlene Neal, made a substantial donation to Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County. In 2021, the philanthropic couple will mark the final stage of that years-long commitment.

Pat and Charlene Neal donated a total of $1 million to Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County to be paid out over five years. In 2021, the couple made the final $200,000 donation to the nonprofit that offers afterschool and summer programs, providing opportunities for Manatee County youth to learn and grow by achieving academic success and developing leadership skills.

The couple’s substantial donation was made in support of the nonprofit’s Invest in Kids campaign to rebuild its DeSoto Club campus. Their donation underwrote a new flex sports field at the DeSoto Club that has been named the Patrick and Charlene Neal Field.

“Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County appreciates all that the Neal family has done in support of our youth over the years,” said Dawn Stanhope, president and CEO of the nonprofit. “Their investment reflects a strong commitment to our community. Because of their generosity, we are able to encourage kids to address tough issues and build their resiliency through positive mentorship, in a safe and welcoming environment where everyone belongs.”

“Philanthropy has always been extremely important to us, both personally and in everything we do at Neal Communities,” said Pat Neal. “We understand how valuable and impactful it is to support the younger members of the communities in which we live and work. Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County does such a phenomenal job in helping local children and teens develop and thrive in the immediate while also preparing them for future success, and we’re so happy to be able to support the organization’s life-changing work.”

“The future is bright for our young people thanks to caring and dedicated leaders like Pat and Charlene Neal,” said Stanhope. “We are truly grateful for their backing of our mission which inspires others to get involved.”

Pat Neal founded Neal Communities in 1970, and since then, the award-winning homebuilder has created more than 90 acclaimed communities throughout Southwest Florida. Charlene Neal serves as president of Charlene Neal PureStyle and vice president of design at Neal Communities, overseeing the design for all new communities and the styling and décor in the models for Neal Signature Homes and Neal Communities.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County

Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County’s mission is “to enable all young people, especially those that need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.” In operation since 1946, Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County currently provides afterschool and summer programs for over 1,300 young people at six locations (2 traditional Clubs and 4 school-based Clubs). The Clubs offer a safe place to learn and grow, where members experience both life-enhancing and character-building programs focused on academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character and leadership. For more information, call 941-761-2582 or visit www.bgcmanatee.org or www.facebook.com/BoysGirlsClubsManatee.

December 15, 2021
Neal Communities’ Pre-Appointment Checklist
Buying a new home is both exciting and daunting. You have the freedom to find your ideal location but it comes with no shortage of questions – where do you want to live? Does the spot fulfill your needs? You will be living in a home community for many years, so you should find the one that checks all your boxes.

With over 50 years of experience in homebuilding, Neal Communities has a reputation for developing high-quality homes and the communities they reside in. This commitment to excellence extends to every facet of the home ownership journey, and we want customers to get that feeling of “home” the moment they step into any of our various communities. Our team members will guide you to the place offering everything you want.

Before you start making an appointment, we have several tips that can narrow your search:

1. Create a Home Checklist

Start the search for your ideal community by creating a list of top-priority floor plan requirements (the option for a den, having a second floor, etc.) for your future home. This list will have a two-fold purpose, the first being you ordering desired features in terms of importance. You can separate what is absolutely necessary from what you may not need to live comfortably. Doing this step will give you a better idea of what your new home budget should be. You can then dive into your search knowing you have a financial plan that offers flexibility while ensuring you do not go over a certain limit.

2. Discover Your Options

Once you have an idea of what your home and budget should look like, you can then research the floor plans fitting your needs.

When you find the floor plans matching your needs, spend time factoring in how your customizations will work. Our floor plans feature an interactive plan, allowing you to get an idea of the home’s layout and see how their offered customizations can change the home’s arrangement. If you are still deciding on the right home, many of our options link to virtual tours, so you can navigate a model home from anywhere.

3. Research Your Community

You found a floor plan matching your needs, but several communities offer the option. Continue down the ownership funnel by researching the potential communities on our site. Each of our communities present different offerings, so you should choose the one that provides the most value for you.

When deciding on a community, a few common questions to ask are:
- What amenities are offered?
- Is the community near places of importance (schools, medical facilities, restaurants, etc.) to you?
- What is the area like?
- How long is the commute to work?
To aid in your research, Neal offers a list of community-specific amenities on their respective community pages. These can provide you with a clear idea of what is accessible in your preferred community as well as the available homesites. Make sure you pick a community that can accommodate your needs.

4. Speak With a Team Member

You’ve narrowed your search down to a few communities but are still wondering which is the perfect one for you. For an additional hand in deciding, you can speak with one of our Online Sales Consultants. Our consultants have a wealth of information about our communities and they can help you decide if your selection aligns with your needs. It can also be valuable to get input from individuals who have already experienced what each community provides, painting a better picture of your life there.

“That’s really where a phone call prior to visiting is incredibly valuable” says Jackie Polino, one of Neal Communities’ online sales consultants. “They [the future homeowner] can narrow down their search or even discover something new about the community that they did not know.”

5. Schedule Your Appointment

Now that you decided on a couple communities of interest, you can schedule the much-anticipated appointments with the New Homes Sales Associates serving your preferred communities. You can call our sales team members or submit an online form to set a time and date to see how a Neal community sets itself apart from the others.

With our awarding winning home plans and industry expertise, Neal Communities will help you find a community that provides you with a true sense of belonging. To learn more about how our communities can help you, contact us here.
December 2, 2021
Neal Communities marks 10th year as sponsor of Empty Bowls fundraiser for Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee

Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, is serving as a $5,000 Bowl Presenting Sponsor for the 2021 Empty Bowls fundraiser supporting Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee and The Food Bank of Manatee. This is Neal Communities’ 10th year as a sponsor of the annual event, with the company’s total donations over time standing at over $16,000.

“Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee and The Food Bank of Manatee provide vital services to Manatee County, working to ensure that residents in need have access to healthy food and other necessities,” said Ivory Matthews, community and governmental affairs director for Neal Communities. “We’re repeat sponsors of the Empty Bowls fundraiser because we want to support their important work and the members of the community they serve. Neal Communities has a long history in Manatee County, and we want to help make it a place where all residents can thrive.”

This year marks the 21st anniversary of the Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee Empty Bowls fundraiser, which will take place on November 4, 2021, at the Manatee Performing Arts Center and November 5, 2021 at Lakewood Ranch Main Street. All proceeds benefit The Food Bank of Manatee, a program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. Since its 1985 opening, The Food Bank of Manatee has provided more than 55 million pounds of food to the community. Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee has been providing nutrition and supportive services in Manatee County, including meal delivery to the elderly and disabled, since 1972.

For more information about Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, visit https://mealsonwheelsplus.org.

November 15, 2021
Neal Communities grants $1,995 to Braden River Middle School agriscience teacher for innovative robotics-based learning tool

Agriscience teacher Jane Beach loves to give her Braden River Middle School students opportunities for experiential learning. Students in the Bradenton school’s agriculture program, for example, learn how to grow different foods and raise chickens and rabbits as part of their in-class work.

“When students do science hands-on, they wake up to what is really going on,” said Beach. “It makes students understand on a deeper level what’s going on in a book or on the Internet.”

When Beach learned about FarmBot, a programmable robotic farming system through which students can learn about everything from plant science to coding, she knew it could provide a valuable learning experience that would engage and interest her students. After an unsuccessful attempt to get funding elsewhere, she got connected with Neal Communities, which recently granted Beach $1,995 to purchase a FarmBot for use with her students.

“This is going to allow us to expand our possibilities,” said Beach. “It shows that Neal Communities is invested in supporting education, and that they believe in the students and that they can learn and grow through projects like this that wouldn’t be able to happen without community support. We really appreciate the fact that Neal Communities funded our project and that we’ll be able to access technology like this that we wouldn’t normally be able to do.”

Beach and her students might have to wait a bit to get their FarmBot due to the global computer chip shortage; she’s hoping it arrives in the spring. In the meantime, there’s a lot that she and the students can do while they wait.

They’ll need to prepare the raised bed required for installing their FarmBot, and then research and plan what they want to grow. FarmBot plants in a grid system, so students will need to understand how big their different plants will be as they grow and whether their nutritional and watering needs are compatible. The technology that FarmBot uses is open-source, so they can also start learning how to use that technology to program their FarmBot to plant and water what they’re growing.

“We still have plenty of work to do before it arrives,” said Beach. “The kids are really excited. It’s going to be an awesome boost to our program.”

“We always appreciate the chance to support schools that educate young members of the communities in which we work,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder. “The FarmBot will be a highly interactive and interesting way for students to learn about science and agriculture using a forward-thinking approach that helps prepare them for the future.”

For more information about Braden River Middle School, visit manateeschools.net/bradenrivermiddle.

October 26, 2021
Neal Communities breaks ground on Tide Marsh in Fort Myers

Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, has broken ground on Tide Marsh in Fort Myers. This small infill community with a coastal/island architectural theme will feature 63 homesites.

The gated community will offer one- and two-story floor plans from Neal Communities’ Cruise and Celebration series, ranging from 1,531 to 3,014 square feet. Two models at Tide Marsh are planned, featuring one floor plan from each series. Home prices will begin in the high $300s, with options well-suited for families, empty nesters and retirees, and there will be no CDD. Neal Communities will begin taking names for a VIP list in the next 30 days. A grand opening is planned for March 2022.

Tide Marsh is located near sister community Coastal Key, which sold out a few years ago. It’s also situated close to Estero Bay Preserve State Park and offers 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.

“Tide Marsh will be a great community for anyone who really wants to enjoy the Southwest Florida lifestyle,” said Tim Oak, president south region, from Neal Communities. “It’s close to golf courses and wonderful parks and preserves for hiking and wildlife watching. And it’s just a short drive to the beaches on Sanibel Island and Fort Myers Beach.”

For more information about Neal Communities, visit staging.nealcommunities.com/.

October 11, 2021
Neal Communities makes $1,000 donation to North Port Mustangs Pop Warner

Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, has made a $1,000 donation to the North Port Mustangs Pop Warner organization.

The donation supports a fundraising drive to replace youth football equipment for the organization. It was brought to the company’s attention by Harry Russom, a construction manager for Neal Communities at the Kings Gate community in Port Charlotte.

Russom has worked for Neal Communities for five years and also serves as the president of the North Port Mustangs Pop Warner organization. He reached out to his employer to help give the kids and teens who participate in the football program a better experience.

“Our goal is to raise the funds to replace half of our inventory that has become too aged to recertify,” said Russom. “As Neal Communities has increased its presence in the area surrounding North Port, I thought the company might be interested in supporting this cause that is close to my heart.”

“We are always happy to donate to causes that are important to our employees and impact the communities in which we work,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “We hope the North Port Mustangs players are able to get the needed new equipment to make their time on the field safer and more enjoyable.”

To learn more about the North Port Mustangs Pop Warner organization, visit https://www.facebook.com/npmustangs.

To learn more about Neal Communities, visit staging.nealcommunities.com/.

September 27, 2021
Neal Communities makes $5,000 donation to support Pace Center for Girls Manatee

Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, recently made a $5,000 donation in support of Pace Center for Girls Manatee and its 12th annual Lucky Ducky Race for Pace.

In addition to the donation made by Neal Communities for the 2021 event, many Neal employees also participated on their own by adopting 250 rubber ducks for the race, which offers a variety of prizes for winning ducks. This is Neal Communities’ fifth donation in support of the annual Lucky Ducky Race for Pace, with total money donated over the years now totaling $26,100.

More than 27,500 rubber ducks were adopted for the August 28, 2021, event on the Manatee River at Caddy’s in Bradenton, which raised $180,000 to support the vital work done by Pace Center for Girls in Manatee County.

“Neal Communities has been a supporter of the Lucky Ducky Race for Pace for many years,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “Organizations like Pace Center for Girls Manatee make our region a stronger place and an area where people want to live. We’re happy to take part in this fun annual event that supports a nonprofit organization doing such important and valuable work.”

Since 1989, Pace Center for Girls Manatee has served at-risk girls in middle and high school in Manatee County, providing an alternative school option to help them achieve their academic goals, develop real world skills and prepare for the future. Pace Manatee has worked with some 1,500 girls over the years and is one of Pace Center’s almost two dozen Florida locations.

For more information about Pace Center for Girls Manatee, visit www.pacecenter.org/locations/manatee.

September 21, 2021
Canoe Creek Making the Neal Difference for Homeowner

My family and I were in town back in early January 2021. My firm has an office in Lakewood Ranch and for a few years, I have been considering a transfer. My girls and I lived in Southeast Florida for so long, I knew it simply wasn’t going to be an easy decision and honestly, I never thought that it would happen!

To get a feel for the area’s housing market, we started looking at model homes in Lakewood Ranch and then decided to head up to Parrish as we have heard good things about this up-and-coming location. After touring a few other communities in Parrish, we decided to visit Canoe Creek. I read a few articles about Neal Communities and took a look at the Canoe Creek website but when we arrived, we were very impressed. The neighborhood itself is beautiful, the homes look amazing and the clubhouse/pool area was simply spectacular!

After a good start, we decided to take a look at the models and that is when our lives changed! When we walked in the sales center, we were greeted by Darice Levasseur…to say she was delightful and extremely intelligent about Canoe Creek and Neal Communities is an understatement! Over the next hour or so, Darice shared all of her knowledge with us and I was absolutely shocked as my girls and I really fell in love with the Dream floorplan and we had our eyes on a few different pieces of lakefront property off Old Creek Court.

Darice Levasseur, Neal Sales Associate

After our visit and on the way back to our hotel, the only thing we talked about was how much we loved the Dream, the neighborhood and Darice! For me, I have been managing employees for 25+ years and I could not believe how this amazing young woman transformed the permanent relocation of my family from an absolute longshot to more than a spark of hope. As the day went on and the next day began, all we could think about was figuring out a way to make this “Dream” a reality.

When we got home from our trip, my wife and I simply could not put down all the information Darice shared with us. I recall one evening, my wife and I were talking about the potential move. Earlier in the day, I had found an existing home in Parrish online and I really liked it…nice house…nice property, this home was a good one. When I shared the information with my wife, she started to cry. I immediately stopped and asked what was wrong…her reply was simple: “I want the Dream,” and that was that! Over the next week or so, we worked with Darice to make it happen!

Since that day, the process has been amazing…Darice has been amazing! We purchased our homesite right on a big lake, we have been through all design stages and our house is roughly 30 – 40% complete. We sold our house in Southeast Florida and just last week, we moved west and are currently living in Lakewood Ranch while Neal finishes our Dream model!

In closing, I honestly feel like without Darice, this would have never happened! While I am no genius, I know other people and I sure know an amazing employee when I see one…Darice Levasseur is both an amazing young woman and a spectacular young employee! I would bet everything I have that my life is not the only one she has changed and if there has ever been an employee that deserves every single accolade a company provides…it is Darice. We thank God for her every day and so should Neal Communities!

Sincerely,

Brian, Deborah and Rachel Gibbs

September 9, 2021
Going Above and Beyond in Boca Royale

Dear. Mr. Neal,

We are the proud and happy owners of home site 802 in Boca Royale. We moved here from San Diego and from the moment we started looking for a home, we knew it would be a Neal home.

I (Linda) worked in the residential development business in San Diego County for more than 25 years, providing community outreach and entitlements for developers. So, I realize that compliments to a developer are sometimes few and far between. That is why we are writing to tell you about the positive experience we have had with Neal.

We fell in love with Boca Royale online and called for an appointment. We worked with Dawna Bruner and the experience was great. She provided my brother-in-law with information and e-mailed us as well. We made an appointment with Dawna on a Monday morning in November of 2020. We went through the models, drove around the Cove homes area and saw available lots and feature homes. We fell in love with the floor plan of the Sea Mist and went to Grand Palm to visit the model there. Although we made appointments for other Neal Communities, we knew Boca Royale was our choice as soon as we entered.

The purpose of this note is to tell you about the Dream Team we have the pleasure of working with at Boca Royale. Starting with Dawna Bruner, she went above and beyond throughout the whole process. She took us to the design center to show us all the selections chosen for our feature home. The design center staff had everything out for us when we arrived. Throughout the construction of our home, Dawna sent pictures and videos to us regularly.

Second, I would like to compliment Veronica McGuire. She kept us up to date on the due dates, scheduled walk-through and closing and gave us great information regarding Homeowner’s Insurance, etc.

Third, and most important to us is our Project Manager, Todd Ortlieb. Todd kept us apprised of progress on our home and Final Walkthrough before closing. Todd has been a gem in helping us with any questions we have had and responds very quickly.

Fourth, Erik Sykes in Warranty is great to work with. We had very few items on our one-month warranty list, but Erik considered them all very important and they have all been completed.

We couldn’t be happier with our new home and the neighborhood. We are excited about the improvements you are doing to the club and golf course. Thank you very much. We look forward to the future of Boca Royale. We know that golf courses are no longer as profitable throughout the United States. In California, I worked on many projects where courses were becoming residential communities, with many disgruntled homeowners.

Thank you for the wonderful homes you provide. We are so proud to call Boca Royale our home.

Warm regards,

Randy & Linda

Boca Royale Golf & Country Club

August 13, 2021