Author: Jasmine

Article From What’s Up Wellen Park – Meet the Team Behind the Build: Neal Communities in Wellen Park
Take a look at this article from whatsupwellen.com

Before Wellen Park became one of the fastest growing communities on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Neal Communities was already shaping what life here could look like. With more than half a century of experience building in Southwest Florida, Neal has earned a reputation for thoughtful design, lasting quality, and a strong commitment to the local community.

But what makes Neal homes truly special in Wellen Park is not just the homes themselves. It is the people who build them.

A Local Legacy

Neal Communities started in 1970 with a simple idea: create homes that reflect the way people in Florida really live. From early neighborhoods on Longboat Key to vibrant new communities throughout Sarasota County, Neal has always stayed true to its roots as a locally focused builder. They understand what matters to Gulf Coast families because they have been part of the community for decades.

That same mindset is front and center in Wellen Park. Whether it is a quiet street in Avelina or a lively gathering in Grand Palm, Neal neighborhoods are designed to bring people together.

The People Behind the Homes

From the moment you visit a Neal model home, you are likely to meet someone who lives nearby or has helped build a home for one of your future neighbors. Neal’s team in Wellen Park includes longtime sales consultants, experienced construction managers, and design specialists who know the area and care about every detail.
- Elayne, an area sales manager, says, “#TeamNeal means everything that I have come to know and love about Southwest Florida. It means family, taking pride in our work and our community, and progressing towards a better future.”
- Darice, a new home sales associate, shares, “I researched builders for just over a year before applying with Neal. I quickly recognized the Neal difference and kept coming across the outstanding reputation of the company. I am happy to now be part of the best sales team.”
- Harry, a land development manager, adds, “I truly enjoy seeing a community come together. As families move in, it becomes more than the sum of its parts.”
Designed for Real Life in Florida

Neal homes are known for their open living areas, flexible layouts, and outdoor spaces that make the most of Florida’s sunshine. But these features did not come from a national trend. They came from listening to local homebuyers and learning what works in real life.

Popular design choices include:
- Home offices and private work spaces
- Well-appointed kitchens with generous storage and flow
- Outdoor lanais and sliding glass doors, including pocket sliders for full, unobstructed openings
- Energy efficient materials and Florida-friendly landscaping
A True Community Builder

Neal Communities is more than just a builder. They are a part of the Wellen Park story. The company actively supports local causes, attends community events, and builds relationships that go well beyond the closing table. With their corporate office located right in Sarasota County, their staff lives here, their families are here, and their heart is here.

From their early days along the Gulf Coast to their current role in helping shape Wellen Park’s growth, Neal Communities continues to prove that creating great homes starts with building strong connections.

To learn more about Neal Communities and explore available homes in Wellen Park, visit nealcommunities.com.

You will find floorplans, community highlights, and the latest updates on model tours and neighborhood openings.
August 19, 2025
Taking Control of Your Credit: Opting Out of Prescreened Offers
Ever wonder how companies get your name and address to send you those “firm offers” for credit cards and insurance? It’s often due to information from your credit file being used for prescreening. But you have the power to stop it.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) allows you to opt out of these prescreened offers. The official and secure way to do this is through OptOutPrescreen.com. This website is a service provided by the four major consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian, Innovis, and TransUnion.

You have two main options for opting out:
- Five-Year Opt-Out: You can complete this process electronically through the website.
- Permanent Opt-Out: For a permanent opt-out, you’ll need to mail in a signed Permanent Opt-Out Election form, which is also available on the site.
By opting out, you can reduce the amount of mail you receive and help protect your personal information from potential misuse. Visit OptOutPrescreen.com to take control of your credit information today.
August 8, 2025
Neal Communities Raises Over $34,000 for Multicultural Centre Annual Big Backpack Event!

We are thrilled to announce that Neal Communities has successfully raised over $34,000 to support the Multicultural Centre Annual Big Backpack Event! This incredible effort will help provide essential school supplies to students in need, ensuring they have a strong start to the academic year.

The Annual Big Backpack Event, organized by the Multicultural Centre, is a vital initiative that empowers local youth by equipping them with the tools they need to succeed in their studies. Neal Communities is proud to contribute to such a meaningful cause, demonstrating our commitment to supporting education and the well-being of our community.

We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to this fundraising success. Your generosity will make a significant difference in the lives of many families.

For more information about the event, you can visit the Multicultural Centre Annual Big Backpack Event page.

July 29, 2025
Neal Communities to Celebrate Palmera at Wellen Park Grand Opening July 25

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. July 16, 2025 – Neal Communities, southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, will celebrate the grand opening of its sales center and two model homes at Palmera at Wellen Park by Neal Communities, scheduled for Friday, July 25 from 4-6 p.m. and a virtual event from noon – 1 p.m. for those who cannot attend in person. The in-person event will feature ice cream from Carousels for the first 100 guests.

RSVP is requested for both events at https://on.nealcommunities.com/palmera-go/.

Palmera at Wellen Park by Neal Communities will feature its Cruise Series of homes, including five floor plans of both one- and two-story homes, ranging from 1,533 – 2,956 square feet. The two decorated models onsite are the Liberty 4, with 1,533 square feet of living space, encompassing three bedrooms, two baths and a two-car garage, along with the Heritage 2 floor plan, featuring four bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a two-car garage in a total of 2,429 square feet of living space.

In addition, homebuyers can build the Patriot, with three bedrooms, two baths and a two-car garage and a total of 1,682 square feet; the Dream 2, a three bedrooms, two baths, two-car garage home with 1,860 square feet and the two-story Vision, featuring 2,956 square feet and five bedrooms, four baths and a two-car garage.

“Neal Communities is pleased to be part of this exciting new neighborhood in the fast-growing and highly sought-after area of Wellen Park,” says Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “Our Cruise Series offers something for homebuyers at every life stage in a setting that will stand out for its resort-style amenities.”

Palmera is Wellen Park’s newest neighborhood and features six builders, including Neal Communities. Palmera will offer a wide array of resort-style amenities for residents of every age and life stage, including a coastal-inspired Clubhouse with Grill Pub, resort pool with lap lanes, splash pad, playground, fireside seating, fitness center, pickleball courts, gathering lawn, nature trail, golf simulator and onsite dining.

July 16, 2025
An Investment in the Future: Scholarship, Internship Leading to Dream Career in Construction Management for Student Graham Jones

FORT MYERS, Fla. (June 26, 2025) –Entering into his junior year at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), Graham Jones has big dreams. As a construction management major, Jones has his sights set on owning his own construction firm and everything he has learned in his first weeks as an intern at Neal Communities has only reinforced his vision, but also perhaps made him a little more realistic.

“Since starting with Neal, I have realized that my lifetime goal of owning my own construction firm is going to be a big hill to climb” Jones says. “I’ve slowly started to learn how it takes a team of people to collectively work together to achieve something big. Whether it’s building a home or starting my own firm, I’ve realized how important it is to have knowledge of everything going on in your company and understand how your team works together. This gives you a better scope of what to expect from your company and the things you can do differently to help make it the best.”

Jones’ internship is just part of Neal’s commitment to supporting students entering non-traditional fields, particularly those bridging the gap between high school and careers that combine technical expertise with leadership. He was also the recipient of the Neal Communities Scholarship, established in 2022, a $25,000 pledge over five years to support FGCU’s construction management program.

“My day-to-day with Neal is primarily spent working in a community under development named SkySail,” Jones says. “The team at SkySail treats me like family and has given me extraordinary learning opportunities.”

Jones spends his days shadowing most of the Neal Communities’ team by learning how they all work on specific tasks to achieve the vision of Neal.

“I’ve helped construction managers’ stencil measurements and letters around their homes, reviewed production reports of homes with the project manager, put out fires with the director of construction, surveyed undeveloped sites with the land engineer, calculated takeoffs with purchasing, and assisted customers’ needs with warranty. I’ve been exposed to so many different jobs and grasped a real understanding of the Neal team vision.”

Jones says his two favorite fields to work in are land development and building.

“I love working in land development not just for the big excavators and dump trucks but taking a plain old quarry and transforming it into a beautiful piece of land with windy roads and massive lakes,” he says. “I was surprised to learn that the biggest tool used in land development is gravity. Whether it’s moving water from lake to lake or sewer water from one corner of the property to another, using gravity to transfer the water saves a lot of space and money.”

While land development has captured his imagination, building has Jones’ heart.

“The adrenaline and satisfaction I get is unexplainable,” he adds. “Every day I learn something new about a material or trade. From breaking ground to flying trusses, to installing sod, I love the process that goes into building houses. Working with the trades, learning how they operate is fun too. My goal is to learn how a house gets built from start to finish. I want to learn the process of achieving permits, scheduling trades, problem solving, passing inspections and what comes after the home is complete.”

By investing in students like Graham, Neal Communities isn’t just contributing to education—they’re building futures, one brick at a time. Their partnership with FGCU underscores the importance of encouraging diverse career paths and giving students the tools to succeed.

July 9, 2025
The Benefits of New Construction vs. Resale in Today’s Southwest Florida Market

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (June 25, 2025) – In the competitive landscape of today’s Southwest Florida real estate market, discerning buyers are increasingly turning to new construction vs. resale as an innovative and savvy purchase. With the regional housing market experiencing a surge in inventory, Naples now has over 9 months of supply. Fort Myers isn’t far behind at 8 months; buyer leverage has never been more substantial. These days, choosing new homes offers access to modern design, energy-efficient systems, and personalized finishes, and offers buyers the opportunity to take advantage of aggressive incentives from new home builders eager to close deals in this shifting market.

A Fresh Start with New Homes

In Southwest Florida’s dynamic real estate landscape, new homes offer buyers a distinct advantage: peace of mind. Unlike resale properties, which often come with hidden repair needs or outdated systems, new home construction ensures modern standards across the board, from energy‑efficient appliances and hurricane‑resistant materials to the latest smart‑home wiring. Especially in a region grappling with rising insurance costs and weather-related wear, opting for a newly built home means fewer surprises, lower upkeep costs, and a safer investment in the long run.

Built to Current Codes and Comforts

Buyers benefit from homes designed to current Florida building codes and lifestyle preferences when working with established new home builders like Neal Communities. These communities often feature top-tier indoor & outdoor living layouts, vaulted ceilings, and open kitchen concepts, ideal for our region’s year‑round sunshine. Moreover, because all systems (electrical, HVAC, windows) are brand new and warranty‑backed, homeowners enjoy efficiency and comfort that resale options can’t easily match.

Incentives and Financing Perks

In today’s market, new home builders aren’t just selling properties; they’re competing hard. Many offer incentives like rate buy‑downs, closing‑cost contributions, and builder upgrades to stay ahead. For buyers, this means going new can save them money over time. Competitive pricing and promotional offers often make monthly payments on a new build comparable, or even lower, than those on a similarly priced resale home.

Thoughtfully Planned Communities

From Fort Myers to Sarasota, Neal Communities’ master‑planned developments like Tide Marsh, Verandah, and Windward offer curated lifestyles that resale neighborhoods can’t replicate. These communities feature resort-style amenities, walking trails, fitness centers, and community social spaces. The proximity to downtown hubs, beaches, schools, and healthcare makes them ideal for families, professionals, and retirees. Plus, with home sites and landscaping thoughtfully integrated, these neighborhoods blend nature and design seamlessly.

Value Retention and Future‑Proofing

Contrary to concerns about future resale competition from builders, the value of quality new homes often holds firm thanks to up-to-date designs and strong infrastructure. New homes provide stability in a market with rapid price growth followed by a strategic slowdown. Because they’re built with the latest standards, they’re often easier to insure and maintain, which keeps long‑term ownership costs predictable.

Bottom line? Choosing new home construction in Southwest Florida means stepping into a home that’s custom-designed, energy-efficient, secure, and community-focused. With incentives from trusted new home builders, a built‑to‑last foundation, and thoughtfully planned environments, new homes offer a smarter, more satisfying path to homeownership in today’s market. At Neal Communities, we make building, literally and figuratively, an easy decision.

July 2, 2025
Neal Communities Supports Take Stock in Children Through Scholarships, Mentorship

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (June 23, 2025) – Two local students will benefit from scholarships provided by Neal Communities through Take Stock in Children of Manatee County, but that’s not the only benefit gained for Tuline and Joel. Neal Communities donated $13,121 to Take Stock in Children of Manatee County to provide a tuition-based college/technical college scholarship to students in the Manatee County program.

Over the past several years, these students have been mentored by members of the Neal Communities team.

Pamela Curran, vice president of finance, and Steve Abraham, president of Neal Communities Funding, served as mentors to Tuline and Joel.

“I had the privilege of mentoring Tuline for two years and she is incredibly bright—definitely smarter than I was at 18,” says Curran. “Her ambition, focus, and maturity are remarkable. I have no doubt she’s going to make a meaningful impact in whatever path she chooses. She even inspired me to push myself further, both personally and professionally.”

For her part, Tuline says her experience has been overwhelmingly positive and crucial to providing the support necessary for a higher-level education. She is planning to use her scholarship to attend the University of South Florida.

“My aspiring career interests are in the field of Mechanical Engineering, with a concentration on prosthetics and mechatronics. Hopefully, I plan on working to innovate and create medical devices and prosthetics,” she says. “This scholarship is presented to me as a sign of resilience and motivation for future goals and aspirations. With this in mind, I would like to be a trailblazer, creating opportunities and inspiration for many others worldwide.”

Curran says that she has mentored three other Take Stock students over the years.

“I can honestly say that I’ve gained just as much from the program as the students have,” she adds. “These students have become like family to me. I’m forever grateful for their patience, wisdom, humility, humor, dedication, and inspiration. Each one has left a lasting impression on my life.”

The second student, Joel, is planning to use the scholarship for college to study accounting and believes that with other financial aid, he can be debt free after earning his degree.

“I took advantage of the mentoring program. My mentor, Mr. Abraham, and I often talked about a lot of things going on in my life, whether it be school or personal issues,” he says. “This scholarship helps me reach my goals of enjoying everything college offers. The financial support will also help me explore what I want to do for my future and the career path that I will take.”

Abraham has served as Joel’s mentor for three years, using a variety of communications vehicles to connect, including chat, video and in-person meetings.

“If someone can understand that learning is fun and rewarding, that you can develop skills to learn on your own, then the time you spend in school is probably more fruitful,” Abraham says. “If you leave school with a habit or desire to continue learning on your own, life will be infinitely better for you and the people around you. Having an adult to talk to without the emotional baggage that goes with a parent-child interaction is a chance for a young person to find out what it’s like to be their own person.”

Take Stock in Children’s mission is to break the cycle of poverty for low-income, academically qualified students by providing opportunities for a postsecondary education. The students, from middle to high school age, are matched with a volunteer mentor, provided college readiness services and a dedicated college success coach. Each student is awarded a college scholarship and provided with postsecondary support through degree or certification attainment.

In addition to Curran and Abraham, there are 13 additional Neal Communities employees volunteering as mentors with Take Stock in Children of Manatee County. Also, Ivory Matthews, vice president of community and governmental affairs at Neal Communities who has served as a mentor and former board member of Take Stock in Children of Manatee, is now a member of the Florida State Board of Take Stock in Children.

“Neal Communities is committed to giving back to the communities where we live and work and we’re proud and grateful to our mentors,” says Matthews. “We wish these mentees and all the students involved with Take Stock in Children of Manatee County success in whatever fields they pursue.”

Neal Communities has a philanthropic culture and a core belief that “Where You Live Matters.” The latest giving is part of more than $8 million Neal Communities has donated to local charities and causes throughout Southwest Florida.

June 25, 2025
Neal Communities Supports Community Events Through $70,000 in Donations

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (June 17, 2025) – Neal Communities, southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, has donated $70,000 to support community events this Spring.

Neal Communities served as a $15,000 sponsor of the Venice Symphony Patriotic Pops concert over Memorial Day weekend. This year’s event, a Salute To The Greatest Generation, A WWII Tribute, commemorated the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and featured WWII music, events, and a spectacular fireworks show.

The Library Foundation of Manatee County’s Booked for Lunch event in April featured Today Show personality Jenna Bush Hager. Neal Communities donated $5,000 as an event sponsor.

Neal Communities served as a $5,000 sponsor for the recent Sarasota County Schools Outstanding Volunteer Awards, which honored its individual volunteers, businesses, and community partners at the school district’s annual reception.

Each year, Manatee College celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week in early May. Neal Communities donated $3,000 to support meals and prizes for the week-long celebration for 300 staff members, recognizing the hard work and dedication of educators.

Neal Communities provided a $10,000 grant for a renovation of the Laurel Nokomis School teachers lounge, $3,000 support for the Education Foundation of Sarasota Ringling Bridge Race, $500 to the Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network luncheon, $5,000 to the Florida A&M Tampa Alumni Chapter Scholarship fund and $5,000 to the Marine Corps League Desoto Detachment 588.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Suncoast Spring Soiree is an annual event held at the Lakewood Ranch Country Club to raise funds for the organization. Neal Communities served as a $5,000 sponsor this year to support Big Brothers Big Sisters in its mission to help youth thrive by providing transformational, one-to-one relationships with caring adult mentors.

Neal Communities has also donated $2,500 to Venice High School for a five-year sponsorship of its football scoreboard and $5,000 to the Cape Coral Pop Warner Golf Scramble to support the team for which Jared Boucher, Neal Communities South Region Construction Manager serves as a volunteer assistant. In addition, the company has donated $6,000 as a field sponsor for Venice Area Youth Soccer Association (VAYSA), a local community soccer club providing both competitive and recreational soccer programs. The donation will help cover costs of player scholarships, facilities maintenance, equipment purchases, trainers, field rental and lights.

Many of these donations came as a result of a Neal Communities employee who is actively involved in these organizations. By making a request through the company’s Plan for Giving, the company supports causes that are important to its staff along with quality-of-life initiatives and education.

“Neal Communities is proud to continue to support the causes that are most important to the communities in which we operate, as well as those brought forward by our employees who are involved in a broad range of philanthropic efforts,” says Ivory Matthews, vice president of community and governmental affairs for Neal Communities, who administers the company’s philanthropic efforts.

Neal Communities has a philanthropic culture and a core belief that “Where You Live Matters.” The latest giving is part of more than $8 million Neal Communities has donated to local charities and causes throughout Southwest Florida.

For more information about Neal Communities, visit NealCommunities.com.

June 18, 2025
This Florida Beach Was Named the Best in the U.S.

Imagine a life where pristine beaches are practically in your backyard. That’s the reality awaiting you with a new home from Southwest Florida’s premier builder, Neal Communities. And if you’re dreaming of sugar-white sand and azure waters, you’ll be thrilled to know that owning a Neal Communities home puts you incredibly close to some of the world’s most acclaimed coastlines. Travel + Leisure recently highlighted, one of the “World’s 50 Best Beaches,” Siesta Key Beach, is just a stone’s throw away. Get ready to trade traffic for turquoise – your perfect beach life starts here!

Travel + Leisure article “This Florida Beach Was Named the Best in the U.S.—and It’s Famous for Its Powdery White Quartz Sand and Calm Clear Water“

June 13, 2025
Neal Communities to Celebrate Palm Grove Grand Opening June 27

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. June 11, 2025 – Neal Communities, southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, will celebrate the grand opening of its Discovery Center on Friday, June 27 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. and a virtual event at noon for those who cannot attend in person. RSVP is requested for both events at https://on.nealcommunities.com/palm-grove-go/. Two food trucks and dessert will be complimentary while supplies last.

Palm Grove also offers nine decorated models in the 900-home community, featuring single family homes, townhomes and paired villas being built in east Manatee County adjacent to Lake Manatee State Park.

Plans for the community include a centrally located amenity center clubhouse with a social spaces, a fitness center, resort-style and lap pools, pickleball, yoga lawn, tot lot, dog parks and more, which are already under construction. An on-site lifestyle director will also coordinate year-round events.

“Palm Grove is already coming together as an amazing community that showcases the natural beauty of the site,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “With opportunities ranging from townhouses to villas to single family homes, Palm Grove offers something for every homebuyer.”

The architectural styles of the homes will include British West Indies, farmhouse, coastal and French Colonial. There will be 19 total floorplans offered and nine decorated models available to tour, including five single family floorplans and two each townhome and villa floorplans. In all, there are 15 single family home designs available to build, ranging from 1,533 – 3,483 square feet, two villa options ranging from 1,638 – 1,848 square feet, and two townhouse options that are both 1,790 square feet. Home prices will start in the low $300s for townhomes, $399,990 for villas and $430,990 for single family homes.

“Completing one of the final phases of the nation’s premier multi-generational master-planned community, Palm Grove is an exciting new place to call home,” said Carlos Puente, vice president of sales and marketing. “Blending Florida Modern–style amenities with a broad selection of homes, this community is thoughtfully designed to welcome all lifestyles.”

Palm Grove is located on the north side of State Road 64, west of Dam Road, and just east of Uihlein Road. The homes will be zones to attend Witt Elementary, Haile Middle and Parrish Community High Schools. Beginning in the Fall of 2025, Lake Manatee School, a new K-8 facility, will open just across SR64 from Palm Grove for students in the community for the upcoming school year.

For more information about Palm Grove, visit www.palmgrovevibes.com.

June 11, 2025