Category: News

  • Neal Communities’ Ivory Matthews Named to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium Board of Trustees

    Neal Communities’ Ivory Matthews Named to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium Board of Trustees

    LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (January 12, 2025) – Ivory Matthews has been named to the Board of Trustees at the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.  Matthews serves as vice president of community and governmental affairs at Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s largest locally owned and operated private builder.

    “I’m honored to join Mote’s Board of Trustees,” says Matthews. “Mote is giving local students complementary access to hands-on science experiences that can change how they see their future and that’s powerful and important to me.”

    Since 2023, Matthews has served as a member of Mote’s Education & Outreach Committee, contributing to strategy around programs that engage youth and community in marine science.  She is also a member of the Florida State Board of Take Stock in Children, Board Chair for Step Up Suncoast, Inc. and is a member of the board for CREW Sarasota and the Tampa Bay Partnership.

    Having resided in Sarasota and working in science, Matthews has been involved with the marine-science community and has observed Mote’s growth firsthand.

    “Two years ago—while traveling abroad in Argentina—I found myself describing my diving adventures to fellow travelers,” she says. “One family from London knew of Mote and shared that the father had gone diving with Mote in the Florida Keys. That moment highlighted for me Mote’s global reach and influence.”
    Her business success and devotion to the community have resulted in Matthews recently being honored with several awards from local media organizations. She was named to the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 as well as the same list for the Business Observer, a regional Florida-focused business publication. In addition, Matthews was nominated as one of SRQ Magazine’s Women Who Roar.

    At Neal Communities, Matthews has risen from working a two-week temporary job in environmental permitting to her current role as VP of Community and Governmental Affairs. She is charged with interacting with both government entities about things like entitlements and with residents where the company plans to build. In the past year, she has successfully entitled $50 million worth of land, which translates into approximately 2,500 residential units.

    Additionally, Matthews oversees Neal Communities’ $500,000 Plan for Giving, a philanthropic program that supports quality of life initiatives and education and has a large element of employee-led giving, where the company supports causes that are important to its staff. Neal Communities has a philanthropic culture and a core belief that “Where You Live Matters.” Neal Communities has more than $8 million to local charities and causes throughout Southwest Florida.

    The new 12-acre Mote Science Education Aquarium (SEA) campus opened to the public last month.

    Mote SEA transforms Mote’s ability to provide informal science education and enhanced levels of ocean literacy to much larger and more diverse populations from around the world. The 146,000-square-foot facility enables individuals of all ages and backgrounds to engage with the ocean and experience a window into Mote’s globally significant marine science research and conservation initiatives.

    Science is the attraction at Mote SEA. The innovative facility features three state-of-the-art STEM Teaching Labs focused on Biomedical, Microbiology & Immunology; Marine & Coastal Ecology; and Ocean Engineering, AI Technology, Robotics & Sensor Development. These labs will provide hands-on experiential learning to more than 70,000 K–12 students annually from Sarasota and Manatee county schools (as well as those schools in nearby counties), including over 26,000 Title 1 students, completely free of charge.

    Mote operates 38 research programs and centers in its global research enterprise. Its research spans marine biomedical science, as well as conservation, restoration and monitoring of iconic species and habitats. With its new facility, visitor attendance is expected to double and in the first month of operation, Mote welcomed 100,000 guests.

  • Rising Insurance Costs? Why a New Neal Communities Home is the Smarter Choice

    Rising Insurance Costs? Why a New Neal Communities Home is the Smarter Choice

    If you have been following the real estate news lately, you have likely seen the headlines: homeowners insurance costs are on the rise, and it is changing the way people buy homes.

    A recent article from the Tampa Bay Business Journal highlighted a national trend that hits close to home here in Florida. National premiums rose 8% in 2025 , and two-thirds of homeowners saw their premiums increase the previous year. Perhaps most concerning for buyers is that insurance hurdles are now disrupting sales, with 21% of real estate agents reporting “significantly more” issues with transactions—including clients canceling purchases entirely because they couldn’t secure affordable coverage.

    In Florida specifically, over 41% of agents reported a significant uptick in insurance-related obstacles.

    But there is a silver lining that these headlines often miss.

    While these statistics paint a tough picture for the general market, they largely reflect the reality of the resale market—older homes with aging roofs, outdated electrical systems, and plumbing that raises red flags for insurers.

    At Neal Communities, we believe you shouldn’t have to inherit someone else’s problem. Here is why buying a new Neal Communities home puts you in the strongest possible position to own a home in Florida confidently and affordably.

    1. Built to Today’s Standards = Lower Risk

    Insurance carriers price risk. When they look at an older resale home, they see potential liabilities: roof age, outdated wiring, and building codes from decades ago. These are the factors driving up premiums and causing carriers to drop policies.

    A new Neal Communities home is different. We build to the latest hurricane, wind, and energy codes. Our homes feature wind mitigation measures and up-to-date systems that older inventory simply cannot match. Because our homes present far less risk to insurers, our buyers often qualify for better insurance pricing and stronger carrier availability from day one.

    2. Avoid the “Deal-Breaker” Stress

    The recent data shows that 47% of agents nationwide are struggling with insurance issues delaying or derailing home purchase agreements. These failures happen most often on aging inventory where the buyer suddenly discovers the roof needs replacing or the home requires expensive retrofits to be insurable.

    With Neal Communities, you gain predictability. You aren’t scrambling to find a carrier willing to write a policy on a 20-year-old roof. You are stepping into a brand-new home that meets the modern standards insurers prefer.

    3. Predictable Bills and Peace of Mind

    Modern building standards translate to insurance savings that many resale buyers don’t know exist. By choosing new construction, you are setting yourself up for more predictable monthly bills and a significantly lower risk of being dropped by a carrier.

    As the market shifts, owning a new Neal Communities home puts you in control. While national news makes home insurance sound scary, it serves as a reminder of the value of new construction.

    Don’t let the headlines keep you from your dream home. Visit a Neal Community today to learn more about how our building standards offer you a safe, secure, and smart path to Florida homeownership.

  • Neal Communities and Neal Signature Homes Employees Build and Decorate Playhouses for Cottages for Kids Program

    Neal Communities and Neal Signature Homes Employees Build and Decorate Playhouses for Cottages for Kids Program

    Lakewood Ranch, Fla. – December 12, 2025 – Employees from Southwest Florida’s premier private homebuilder, Neal Communities and its luxury home division, Neal Signature Homes, volunteered their time to build and decorate playhouses that will be given to families with young children through the Salvation Army’s South Sarasota County Cottages for Kids program.

    The playhouses were displayed at Downtown Wellen before being delivered to selected families.

    “This project is a great opportunity for our employees to use their talents to help a great cause,” says Christine McKelvey, director of marketing for Neal Communities. “We are honored to be part of this community effort to give kids a playhouse where they can have creative fun and make memories with their family and friends.”

    Neal Signature Homes and Neal Communities build in several communities in Wellen Park, including the new Palmera at Wellen Park, which features its Cruise Series of homes. The builder also has communities with final opportunities, including Avelina and Wysteria. Grand Palm and Boca Royale Golf and Country Club are also nearby communities offering easy access to all that Wellen Park has to offer.

    Neal Signature Homes offers eight available floor plans in EVERLY, Wellen Park’s first luxury and custom home neighborhood. Floor plans range from 2,562 to 4,189 square feet with pricing starting in the $900s. One model, the Palm Bay 2, is a 70’ wide chassis home, featuring 3,138 square feet of air-conditioned living space, including 3 bedrooms, 3 baths and a three-car garage with a modern farmhouse look. This model includes an optional casita, showing how this flexible additional space can be used for multi-generational family living, a live-in nanny or accommodate guests. The Ravenna model, with 3,004 square feet of air-conditioned living space, features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a three-car garage with a British West Indies look.

  • Neal Employees Provide Holiday Cheer Through Two Donation Programs

    Neal Employees Provide Holiday Cheer Through Two Donation Programs

    LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla., December 11, 2025 – Neal Communities employees got into the holiday spirit by stepping up to help children across the region through two major donation efforts.

    Working with the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, employees in the North region, which includes Manatee and Sarasota Counties, adopted and provided gifts for 100 angels, with each receiving clothing, toys and more.  The Salvation Army Angel Tree program helps provide Christmas gifts for hundreds of thousands of children around the country each year.

    “Supporting children and families in our community is deeply meaningful to our team,” says Tashara Carmichael vice president of human resources. “Our employees embraced the opportunity to adopt 100 angels this year. We have been honored to participate in the Salvation Army’s program for many years, and this annual tradition underscores our ongoing commitment to the communities we call home.”

    Employees in Neal Communities’ South region, which includes Charlotte, Lee and Collier Counties, worked with the U.S. Marine Corps. Reserve Toys for Tots program, donating toys and gifts for children in the region.  The donations made by Neal employees will be part of an effort to benefit more than 800 local children.

    “Toys for Tots is a great organization that has been providing toys for children since 1947,” says Timothy Oak, president of Neal Communities South Region. “Neal Communities is proud to be able to contribute to their efforts to ensure that every child has a toy at Christmas time.”

    Toys for Tots has more than 800 local toy collection and distribution programs in most major market areas in all 50 states, Washington DC and U.S. Territories, and annually distributes an average of 18 million toys to 7 million children in need.

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

  • My Favorite Home Art Contest Inspires Kids’ Creativity about their Dream Homes

    My Favorite Home Art Contest Inspires Kids’ Creativity about their Dream Homes

    Winners to be featured on Neal Communities’ holiday card designs 

    LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL. (November 10, 2025) — Hundreds of students at the new Skye Ranch School are participating in the Neal Communities “My Favorite Home” art contest. Taking place for the 24th time, the annual art  contest gives elementary students an opportunity to design their vision of an ideal home, with winners in each grade level selected at an event on November 18. The top three home designs will be featured on the Neal  Communities, Neal Signature Homes and SimplyDwell Homes holiday cards.

    My Favorite Home Art Contest Inspires Kids' Creativity about their Dream Homes Winners to be featured on Neal Communities’ holiday card designs

    The top 10 designs for each grade level will be displayed and judged at an event taking place on November 18 at 9 a.m. at Skye Ranch Elementary, with the top designs chosen to be featured on the Neal holiday cards. The contest invites young artists to express their ideas of home and feature a vibrant mix of realistic and imaginative interpretations, ranging from classic houses to whimsical creations like pumpkin houses, tree houses, and hobbit houses.

    My Favorite Home Art Contest Inspires Kids' Creativity about their Dream Homes Winners to be featured on Neal Communities’ holiday card designs

    “The process has been relatively easy when discussing houses with the students,” says Skye Ranch Art Teacher Amber Richter. “Some immediately had an idea from the get-go, but others had a harder time coming up with an idea for a house because it can be a very broad subject. To help spark inspiration, students were shown a variety of house examples, both real and imagined, allowing them to use these as creative jumping-off points.”

    My Favorite Home Art Contest Inspires Kids' Creativity about their Dream Homes Winners to be featured on Neal Communities’ holiday card designs

    Kindergarteners explored individuality through the book “The Big Orange Splot,” learning the importance of making their houses a reflection of their own interests, just as the story’s characters do. For grades 2-4, unconventional homes such as windmills, lighthouses, and other imaginative dwellings captured the students’ imaginations, encouraging them to personalize their work and build upon the details to make each piece truly unique.

    “The children love the idea of living in something that seems like it is out of a story book,” Richter says. “They have really enjoyed creating their houses and then building further on the detail to personalize it and make it their own.”

    Fifth and sixth grade participants took the theme even further, designing homes inspired by their passions and hobbies—including Nike shoes, baseballs, and football helmets—demonstrating that creativity knows no bounds.

    “I wanted the students to see that individuality in our lives and artwork is important,” Richter adds. “Students in grades 2-6 used a variety of mediums like pencil, color pencils, crayons, markers, and watercolor.”

    My Favorite Home Art Contest Inspires Kids' Creativity about their Dream Homes Winners to be featured on Neal Communities’ holiday card designs

    Neal Communities donated $5,000 to the school for its participation in the contest, including $1,500 for supplies to execute My Favorite Home. The remaining donation will go toward the purchase of art supplies for the school.

    My Favorite Home Art Contest Inspires Kids' Creativity about their Dream Homes Winners to be featured on Neal Communities’ holiday card designs

    “Since we are a new school, there are many supplies that we need that we will be purchasing with these funds,” says Richter. “Oil pastels, glaze for ceramics, higher quality color pencils, watercolor pencils, construction paper, the list is long! We have hundreds of students, so our materials get used very quick.”

    My Favorite Home Art Contest Inspires Kids' Creativity about their Dream Homes Winners to be featured on Neal Communities’ holiday card designs

  • Neal Communities Exceptional Company Culture Leads to Top Workplace Award

    Neal Communities Exceptional Company Culture Leads to Top Workplace Award

    LAKEWOOD RANCH, FLA – October 14, 2025 – In a business landscape where company culture often differentiates the good from the great, Neal Communities continues to set the standard with a workplace environment that genuinely prioritizes its people. Unlike many organizations that offer surface-level perks, Neal Communities has woven employee feedback, transparency, and recognition into the very fabric of its operations—resulting in consistent accolades as a Top Workplace and a team that feels truly valued and inspired.

     

    Most recently, Neal Communities was recognized as a “Top Workplace” in Sarasota Manatee County by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune for the fourth consecutive year, building from its previous recognition as “Best Place to Work” from 2019-2022.

     

    Recent hires at Neal Communities cite various reasons for choosing Neal to continue their careers.

     

    “I chose to join Neal Communities because of the strong company culture I observed while working alongside the team as a third-party vendor.  I was impressed by the professionalism and principles consistently demonstrated by the staff,” says Becky Joy, community association manager.

     

    “When faced with my previous employer closing its doors, I sat and thought of employers in the area I would consider working for based on variety of positions, if they had a proven presence in the community, and if employees stayed with them for long periods of time.  Neal Communities was the first to come to mind due to knowing an employee and owning a Neal home myself. I have not once wondered if I made the right decision, Neal Communities provides an exemplary work environment, teammates, benefits and overall work experience,” says Tricia Murphy, assistant to design.

     

    According to Daphne Griffith, accounting associate, “Neal has a reputation far and wide for their excellence, dedication and service to their communities as well as their employees. Everyone is very kind and considerate and work together as a team to get things done. After meeting with the team, there was no question in my mind that I had found my work home.”

     

    “The company is well known for valuing its employees, providing excellent benefits, and fostering a supportive workplace environment. I was drawn to an employer that prioritizes both excellence in the industry and the wellbeing of its team,” says Michael Miller, purchasing coordinator.

     

    Neal Communities’ approach goes beyond traditional benefits by continuously enhancing its offerings to align with employee needs. Recent expansions include stronger carrier partnerships and amplified health coverage, robust retirement planning support through improved 401(k) options, and access to personalized wealth management guidance. The company’s wellness initiatives—such as a flexible straight PTO policy, an expanded holiday schedule, and a comprehensive Employee Assistance Program—ensure that employees and their families are supported both in and out of the workplace.

     

    Setting Neal apart is its unwavering commitment to learning and growth. Employees benefit from a 24/7 online learning platform for continuous development and a reinforced tuition reimbursement program for those pursuing further education. Health and wellbeing are celebrated annually during Health Fair Week, where vendors provide on-site biometric screenings, vision and hearing checks, and even chair massages—demonstrating Neal’s holistic approach to caring for its team.

     

    Community involvement is another pillar of Neal’s culture, exemplified by Volunteer Week, which enables employees to give back to local organizations during the work week, the Neal Communities Plan for Giving and employee-led philanthropy efforts, which allows employees to suggest charitable causes for which Neal provides support. The annual Team Meeting serves as a cornerstone for transparency and recognition, bringing the entire company together to celebrate milestones, share in meaningful team-building events, and ensure every team member understands their vital role in the company’s vision.

     

    What truly distinguishes Neal Communities is its ongoing, genuine engagement with employees. The company regularly gathers insights from new hires and long-standing team members alike, ensuring its culture evolves with the needs and aspirations of its people. At Neal, it’s not just about building homes, but about building a workplace where everyone can thrive.

     

    “Our consistent recognition as a Top Workplace is a direct reflection of our employee-first philosophy,” said Tashara Carmichael, vice president of human resources. “We listen to what matters and make meaningful changes where we can. Taking care of our team isn’t just a slogan—it’s our way of life, just as our tagline says: where you live matters and so does where you work.”

  • Sisters Walk for Manasota B.U.D.S.

    Sisters Walk for Manasota B.U.D.S.

    When the Manasota B.U.D.S. Buddy Walk takes place on October 25, every walker will have a personal story.

     

    Mary Quaid is no exception.  

     

    “I’m a proud older sibling to someone with Down syndrome,” says Quaid, who is a new home sales associate with Neal Communities. “When my sister was born (May 2001) my parents came together with another family to create Manasota Bringing Up Down Syndrome (B.U.D.S.).” 

     

    Quaid says she attended meetings throughout her life, having the opportunity to meet with other families who had siblings that were around her age, and other children with Down syndrome. 

     

    “Getting older and becoming more involved emotionally and intellectually about what Manasota B.U.D.s provides to the community, I’d say it’s a passion now to show just how wonderfully normal my relationship with my sister is,” she adds. “We laugh, we bicker, she steals my clothes, I sometimes annoy her. Though there are some differences in our bond in comparison from what my peers or friends experience with their sisters, I wouldn’t change a thing.”

     

    Quaid brought attention to Manasota B.U.D.S to the team at her employer, Neal Communities, which operates Neal Communities Plan for Giving, which offers employees an opportunity to request financial and other support of organizations and events in which they have a passion. Through Neal Communities Plan for Giving, the company has donated approximately $9.2 million since its inception to local and regional nonprofits, not including contributions of land. 

     

    Over the years, Quaid has served a variety of roles with B.U.D.S., including assisting with digital marketing as well as Buddy Walk set up and day of set-up. Today, she is mostly focused on participating in the events with YADs (Young Adults with Down syndrome). 

     

    A grant from Neal Communities has given the YADS group an opportunity to create events and spaces to get together and celebrate each other’s wins and support each other through every day and big picture experiences. 

     

    “Everyone was able to come together more frequently, giving a chance for not only the young adults to come together, but also parents to share experiences, thoughts, and resources with each other,” Quaid says.  “Almost all of the YADs are young adults that I have watched grow up and have a relationship with myself, so being able to see firsthand the benefits and joy of this grant from Neal Communities has been so heartwarming,”   

     

    The walk, which benefits Manasota BUDS (Bringing Up Down Syndrome), will begin at 9 a.m. with a starting line at the Bayside Community Church, located on Route 64 in Bradenton. 

     

    Manasota B.U.D.S. is a non-profit volunteer-led organization which provides families with a neutral and supportive forum for sharing and networking, and to promote understanding and acceptance of Down syndrome. Its vision is to improve the lives of individuals with Down syndrome across the Florida Gulf Coast.  To champion inclusion, awareness, and the well-being of the Down syndrome community. 

     

    “When my sister was born in 2001, all doctors had to give to my parents as ‘resources’ was a three-panel pamphlet,” adds Quaid. “There was nothing insightful or encouraging about what the future, let alone the next few days, would hold. Now, Manasota B.U.D.S. is able to welcome new families with baskets, open arms, answers to questions and support, as well as giving hospitals information beyond a three-panel pamphlet for new parents of a baby with Down syndrome.” 

  • Lakewood Ranch Farmers’ Market Named #1 in America

    Lakewood Ranch Farmers’ Market Named #1 in America

    At Neal Communities, we take pride in building not just new homes in Lakewood Ranch, but also in being part of a thriving, award-winning community. We’re excited to share that The Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch has been named the #1 Farmers’ Market in America through the 17th Annual America’s Farmers’ Market Celebration, hosted by the American Farmland Trust.

    This national recognition highlights what so many already know — Lakewood Ranch is more than just a place to buy a home; it’s a lifestyle. Voted the #1 multi-generational community in the U.S., Lakewood Ranch blends family-friendly living, active-adult opportunities, and world-class amenities with a strong sense of connection and pride.

    The Lakewood Ranch Farmers’ Market has become a beloved weekend tradition, offering residents and visitors alike access to fresh produce, artisanal goods, and community events that showcase the best of Southwest Florida living.

    As a Lakewood Ranch home builder, Neal Communities is proud to contribute to this vibrant environment by designing and building homes that fit the needs of today’s families, retirees, and everyone in between. From new construction homes with modern designs to neighborhoods surrounded by nature and recreation, we build with the community lifestyle in mind.

    This recognition of the Farmers’ Market further solidifies why so many families choose to make their home in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. It’s a place where neighbors become friends, weekends are filled with fresh finds and fun activities, and life is truly celebrated.

    Congratulations to the Farmers’ Market team and to the entire Lakewood Ranch community on this incredible achievement!

  • Neal Communities in the 2025 Tampa Bay Rankings: What It Means for Homebuyers and Our Region

    Neal Communities in the 2025 Tampa Bay Rankings: What It Means for Homebuyers and Our Region

    Tampa Bay’s business community keeps raising the bar — and housing is right at the heart of it. The Tampa Bay Business Journal’s newest regional lists show a private-sector ecosystem that’s both growing and diversifying, with builders like Neal Communities playing a key role in creating places people love to call home.

    A bigger, stronger private economy

    This year’s research expands the scope of Tampa Bay’s “Largest Private Companies” to 428 firms across Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties. Collectively, these privately held companies generated more than $119 billion in 2024 revenue and employ well over 380,000 people in total — with roughly 100,000 jobs here in the Bay area alone.

    For context: companies from logistics and advanced manufacturing to financial services and construction all appear on this list. That breadth matters for housing — diverse, resilient job growth supports long-term demand for quality homes and vibrant neighborhoods.

    Where Neal Communities stands

    We’re proud to be recognized among Tampa Bay’s largest private companies, with $800 million in 2024 revenue as a locally owned, Southwest Florida homebuilder and community developer. Being included alongside many of the region’s marquee employers underscores our responsibility: to keep delivering quality homes, thoughtful planning, and customer care that meets today’s expectations while preparing for tomorrow’s needs.

    (About us: Neal Communities has been building in Southwest Florida for more than five decades, with neighborhoods designed for real life — from first homes to active-adult living — and a focus on responsible land stewardship and lasting value.)

    Tampa Bay’s homebuilding picture — and our role in it

    The Tampa Bay Business Journal’s companion list of Largest Homebuilders by 2024 local closings confirms how vital housing is to regional growth. Across the counties the TBBJ tracks, builders reported more than 28,000 closings in 2024 — a meaningful supply contribution during a period of tight inventory and evolving affordability. (TBBJ sourced its rankings from company submissions and Zonda data.)

    On that list, Neal Communities recorded 811 local closings in 2024, reflecting steady demand for well-located, livable neighborhoods across Tampa Bay and the Suncoast. For our homebuyers, this matters because scale — done the right way — helps us:

    • Offer more choice across price points and lifestyles, from villa homes to larger single-family designs.
    • Invest in community amenities (trails, pools, gathering spaces) that knit neighborhoods together.
    • Support quality and service through experienced construction teams, trade partners, and warranty care.

    Reading the market in 2025

    Even with elevated mortgage rates compared with a few years ago, Tampa Bay remains a magnet for employers and residents. Independent outlooks point to continued regional momentum across tech, real estate, and tourism — the mix that fuels durable housing demand. At the same time, multifamily deliveries slowed sharply in the first half of 2025, suggesting for-sale communities will continue to do the heavy lifting on new-home options.

    What we’re watching next:

    • Affordability & financing: Creative buy-down options and plan variety can help buyers right-size monthly payments.
    • Lifestyle-driven design: Flexible spaces for work, wellness, and entertaining remain high on shoppers’ lists.
    • Location, location: Proximity to job centers, outdoor recreation, and Gulf Coast amenities continues to differentiate communities across Manatee, Sarasota, Hillsborough, and beyond.

    Our commitment

    Rankings are snapshots; communities are legacies. As a locally owned builder, we measure success by the neighborhoods we leave behind — places where families grow, friendships form, and daily life simply works. Recognition on Tampa Bay’s business lists is an honor, but it’s also a reminder to keep doing the fundamentals well: thoughtful planning, quality craftsmanship, transparent communication, and service after the sale.

    If you’re exploring a new home in Southwest Florida, we’d love to show you what’s new — and what’s next — across our communities. Start here to see where we’re building today. Neal Communities

  • Witt Elementary Digital Art Lab Comes to Life with support from Neal Communities

    Witt Elementary Digital Art Lab Comes to Life with support from Neal Communities

    LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (August 25, 2025) – When 670 students at Witt Elementary participated in last year’s “My Favorite Home” art contest sponsored by Neal Communities, little did they know that their inspired artwork would lead to a new iPad Digital Art Lab to help fuel their creativity.

     

    For its participation, Neal Communities donated $5,000 to the school including $1,500 for supplies to execute My Favorite Home.  The remaining donation was used to create the Digital Art iPad Lab at Gene Witt Elementary. Following the contest, Neal Communities learned that the Digital Art Lab fundraising was $2,500 from its goal and chose to donate that additional amount to help Hoy reach her goal.

     

    The lab officially opened just before school let out last Spring where students spent several weeks learning how to use several Digital Art apps, according to Kimberly Roberson-Hoy, M.Ed., visual arts teacher at Witt Elementary.

     

    “They quickly mastered the processes. Over the summer our summer camp visited Zoo Tampa and they then created their own Zoo “Architect” plans on the iPads, along with lots of other fun,” she says. “The first week of school this year I heard ‘When are we doing digital art?’ This year, we are already using our iPads to learn about Ocean Conservation and researching endangered sea animals to inspire our next art project.”

     

    The “My Favorite Home” annual art contest sponsored by Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier private homebuilder gives students at a selected elementary school in grades K-5 an opportunity to design their vision of an ideal home, with winners in each grade level selected at an event with the top three home designs featured on the Neal Communities, Neal Signature Homes and SimplyDwell Homes holiday cards.

     

    “Digital Art is really the way of the future for many young artists,” Hoy adds. “I am so thankful for the generosity of our community and Neal Communities in bringing this opportunity to our kids.  They are going to be ready to take that leap into the future of art creation and hopefully we will inspire many new ‘imagineers of the future.”