Category: News

Mike Storey, President of Neal Communities, Retires

After more than 40 years in the building industry and 13 years as president of Neal Communities, Mike Storey retired on January 6, 2023. His warm smile, strong leadership skills and history of success have left a legacy that will long be remembered.

Mike is a Florida Certified Building Contractor with a BS in Building Construction from the University of Florida. Storey joined Neal Communities in 2010 and helped the company focus on steady growth and customer service, becoming the largest locally owned homebuilder in the region. Pat Neal was able to recruit Mike to Neal Communities based on their shared philosophies, industry views and leadership styles. For both, customers come first, and details matter. One example is the curving entrance of Grand Palm in Venice, a detail that added considerable beauty to the project. In a Business Observer article, Storey explained he fought for the stately drive simply because, “It’s a much more beautiful entry.”

More than a hundred colleagues wrote messages for Mike to celebrate his retirement. The following are just a few that represent the inspiration and impact he had on the employees of Neal Communities during his time with the company.

“I am truly honored to have worked with you and professionally grown with your guidance. You have an amazing ability as a strong and steady leader that helped us thrive these past 12 or so years.” – Janet Ladwig, Director of Community Design and Product Development

“Thank you for your years of commitment to Neal Communities. You have left a great mark on this company.” – Max Good, Staff Accountant II – Land

“Your daily presence in the office, your guidance, inspiration, sense of humor and just down-to-earth good advice will be greatly missed.” – George Lamirata, CAD Draftsman

“It has been such a pleasure learning the home building industry through your eyes. Your insights and perspectives have been instrumental in who I am today and what I do at Neal Signature.” – Valerie Fox, New Home Sales Associate, Neal Signature Homes

“Your knowledge, thoughtfulness, patience, business acumen and overall demeanor are unrivaled. Your positive impact on this business as well as the people involved is immeasurable and you will be greatly missed.” – Rob Kozlowski, Business Insights and Analytics Manager

“What I am most thankful for is the subtle mentorship that you always made sure to provide, sometimes without even having to say or do anything at all. Your ability to convey your thoughts, vision, wisdom and expectations is unmatched, both in words and on paper. While you will no longer be here, in person, leading the enterprise, I am confident that the honesty, care and determination which you instilled in us all will successfully persist for years to come.” – Carlos Puente, Vice President of Sales and Marketing

Pat, Charlene and everyone at Neal Communities wish Mike a happy retirement as he enjoys more time to fish and travel with his family.

March 22, 2023
Neal Communities Sponsors 35th Annual Venice YMCA Black Tie Gala

Neal Communities was a $5,000 gold sponsor of the Venice YMCA’s 35th Annual Black Tie Gala. The homebuilder also is a bronze sponsor of the upcoming Suncoast Foundation for Handicapped Children’s 3rd Annual BBQ & Bluegrass Hoot ’n’ Annie.

Neal Communities has a philanthropic culture and a core belief that “Where You Live Matters.” The latest giving is part of more than $7.75 million that Neal Communities has donated to local charities and causes throughout Southwest Florida.

The formal Black Tie Gala, hosted inside Venice YMCA’s gymnasium off Center Road, raised money on Feb. 4 to provide scholarship assistance for children, families and seniors and expand programming and services for everyone in the Venice community.

“We are proud to sponsor Venice YMCA’s annual gala and help them to continue the work that they are doing within the Venice community,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities.

Venice YMCA is part of YMCA of Southwest Florida, an organization that includes Ys throughout the region and strategically focuses on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. It’s regular programing concentrates on wellness, aquatics, youth and family, sports and recreation and childcare.

“Our annual Black Tie Gala sponsors, such as Neal Communities, help support our cause-driven programs and ensure that people have access to YMCA programs regardless of inability to pay,” said Jamie Browning, vice president of development for YMCA of Southwest Florida. “YMCA of Southwest Florida serves over 60,000 individuals each year; many families and individuals need financial assistance. Everyone deserves to participate in Y programs and this is made possible because of the support of our partners. We could not do it without them.”

For more information about Venice YMCA, visit www.ymcaswfl.org.

In addition to the YMCA Black Tie Gala, Neal Communities also is a $1,000 bronze sponsor this year of the Suncoast Foundation for Handicapped Children’s 3rd Annual BBQ & Bluegrass Hoot ’n’ Annie, which will be held on April 15, 2023 at Fox Lea Farm in Venice.

The event will feature a three-course BBQ dinner prepared by national champion pitmaster Dana Hills and entertainment by the five-time IBMA Banjo Player of the Year and winner of the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass, Sammy Shelor of the Lonesome River Band.

The Suncoast Foundation for Handicapped Children’s primary purpose is to facilitate the construction or acquisition of facilities and/or equipment for handicapped children and young adults to assist them in reaching independence and enhance their ability to enter and participate in society.

“The Suncoast Foundation for Handicapped Children does important work in our community to assist our youth and those in need so that they can have happy, healthy and independent lives,” Neal said. “We are proud to be a sponsor of this event.”

For more information about the Suncoast Foundation for Handicapped Children, visit SuncoastFoundation.org. For more information about Neal Communities, visit NealCommunities.com.

March 1, 2023
Neal Communities Donates $9,000 to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s largest local private home builder, has sponsored a series of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s recent programs to assist with world-class research, conservation of the area’s natural resources and promotion of science education.

Neal Communities was a $1,500 sponsor of Mote Marine’s Farm to Fillet luncheon on Feb. 12 at Mote’s Aquaculture Park. Neal Communities also will be a $2,000 sponsor of Mote Marine’s Party on the Pass on March 11 in Mote Marine’s courtyard and a $1,000 sponsor of Mote Marine’s Seasonal Tasting event on April 12 at Nathan Benderson Park. In October of last year, Neal Communities was a $6,000 sponsor of Mote Marine’s signature gala, Oceanic Evening.

In total, Neal Communities has provided Mote Marine $9,000 since October to help support research programs that focus on the understanding of manatees, sea turtles, sharks and coral reefs and on conservation and restoration efforts of those species and their ecosystems.

“We care about protecting and preserving the natural resources both on land and in our oceans,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “Mote Marine is doing wonderful work as it relates to research and helping us to understand our underwater sea life.”

Mote Marine Laboratory is one of the oldest marine research laboratories in the Sunshine State. The lab first opened in 1955. While the Lab’s beginning years primarily focused on sharks, Mote’s research has expanded to include other areas of research such as studies of human cancer using marine models, the effects of human-made and natural toxic substances on humans and on the environment, the health of wild fisheries, the development of sustainable and successful fish restocking techniques and food production technologies and the development of ocean technology to help better understand the health of the environment.

With a core belief that “Where You Live Matters,” Neal Communities has given more than $7.75 million to local charities throughout Southwest Florida and is committed to the communities where they live, work and build. Over the years, Neal Communities has championed academic, athletic, cultural, environmental and philanthropic programs that support the arts, community, non-profit and educational organizations.

For more information about Mote Marine Laboratory, visit mote.org. For more information about Neal Communities’ community support, visit NealCommunities.com/where-you-live-matters.

February 15, 2023
Grand Park Residents Celebrate Opening of New Community Amenities

Grand Park, one of Sarasota’s newest neighborhoods by the area’s largest private homebuilder Neal Communities, celebrated the grand opening this month of several new community amenities.

Grand Park residents were invited to explore their new 12,859-square-foot clubhouse, equipped with a community kitchen, social club room, fitness center with an aerobic studio, game room, craft room that also can be used as a small conference room, offices and outdoor lanai spaces.

New outdoor amenities also include an adult pool and spa area with shade structures, a children’s pool with play features, dog parks for large and small dogs, a playground and four pickleball and two tennis courts. The community also has several pocket parks and miles of winding connecting trails.

Neal Communities brought in food trucks for the celebration, including Smokin’ Momma Lora’s BBQ & More and Mini Mouthful Donuts. Over one hundred residents attended the event.

“We are happy to be able to provide the residents of Grand Park a central amenity to gather and enjoy with their neighbors, friends and family,” said Pat Neal, founder and president of Neal Communities.

The community, located on 588 acres east of Interstate 75 and south of Clark Road, boasts a British West Indies theme with a mix of coastal charm and island-casual elegance within its single-family and twin villa style homes. The community is within easy access of Interstate 75 and shopping and dining on Clark Road and nearby Siesta Key Village.

Several pre-built or in-progress homes are available for sale within Sarasota’s newest neighborhood. Neal Communities has started booking appointments for model home tours. Current homes include four different home plans ranging from 1,632 square feet to 2,288 square feet. Prices start at $557,990.

For more information, visit GrandParkLife.com.

February 14, 2023
Neal Communities Named 2022 Best of Venice – New Home Builder

Neal Communities received the Sun News Media’s 2022 Best of Venice – New Home Builder award during a ceremony on Jan. 28 at the Plantation Golf & Country Club.

The Sun’s annual people’s choice awards program solicits recommendations from readers and then allows the public to vote during two weeks between October and November. As a winner, Neal Communities will be listed in a special section of the Venice Gondolier in March.

“We are happy to have received this recognition from the Venice community, especially because it is a people’s choice award,” said Pat Neal, founder and president of Neal Communities.

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 more than 19,000 new homes in more than 90 acclaimed communities from Tampa to Naples. Some of the communities in the Venice area include Aria (a Neal Signature Home community), Cielo, Grand Palm, Milano and Vicenza.

The home builder also has communities inside Wellen Park, 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 mix of residential, commercial and recreational options. Neal Communities has Wysteria, Avelina and Boca Royale Golf & Country Club inside this vibrant area.

With a core belief that “Where You Live Matters,” Neal Communities has given more than $7.75 million to local charities throughout Southwest Florida. Within the last year, Neal Communities has donated $32,500 to support Venice community organizations. This includes: $15,000 to Venice Main Street; $10,000 to the Laurel Civic Association; $5,000 to sponsor the Venice YMCA gala; $5,000 to sponsor the Venice High School Volleyball Association; $1,500 as a platinum plus sponsor of the Venice Moose Lodge Golf Outing benefitting Special Olympics; $500 as a season sponsor for the Venice Vikings Football & Cheer program; and $500 as a Silver Sponsor of the Women’s Sertoma of Venice Sun Fiesta.

“Venice is a vibrant, flourishing community that offers a great place to live,” Neal said. “We want to help organizations that are making a difference in the Venice community.”

In addition to its philanthropic initiatives, Neal Communities has participated in initiatives to improve the quality of life for the residents of Venice, including the formation of a public park in North Venice, the widening of Laurel Road and the addition of a grocery and neighborhood commercial center in North Venice.

“I think we are doing good things in Venice,” Neal said. “It’s really nice to see that the Venice community voted us as the best New Home Builder in the area.”

Additional Neal Communities brands include Neal Signature Homes, Charlene Neal PureStyle, Waterscapes Pools & Spas, Neal Communities Funding and Allegiant Title Professionals.

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

February 7, 2023
Neal Communities Donates $7,500 to Sisters Sowing Seeds

Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, donated $7,500 to support Sisters Sowing Seeds, a nonprofit organization that mentors and empowers teen girls in the community.

Neal Communities has supported the nonprofit organization since 2019, with donations now totaling $18,500. This is the largest donation made to date.

Sisters Sowing Seeds was founded in 2015 by Monica Donley, when she was a senior accountant with Neal Communities. The organization hosts tutoring and mentoring programs designed to help teen girls and young women succeed in school and life and strengthen their self-esteem. It offers programs both in-school and in the community.

Most recently, program participants gathered to identify and share their individual goals with one another. “Our quarterly session was created to motivate our participants to put their aspirations, dreams and goals into a visual form,” Donley said. “Our goal is to be accountability partners to one another. We envision an exercise ending in a celebration for accomplishing our goals – taking what may have seemed impossible and breaking it down into three phases and enjoying the process with a group.”

The $7,500 donation from Neal Communities will be used to fund Sisters Sowing Seeds’ programs, like its weekly middle school programs, tutoring services and counseling sessions for its students.

“We’re honored to continue to support Sisters Sowing Seeds, a wonderful organization that is empowering young women,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “We’re also proud to assist Monica in continuing her impactful work.”

Neal Communities has a philanthropic culture and a core belief that “Where You Live Matters.” The latest giving is part of more than $7.75 million that Neal Communities has donated to local charities and causes throughout Southwest Florida.

For more information about Neal Communities, visit NealCommunities.com. For more information about Sisters Sowing Seeds or to donate, visit SistersSowingSeeds.org.

January 31, 2023
Neal Communities Donates $10,000 to Support Manatee County Fair and Palmetto Youth Center MLK Celebration Weekend

Neal Communities, southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, frequently contributes to nonprofits and events in the locations where the company’s employees and customers live and work. The builder is sponsoring two upcoming events in the amount of $5,000 each.

The Manatee County Fair will be held January 12-22, 2023, at the Manatee County Fairgrounds, 1303 17^th St. W in Palmetto. Neal Communities’ sponsorship of The Fair dates back at least 10 years and supports the variety of activities at this family friendly event.

Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities said, “Supporting the Manatee County Fair brings back great memories for me. I always loved going to the county fair as a child growing up in Iowa, and I believe the Manatee County Fair is an opportunity for families to enjoy time together and celebrate the educational aspects of the industries that support our county as well as the entertainment at the fair.”

In addition to Neal Communities’ $5,000 sponsorship of the Manatee County Fair, Pat Neal is also personally purchasing steer and swine totaling $2,250 in support of the Manatee River Fair Association. This contribution is something that he has done for many years, and typically, he donates them to a local church.

Neal Communities is also sponsoring Palmetto Youth Center’s MLK Weekend Celebration in the amount of $5,000. Held January 13-15, the celebration includes a banquet, parade, talent show and church service.

The Palmetto Youth Center makes a difference in students’ and families’ lives through educational initiatives, mentoring programs, athletic and character-building activities.

Neal Communities has a philanthropic culture and a core belief that “Where You Live Matters.” The latest giving is part of more than $7.75 million Neal Communities has donated to local charities and causes throughout Southwest Florida.

January 11, 2023
Neal Communities Employees Provide Holiday Gifts for More than 100 Local Children through Salvation Army Angel Tree Program and Toys for Tots Toy Drive

If you had walked into the Human Resources offices of Southwest Florida’s premier private homebuilder, Neal Communities, two weeks ago, you might have thought you were in a toy store. The office was filled with more than 100 packages for local children who might not otherwise receive gifts this holiday season.

Those presents were purchased by Neal Communities’ employees as part of the Salvation Army Angel Tree program. Employees who wanted to participate chose an angel card from the tree and purchased gifts for that child. Sixty-two Neal team members joined the initiative, which has been an ongoing annual tradition and has provided presents for more than 1,000 children over the years.

Employees from Neal Communities South Region in Fort Myers and Naples also joined together to help children in need by donating toys to Toys for Tots. The toy drive is run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve to distribute gifts to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them. This is Neal Communities third year participating in Toys for Tots.

“Every child deserves to experience the magic of the holidays,” said Ivory Matthews, vice president of community and governmental affairs. “This is a way many of us can come together to help other local families enjoy the season a little more and lift the financial burden for families in need.”

In a statement sent out to employees, Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities said, “All I want to say is thank you. Thank you for the culture of giving at Neal. Thank you for thinking of others besides ourselves. Thanks for helping to make this season happier for lots of boys and girls.”

December 20, 2022
Neal Communities Hosts 21st Holiday Art Competition with Elementary Students

Southwest Florida’s premier private homebuilder, Neal Communities, hosted its 21st My Favorite Home art contest on Friday, December 9. The My Favorite Home art contest is a Neal Communities tradition that has taken place at a local elementary school each year since 1999, with the exceptions of 2020 and 2021 due to COVID.

Neal Communities partnered with Annie Lucy Williams Elementary School in Parrish. Students in kindergarten, second grade and fifth grade were given the opportunity to create their own vision of the ideal home using a variety of mediums. A winning artwork was selected from each grade, and two will be used on the Neal Communities and Neal Signature Homes holiday cards.

In addition, Neal Communities donated $1,500 to the school’s art department.

“This is a magnificent event,” said Andrea Keezer, the principal of Annie Lucy Williams Elementary School. “The children are very grateful to be included, and we are looking forward to purchasing art equipment with Neal Communities’ donation.”

The school’s art teacher, Stefani Lis, said, “I’m looking at using the donation to buy supplies for projects that we haven’t had the opportunity to explore yet, as well as additional materials to support students with extra needs.”

The kindergarten artists were learning about shapes and used cut outs to make their homes. The second graders were completing a unit on urban art and were challenged to create a city building that they would like to live in. The fifth graders were practicing two-point perspective and were asked to create gingerbread houses using that technique.

“We enjoy seeing each student’s unique vision of their favorite home and being able to help support the art curriculum for our local schools,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “We’ve done this contest 21 times now, and we’re excited to bring the contest back this year. It’s a pleasure every year.”

The artworks were judged by John Neal, president of Neal Land & Neighborhoods; Richard Tatem, Manatee County School Board Member, District 5; Anne LeBaron, CEO of Take Stock in Children of Manatee County; Jennifer Hamey, chair of Parrish Civic Association; Michael D. Williamson, division chief of Parrish Fire District; and Carlos Puente, vice president of sales and marketing of Neal Communities.

Visit the photo gallery for a full collection of event images.

For more information about Neal Communities, visit NealCommunities.com

December 16, 2022
The Five Key Advantages of In-Progress Homes

When it comes to a quicker homebuying route, many opt to purchase an in-progress home. Built with the level of quality you have come to expect from Neal Communities, these homes have plenty of great features and design perks if you’re experiencing a time crunch! Here are the five key advantages of choosing one:

1. Designers Carefully Choose Your Interior Options

Many first-time homebuyers can be overwhelmed by the decisions that go into interior design. What colors work together? What additional features should you include?

An in-progress home takes the weight of these decisions off your shoulders. Our qualified, professional designers have taken their knowledge and eye for décor to provide these homes with luxurious designs and a few upgrades! By getting the most experienced opinion for your floorplan, you can rest assured that the interior will provide the feeling of “home” the moment you step inside!

2. Time Constraints Are Less Problematic

When moving from one home to another, time constraints can be a major roadblock in the homebuying process. Many buyers have busy lifestyles and limited time to spare. These homes are already in progress, allowing us to complete them in a shorter timeframe while you have enough time to plan your move.

3. Locations That Are Ideal

We believe that Where You Live Matters – your chosen community and the surrounding area should contribute to you and your family’s growth. Neal Communities’ in-progress homes are built in the most desirable neighborhoods throughout Southwest Florida. This is a great feature not only for your family while you are living in the home, but it also helps with resale value when you decide to sell your house in the future.

4. An Easier Out-of-State Move

If you are a homebuyer looking into moving from one state to another, you run the possibility of dealing with interim living. These homes minimize the issue of interim living and provide you with a beautiful home in little to no time.

5. Most of All, You Can Enjoy Your New Home Soon

The best quality of in-progress homes is in the name; you won’t need to wait long to enjoy a beautiful new home!

As one of Southwest Florida’s premier homebuilders, Neal Communities offers a wide variety of in-progress homes with various floorplans and locations. We provide online listings that allow you to experience them from the comfort of home. If you find a home matching your needs and would like to arrange a tour, contact us here.

December 1, 2022