Category: News

Neal Communities Celebrates 20 Years of Holiday Art Competitions with Local Elementary Schools

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. – Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, hosted its 20^th annual My Favorite Home art contest on Wednesday, December 4.

Each year, the homebuilder donates $1,500 to a local elementary school and partners with the school’s art department to design the Neal Communities and Neal Signature Homes holiday cards. This year, the homebuilder partnered with Venice Elementary School.

Students from kindergarten to fifth grade used a variety of themes to create their own vision of their favorite home. Students created house boats, futuristic homes, their dream home design and more using a variety of art mediums according to their grade level.

“It was amazing to watch the students’ creative processes and listen to the great ideas they came up with, as each grade level took a slightly different take on their idea of a dream home,” said Heather Young, Venice Elementary School’s art teacher. “It was a challenge to choose just ten finalists from each grade level.”

“Each student did a fantastic job of bringing their vision of their favorite home to life in a very unique way,” said Pat Neal, Founder and Chairman of Neal Communities. “We’re happy to support the art curriculum for our local students through this annual contest.”

The Neal Communities $1,500 donation will benefit the school’s art department through supply purchases or curriculum supplements for the school year.

December 10, 2019
Ultimate Backyard Retreat Tips
It’s like a mini-vacation, but in your own backyard! Your style mixed with our expertise will have you getting the most out of your yard and home. We want to help you get the most out of the Florida lifestyle, so please take these tips into consideration when building your own piece of paradise!

Spring for the Water Feature

If you’re building a pool, consider a water feature – or three. Not only do they look nice and add a touch of glamour to a pool, water features keep your pool water moving, which helps fight off stagnation and sounds very relaxing as well!

Don’t Dig Too Deep

Too many pool-buyers think they need a deep end with a diving board. The vast majority of your pool time will be spent in the shallow end, so don’t devote too much to deep waters.

Materials Matter

Whatever style you pick, invest in high-quality lounge chairs. For example, if you like wood, try something like teak that can stand up to the Florida sun.

Make It Movable

Chances are you’ll be your own pool attendant, so look for light-weight loungers. This way you can easily keep up with the sun as it moves. If you’re looking for something with 360 degree shade, try a cantilever outdoor umbrella.

Keep Things in Arm’s Reach

The secret to being a grillmaster is staying organized and keeping things close at hand. If you don’t have good counter space around your grill, invest in a nice bar cart for your tools, spices and more.

Have a Seat, You Earned It

The other secret to manning the BBQ like a pro is keeping a comfy chair nearby. No one wants to be on their feet all day – especially a day off – so have somewhere to sit between burger flips.

Comfort is King

Patio furniture comes in all shapes and sizes, so try before you buy to make sure you like the cushion depth, material and softness. After all, you’re the one who has to sit there.

Versatility is Queen

For smaller spaces, think about a setup that you can easily reconfigure. That could mean a table with extendable leaves, or modular seating good for both lounging and dining. This lets you switch from conversation place to dining setup with no fuss.

Even Florida Gets Chilly

Sure, Florida is known for warmth, but there are plenty of nights in Florida that qualify as fire pit nights. And nothing is cozier than sitting outside roasting marshmallows on a cool tropical evening.

Think About Longevity

Fire pits can be metal, brick, stone and more. Whatever material you choose, make sure it is high-quality and made to last (it will be on fire, after all). Keep in mind that cheaper metal fire pits are especially prone to rusting, and before you know it, the money you “saved” will be spent on a replacement.

And finally, we get to what’s really important – games! Not everyone swims or eats BBQ or likes to just sit and talk, but everyone loves a good game. Have a few go-to outdoor games that you can break out to get everyone involved in the fun, like:
- Mini putting green
- Giant game of jenga
- Oversized checkers
- Classic cornhole
December 9, 2019
Neal Communities Helps with Food Bank of Manatee

Neal Communities Helps Fill Empty Bowls with the Food Bank of Manatee

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, has sponsored the 19th annual Empty Bowls Luncheon with the Food Bank of Manatee for the eighth year in a row. The sponsorship included a $2,500 donation to the organization.

The luncheon, held on Lakewood Ranch’s Main Street on November 22, was hosted by the Food Bank of Manatee, a program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee.

“Neal Communities has been sponsoring Empty Bowls since 2012,” said Judi Bjork, Vice President of Events and Volunteer Engagement with Meals on Wheels PLUS. “We are so grateful for their support and dedication to our largest fundraiser for the Food Bank of Manatee.”

Empty Bowls was created to celebrate gains in hunger relief in Manatee County and serves as the largest fundraiser for the Food Bank of Manatee. At the luncheon, participants enjoyed soups, breads and desserts made by local restaurants and brought home a hand-painted bowl.

“The Food Bank of Manatee provides an incredible service to our community by providing nutritious food to those in need, and we’re grateful to offer our support,” said Mike Storey, President of Neal Communities. “Hunger is a very harsh reality that many families struggle with, and the Empty Bowls luncheon helps fill the need through fundraising and awareness.”

The Food Bank of Manatee provides nutrition and supportive services to the community. As the largest hunger-relief organization based in Manatee County, it has provided over 30 million pounds of food since 1985 for local children, families and seniors.

For more information or to make a donation, visit Food Bank of Manatee.

December 3, 2019
Make Ahead Thanksgiving Side Dishes

One day you’re carving pumpkins, the next, you’re prepping dishes for Thanksgiving! Don’t get caught up in the hassle of holiday cooking. Get ahead of schedule by whipping up these make ahead dishes leading up to Thanksgiving. They will pair perfectly with your turkey and save you lots of time so you can mingle with family before the meal.

Dinner Rolls with Whipped Honey Butter

The ultimate compliment to any meal. Prepare the rolls in advance and store in the freezer for up to two months. You might as well double the batch and save some for Christmas! What really takes these light and fluffy bread rolls to the next level is the whipped honey butter.

Sausage Stuffing

Stress less by getting this stuffing halfway done before Thanksgiving. This savory stuffing is loaded with sage, thyme and sweet Italian sausage. It’s a classic comfort side dish with a Southern twist.

Stovetop Whipped Sweet Potatoes

Make this scrumptious side a few days before the big day and reheat over a low heat on a stovetop.These whipped sweet potatoes are drizzled with a mixture of butter, maple syrup and pecans upon being served.

Green Bean Casserole

Get ready to replace your go-to green bean casserole recipe with this one. Made with fresh green beans, a smooth cream cheese sauce and topped with fried leaks. The leeks give the casserole a more elegant look opposed to canned fried onions. Everyone will be asking for you to share the recipe as soon as they scoop it on to their plate.

Broccoli and Bussels Sprouts Slaw

This crisp and crunchy slaw makes a nice contrast alongside a spread of richly indulgent dishes. Refrigerating the chopped marinated vegetables overnight gives them a more soft texture and allows the raw broccoli and brussels sprouts to soak up all the flavor.

November 20, 2019
Don & Charlotte Malko

With their 50th anniversary approaching, Don and Charlotte Malko knew they wanted to do something special to celebrate. Going on a cruise or travels abroad didn’t seem worthwhile, as they wanted to mark this milestone with something that would last beyond a few days or weeks. The couple wanted to celebrate with a new home. That’s when they decided to visit Neal Signature Homes at Country Club East. A custom-designed home would not only be a gift to celebrate their golden anniversary, but it would also mark the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

Their journey with Neal Communities began when Don and Charlotte first moved to Florida and were searching for a homebuilder. The pair actively participated in many Parade of Homes and open house events; Charlotte even kept a book of newspaper clippings to help them narrow down the right builder. They followed Neal Communities closely, and were ultimately impressed with the beauty of the communities they visited, and the reputation of Pat Neal and his associates.

“We toured every development, going on every Tour of Homes,” Don said, “and we found ourselves comparing every model home to Charlene Neal’s work. Neal Communities always had the best offerings, and Pat Neal’s professionalism and integrity was found throughout everyone he employs. It made our decision an easy one.”

They eventually purchased a home with Neal Communities in the Siena neighborhood of The Country Club. Shortly after move-in, they purchased their second Neal Communities home, this time in Central Park, where their daughter would live.

Excited with all the possibilities of a new home, including new appliances, a new roof and flooring, and the ability to apply all of their creative enthusiasm at the design center, Don and Charlotte knew they wanted to build with Neal again. A month before their 50th anniversary, they walked into the Neal Signature Homes sales center in Country Club East with their hearts set on a new house from the homebuilder that started it all.

Don is a retired educator, having taught art history and art education for over 33 years. Today, he continues to paint, with oil on canvas, specializing in aviation art. For the past 15 years, Don has been the editor and publisher of AeroBrush, a magazine that focuses on aviation art enthusiasts.

Using oil paints at home, however, comes with challenges. The smell of turpentine along with the possibility of drips limits his ability to paint without restrictions. That’s why the recently opened Carlotta model home caught his attention. With two separate garages, Don saw the possibility of converting the carriage style garage into an art studio.

With the unique ability to provide semi-custom homes in a luxury market, the team at Neal Signature Homes quickly assembled to make Don and Charlotte’s home aspirations possible. Lois Reed, New Home Sales Associate, provided guidance on home site selection and plan options. Janet Ladwig, at the Design Gallery, walked them through all of the design possibilities.

“It’s like being a kid in the candy store,” Charlotte says. An HGTV enthusiast with a passion for home décor, Charlotte couldn’t stop smiling when talking about her new home. “I’m excited for everything,” she said. “I love to shop, but instead of filling my closet, I’m going to fill our new home.”

After 15 years in their Neal Communities home in Siena, they listed and sold the home in less than 30 days. “The appraisal of the home and what we received for it,” Charlotte said, “it’s just wonderful. The home kept its value over the years and we’re very happy with how it sold.”

Now the Malkos are happily looking forward to their new home, with expected completion in June 2020.

“We already live in vacation land,” said Don, “so we have fun every day. Now we’ll have our dream home in a place we love and we can’t wait.”

November 8, 2019
DIY Halloween Decorations

Halloween is creeping up, no pun intended. Is your home ready? From paper bats to painted pumpkins, we’ve done our research and rounded up the most time efficient and easy to make Halloween decorations! Unleash your creative side with these simple DIY Halloween decorations to set the spooky mood in your home.

Paper BatsThese fluttering winged critters are an asset to any space. Paste them on a vacant wall or hang them from the ceiling to mimic them in their natural habitat, grazing across the night sky.

Painted PumpkinsYou won’t be needing to gather a knife, scoop, or chisel to decorate your pumpkins for this craft. Set the pumpkin carving kit aside this year and make one of these stunning painted pumpkins instead. Peruse through these pumpkins in the hopes that they’ll inspire you to create something truly special with your family this October.

Mini Ghost GarlandThe mini ghosts on this Halloween banner are a cute and quick addition to a styled mantel, cart, or simply haunting on a wall or door. All you need to make this banner is some cheesecloth, plastic golf balls, hot glue, and a black marker.

Skeleton Bubble BathThis cute and clever skeleton will be the epicenter of your home decor. If you wanted to make it a little spookier, consider adding a smoke machine and a black light. You could even set up a speaker to play bubbling noises on loop to bring the scene to life.

October 25, 2019
Fall Favorites

It’s time to swap out your swimsuits for sweaters because as of Monday, fall has officially arrived. Get in the festive feel by scrolling through our fall must-haves. Here’s some of our favorite recipes and decorations that will transform your home for the autumnal season.

Plaid Throw

Prep for cooler temperatures with this exceedingly soft Magali Plaid Faux Mohair Throw. Not only is it cozy to lounge in, but it’s also a stylish addition to a couch, armchair or bench along with some neutral colored throw pillows.

Harvest Bowls

Every fall ingredient comes together to make this bountiful and delicious harvest bowl. The recipe features bite-sized bits of brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, chicken and kale all compiled over a bed of brown rice with a tangy dressing. This dish is just as hearty as it is aesthetically fit for fall.

Spicy Apple Candle

Rosy Rings Spicy Apple Candle smells like a fresh baked apple pie cooling on a windowsill. It’s a familiar, homey, inviting scent that will fill your entire home each time you burn it. Maybe stock up on a few, because these are bound to become your new household staple for the season.

Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats

Just like your mom made, but dare we say, better? These Rice Krispie Treats are made with brown butter, double the marshmallows, a touch of vanilla, and brown Rice Krispies. They’re sweet, salty and easy to whip up. Whether you’re making them last minute for a school event or an upcoming football tailgate, they’re a definite crowd pleaser.

German Glitter Pumpkins

These German Glitter Pumpkins add a shimmering element to seasonal décor. They have detailed, scrolling stems for a touch of fairytale fantasy. Place them out by your front door or in your home to keep all season long.

September 24, 2019
Marvel in Milano
limited opportunities remain to own a new home in Milano.

The Tuscan-styled neighborhood is located in Venice, Florida and features flexible floor plans ideal for families of all sizes. There’s a lot we can say about Milano, but rather than writing a novel on why you should move here, we’ll make this read a quick one. Here’s some fast, fun facts about the coveted community:
- Milano occupies 383-acres of land.
- The community is a 15 minute drive away from the top rated restaurant in Venice.
- Daily activities are planned and coordinated by an on-site Lifestyle Director.
- It’s a 5 minute drive to the Venetian Golf and River Club and less than a 20 minute drive to Venice Beach.
- The community is considerately eco-friendly. It was intentionally positioned to conserve the area’s wetlands.
- Scenic ponds are scattered across the area and are an essential feature for avid walkers.
- Residents have full access to the amenity center which features a clubhouse, outdoor pavilion, resort-style pool, Pickleball court and a bocce ball court.
Get a feel for the community by scheduling a tour on our website or with our virtual tour that will give you a glimpse into the homes, amenities and surrounding area.

A ogni uccello il suo nido è bello is the Italian equivalent to “home sweet home”. We hope you find yours in Milano.
September 12, 2019
Sarasota Magazine – PureStyle’s Charlene Neal on Five In-Demand Interior Design Trends

With Charlene Neal 9/3/2019 at 8:40am

Mixed metal finishes, performance fabrics and more.

Responsible for creating beautiful spaces for Neal Communities and Neal Signature Homes, Charlene Neal has a constant pulse on new trends in interior design and classical styles that homebuyers still love. Here is her take on the five most in-demand interior design trends in Sarasota.

IMAGE: COURTESY CHARLENE NEAL

White kitchen cabinets are still going strong both with traditional door profiles and modern flat panels. White cabinets give an open concept kitchen a sleek and cohesive look that will visually expand the space. It’s also a blank canvas for colorful accents.

IMAGE: COURTESY CHARLENE NEAL

Solid surface materials versus natural granite and marble provides a consistent, even look. I’m especially drawn to it because it creates an invisibly seamed countertop that requires virtually zero maintenance. Some are created with leathered finishes. How stylish is that?

IMAGE: COURTESY CHARLENE NEAL

Mixed metal finishes and accents, if done right, will give the room a layered and curated over-time look, and the end result will be chic and elegant. Gold finishes both in brushed and polished are showing up in plumbing and lighting fixtures.

IMAGE: COURTESY CHARLENE NEAL

Making every detail count in a bathroom designed to feel like a spa—from the color on the walls, to natural elements and of course, the overhead rain shower head—will wash away a hectic day and be a perfect space to unwind.

IMAGE: COURTESY CHARLENE NEAL

Choosing performance fabrics makes our lives easier. Products such as Crypton, Sunbrella and Revolution have such fabulous selections that it’s an obvious choice. Its stylish elegance meets function so you can live to the fullest without fear.

September 5, 2019
Canoe Creek Amenity Center Grand Opening

We had a fantastic time at the grand opening event for Canoe Creek’s amenity center! The event featured live music, games, delicious food, giveaways and plenty of fun in the sun. Based on this weekend alone, we have a feeling that many memories are to come for our residents in this new space.

The amenity center welcomes residents and guests with a front porch equipped with porch swings and rocking chairs to sit back in. Inside the clubhouse you’ll find a lounge area, kitchen, dining tables and office space. Just out the back doors are more swings and patio furniture for lounging. From here, you also have an excellent view of the lagoon-style pool and spa, fitness room, pickleball courts and dog park. It goes without saying that this state-of-the-art amenity center was designed with an emphasis on healthy living.

With our grand opening weekend complete, we invite you to stop by the amenity center to see it for yourself. While you’re at it, we’d also encourage you to schedule a tour of Canoe Creek to see this extraordinary community to its entirety.

July 30, 2019