Author: Jasmine

  • 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.”

  • Article From What’s Up Wellen Park – Meet the Team Behind the Build: Neal Communities in Wellen Park

    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.

  • Taking Control of Your Credit: Opting Out of Prescreened Offers

    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.

  • Neal Communities Raises Over $34,000 for Multicultural Centre Annual Big Backpack Event!

    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.

  • Neal Communities to Celebrate Palmera at Wellen Park  Grand Opening July 25

    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.

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

    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.

  • The Benefits of New Construction vs. Resale in Today’s Southwest Florida Market

    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.