“We are thrilled that our homes continue to be recognized as top models in the region,” says Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “Our models continue to evolve as new innovations and improvements are made to their floorplans.”
In categories for Single Family Homes, Neal Communities’ Dream 2 won at Wysteria in category eight, the Starlight at Vicenza won in category 10 and the Applause at Windward won in category 12.
The Dream 2 is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath single family home with a 2-car garage and 1,860 square feet of living space, while the Starlight is a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath single family home with a 2-car garage encompassing 2,235 square feet. Neal Communities’ Applause model includes 2,110-square-feet with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths and a 2-car garage.
The Morgan plan in Grand Park won for category one in Multi-Family Less than or Equal to Four. The Morgan is a 1,790-square-foot townhome with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a 1-car garage.
Neal Communities’ pool building brand Waterscapes won in category one for a pool at the Applause model at Windward as well as for Ravenna at EVERLY by Neal Signature Homes.
LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (April 2, 2025) – At least 79 employees of Neal Communities (new home builder in Southwest Florida) will participate in the company’s second annual Volunteer Week, celebrated during National Volunteer Week (April 21-25). The employees will volunteer with 10 different non-profit organizations throughout Southwest Florida.
The company has long supported philanthropy and employee volunteerism through corporate gifts and individual volunteering opportunities. The week-long coordinated event was an evolution of Neal Communities core belief that “Where You Live Matters” and commitment to giving back.
Among the volunteer organizations that will welcome Neal employees are:
SMART (Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy), which provides equine-assisted therapeutic services to serve individuals in the Sarasota/Manatee community. Services are designed to benefit participants physically, socially, cognitively, and emotionally through work with equines and trained volunteers. Neal volunteers will help prep horse stalls on April 21 from 8:30 – 11 a.m.
Sarasota County Parks on April 22 from 10 a.m. – noon, where volunteers will assist in a litter cleanup at Ackerman Park, a dog-friendly park with an unpaved trail, playground and picnic pavilions located near I-75.
Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue, an animal shelter and adoption center, on April 25 from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., where volunteers will make interactive dog treats and assist with animal activities, such as walking or yard play.
Palma Sola Botanical Park on April 25 from 2 – 4:30 p.m., where volunteers will celebrate National Arbor Day by helping Palma Sola hand out free trees to members of the community.
Throughout the week, employees will also volunteer at: PACE Center for Girls, which partners with community agencies in Manatee County to provide girls with a multitude of resources to best meet their development and social service needs; the Haven, which provides support and programs for adults and children with disabilities to enhance quality of life; Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee County, Habitat for Humanity Pinellas, United Way Suncoast and Lee Weatherington Boys and Girls Club.
“Through partnerships with impactful local organizations, we’re creating meaningful opportunities for our employees to give back and create positive change,” says Tashara Carmichael, vice president of Human Resources for Neal Communities. “The level of engagement from our team demonstrates the compassion and character of our workforce; I couldn’t be prouder of their dedication to community service.”
Established in 1974, National Volunteer Week promotes and shows appreciation for volunteerism and volunteering. Many organizations host special events to celebrate volunteers, engage community members, and spread awareness about volunteer opportunities. A National Volunteer Week proclamation has been issued by the President of the Unites States each year since the holiday’s inception. In the U.S., National Volunteer week is organized by the Points of Light foundation.
Lakewood Ranch, Fla. – March 24, 2025 – As a way to honor the legacy of founder and chairman Pat Neal, Neal Communities donated $5,000 to the 2025 Hearthstone BUILDER Humanitarian Award, presented by BUILDER Magazine and Hearthstone. Mr. Neal was the winner of the 2024 Hearthstone Award.
Hearthstone and BUILDER joined forces to recognize builders who are dedicated to giving back and making a difference in the community. Over the last 25 years, the Hearthstone BUILDER Humanitarian Award has given $7.65 million to various charities, making it the largest philanthropic award in the home building industry.
“Receiving last year’s Humanitarian Award was a great honor and Neal Communities is happy to support the 2025 Hearthstone BUILDER Humanitarian Award and support the many charities who benefit from the program,” says Mr. Neal. “Land preservation is an important priority for me and for Neal Communities. We take great care in preserving natural features, and native plants and trees while creating interconnected wildlife corridors and aquatic preserves in every community that we build.”
The Hearthstone BUILDER Humanitarian Award was presented to Mr. Neal last year as a result of his efforts for conservation in Sarasota and Manatee Counties over the 55 years that Neal Communities has operated. The Hearthstone award also recognized the Keystone contribution to the Big Pine Key National Wildlife Refuge in Big Pine Key, Florida near Key West. This is the home of the remaining 700-800 Key Deer surviving on the planet – an increase from the approximately 50 key deer when the contribution was made – which itself is a result of Mr. Neal’s gift to the Trust for Public Lands and the sale to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in 1986.
The Hearthstone BUILDER Humanitarian Award program is fully funded by a team of sponsors. Every dollar given is donated to the awardee’s associated charities. As last year’s award winner, Neal received $350,000, which was donated to the Big Waters Land Trust (formerly the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast), which focuses its efforts on the purchase of fresh and saltwater wetlands, imperiled habitats for wildlife, scrub habitats, connectivity for wildlife corridors, and for the purchase of properties for public access.
Neal Communities employees participate in an “honor system” snack program, whereby employees pay for snacks provided by the organization when the afternoon munchies take hold.
In 2024, the company collected $1,575 from employees, which Neal Communities’ Plan for Giving then matched to create a total donation pool of $3,150.
This year’s charity of choice was Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue and representatives of the company surprised the charitable organization with a check earlier this month.
Check out this article By Ale Fadel / Islander News Apr 6, 2025
Of the 6,000 beaches in the United States, many Americans wonder where to find the best of the best. Hawaii? California? No–Florida!
TripAdvisor recently created a list of the 25 best beaches of the year, compiling information from 8 million listings.
Siesta Key Beach came in at number four in the world, and took the top spot in the United States.
In the world ranking, it came in just behind Elafonissi Beach–a gorgeous pink sand beach in Greece–Thailand’s Banana Beach, and Aruba’s Eagle Beach.
The Florida gem beat out all other beaches in the nation, with the next U.S. placement being Poipu Beach Park in Hawaii coming in at 14th place.
So what makes Siesta Key Beach so great? Reading through TripAdvisor reviews answers that question easily.
User AjayJM writes, “The beach is huge, both in terms of length and breadth. It has several beach volleyball courts. There was even a band playing when we were there. The other amazing piece is shells. This entire stretch of the south west gulf coast of Florida has lots of shells.”
Another user (BQM67) praised the actual water, writing that “Walking into and out of the water is a dream!! You never feel like you are going to be pulled under or fall. There are no sharp objects, drops in the sand, little seaweed, no jelly fish etc. The waves are fun but not too strong. The sand is so beautifully white and soft like baby powder and it never gets hot.”
Besides the stellar nature, visitors can enjoy a relaxed beach experience with over 900 free parking spots. The area is highly walkable, connected by plenty of public transportation, and dotted with snacks and drink options around as well.
Siesta Key has also gone the extra mile to ensure accessibility for all visitors. Wheelchair-friendly pathways and flat surfaces make it easier for users to navigate the area and reach the shore, so that all visitors can enjoy the gorgeous coastline.
Two other Florida beaches made the top-10 cut in the nation. Coming in at 6th place was Clearwater Beach, and Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys took 9th place.
LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (March 4, 2025) – The Hershorin Schiff Community Day School has reached a significant milestone in its capital campus campaign, with the completion of a generous $50,000 donation from local philanthropists Pat and Charlene Neal. Originally pledged four years ago, the final $10,000 installment has now been delivered, marking the full realization of their commitment to the school’s growth and future.
This transformative donation was not just a financial contribution, but a lasting tribute to the Neals’ belief in the school’s mission of academic excellence, inclusivity, and innovative learning. As a part of this gift, the Head of School’s office has been named in their honor, ensuring their legacy is forever tied to the school’s continued success.
The impact of the Neal family’s support has been profound. Their contribution has played a pivotal role in enhancing the school’s facilities, creating dynamic, modernized spaces that facilitate the growth and development of students. These improvements are not only physical—they represent the broader goals of the Hershorin Schiff Community Day School to foster an environment of progressive education. The upgraded campus offers expanded opportunities for both academic and extracurricular activities, supporting a well-rounded educational experience.
“With a company philosophy of ‘Where You Live Matters,’ that means having great schools in our communities where students can realize their full potential,” says Pat Neal, Founder and CEO of Neal Communities. “Charlene and I are proud to support the Hershorin Schiff Community Day School as it grows and improves its facilities to create an environment for students to thrive.”
Pat and Charlene Neal have long been advocates for initiatives that positively impact their community, and this donation is just one example of their ongoing dedication. Neal Communities, the company they co-founded, has a strong tradition of giving back, underscoring their philosophy that supporting local causes strengthens neighborhoods. By investing in organizations like Hershorin Schiff, they help nurture Sarasota’s educational landscape, ensuring that future generations will have access to the tools and resources they need to succeed.
The Neals’ philanthropic efforts extend beyond just financial gifts; they champion a culture of community engagement through Neal Communities. The company actively encourages its employees to get involved with local organizations that resonate with their values, fostering a sense of connection and purpose that strengthens the fabric of the Sarasota community. This spirit of giving has been a hallmark of Neal Communities’ approach to both business and philanthropy.
The $50,000 donation from the Neals is a reminder of the power of community support in shaping the future of educational institutions. While philanthropy may often go unrecognized in the day-to-day hustle, its long-term impact is felt in every classroom, every student, and every campus improvement. It is these kinds of contributions that help sustain a culture of excellence, ensuring that institutions like Hershorin Schiff Community Day School continue to thrive.
Neal Communities prepares for pricing changes while trying to keep costs down
Pat Neal and his team at home builder Neal Communities are bracing for President Trump’s potential tariffs. They have spent months trying to anticipate and prepare for the fallout.
About 7% of the goods used in residential construction are imported, primarily from Canada, Mexico and China, which face Trump’s tariff threats. That could increase the cost of building a single-family home by $7,500 to $10,000, according to the National Association of Home Builders.
“It’s crunchtime,” said Zander Devlin, who oversees the Sarasota, Fla., company’s purchasing division. “A very uncertain thing is about to happen.”
Neal Communities’ mad scramble in the final days before the prospect of new tariffs illustrates how these duties are poised to ripple through the housing industry. It is an indication of how these tariffs can affect the cost of a new home and stress the overall housing market, which recently has been showing some signs of life.
Neal Communities is planning to swap the Canadian lumber it typically uses for U.S.-grown Southern yellow pine.
March 25 (Eight Days Out): Lumber in Limbo
To dodge the potential lumber price spikes, Neal planned to switch to U.S.-grown Southern yellow pine instead of his traditional Canadian spruce, which faces additional tariffs of 25%. While he can likely absorb the potential cost increases for the firm’s current projects, he will probably have to raise prices for new homes.
To avoid that scenario, Neal plans to adjust his project plans to account for the firmer, less elastic material of the American pine. He met last week with his truss supplier who proceeded to re-engineer the blueprints for the trusses of 57 of his home models. Each redesign costs an extra $600.
“I was looking for price reductions,” he said. “I didn’t get price reductions.”
March 26 (Seven Days Out): Warning Letters Stack Up
Before his kids woke up for school, Steven Wojcechowskyj, the vice president of purchasing of the company’s Southern division, sipped his coffee and skimmed his email. This morning, like many others since the tariff proposals were announced, he spotted a warning letter from a supplier forecasting a potential price increase.
This time it was for electrical devices like switches, outlets and panels.
Wojcechowskyj estimated that he’s received about 50 of these warning letters over the past several months, each of which requires him to re-evaluate material contracts he thought were locked in.
“It feels like I’m doubling back a lot,” he said. That time would have been spent planning future projects.
The company has been stockpiling garage doors, roofing, flooring tiles, electrical fixtures and appliances—along with copper and aluminum wires.
March 27 (Six Days Out): Gambling on Inventory
Devlin, the company’s vice president of purchasing, was supposed to be spending his time on vacation, fishing in Peru. But he found himself taking calls with his plumbing-fixture supplier. The supplier notified him of a price increase of up to 12% for things like sinks and bath faucets.
He would like to estimate all of his costs for the coming year and place orders in advance. But that requires making bets on an uncertain future.
“People are starting to put dollar figures on what is going to happen April 2,” Devlin said, “without knowing what’s going to happen April 2.”
Garage doors, for example, used to cost the company $1,283 per unit, but its supplier warned that the tariffs would make them up to 18% more expensive.
His team has been building elaborate inventory spreadsheets since February to track all the materials and their corresponding price increases. But they can only do so many projections.
That’s one reason he has been stockpiling things like garage doors, roofing, flooring tiles, electrical fixtures and appliances, along with copper and aluminum wires.
The potential tariffs could increase the cost of building a single-family home by $7,500 to $10,000, according to the National Association of Home Builders.
But that leads to other problems. The company doesn’t have a lot of extra storage space to hoard surplus inventory. During the Covid supply-chain disruptions, they squeezed their stockpiles into their offices and conference rooms. They assumed that would be a one-time event.
“We don’t want to order all this material and put it in the shop, not knowing what the next six months are going to look like,” Devlin said.
There isn’t much empty warehouse space available so they are thinking of setting up mobile storage rooms or shipping containers on their land, though that could add costs and time to their projects.
At the same time, it’s a full-time job trying to keep up with the various materials that are already being affected by the threat of tariffs.
“It makes our job extremely busy,” Wojcechowskyj said. “You kind of scratch your head like, I didn’t know that tiny component would be affected.”
March 30 (Three Days Out): Canceled Sales
For Neal’s sales team, the end of each month is usually a gold rush. With the April 2 tariff deadline days away, Sunday felt like the opposite. Christina Potts, a sales manager within the luxury home division of Neal’s company, learned from one of her associates that a customer had backed out of a land lot reservation yet again.
The prospective buyer told Potts’s team that they were canceling because they wanted “to see what might happen in the next few months.”
That’s not normal. Potts said customers’ reasons for canceling tend to be much more concrete: divorce, job loss or an unexpected relocation. But this kind of reasoning has become increasingly common, she said, reflecting consumers’ doubts about making a big purchase in the uncertainty of the current economic climate.
“Buyers are taking longer or not deciding,” she said. “It’s a big combination of the uncertainty of the world right now.”
Jennifer Joslin, in black jacket, leads the company’s design team, and Christina Potts is a sales manager in the luxury home division.
March 31 (Two Days Out): Shifting on the Fly
Ten days after Jennifer Joslin, the head of Neal’s design team, learned of a price increase to the China-sourced black pigment in her roofing, she was still waiting on the alternative roofing materials to arrive.
Her team had to go back to reselect other roofing materials and will have to make sure they align with the existing color palettes.
Meanwhile, Joslin checked in with the suppliers for other items like countertops, which she knew were imported from Canada. She dreads the uncomfortable conversations with customers who ask for a certain material that is no longer an option.
“If they have their heart set on something, it’s just a difficult conversation with a buyer,” Joslin said.
Neal Communities expects that the tariffs could force the company to increase prices for their new projects.
April 1 (One Day Out):
A day away from the tariff announcements, the staff at Neal Communities was still trying to shore up its business. But employees could do little more than hope for the best at this point.
“We’re a day away,” said Devlin. “It’s really just waiting to see what Trump comes out and says.”
LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (DATE 2025) – Neal Communities, southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, has donated $64,621 to support community events in February, March and early April.
Neal Communities is a long-time supporter of Take Stock in Children of Manatee County, providing financial and human capital help in a variety of ways, including board members, mentors and event support. In addition, the company provides a four-year $13,121 university scholarship for Take Stock in Children of Manatee County, which has provided mentoring and scholarships to Manatee County students for more than 20 years. A scholarship winner will be named later this spring.
The company also supported Take Stock in Children Sarasota with a $2,500 presenting sponsorship of the organization’s Mentor Appreciation Breakfast and a $2,500 sponsorship of its Celebration of Hope.
The Venice Blues and BBQ will take place on March 21-23 at the Venice Airport Festival Grounds and feature live music on two stages from both national and regional touring acts along with a Florida BBQ Association-sanctioned competition with a People’s Choice Award, live muralists painting, food trucks, cold drinks and vendors. Neal Communities is a $10,000 headlining sponsor for the event.
Neal Communities provided support to two events at the Out of Door Academy. The company donated $2,500 to the Taylor Emmons Memorial Classic, which helps to fund a scholarship to the school. The Dancing with Clayton Foundation helps a student at Out of Door Academy who is currently battling cancer and Neal Communities donated $2,500 to the foundation.
Two upcoming advocacy programs will be sponsored in part by Neal Communities. The Take Stock in Children Florida Leadership Day at the Capitol ($5,000) and Boys and Girls Club of Manatee County Sponsorship of National Days of Advocacy in Washington DC ($5,000) are being supported by Neal Communities.
Neal Communities will also serve as a $3,000 sponsor of the Special Equestrians Taste of Love Wine & Food Extravaganza, set for March 23, a $2,500 sponsor of Mote Marine’s Farm to Fillet lunch and exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of Mote’s Aquaculture Research Park as well as a $1,500 Finish Line Sponsor for the Friends of the Legacy Trail 2025 Tour de Parks on March 23.
The Women’s Resource Center is a non-profit organization that provides critical programming to individuals in Manatee and Sarasota Counties, and Neal Communities has provided $5,000 in support to the organization. The Women’s Resource Center programs include mental health and wellness initiatives, resource counseling, financial and legal consultations, life skills coaching, career guidance and scholarships for education.
Neal Communities has also supported Feeding Tampa Bay, a food rescue and distribution organization serving West Central Florida, with a $2,500 donation.
In addition, Neal Communities provided a $2,500 Birdie Sponsorship for the Classical Academy Golf Tournament set for April 21, a $1,000 sponsorship of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Dance Marathon, a $1,000 Bronze sponsor of the 3rd Annual United Way Suncoast Rise Gala on April 1, a $1,500 sponsorship of the Hillsborough Education Foundation Play FORE Education Golf Classic and a $1,000 sponsorship of the Palm Aire County Club Golf Tournament.
Many of these donations came as a result of a Neal Communities employee who is actively involved in these organizations. By making a request through the company’s Plan for Giving, the company supports causes that are important to its staff along with quality-of-life initiatives and education.
“Our employees continue to bring forward causes that are close to their hearts and which deserve support from Neal Communities as well as the entire Southwest Florida region,” says Ivory Matthews, vice president of community and governmental affairs for Neal Communities, who administers the company’s philanthropic efforts. “
Neal Communities has a philanthropic culture and a core belief that “Where You Live Matters.” The latest giving is part of more than $8 million Neal Communities has donated to local charities and causes throughout Southwest Florida.
LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (DATE 2025) – Neal Communities, southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, has donated $17,000 to support schools and youth sports programs in February and early March.
Neal Communities donated $5,000 to the Evangelical Christian School Baseball program in Fort Myers to assist the team in remodeling an old garage into a baseball clubhouse.
The Thompson Academy in Bradenton lost a shade structure in Hurricane Helene and a Neal Communities donation of $7,000 will help fund the rebuilding of that structure.
Neal Communities has also made a $5,000 donation to St. Martha’s Catholic School in Sarasota for shirts for its 7th and 8th grade Washington DC field trip.
Many of these donations came as a result of a Neal Communities employee who is actively involved in these organizations. By making a request through the company’s Plan for Giving, the company supports causes that are important to its staff along with quality-of-life initiatives and education.
Neal Communities has a philanthropic culture and a core belief that “Where You Live Matters.” The latest giving is part of more than $8 million Neal Communities has donated to local charities and causes throughout Southwest Florida.
LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (March 3, 2025) – The annual Parrish Heritage Day Parade and Chili Cook-Off is back for 2025, and Neal Communities is ready to turn up the heat once again on March 8. As a $10,000 sponsor of this community event, Neal Communities continues its tradition of supporting local initiatives while bringing some serious competition to the chili cook-off.
Last year, the Neal Communities chili team made an impressive showing, taking home the title of 2nd runner-up. This year, with a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh faces, they’re looking to spice things up and aim even higher!
Stirring Up the Competition
Zander Devlin, Vice President of Purchasing at Neal Communities, is leading the charge for this year’s competition along with 5-6 teammates. Devlin isn’t just a chili enthusiast; he’s an experienced competitor on the Kansas City BBQ Society (KCBS) circuit, where he and his team participate in professional BBQ competitions across Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia.
“I love to cook and compete,” Devlin says. “This year, we’re bringing top-quality ingredients, the perfect balance of spice, and a whole lot of passion. Can’t let all the secrets out, but trust me … our chili will be something special.”
While Devlin is still relatively new to the Parrish Heritage Day Cook-Off, Neal Communities has been a fixture at the event for years. The 2024 team gained recognition for their masterful use of a variety of meats, creating bold flavors with just the right kick of heat. Former team member and Neal Communities Controller, Jodi McConnell, who served as the team’s head cheerleader and cornbread maestro, recalled the thrill of the competition: “The energy is amazing. The competition is fierce, but it’s all about having fun and bringing the community together.”
Mike Thomas, Purchasing Manager at Neal Signature Homes, has also played a key role in past events, most notably as the self-proclaimed “CEO of stirring.” With a personal record of six hours of continuous stirring, Thomas knows firsthand the importance of patience in creating a perfect pot of chili. “He who stirs with patience finds flavor deepened; the hand that rushes, burns the pot,” he jokes.
More Than Just Chili
While the chili competition is at the heart of the event, the Parrish Heritage Day Parade and Cook-Off offer a full day of family fun. With live entertainment and local vendors, the event is a highlight of the year for the Parrish community.
Neal Communities is committed to enriching residents’ lives and fostering a sense of belonging. They believe strong neighborhoods are built through local engagement and recognize the importance of community gatherings. Their support of this event reflects their dedication to encouraging others to contribute and connect.
This donation is part of Neal Communities’ broader philanthropic efforts to promote compassion and involvement. Employees are encouraged to engage with causes that resonate with them, reinforcing their role in strengthening neighborhood bonds.
“We look forward to this event every year,” Devlin says. “It’s about more than just great chili. It’s about celebrating our community, meeting new people, and creating lasting memories.”
With the competition heating up, will Neal Communities take home the top prize this year? One thing’s for sure: their chili is bound to be a crowd favorite. Be sure to stop by their booth, grab a sample, and see if their secret recipe has what it takes to claim victory.
