Author: Jasmine

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (December 11, 2024) – With a son who is a combat veteran and a love for dogs, Kris Watts says that her involvement with Dogs Inc is a natural fit.  Through Neal Communities Plan for Giving, which has as part of its mission supporting causes that are important to its staff, Watts secured a $5,000 scholarship that will provide a service dog to a veteran with PTSD and other disabilities.

Dogs Inc trains service and guide dogs of the highest pedigree for veterans and people who are visually impaired, providing its premier dogs at no cost. Headquartered in Palmetto, Dogs Inc is the only organization in North America to provide guide and service dogs, online and in-person training, lifetime alumni support, premium dog food, and preventive veterinary care all at no cost for the life of the partnership.

An accounting manager at Neal Land and Neighborhoods, Watts previously worked at Neal Communities and the company elected to continue to support her cause, Watts says she became involved after her lab passed and instead of getting another dog, she chose to volunteer with the organization to get in her “dog time.”  Additionally, she has a heart for veterans.

“My son is a combat Veteran who has worked incredibly hard to adapt to his new normal, dealing with PTSD/Traumatic Brain Injury,” she says.  “I’m so proud of him. I don’t know a better way to say it except these guys carry the burden of war for all of us. I don’t know that many realize the cost. It’s a lifetime – not just a few years. Knowing many of these dogs go to provide relief and improve the lives of veterans – all at no cost to them – makes the time I spend at Dogs Inc all the richer.  Really, I am so impressed with the whole mission of Dogs Inc and very proud to get to be a small part of their team.”

When a veteran is provided a service dog, they come to the Dogs Inc campus for two weeks where they are matched with a dog and receive education and instruction with their dog.

“The donation from Neal will support that education and training,” she adds. “The end result is the veteran has a highly-skilled dog who has, prior to being matched with a veteran, learned 15 – 20 advanced skills designed to assist with symptoms and situations related to post-traumatic stress. These dogs restore freedom and provide confidence and hope to someone who carries the burden of war for all of us.”

Watts secured the donation from Neal Communities through the company’s Plan for Giving, a philanthropic program that supports quality of life initiatives and education and has a large element of employee-led giving, where the company supports causes that are important to its staff

“I am so proud to work for a Neal entity,” Watts says.  “Pat (Neal) encourages us to volunteer and give back, which is so wonderful coming from leadership. I fully believe the donation was made, at least in part, just because it means so much to me. It really makes me feel like a valued member of the Neal team. Pretty incredible. I see it all the time here – the Neal family supporting the work and passions of employees outside of their work here. It’s like a ripple effect. The employees win, the organization wins, and the greater community wins. How cool is that?”

ENGLEWOOD, Fla. (December 19, 2024) – Neal Communities will showcase its complete renovation of the 18-hole golf course at the Boca Royale Golf & Country Club in Englewood, Fla. at a member’s grand opening event on December 23. The new course was designed by golf course architect Gordy Lewis.

Since April of last year, the course has been fully rebuilt as the old layout was demolished and a new course built from scratch. The new layout is a par 71 measuring just over 6,600 yards from the back tees.  Construction was completed by Creekridge Construction Group.

“We are thrilled to announce the opening of the completely redesigned course at Boca Royale,” says Doug Foote, general manager of Boca Royale Golf and Country Club. “This community offers the perfect opportunity to live where you play for golfers and others interested in a country club lifestyle.”

A new 10,000 square foot short game practice area has been added, with a two-tier chipping and putting green and the driving range has doubled in size.  In addition, all 18 holes now have cart paths, some paved with crushed coquina shells and tees were expanded to nearly five acres, offering golfers a wide variety of challenges no matter what tees they decide to play.

The greens complexes have been completely redesigned featuring small greens with subtle undulations, which have large collection areas and classic bunker design that is a throwback to the old days of golf course architecture.”

Approximately half of the bunkers were eliminated, with the new bunkers having been completely rebuilt and filled with white sand. New drainage has been installed in all the bunkers making them playable even after a Florida summer storm.

New irrigation and control systems have been installed for all tees and greens and the entire course was re-grassed with Seaside Paspalum Platinum grass, which is salt-tolerant and allow the use of Boca Royale’s well water to supplement irrigation needs.  This surface is found at some of Florida’s and the Caribbean’s finest courses, known for its deep green color and dense canopy.

Golf members may now book tee times seven days in advance, with tee times before noon reserved for Golf Members only.  Boca Royale Golf & Country Club is a semi-private club, located in Englewood just minutes from the beaches of Manasota Key, offering golf, tennis, pickle ball, fitness and wellness, dining and a wealth of organized social activities.

New homes are available in the Boca Royale Golf & Country Club, with offerings from Neal Communities and Neal Signature Homes.

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (December 20, 2024) – Neal Communities, southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, has donated $25,000 to support community events and youth sports in November and December.

A donation of $5,000 supports the Cape Coral Junior Football Association, a non-profit youth football and cheer organization that has served the community for more than 50 years. The program is available for participants between the ages of 5 and 14 for football and 5 and 18 for cheer.

Neal Communities also provided a $5,000 sponsorship to Edison and Ford Estates Annual Holiday Nights in Fort Myers. Returning for the 49th year, Holiday Nights features new light displays with the homes being decorated much as they would have been during Edison’s time, down to the period gifts under the trees. A Children’s Holiday Tree Trail features handmade ornaments created by students from local schools and shopping in the Museum Store and Garden Shoppe for unique holiday gifts.

A donation of $5,000 will support Hoops on a Mission, a non-profit that exists to empower and inspire the youth in Southwest Florida to become world changers in the community. Founder Dwayne Jackson, and his Hoops on Mission family, provide mentorship, leadership, and resources to change Lee County’s statistics, one child at a time.

Neal Communities served as the exclusive food sponsor of Tampa Bay Partnership Rebuilding Tampa Bay Housing and Recovery Expo with a $5,000 donation. The recent event allowed residents to hear advice from expert panels, connect with real estate and local banking professionals about financial resources, and visit with representatives from local nonprofits to learn more about available support following this year’s storms.

The CA.P^S (Courage Ascension Perseverance, Strength) program is a community outreach program that focuses on engaging and improving the lives of youths and their families through its athletic program. Neal Communities will serve as a $5,000 Hall of Fame sponsor for CA.P^S, which is located in the Sarasota/Manatee area of Florida and serves community youth between the ages of 7-14 years.

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.

“I continue to be amazed by the dedication of our employees to a wide variety of nonprofits and school- and community-focused organizations,” says Ivory Matthews, vice president of community and governmental affairs for Neal Communities, who administers the company’s philanthropic efforts.  “Neal Communities is proud to have an engaged workforce who help Neal Communities continue to play an active role in the communities where we live and build homes.

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.

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

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. – December 18, 2024 – Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, participated in Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, providing toys for children around the region.

The Angel Tree program provides items for local children who would otherwise go without holiday gifts this season. This year, the Neal Communities team donated enough items to supply 94 children with holiday gifts.

Each angel is split into wants and needs, with needs being clothing like shirts, pants and shoes and wants being toys like remote controlled cars, jewelry and games. In addition to the Angel Tree program, Neal Communities hosts an annual toy drive for staff, which brought in additional toys for local children.

“The Angel Tree program is one of the favorite projects for the Neal Communities team,” says Tashara Carmichael, vice president of human resources. “We are thrilled to contribute to the community in a meaningful way to kick off the holiday season and hope that our contributions bring a smile to the faces of many children across the region.”

To make a donation to the Salvation Army, please visit https://salvationarmyflorida.org/holiday-assistance/.

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (December 4, 2024) – Monica Donley, a senior accountant at Neal Land and Neighborhoods, had a vision in college to create a full-service women’s organization. Twenty years later, her dream was realized when she created Sisters Sowing Seeds, thanks in part to her former employer, Neal Communities, which provided financial support from day one and continued even after Donley transitioned to her role at Neal Land and Neighborhoods.

Neal Communities recently made a $10,000 donation to Sisters Sowing Seeds, part of its annual commitment to the organization through the company’s Plan for Giving, which supports causes that are important to its staff.

Sisters Sowing Seeds is committed to the development of young women and girls by providing programs that will foster positive community impact. The organization offers services that build self-esteem in students and young women through mentoring programs and classes.

“Founding Sisters Sowing Seeds has been the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, and I am enjoying every minute of it,” says Donley. “We focus on providing services to a select group of participants, ensuring each individual receives the support and attention they need to thrive. Beyond our core programs, we also offer social relief during times of need and serve as a loving, supportive system for those we work with. Our goal is to foster growth, resilience, and positive change in the lives of young women and girls, ultimately strengthening the community as a whole.”

Neal Communities has been a foundational partner in the organization, serving as one of its first major donors and continuing through today, donating a total of $31,500.

“Since the inception of Sisters Sowing Seeds, Neal Communities has been a steadfast partner, enabling us to maintain and grow our impact in the community. Their commitment has truly been a cornerstone of our success,” Donley adds. “We deeply appreciate our partnership with Neal Communities and are excited about the continued growth of our organization. With Neal’s support, we look forward to increasing the services we offer and finding new ways to share our experiences and successes with them. Neal Communities’ unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in our communities inspires and empowers us to continue our mission.”

Neal Donates Additional Funds for New Digital Art iPad Lab

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (December 11, 2024) – Three Gene Witt Elementary (Manatee School District) students were chosen for the holiday cards in the Neal Communities’ 23^rd My Favorite Home Art Contest.

Approximately 670 students from Gene Witt Elementary in Bradenton, Fla., participated, creating their own “My Favorite Home,” as students in grades K-5 designed their vision of an ideal home, with winners in each grade level – a total of six winners selected – with the top three home designs featured on holiday cards for Neal Communities, Neal Signature Homes and SimplyDwell Homes.

Winners included kindergarten student Benny Burdick, whose design is featured on the Neal Communities Card; fourth grader Evalyn Gale whose design is featured on the Neal Signature Homes card; and first grader Avery Bush whose design is showcased on the Simply Dwell Homes card.

Benny Burdick explained that his inspiration for his house came from his family’s cabin, noting that it is a tiny, skinny house and he just really likes skinny houses while Evalyn Gale says she wants to live in the mountains that that is why she designed her house to be in the mountains.

Avery Bush said that her design inspiration came from a toy she has at home.  “It is a mushroom, so I decided to make my favorite home a mushroom house that looked like my favorite toy. The round roof might help in a hurricane, like an umbrella.

Students took an architectural approach to the contest, according to visual arts teacher Kimberly Hoy.  After Hurricanes Helene and Milton ripped through the region, the students have taken a step back to think about innovation that would help their favorite home better withstand the storms.

“Following the hurricanes, it was interesting to see how our thinking turned to innovation when we started to look at architecture in terms of challenges that prompted change like weather,” says visual arts teacher Kimberly Hoy.  “We saw an “imaginary” house example that was up on pylons, so water could flow through underneath.  The kids immediately started talking about the storm surge and how this was the way many of the newer beach houses are built today.  We identified this as an innovation in comparison to many older homes that were built at sea-level and destroyed by storm surge. I challenged the kids to think about a problem their favorite home might solve. This prompted some of the kids to revise and add changes to their designs.”

Neal Communities donated $5,000 to the school for its participation in the contest, including $1,500 for supplies to execute My Favorite Home.  The remaining donation will go toward the creation of a 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 amount to help Hoy reach her goal.

“Through a variety of fundraising activities, along with the arts millage funding that is generously provided by our community, and now the generous donation of Neal Communities — I believe we will finally have the funds to purchase our lab,” Hoy says. “Digital Art is really the way of the future for many young artists. 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.”

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (November 12, 2024) – Neal Communities recently served as a Gold Ladle Sponsor for the Empty Bowls event presented by Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. Their $7,500 donation supports this vital initiative which aims to combat hunger in the community by providing meals to those in need and raising awareness about food insecurity.

The Empty Bowls event brought together local artists, chefs, and community members to create a meaningful experience. Attendees will enjoy delicious soups and have the opportunity to select bowls handcrafted by local students and community members, symbolizing the empty bowls of those who face hunger daily. This powerful visual representation serves to highlight the issue of food insecurity and encourages the community to come together in support of a shared cause.

Neal Communities believes that contributing to local causes is essential for building strong, vibrant neighborhoods. Supporting initiatives like Empty Bowls reflects the company’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents in Southwest Florida, allowing Neal Communities to make a tangible difference in the lives of those around us.

Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee plays a crucial role in addressing hunger, delivering nutritious meals to homebound individuals and families. By partnering with this organization, Neal Communities not only supports its mission but also encourages community involvement among employees, with as between 60 and 80 employees attending each year. This dedication fosters a culture of compassion and engagement, empowering individuals to connect with causes that resonate with them personally.

Every meal provided by Meals on Wheels is a step toward ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry. By participating in initiatives like this, Neal Communities hopes to encourage residents to recognize the impact they can have when they come together for a common goal.

Neal Communities is committed to supporting organizations that uplift communities and enrich the lives of neighbors, reinforcing the belief that “Where You Live Matters.”

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (November 8, 2024) – In a heartfelt gesture that exemplifies community spirit and compassion, Neal Communities has made a $1,000 donation to Sugar’s Gift, the only 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the country dedicated to providing in-home euthanasia for terminally ill pets. This contribution was inspired by Cassidy Thifault, an Accounting Generalist at Neal Communities, who recently faced the painful process of putting her beloved dog down. Her personal connection to Sugar’s Gift underscores the profound impact that such services can have on families during difficult times.

Sugar’s Gift serves as a beacon of hope for pet owners facing the heartbreaking decision of saying goodbye. Many families struggle with the emotional and financial burdens associated with end-of-life care for their pets. By offering these essential services at no cost, Sugar’s Gift alleviates some of that stress, allowing families to focus on cherishing their last moments together.

Cassidy expressed her gratitude, saying, “I know firsthand how challenging it is to make end-of-life decisions for pets. Organizations like Sugar’s Gift provide invaluable support, and I’m proud that Neal Communities is able to contribute to such an important cause.”

Neal Communities is deeply committed to its role within the community, believing that contributing to local causes is essential for building strong, vibrant neighborhoods. This dedication to philanthropy enriches the lives of community members and encourages employees to engage with organizations that resonate with them personally, fostering a culture of compassion and involvement.

This recent donation to Sugar’s Gift is part of Neal Communities’ long-standing tradition of supporting local charities, having contributed over $8 million to various initiatives throughout Southwest Florida. The gift will directly assist families in need, ensuring they receive the care and support necessary during one of life’s most challenging moments.

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (November 6, 2024) – Neal Communities has made a $1,000 donation to The CORNament – coined “the ultimate cornhole & tailgate party” – to benefit Palma Sola Botanical Park in Bradenton, an exciting event that celebrates creativity, community, and the beauty of nature.

Taking place on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 12 – 4 p.m. The CORNament is a fun family-oriented day for both spectators and players. Along with cornhole games, attendees can enjoy great food from Smokin’ Momma Lora’s BBQ, drinks, and live music by Jah Movement to support the gardens. The event will also feature a silent auction, cornhole lessons, and a college football tailgate area.

For art lovers, the event invites local artists to create unique, corn themed art installations that not only beautify the park but also inspire conversations about environmental stewardship and community engagement. By participating in events like this, Neal Communities demonstrates its commitment to supporting initiatives that enrich the lives of residents and fostering a sense of belonging.

Neal Communities firmly believes that contributing to local causes is essential for building strong, vibrant neighborhoods. Their involvement with The CORNament reflects this philosophy, as they recognize the significance of community gatherings that bring people together to celebrate shared values and spaces. By supporting such initiatives, the company aims to encourage others to engage with – and contribute to – the local community.

The donation is part of Neal Communities’ broader philanthropic efforts to promote a culture of compassion and involvement among their employees. The company encourages team members to connect with organizations that resonate with them personally, reinforcing their role as active participants in the community. This not only enhances their sense of purpose, but also strengthens bonds within the neighborhoods they serve.

The funds raised through The CORNament will directly support the ongoing efforts of Palma Sola Botanical Park, ensuring that it remains a beautiful and accessible space for everyone. By investing in local events and initiatives, Neal Communities helps to create opportunities for community members to gather, learn, and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds them, while continuing to embody the belief that “Where You Live Matters.”