Category: News

  • Neal Communities and Neal Signature Homes Win Multiple Awards at the Parade of Homes Awards Gala

    Neal Communities and Neal Signature Homes Win Multiple Awards at the Parade of Homes Awards Gala

    Neal Communities, southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder; Neal Signature Homes, the company’s luxury division; and Waterscapes Pools & Spas, part of the Neal Communities family of companies; earned a total of eight awards at the Parade of Homes Awards Gala held on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. The formal event had an “Under the Sea” theme and honored builders and subcontractors for the best of the 2024 Parade of Homes.

    Neal Communities was recognized in the Communities category for Grand Park, a new neighborhood in south Sarasota that features homes with British West Indies design, lush landscaping and resort-style amenities, starting from $442,900. Neal Communities also won two awards in the Single Family Homes category for the Sea Mist model in Wildleaf at North River Ranch in Parrish and the Sanibel at the Boca Royale Golf & Country Club in Englewood. In addition, Neal Communities won an award for the Tidewater at Vicenza in Venice for the Multi-Family category offering four or fewer residences.

    Neal Signature Homes received awards for two model homes in the Single Family Homes category, the Carlotta 2 at The Alcove at Waterside in Lakewood Ranch and the Cortina at Aria in Venice. Both are three-bedroom, two-bath homes with large walk-in closets in the master bathroom, oversized walk-showers, two separate sink vanities and private water closets. Customizable options are available, such as an expanded lanai from the master bedroom, outdoor kitchens and pool baths.

    Both the Carlotta 2 and the Cortina also won awards for pool design. The pools were designed and built by Waterscapes Pools & Spas, which is part of the Neal Communities family of companies.

    “We were among excellent company in all of the categories, and we are honored to accept these awards on behalf of the entire Neal Communities and Neal Signatures Homes team,” said Carlos Puente, vice president of sales and marketing for Neal Communities and president of Neal Signature Homes. “We are proud of the work we do and the homes we offer to the community, and grateful for this recognition.”

    Neal Communities has been building homes in Southwest Florida for more than 50 years and has received numerous awards. Their customer service, commitment to quality and elegant floor plans make them one of the most sought-after home builders in the area.

    A program of the Suncoast Builders Association, the Parade of Homes Manatee & Sarasota Counties offers the public an opportunity to visit six communities and tour 100 model homes spanning Sarasota and Manatee counties. The homes showcase the latest innovations in design, energy conservation and sustainability. The homes will be open through March 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The Parade of Homes is self-guided, and there is no charge to tour the homes.

     

  • Neal Communities Donates $5,000 to Sponsor Polo for Brain Health Benefitting Roskamp Institute

    Neal Communities Donates $5,000 to Sponsor Polo for Brain Health Benefitting Roskamp Institute

    Neal Communities, southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, donated $5,000 to sponsor Polo for Brain Health, which benefitted Roskamp Institute. The event was held on Sunday, February 25, at the Sarasota Polo Club. Hundreds attended this inaugural event.

    Founded in 2003 and located in Sarasota, Roskamp Institute is a non-profit research facility dedicated to identifying new diagnostics and treatments for neurological disorders and to promoting healthy aging. The Institute’s research programs include Alzheimer’s Disease, Traumatic Brain Injury, Red Tide, Gulf War Illness and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Research conducted at the Institute is funded by grants, but Roskamp Institute relies on philanthropic support for many other needs.

    “We all know of someone who is or has been affected by Alzheimer’s or other brain diseases,” said Dr. Fiona Crawford, president and CEO of Roskamp Institute. “We thank Neal Communities for sponsoring Polo for Brain Health and helping raise awareness and support for the work at the Roskamp Institute, so that we can continue our efforts to understand causes and develop better treatments for brain disorders.”

    The Polo for Brain Health event included a polo match, lunch and a silent auction. The auction included items like tickets to events at the Van Wezel, Asolo Repertory Theatre and Sarasota Orchestra, along with restaurant gift certificates, handbags and jewelry. At half time of the match, attendees participated in the tradition of stomping the divots – stepping on the turf upturned by the horses.

    “A big thank you to Neal Communities for sponsoring Roskamp Institute’s Polo for Brain Health 2024,” said Alix Redmonde, director of communications for Roskamp Institute. “We couldn’t do what we do without the support of the people and businesses in our community.”

    “We are pleased to support the important research the Roskamp Institute is doing,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. 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.

     

     

  • Neal Communities Gives $5,000 to Fund a Scholarship for Take Stock in Children Sarasota

    Neal Communities Gives $5,000 to Fund a Scholarship for Take Stock in Children Sarasota

    Neal Communities, southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, has donated $5,000 to Take Stock in Children Sarasota County. The donation will be matched by Bright Futures to create a $10,000 scholarship for a student in the Take Stock in Children program in Sarasota County.

    Established in 1995, Take Stock in Children provides services to children beginning as early as middle school and continuing through high school and college. Mentoring, coaching and scholarship programs equip students with the knowledge, skills and resources they need to attain a college degree or certification and enter the work force.

    To stay in the program, students must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA and abide by the program’s other requirements, such as meeting with a mentor and a College Success Coach. In Sarasota County, the program currently has more than 380 students that meet with mentors twice a month. The graduation rate for participants is 97 percent.

    “We are so proud to have such amazing partners in the community to enable us to provide scholarships, mentoring and hope to deserving students in Sarasota County,” said Lisa Bechtold, executive director of Take Stock in Children Sarasota County. “We are thankful for the support from Neal Communities for this and past donations.”

    “As we build communities in Southwest Florida, we know it’s just as important to invest in the organizations that benefit families within the community,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “The Take Stock in Children program in Sarasota County is doing wonderful things to help students prepare for and be successful in high school, secondary school and careers, and we are happy to donate the funds for a scholarship.”

    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.

  • SkySail by Neal Communities Celebrates Opening of Amenities

    SkySail by Neal Communities Celebrates Opening of Amenities

    Neal Communities, southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, celebrated the opening this month of several new amenities in SkySail, one of Collier County’s newest communities. The newly opened amenities in this lakeside community include both a Lakehouse and a Wellness building, a lagoon resort-style pool, lap pool, hot tub, fitness center, pickleball courts, tennis courts, walking trails, large lake, playground, and park areas, including a fenced dog park.

    At the grand opening, SkySail residents were invited to explore the two new buildings overlooking the sprawling lake at the heart of the community. The Lakehouse features 4,237 square feet under air and almost as much screened area. It offers a large gathering hall, a catering kitchen, a screened veranda and plenty of space to unwind and enjoy lounging, sitting by a firepit or gaming. The Wellness building is 6,350 square feet under air and features a weight room, fitness studio, group fitness room, kids lounge, teen lounge and a Wi-Fi lounge/multipurpose room.

    For outdoor enthusiasts, SkySail features walking trails throughout the community. These include lake overlooks, three fitness stations, eight pickleball courts, two tennis courts, fishing pier, three community event lawns and an outdoor gaming area with cornhole and ping-pong tables.

    “This is truly a spectacular amenity campus in a very desirable new community,” said Tim Oak, president of Neal Communities, South Region. “It has been our pleasure to build SkySail and incorporate so much of the natural beauty of the area into what this community has to offer. If you’re looking for the south Florida lifestyle in a relaxed lakeside setting, SkySail is the place to look.”

    SkySail, located among 246 acres of pristine lakes, offers new homes ranging from 1,407 to 3,486 square feet with 2 to 4 bedrooms, 2 to 3 baths, and 2 to 3 car garages. The community is located near the premier sports and special events venue of Paradise Coast Sports Complex, as well as shopping venues, trails, beaches and the best of Florida living.

    “A central amenity is an important part of a community,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “These spaces give neighbors a place to gather and enjoy each other’s company, as well as entertain their friends and family. We hope all the current and future residents of SkySail enjoy these beautiful amenities.”

  • Neal Communities Sponsored Boca Royale Women’s Association Breast Cancer Tournament Benefitting the Florida Cancer Specialist Foundation

    Neal Communities Sponsored Boca Royale Women’s Association Breast Cancer Tournament Benefitting the Florida Cancer Specialist Foundation

    Neal Communities, southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, donated $500 to sponsor the Boca Royale Women’s Association Breast Cancer Golf Tournament. The tournament was played at the Boca Royale Golf and Country Club on January 27, 2024, and raised approximately $45,000 for the Florida Cancer Specialist Foundation.

    The Breast Cancer Tournament is one of two charity golf tournaments that the Women’s Golf Association organizes. The second is the Christmas Tournament where all of the proceeds are donated to Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office for their Shop with a Cop program.

    The Breast Cancer Tournament started with a Kick-off Party on Friday night with silent and live auctions. On the day of the tournament, there were a variety of different games and refreshments set up along the course, including a “you hit it, you win it” putting contest, a Bloody Mary bar with all the toppings, and chance to win a new Ford Escape if you Hit a Hole in One. Most of the participants dressed in pink.

    “We love to see members of the community come together to have fun and raise funds for important causes,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “We are happy to be a sponsor of this event and contribute to the fundraising for Florida Cancer Specialist Foundation.”

    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.

  • Neal Communities and Neal Signature Homes Employees Paint Playhouses for Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County’s Cottages for Kids Program

    Neal Communities and Neal Signature Homes Employees Paint Playhouses for Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County’s Cottages for Kids Program

    Employees from Southwest Florida’s premier private homebuilder, Neal Communities, and the luxury home division, Neal Signature Homes, volunteered their time to paint playhouses that will be given to families with young children. The cottages were purchased, constructed, painted and donated by the Neal companies for Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County’s Cottages for Kids program.

    The newly constructed playhouses were painted in light, cheerful colors and decorated with holiday wreaths and poinsettias. They were on display in Downtown Wellen December 6-10 as part of the Light Up Wellen – Tree Lighting & Holiday Celebration before being delivered to the selected families.

     

     

    Downtown Wellen is a pedestrian-friendly shopping, dining and gathering spot with entertainment options including parks, playgrounds and an outdoor stage and event lawn.

    Neal Signature Homes has two model homes under construction in EVERLY at Wellen Park. These models represent eight available floor plans for the community and will showcase fresh concepts in Florida living. With more than 3,000 square feet of air-conditioned living space in each, the two model homes will feature multiple en suite bedrooms, expansive living spaces and enhanced outdoor living. One model will include an optional casita, showing how this flexible additional space can be used for multi-general family living, a live-in nanny or to accommodate guests. Both models will be professionally decorated, reflecting modern lifestyles and options for working from home and multigeneration living. Both models are expected to be completed by the end of March 2024, but homesites are available for purchase now.

    “We very much look forward to having our model homes at EVERLY open in the Spring,” said Carlos Puente, president of Neal Signature Homes. “So, since we are so impatiently waiting for said models, we figured we would calm our nerves through painting and donating these lovely playhouses for the Cottages for Kids program. We really enjoy bringing homes to life, whether they are our beautiful Signature ones, or these fun ones that will bring enjoyment to some great children.”

    Neal Communities also has homes available in two communities within the Downtown/Playmore District of Wellen Park, offering easy access to CoolToday Park, home to the Atlanta Braves’ spring training, and shopping and entertainment venues. Avelina is a private, gated boutique community offering just 96 homes and five stunning floorplans ranging from 2,327-2,762 square feet. Homes offer 3-4 bedrooms and 3 car garages with British West Indies and Coastal architectural styles. Wysteria is a larger neighborhood offering 2-3 bedroom floorplans ranging from 1,422-1,860 square feet with 2 car garages. Amenities at Wysteria include a resort-style pool and pickleball courts.

  • More than Half the Homes Sold in Tide Marsh by Neal Communities

    More than Half the Homes Sold in Tide Marsh by Neal Communities

    Tide Marsh, a tranquil Fort Myers community by Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s largest private homebuilder, is more than halfway sold-out. Of the 63 homesites in this desirable neighborhood near the coast, 33 are already sold.

    Located just a short drive from Fort Myers Beach, Tide Marsh offers well-appointed single-family homes in a private and peaceful setting nestled around a lake. Homes start in the mid-$400s and range from 1,531 to 3,014 square feet. If buyers act quickly, they can choose from eight floorplans that offer 3 or 4 bedrooms, 2 to 3.5 bathrooms, and 2- or 3-car garages.

    “We have six homes that are currently move-in ready or close to it, and another ten in progress,” said Tim Oak, president of the Neal Communities South Region. “But they are selling quickly. We encourage anyone who would like to live in the beautiful area of Fort Myers to come visit the models at Tide Marsh.”

    Tide Marsh is not just a residential community; it’s an invitation to connect with nature. Nestled close to the renowned Estero Bay Preserve State Park, residents can revel in exciting outdoor adventures while enjoying the convenience of proximity to various entertainment venues and restaurants.

    “This small community has a very special feel to it,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “It combines the enviable lifestyle of coastal living with all the conveniences of being in town.”

    Tide Marsh is in the Lee County School District, offering access to Three Oaks Elementary, Rayma C. Page Elementary, Three Oaks Middle, Lexington Middle and South Fort Myers High Schools.

    Learn more about Tide Marsh and Neal Communities by joining the VIP interest list at https://new-neal-staging.salite.top/new-homes/tide-marsh.

  • Neal Communities Employees Donate Hundreds of Gifts to Salvation Army Angel Tree Program and Toys for Tots Toy Drive

    Neal Communities Employees Donate Hundreds of Gifts to Salvation Army Angel Tree Program and Toys for Tots Toy Drive

    This time of year, the Neal Communities headquarters in Lakewood Ranch and South Region office in Bonita Springs can look more like Santa’s workshop than the offices of the region’s premier private home builder. Piles of toys abound, donated by employees wanting to make the holidays special for children who might not otherwise receive gifts this holiday season.

    In the Lakewood Ranch office, employees who chose to participate in the Salvation Army Angel Tree program selected an angel card from the tree and purchased gifts for that child. This year, 100 children will receive holiday gifts from the Neal teammates. Participating in the Salvation Army Angel Tree program has been an ongoing annual tradition for many years at Neal Communities, benefitting an estimated 1,100 children or more over the years.

    “We really enjoy organizing the Salvation Army Angel Tree each year and seeing Neal Communities employees get excited about choosing cards from the tree,” said Tashara A. Cronshaw, vice president of human resources. “It’s so heartwarming to see the presents start to come in, and I just know that our team members are putting smiles on the faces of lots of local children this year!”

    In the Neal Communities South Region office, employees from Fort Myers, Naples and the surrounding areas donated more than 100 toys to Toys for Tots. The toy drive is run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve to distribute gifts to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them. This year, 582 local children were registered. This is Neal Communities fourth year participating in Toys for Tots.

    “This is a special time of year to give back to families and the community,” said Carlos Puente, vice president of sales and marketing. “In total, we bought presents for more than 100 kids this year. It is a joy to see the Neal Communities family come together to spread joy and make things a little easier for some families that need help making holiday magic happen.”

    Pat Neal, the founder and chairman of Neal Communities, has intentionally fostered a philanthropic culture at Neal Communities. The company has donated nearly $8 million to local charities throughout Southwest Florida, supporting programs such as nonprofits, schools and other programs that help build strong communities. “What’s really exciting about the toy drives is that our employees do this themselves,” said Neal. “I’m so touched to see the generosity and culture of giving among our employees and the way they selflessly give to make the holidays happier for lots of boys and girls.”

  • Neal Communities Donates $5,000 to Sponsor Edison and Ford Winter Estates 48th Annual Holiday Nights

    Neal Communities Donates $5,000 to Sponsor Edison and Ford Winter Estates 48th Annual Holiday Nights

    Thousands of lights and hundreds of historic decorations make the Edison and Ford Winter Estates Annual Holiday Nights a beloved tradition for the Fort Myers local community and visitors to the area. More than 40,000 attendees are expected this year, and Neal Communities is proud to sponsor this 48th annual event.

    The Edison and Ford Winter Estates are the historic vacation homes of Thomas Edison, purchased in 1885 when he first visited the area, and Henry Ford, purchased next door in 1916. The Annual Holidays Nights festival is a beautiful and colorful celebration of the location and the holidays. This year’s event features new light displays, the opportunity to shop for unique holiday gifts, and visits with Santa. The Children’s Holiday Tree Trail features handmade ornaments created by students from local schools. On select nights, carolers will perform and refreshments will be available for purchase.

    The festival is open 5:30 – 9 p.m. each evening through December 23, closed Christmas Eve and Christmas, then open again December 26 – 31. A variety of tickets are available for general admission, a nightly guided tour, a tour inside the houses, or combination tickets. The tour inside the historic homes displays decorations and gifts as they would have been in the early 20th century.

    “The Holiday Nights event at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates is an important tradition for the Fort Myers community,” said Pat Neal, the founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “We enjoy supporting meaningful community events like this that are a special part of the holidays for many people.”

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

    There are currently two Neal Communities neighborhoods under construction in Fort Myers. Tide Marsh is a small community of 63 homes just a short drive from Fort Myers beach. It is already more than halfway sold out, so anyone interested in living in the area is encouraged to visit the models and find their perfect home. Homes start in the mid $400s and range from around 1500 to 3000 square feet. Verandah is a gated, resort-style, golf-course community with breathtaking views of the Orange River. Homes here also start in the mid $400s and range from around 1800 to 3000 square feet.

    For more information on the event, visit https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/48th-annual-historic-holiday-nights-celebration/. For more information about Neal Communities, visit NealCommunities.com.

    Entertainment at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates 48th Annual Holiday Nights
    Entertainment at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates 48th Annual Holiday Nights

     

    Friends and family of Neal Communities’ employees enjoy the festivities.
    Friends and family of Neal Communities’ employees enjoy the festivities.
  • Neal Communities Hosts 22nd Holiday Art Competition with Emma E. Booker Elementary School Students

    Neal Communities Hosts 22nd Holiday Art Competition with Emma E. Booker Elementary School Students

    Neal Communities hosted its 22nd My Favorite Home art contest on Tuesday, December 5 at Emma E. Booker Elementary. Judges from the local community had the tough job of picking winners from the submissions created by the talented students. This heartwarming event has become a tradition for Neal Communities, taking place at a local elementary school nearly every year since 1999.

    Pat Neal (center), founder and chairman of Neal Communities, with Emma E. Booker Elementary School principal Cameron Parker (left), art teacher Melissa Shaw (right) and top winners from the “My Favorite Home” art contest.
    Pat Neal (center), founder and chairman of Neal Communities, with Emma E. Booker Elementary School principal Cameron Parker (left), art teacher Melissa Shaw (right) and top winners from the “My Favorite Home” art contest.

     

    To prepare for the contest, art teacher Melissa Shaw led students from kindergarten through fifth grade in creating artwork showing their vision of the ideal home. Each grade used a different technique and medium to create their unique homes. Kindergarteners used cardboard to stamp lines and added paint and texture to their homes. First graders used popsicle sticks and paint to explore the found object style of artist Beverly Buchanan. Second graders used clay on cardboard embellished with paint and markers to create gingerbread houses. Third graders created their favorite home paintings in a whimsical style based on Dr. Seuss’ book “The Lorax.” Four graders learned about artist Tyree Guyton’s Heidelberg Project and enhanced their drawings using images from magazines and markers. Fifth graders studied architecture and aesthetics, then drew and painted their ideal beach house.

    A small number of community representatives were invited to view the artwork and cast their votes for the winners. During the event, Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities, spoke a few words to the assembled students and parents. The finalists were honored on stage with shiny red commemorative ribbons, then the top winner from each class was presented with a blue ribbon.

    Pat Neal addresses parents, students and community leaders.
    Pat Neal addresses parents, students and community leaders.

     

    “Participating in the My Favorite Home art contest was an amazing opportunity for all of our students,” said Shaw. “What an incredible experience for them to be able to create something extraordinary then see their hard work recognized by so many important members of our community. I am so proud of my students and grateful to Neal Communities for this truly unforgettable experience!”

    After announcing the winners, Neal presented a check for $1,500 to the school’s art department.

    “We were so thankful to have our school chosen for this event, and we appreciate everyone who came and participated,” said Cameron Parker, principal of Emma E. Booker Elementary School. “The donation will go straight back into the art program to help students have more experiences in the arts. You can see how much it means to them.”

    A student proudly points out their artwork.
    A student proudly points out their artwork.

     

    Two final winners will be chosen to be featured on the Neal Communities and Neal Signature Homes holiday cards.

    “It is so joyful to see the ideas the students have for what makes their favorite home,” said Neal. “We enjoy coming to the school and seeing their artwork, and especially being able to help support Booker Elementary’s art programs and encourage creativity in these students.”

    Judges and guests included Lisa Bechtold, executive director of Take Stock in Children; Aly Busse, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium; Dr. Michael P. Crosby, president & CEO of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium; Ron Cutsinger, Sarasota County Commissioner; Monica Donley, founder of Sisters Sowing Seeds; Roscelyn Guenter, director of program services at Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and Desoto Counties; Kurt Hoffman, Sarasota County Sheriff; Robyn Marinelli, Sarasota School Board member; Yolanda Mancha, VP of advancement at Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and Desoto Counties; Michael Moore, special advisor, office of the president, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium; Cameron Parker, principal of Emma T. Booker Elementary School; Dr. Kristen Ranges, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium; David Rathbun, Sarasota County Fire Chief; Karen Rose, Sarasota School Board member; Jag Rupnarain, president of SimplyDwell Homes; Dr. Rachel Shelley, principal of Booker High School; Mark Smith, Sarasota County Commissioner; Kelsey Whealy, media relation specialist for Sarasota School District; and Amy Yount, president and CEO of Step Up Suncoast.

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