Category: News

  • Neal Communities Supports Lucky Ducky Race for Pace to Assist Pace Center for Girls of Manatee County

    Neal Communities Supports Lucky Ducky Race for Pace to Assist Pace Center for Girls of Manatee County

    For the seventh consecutive year, Neal Communities, southwest Florida’s premier private homebuilder, is partnering with Pace Center for Girls of Manatee County as a Diamond Duck sponsor of the nonprofit’s 13th Annual Lucky Ducky Race for Pace.

    In addition to its $5,000 donation, Neal Communities’ employees also support the cause. Every year, employees host a team to adopt rubber ducks, raising even more funds to help the Pace Center for Girls of Manatee County. Jackie Polino, online sales coordinator for Neal Communities, has served as the team leader since Neal Communities has sponsored the event.

    “I love charity work, and this gives me the opportunity to really make a difference in the lives of the those young ladies who are part of Pace Center for Girls of Manatee County,” Polino said. “It’s really all about the girls.”

    On Saturday, June 11, 2022, more than 30,000 adopted rubber ducks will float down the Manatee River, with the luckiest winning prizes for their owners. The race starts at Caddy’s at the Pointe in Bradenton. Ducks are available for purchase now through about thirty minutes before the race starts. All of its proceeds benefit Pace Center for Girls of Manatee County.

    “Neal Communities is pleased to continue our support of the Lucky Ducky Race for Pace,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “Pace Center for Girls makes a difference in the lives of girls within our region, and we are proud to take part in this annual event.”

    Pace Center for Girls of Manatee County is a year-round school that provides girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy. The comprehensive program integrates social services and education in an individualized manner, and it is recognized nationally as one of the most effective programs in the country for keeping adolescent girls out of the juvenile justice system. Pace Center for Girls of Manatee County uses a strengths-based approach that harnesses the unique potential of each girl with a focus on future outcomes. Pace Manatee has worked with more than 1,500 girls over the years and is one of Pace Center’s almost two dozen Florida locations.

    As a Diamond level sponsor, Neal Communities’ donation assists Pace Center for Girls of Manatee County with its program and necessities, including uniforms, transportation, supplies and more.

    Polino said she enjoys pulling the team of employees together to individually purchase ducks and add to the homebuilder’s support of the organization. “I’m the type of person who loves to rally people and get them excited about important causes. So, it felt natural to say yes when I was asked if I would be the team leader for this event six years ago,” Polino said. “Plus, it’s fun that we get to bring a 14-foot-tall duck into our office.”

    Polino is currently arranging for Quacky, the event’s mascot, to walk through Neal Communities offices closer to the race to garner even more individual support from employees.

    Neal Communities, based in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, is Southwest Florida’s largest and most established locally owned and operated private builder. During the company’s 50-year history, it has built over 18,000 new homes in more than 90 acclaimed communities from Tampa to Naples. With a core belief that “Where You Live Matters,” Neal Communities has given more than $7.5 million to local charities throughout Southwest Florida and is committed to the communities where they live, work and build.

    “Partners like Neal Communities, who invest their resources as well as their time, show our Pace girls how dedicated our community is to their success,” said Amy Wick Mavis, executive Director of Pace Center for Girls of Manatee County. “We are so thankful for Neal Communities and their continued support and passion for our cause.”

    For more information about Pace Center for Girls Manatee, visit www.pacecenter.org/locations/manatee. For more information about Lucky Ducky Race for Pace and/or to purchase ducks, visit www.DuckRace.com/Manatee.

  • Southwest Florida’s Neal Communities Recognized During 19th Annual National Avid Awards

    Southwest Florida’s Neal Communities Recognized During 19th Annual National Avid Awards

    Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier homebuilder, announced its southern division received an Avid Benchmark Award and several employees throughout the company received Annual Service Awards from Avid Ratings.

     

    Avid Ratings offers a software industry solution that home industry professionals use to measure, understand, and improve their performance at every customer touchpoint. The 19th Annual Avid Awards program recognized homebuilders throughout the U.S. for scoring highest with their customers on homebuying experience surveys.

     

    Award winners are chosen based on results received from some of the largest publicly traded NYSE/NASDAQ builders, North America’s largest private builders and hundreds of small volume and custom builders from coast to coast. This year’s program had 437 qualifying builders from all over the United States and Canada and covers homebuyer data from January to December 2021.

    “We are proud to announce our Avid Award-winning customers this year and congratulate them on their commitment to providing exceptional customer experience. Although the homebuilding industry continued to face challenges in labor and supply shortages this past year, our customers were determined to provide high-quality service for their buyers,” said Aaron Everson, CEO of Avid Ratings. “Their perseverance in difficult times and dedication to service excellence are clearly reflected in their well-deserved honors.”

    Neal Communities’ Southern Division oversees the construction of communities in Lee and Collier Counties.

     

    Neal Communities’ employees also were recognized during the awards programs. The 9th Annual Avid Service Awards honored employees who receive exemplary customer satisfaction scores amongst the thousands of employees rated in Avid Ratings’ AvidCX platform. The Avid Service Awards are widely considered to be the premier awards for homebuilding professionals.

     

    Sales Representatives Lisa Marie Halady (Southern Division), Matthew Turczyn (Southern Division), and David McKenna (Southwest Florida Division) received Avid Service Awards. Construction Representatives Gabriel Kempski (Southwest Florida Division) and Marshall Kutz (Southwest Florida Division) also received Avid Service Awards.

     

    “Receiving an Avid Benchmark Award is a reflection of the fact that we continue to make beautiful communities that people enjoy,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “We are proud of our employees and their accomplishments.”

     

    For more information about Neal Communities visit NealCommunities.com.

  • Neal Communities makes $5,000 donation to Boca Cares at Boca Royale Golf & Country Club

    Neal Communities makes $5,000 donation to Boca Cares at Boca Royale Golf & Country Club

    Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, has made a $5,000 donation to Boca Cares, a philanthropic organization made up of residents, friends and business partners of Boca Royale Golf & Country Club. This is Neal Communities’ second donation to the Boca Cares charitable fund.

    Established in the fall of 2018, Boca Cares supports nonprofits in the greater Englewood area, where Boca Royale is located. Funding priorities focus on organizations and initiatives that assist with the food, shelter, health care and social service needs of children, families, seniors and veterans. To date, Boca Cares has allocated more than $180,000 in grant funding in support of the local community.

    Recent grants made by Boca Cares have supported organizations such as CenterPlace Health, Englewood Helping Hand, Family Promise of South Sarasota County and Venice Area Mobile Meals. The Boca Royale Golf & Country Club charitable fund also provided funding for 50 $100 gift cards for holiday meals for families who are involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast and provided scholarships for 34 children to attend the YMCA of Southwest Florida summer camp in Englewood.

    “Last year was a trying year for vulnerable people in the greater Englewood area,” said Jim Bounds, President of Boca Cares. “The increase in costs of basic items stretched everyone. Boca Cares, with the help of a generous donation from Neal Communities, is off to a strong start in 2022. We will be able to fund charities who help children, seniors and veterans with new refrigeration equipment as well as food and shelter. The support that Boca Cares, Neal Communities and the residents of Boca Royale provide allows these charities to help people get back on their feet. The number of good stories is endless.”

    “The residents of Boca Royale Golf & Country Club truly care about the larger community in which they live,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “They’re always ready and willing to help with the vital needs of their region, and we’re happy to continue to support their efforts.”

    All Boca Royale residents are invited to become members of Boca Cares by making a suggested annual contribution of $200 per household. For more information about Boca Cares, visit https://bocaroyalecares.com.

    For more information about Boca Royale Golf & Country Club, visit nealcommunities.com/new-homes/boca-royale-golf-country-club.

  • Neal Communities acquires HITEK truss company

    Neal Communities acquires HITEK truss company

    Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, has acquired truss company HITEK.

     

    Based in Brooksville, Fla., HITEK was founded in 2004 by four custom homebuilders to supply high-quality trusses at a reasonable price in a timely manner. The company manufactures structurally engineered roof, floor and custom trusses made from the most dependable and durable lumber.

     

    Neal Communities made this move due to the unprecedented level of supply chain and labor constraints impacting the housing market. Almost every component utilized in the construction of new homes has been affected, from windows and trusses to appliances. The availability of experienced labor has also become a challenge. These industry-wide issues have led to rising costs and reduced building capacity, all while homebuilders are facing record consumer demand.

     

    “Given the current supply constraints in the building industry, this acquisition is a step toward alleviating the difficulties in the supply chain that we are experiencing,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “The goal is to continue to improve the homebuyer’s experience by building quality homes and delivering them on time. Acquiring HITEK will help us reduce delays for an important part of the building process.”

     

    The purchase was finalized in February 2022 with HITEK owner Derrick Rushnell, who purchased the company one and a half years ago. Rushnell will continue to manage the company, which will retain most of its current customer base and is adept in building a wide range of trusses. HITEK currently serves counties from the west coast to the east coast of Florida, as far north as Alachua County and as far south as Charlotte County.

     

    Rushnell is from the Bradenton area and has known of Neal Communities and the company’s dedication to quality for decades. “I know Pat and his high level of integrity,” said Rushnell. “Pat asked if I would consider selling, and we reached an agreement quickly. It was easy to work with him and come together on the sale and purchase, and it feels like a decision where everyone wins.”

     

    This is not the first step that Neal Communities has taken in vertical integration. The Neal Family of Companies also includes Waterscapes Pools & Spas, Charlene Neal PureStyle Interior Design, Neal Communities Funding, Neal Signature Homes and Allegiant Title Professionals.

  • SkySail in Naples, Lakeview Community Presales Opening

    SkySail in Naples, Lakeview Community Presales Opening

    The amenity-rich community of SkySail has opened for presale, with a variety of homesites within three sections. Due to overwhelming interest, presales continue by appointment only until after the community’s grand opening. Home prices will begin in the $500s, with all options included.  The homes are well-suited for families, empty nesters, and retirees. Residents can choose between three home collections, the Cruise, Celebration, and Cove Series offering living areas from 1,500 to 3,500 square feet with up to five bedrooms, two-and three-car garages, and six different exterior elevation design choices. All available homes are quicker move-in homes already underway.  Homebuyers can choose an available homesite and floorplan. Each home features professionally designed interiors. Lakeview homes are be available for the majority of SkySail properties.

    SkySail, is a 642-acre parcel including 246 acres of lakes located on Oil Well Road in Naples. SkySail can be found in a growing Naples Location, featuring shopping and entertainment locations such as Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park, a new premier Aquatic, sport, and special events venue. Neal Communities will build up to 1500+ single-family and multi-family homes in the gated community. For outdoor enthusiasts, SkySail features winding nature trails throughout the community featuring picturesque lake overlooks, three fitness stations, eight pickleball courts, two tennis courts, a kayak and canoe launch, fishing pier, three community event lawns and an outdoor gaming area with cornhole, ping-pong, and checkers tables. In the heart of the community are both the Lakehouse and Wellness buildings. The Lakehouse (under air is 4,237 square feet totaling 8,121 square feet) offers a large gathering hall, a catering kitchen, a screened veranda, and plenty of space to unwind with your neighbors. The Wellness building (under air is 6,350 square feet totaling 7,747 square feet) features a weight room, fitness studio, group fitness room, kids lounge, teen lounge, and a Wi-Fi lounge/multipurpose room. Both buildings will overlook one of the largest sprawling lakes within the community. Lush landscaping, swaying palm trees, 246 acres of lakes, a lagoon resort-style swimming pool, and a lap pool create a serene lake life lifestyle.

    “Neal Communities’ South Division in Lee and Collier Counties started in 2013 and has had over 1,900 home sales through 2021,” says Tim Oak, President for Neal Communities’ South Region. “We have always been committed to building exceptional communities where people can live an active lifestyle and SkySail is a stunning example of the pursuit of that goal,” says Oak.

    For the latest information about Phase I of SkySail in Naples, Florida, become a VIP at SkySailfl.com or contact 877-711-8865.

  • Neal Communities makes $5,000 donation to Palmetto Youth Center

    Neal Communities makes $5,000 donation to Palmetto Youth Center

    Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, has made a $5,000 donation to the Palmetto Youth Center.

    The donation will help support the center’s reading program and a new video gaming program that it is working to establish. This recent donation builds on Neal Communities’ past support of the Palmetto Youth Center, with donations since 2018 now totaling $21,200.

    “We are appreciative for the continued support that Neal Communities continues to extend to the youth in our community,” said Reggie Bellamy, executive director of the Palmetto Youth Center. “Neal Communities has continuously showed concern for the under-privileged and under-served, and the Palmetto Youth Center caters to that particular population. So this is an exceptional opportunity for the Palmetto Youth Center to continuously build this relationship with Neal Communities.”

    The Palmetto Youth Center was established in 1957 by a group of community leaders to provide a positive environment for at-risk youngsters. Those leaders believed that it was important to reach at-risk children at critical and impressionable times in their lives, and they set out to provide those youth with the tools needed to lead productive and enriching lives.

    “The Palmetto Youth Center impacts the lives of the young people it serves in so many ways,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “We’re happy to support the organization and its efforts to help young members of the community gain insight and learn skills that will benefit them both today and in the future.”

  • Neal Communities makes $10,000 donation to Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee County

    Neal Communities makes $10,000 donation to Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee County

    Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, has made a $10,000 donation to Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee County, serving as a 2022 Presenting Sponsor of the nonprofit.

    Healthy Teens provides vital health and life skills education and mentoring to hundreds of local youth between the ages of 11 and 25 each year. The organization aims to reduce risky behaviors by providing Manatee County young people with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed choices about their physical, mental and emotional health.

    Its flagship Teen Health Educator program trains local youth ages 14 to 17 to serve as peer educators and mentors. Previously trained teen educators over the age of 18 serve as Young Adult Leaders and support the current teen educators.

    “Healthy Teens is thrilled to benefit from the generosity of Neal Communities,” said Jonathan Evans, executive director of Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee County. “This significant investment in our work will really help us to provide high-quality peer-education and mentoring services to and through our community’s youth, helping them to make healthy decisions that empower them to create successful futures for themselves. It is so encouraging to our Teen Health Educators to know that there are organizations like Neal Communities that are so generously supporting their mission to their peers.”

    “Healthy Teens gives young people skills to have successful, healthy adult lives,” said Charlene Neal, president of Charlene Neal PureStyle and vice president of design at Neal Communities. “It’s an honor for us to be able to support its meaningful mission.”

    “The future of our region will be shaped by our young people, so we want to help give them every tool possible to ensure their success,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee County does important work with the youth in our area, and we’re happy to support their educational efforts.”

  • A MESSAGE ON INDUSTRY SHORTAGES FROM NEAL COMMUNITIES

    At Neal Communities, customer satisfaction is our ongoing goal.

    As you will inevitably find during your search for the right new home, the housing market is experiencing an unprecedented level of supply chain and labor constraints. From windows, to trusses, to appliances, almost every component utilized in the construction of a new home has been affected. Even more, the availability of experienced labor has also become a challenge.

    While these challenges are industry-wide, and in some cases global, we are still working hard to continue to build quality homes in a reasonable timeframe. Nonetheless, much like in other sectors such as automotive, consumer electronics and retail, we expect to continue to face these global supply chain headwinds for a while longer.

    At this time, you will find that various communities have limited availability of both homes and homesites and are experiencing sudden price increases. These circumstances are a product of the market we are in, which is currently driven by rising costs, reduced building capacity, scarcity of various materials and record consumer demand. In order to continue building homes for our buyers and maintain the quality and value that Neal has prided itself on, we must manage the process closely through these measures. As we continue navigating supply issues, we’ll be exclusively offering inventory homes.  Currently under construction, these homes are already in progress and help ensure that we can build your home in a timely manner with the level of quality you have come to expect from Neal Communities. 

    What will we do for you?
    Our dedicated team of experts is here to ensure that the home-buying and home-building experience is as pleasant and transparent as possible. Keeping you updated on home purchase availability, financing, and construction progress is our utmost priority as you embark on this journey.

  • Neal Communities’ Kings Gate named 2022 Top Community by PrivateCommunities.com

    Neal Communities’ Kings Gate named 2022 Top Community by PrivateCommunities.com

    Kings Gate, a 55+ community where Neal Communities is building new villa homes, has been selected as a 2022 Top Community by PrivateCommunities.com.

    PrivateCommunities.com, an online resource for real estate shoppers interested in amenity-rich, master-planned lifestyle communities, considers factors such as page views, site visits and leads generated to put together its annual list of top communities. Kings Gate is one of seven communities in Florida to be recognized in 2022.

    Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, offers new villa homes ranging from 1,395 to 1,709 square feet at Kings Gate. Floor plans feature two bedrooms, two baths and two-car garages with opportunities for customization and upgrades.

    Located in Charlotte County between Sarasota and Fort Myers, the gated community offers numerous amenities ideal for active adults, including an 18-hole executive golf course, on-site restaurant and 30,000-square-foot, resort-style recreation center with an Olympic-sized pool, spa, fitness center and tennis, shuffleboard and bocce courts. Kings Gate is also home to a full-time event coordinator who oversees a calendar of year-round events.

    All outdoor recreation facilities other than golf are included as a club membership for homeowners at Kings Gate. The golf course offers a separate membership option, and both the golf course and Lion’s Den restaurant are also open to the public.

    “We thank PrivateCommunities.com for this recognition, and we’re so happy to see that prospective buyers researching options on the site find Kings Gate just as appealing as we do,” said Jason Frost, vice president of land acquisition for Neal Communities. “In addition to the active lifestyle the community offers, Kings Gate also provides residents with an attractive location with close proximity to beaches, airports and other local amenities at an attainable price point.”

    For more information about Kings Gate, please visit nealcommunities.com/new-homes/kings-gate/.

    For more information about PrivateCommunities.com’s 2022 Top Communities, please visit https://www.privatecommunities.com/blog/top-communities-2022.htm.

  • Pat and Charlene Neal make final donation in $1 million commitment to Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County

    Pat and Charlene Neal make final donation in $1 million commitment to Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County

    Five years ago, Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities, and his wife, Charlene Neal, made a substantial donation to Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County. In 2021, the philanthropic couple will mark the final stage of that years-long commitment.

    Pat and Charlene Neal donated a total of $1 million to Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County to be paid out over five years. In 2021, the couple made the final $200,000 donation to the nonprofit that offers afterschool and summer programs, providing opportunities for Manatee County youth to learn and grow by achieving academic success and developing leadership skills.

    The couple’s substantial donation was made in support of the nonprofit’s Invest in Kids campaign to rebuild its DeSoto Club campus. Their donation underwrote a new flex sports field at the DeSoto Club that has been named the Patrick and Charlene Neal Field.

    “Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County appreciates all that the Neal family has done in support of our youth over the years,” said Dawn Stanhope, president and CEO of the nonprofit. “Their investment reflects a strong commitment to our community. Because of their generosity, we are able to encourage kids to address tough issues and build their resiliency through positive mentorship, in a safe and welcoming environment where everyone belongs.”

    “Philanthropy has always been extremely important to us, both personally and in everything we do at Neal Communities,” said Pat Neal. “We understand how valuable and impactful it is to support the younger members of the communities in which we live and work. Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County does such a phenomenal job in helping local children and teens develop and thrive in the immediate while also preparing them for future success, and we’re so happy to be able to support the organization’s life-changing work.”

    “The future is bright for our young people thanks to caring and dedicated leaders like Pat and Charlene Neal,” said Stanhope. “We are truly grateful for their backing of our mission which inspires others to get involved.”

    Pat Neal founded Neal Communities in 1970, and since then, the award-winning homebuilder has created more than 90 acclaimed communities throughout Southwest Florida. Charlene Neal serves as president of Charlene Neal PureStyle and vice president of design at Neal Communities, overseeing the design for all new communities and the styling and décor in the models for Neal Signature Homes and Neal Communities.

    About Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County

    Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County’s mission is “to enable all young people, especially those that need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.” In operation since 1946, Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County currently provides afterschool and summer programs for over 1,300 young people at six locations (2 traditional Clubs and 4 school-based Clubs). The Clubs offer a safe place to learn and grow, where members experience both life-enhancing and character-building programs focused on academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character and leadership. For more information, call 941-761-2582 or visit www.bgcmanatee.org or www.facebook.com/BoysGirlsClubsManatee.