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Tag: new home construction venice florida

  • Nature Meets Resort Living: The Grand Palm Lifestyle in Wellen Park

    Nature Meets Resort Living: The Grand Palm Lifestyle in Wellen Park

    At Neal Communities, we believe your home should be a retreat. In the heart of Venice, Florida at Wellen Park, Grand Palm is more than just a neighborhood, it’s a 1,000-acre sanctuary designed for those who love the Florida outdoors as much as a luxury lifestyle.

    We are proud to share that Grand Palm was recently featured by PrivateCommunities.com as a premier destination for those seeking an amenity-rich lifestyle in Southwest Florida. Read their article here.

    Where Nature is the Main Amenity

    As noted in our community profile, we have preserved one-third of Grand Palm as open space, ensuring our residents stay connected to the environment.

    • Lookout Point Island: An 8-acre private island perfect for kayaking and fishing.
    • Miles of Exploration: 28 miles of hiking and biking trails winding through ancient oak canopies.
    • Adventure Lake: 39 acres of water for peaceful morning paddles.

    Resort-Style Living, Every Day

    Life at Grand Palm feels like a permanent vacation. Our residents enjoy world-class facilities highlighted by Private Communities, including:

    • The Social Club: A hub of activity with a resort pool, water slide, and splash pad.
    • Fitness & Sport: A state-of-the-art gym, plus tennis, pickleball, and bocce ball courts.
    • Pet-Friendly Perks: Two dedicated dog parks—Big Bark and Playful Paws.

    The Perfect Venice Location

    Located just minutes from pristine Gulf beaches and the vibrant dining of Wellen Park, Grand Palm offers the seclusion of a gated community with the convenience of a city.

    Find Your #MyNealHome

    We offer a variety of award-winning floor plans to fit your lifestyle, from the $500s to the $800s+. Every Neal home is built with the quality and care that has made us Southwest Florida’s premier private homebuilder since 1970.

    Ready to find your piece of paradise?

    Browse our Move-In Ready Homes, call us at 888-720-4429, or visit our sales center at 21209 Wacissa Drive, Venice, FL!

  • Neal Employees Provide Holiday Cheer Through Two Donation Programs

    Neal Employees Provide Holiday Cheer Through Two Donation Programs

    LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla., December 11, 2025 – Neal Communities employees got into the holiday spirit by stepping up to help children across the region through two major donation efforts.

    Working with the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, employees in the North region, which includes Manatee and Sarasota Counties, adopted and provided gifts for 100 angels, with each receiving clothing, toys and more.  The Salvation Army Angel Tree program helps provide Christmas gifts for hundreds of thousands of children around the country each year.

    “Supporting children and families in our community is deeply meaningful to our team,” says Tashara Carmichael vice president of human resources. “Our employees embraced the opportunity to adopt 100 angels this year. We have been honored to participate in the Salvation Army’s program for many years, and this annual tradition underscores our ongoing commitment to the communities we call home.”

    Employees in Neal Communities’ South region, which includes Charlotte, Lee and Collier Counties, worked with the U.S. Marine Corps. Reserve Toys for Tots program, donating toys and gifts for children in the region.  The donations made by Neal employees will be part of an effort to benefit more than 800 local children.

    “Toys for Tots is a great organization that has been providing toys for children since 1947,” says Timothy Oak, president of Neal Communities South Region. “Neal Communities is proud to be able to contribute to their efforts to ensure that every child has a toy at Christmas time.”

    Toys for Tots has more than 800 local toy collection and distribution programs in most major market areas in all 50 states, Washington DC and U.S. Territories, and annually distributes an average of 18 million toys to 7 million children in need.

    Neal Communities has a philanthropic culture and a core belief that “Where You Live Matters.” The company has donated more than $8 million to local charities and causes throughout Southwest Florida.

  • Neal Communities in the 2025 Tampa Bay Rankings: What It Means for Homebuyers and Our Region

    Neal Communities in the 2025 Tampa Bay Rankings: What It Means for Homebuyers and Our Region

    Tampa Bay’s business community keeps raising the bar — and housing is right at the heart of it. The Tampa Bay Business Journal’s newest regional lists show a private-sector ecosystem that’s both growing and diversifying, with builders like Neal Communities playing a key role in creating places people love to call home.

    A bigger, stronger private economy

    This year’s research expands the scope of Tampa Bay’s “Largest Private Companies” to 428 firms across Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties. Collectively, these privately held companies generated more than $119 billion in 2024 revenue and employ well over 380,000 people in total — with roughly 100,000 jobs here in the Bay area alone.

    For context: companies from logistics and advanced manufacturing to financial services and construction all appear on this list. That breadth matters for housing — diverse, resilient job growth supports long-term demand for quality homes and vibrant neighborhoods.

    Where Neal Communities stands

    We’re proud to be recognized among Tampa Bay’s largest private companies, with $800 million in 2024 revenue as a locally owned, Southwest Florida homebuilder and community developer. Being included alongside many of the region’s marquee employers underscores our responsibility: to keep delivering quality homes, thoughtful planning, and customer care that meets today’s expectations while preparing for tomorrow’s needs.

    (About us: Neal Communities has been building in Southwest Florida for more than five decades, with neighborhoods designed for real life — from first homes to active-adult living — and a focus on responsible land stewardship and lasting value.)

    Tampa Bay’s homebuilding picture — and our role in it

    The Tampa Bay Business Journal’s companion list of Largest Homebuilders by 2024 local closings confirms how vital housing is to regional growth. Across the counties the TBBJ tracks, builders reported more than 28,000 closings in 2024 — a meaningful supply contribution during a period of tight inventory and evolving affordability. (TBBJ sourced its rankings from company submissions and Zonda data.)

    On that list, Neal Communities recorded 811 local closings in 2024, reflecting steady demand for well-located, livable neighborhoods across Tampa Bay and the Suncoast. For our homebuyers, this matters because scale — done the right way — helps us:

    • Offer more choice across price points and lifestyles, from villa homes to larger single-family designs.
    • Invest in community amenities (trails, pools, gathering spaces) that knit neighborhoods together.
    • Support quality and service through experienced construction teams, trade partners, and warranty care.

    Reading the market in 2025

    Even with elevated mortgage rates compared with a few years ago, Tampa Bay remains a magnet for employers and residents. Independent outlooks point to continued regional momentum across tech, real estate, and tourism — the mix that fuels durable housing demand. At the same time, multifamily deliveries slowed sharply in the first half of 2025, suggesting for-sale communities will continue to do the heavy lifting on new-home options.

    What we’re watching next:

    • Affordability & financing: Creative buy-down options and plan variety can help buyers right-size monthly payments.
    • Lifestyle-driven design: Flexible spaces for work, wellness, and entertaining remain high on shoppers’ lists.
    • Location, location: Proximity to job centers, outdoor recreation, and Gulf Coast amenities continues to differentiate communities across Manatee, Sarasota, Hillsborough, and beyond.

    Our commitment

    Rankings are snapshots; communities are legacies. As a locally owned builder, we measure success by the neighborhoods we leave behind — places where families grow, friendships form, and daily life simply works. Recognition on Tampa Bay’s business lists is an honor, but it’s also a reminder to keep doing the fundamentals well: thoughtful planning, quality craftsmanship, transparent communication, and service after the sale.

    If you’re exploring a new home in Southwest Florida, we’d love to show you what’s new — and what’s next — across our communities. Start here to see where we’re building today. Neal Communities

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

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

    LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. July 16, 2025 – Neal Communities, southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, will celebrate the grand opening of its sales center and two model homes at Palmera at Wellen Park by Neal Communities, scheduled for Friday, July 25 from 4-6 p.m. and a virtual event from noon – 1 p.m. for those who cannot attend in person. The in-person event will feature ice cream from Carousels for the first 100 guests.

    RSVP is requested for both events at https://on.nealcommunities.com/palmera-go/.

    Palmera at Wellen Park by Neal Communities will feature its Cruise Series of homes, including five floor plans of both one- and two-story homes, ranging from 1,533 – 2,956 square feet. The two decorated models onsite are the Liberty 4, with 1,533 square feet of living space, encompassing three bedrooms, two baths and a two-car garage, along with the Heritage 2 floor plan, featuring four bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a two-car garage in a total of 2,429 square feet of living space.

    In addition, homebuyers can build the Patriot, with three bedrooms, two baths and a two-car garage and a total of 1,682 square feet; the Dream 2, a three bedrooms, two baths, two-car garage home with 1,860 square feet and the two-story Vision, featuring 2,956 square feet and five bedrooms, four baths and a two-car garage.

    “Neal Communities is pleased to be part of this exciting new neighborhood in the fast-growing and highly sought-after area of Wellen Park,” says Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “Our Cruise Series offers something for homebuyers at every life stage in a setting that will stand out for its resort-style amenities.”

    Palmera is Wellen Park’s newest neighborhood and features six builders, including Neal Communities.  Palmera will offer a wide array of resort-style amenities for residents of every age and life stage, including a coastal-inspired Clubhouse with Grill Pub, resort pool with lap lanes, splash pad, playground, fireside seating, fitness center, pickleball courts, gathering lawn, nature trail, golf simulator and onsite dining.

  • Neal Communities Supports Community Events Through $70,000 in Donations

    Neal Communities Supports Community Events Through $70,000 in Donations

    LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (June 17, 2025) – Neal Communities, southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, has donated $70,000 to support community events this Spring.

    Neal Communities served as a $15,000 sponsor of the Venice Symphony Patriotic Pops concert over Memorial Day weekend.  This year’s event, a Salute To The Greatest Generation, A WWII Tribute, commemorated the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and featured WWII music, events, and a spectacular fireworks show.

    The Library Foundation of Manatee County’s Booked for Lunch event in April featured Today Show personality Jenna Bush Hager. Neal Communities donated $5,000 as an event sponsor.

    Neal Communities served as a $5,000 sponsor for the recent Sarasota County Schools Outstanding Volunteer Awards, which honored its individual volunteers, businesses, and community partners at the school district’s annual reception.

    Each year, Manatee College celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week in early May.  Neal Communities donated $3,000 to support meals and prizes for the week-long celebration for 300 staff members, recognizing the hard work and dedication of educators.

    Neal Communities provided a $10,000 grant for a renovation of the Laurel Nokomis School teachers lounge, $3,000 support for the Education Foundation of Sarasota Ringling Bridge Race, $500 to the Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network luncheon, $5,000 to the Florida A&M Tampa Alumni Chapter Scholarship fund and $5,000 to the Marine Corps League Desoto Detachment 588.

    The Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Suncoast Spring Soiree is an annual event held at the Lakewood Ranch Country Club to raise funds for the organization. Neal Communities served as a $5,000 sponsor this year to support Big Brothers Big Sisters in its mission to help youth thrive by providing transformational, one-to-one relationships with caring adult mentors.

    Neal Communities has also donated $2,500 to Venice High School for a five-year sponsorship of its football scoreboard and $5,000 to the Cape Coral Pop Warner Golf Scramble to support the team for which Jared Boucher, Neal Communities South Region Construction Manager serves as a volunteer assistant. In addition, the company has donated $6,000 as a field sponsor for Venice Area Youth Soccer Association (VAYSA), a local community soccer club providing both competitive and recreational soccer programs. The donation will help cover costs of player scholarships, facilities maintenance, equipment purchases, trainers, field rental and lights.

    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 is proud to continue to support the causes that are most important to the communities in which we operate, as well as those brought forward by our employees who are involved in a broad range of philanthropic efforts,” 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.

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

  • Neal Communities Announces the First Look at the New Boca Royale Golf and Country Club at Wellen Park

    Neal Communities Announces the First Look at the New Boca Royale Golf and Country Club at Wellen Park

    LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (June 9, 2025) – Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier private homebuilder, today announced a first look at the new Boca Royale Golf and Country Club at Wellen Park, an 825-home community in Wellen Park and nestled amid pristine lakes and nature preserves, while offering easy access to several of Southwest Florida’s beautiful beaches.

    Boca Royale at Wellen Park will officially open its Discovery Center and six new models on June 21, offering 170 paired villas and 655 single-family homes. It will encompass a broad range of architectural styles, including British West Indies, Coastal, Island, Tuscan and French Colonial. RSVPs are encouraged at https://on.nealcommunities.com/boca-royale-go/ and a virtual grand opening signup is available at the same link for those who cannot join in person.

    The six model homes will include two paired villa and four single family home models. Villa models are the Tidewinds 2, with 1,638 square feet of living space and two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and the Sandcastle 2, which has 1,848 square feet and three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

    Single family home models will include the single-story Dream 2, with three bedrooms, two baths and a two-car garage, with a total of 1,860 square feet of living space.  The one-story Bright Meadow 2 has 2,309 square feet and includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a three-car garage. The two-story Lighthouse has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a three-car garage, and totals 2,601 square feet. The one-story Captiva is a three-bedroom, three bathroom, three-car garage model with 2,698 square feet of space.

    The New Boca Royale Golf and Country Club at Wellen Park will feature a new amenity center with a resort-style swimming pool, spa and clubroom facilities, along with a poolside bar and grill.

    “With its newly rebuilt golf course, Boca Royale is a shining example of resort style living in Southwest Florida,” says Pat Neal, chairman and CEO of Neal Communities.  “Prospective homeowners will have their choice of a broad range of home plans to suit every lifestyle.”

    The Boca Royale Golf and Country Club offers a stunning 18-hole golf course, recently fully renovated by Golf Course Architect, Gordy Lewis and reopened in December of 2024. In fact, the course was 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 and includes driving range, putting green, sand bunker, chipping/pitching area and Pro Shop. Raquet facilities include six lighted Har-Tru clay courts and eight lighted pickleball courts. The Club offers golf, racquets, and fitness/social memberships.

    The elegant, Georgian-styled Clubhouse features a full range of dining options, from fine dining in the Fairway Dining Room to casual dining in the 19th Hole and new Outdoor Dining Pavilion.

    “We are thrilled to debut the gorgeous new home layouts in Boca Royale, with a variety that will offer prospective buyers an option based on their needs,” says Christina Potts, Area Sales Manager for Neal Communities.  “Boca is such an amazing lifestyle community and I’m eager to welcome those who haven’t visited or maybe haven’t been for quite some time because it’s truly a brand-new Boca Royale. We’ve done a complete renovation of the club house, golf course and dining facilities. The look definitely gives a high-end country club vibe, and we can’t wait to welcome new homeowners to this beautiful unique golf course community.”

    Wellen Park is home to Downtown Wellen that features restaurants, shopping, entertainment venues, a splash pad, the Grand Lake and trail, featuring 2.8 miles of pedestrian paths.

  • Home Insurance Benefits when Building with Neal Communities

    Home Insurance Benefits when Building with Neal Communities

    Hurricane-Resistant Roofing

    Florida building codes require roofs built after 2002 to withstand Category 4 hurricane winds (up to specific angle/degree). This eliminates the need for a wind mitigation inspection.

    Impact-Resistant Windows & Opening Protection

    The Florida building code (FBC) of 2002, requires some form of hurricane protection for all exterior windows and doors. (i.e.: impact resistant windows, doors, or approved shutter system). This eliminates the need for a wind mitigation inspection.

    Gated or Guarded Communities

    Homes in secure communities pose lower risk, often resulting in reduced insurance premiums.

    Accredited Builder Advantage

    Neal Communities is recognized as an Accredited Builder and is included on most insurance carrier lists, ensuring some policy discounts.

    Expanded Carrier Availability

    Newer homes qualify for broader insurance carrier options, increasing the likelihood of coverage acceptance.

    Potential for Hip Roof Credit

    About 60% of Neal homes feature hip roofs, which may qualify for insurance discounts due to their wind-resistant design.

    Modernized Systems & No Inspection Requirements

    With brand-new HVAC systems, water heaters, plumbing, electrical, and roofing, new Neal homes do not require a 4-point inspection or wind mitigation report. These inspections are typically used by insurers to assess risks and determine premiums.

  • 8 Tips from Florida Home Builders’ Storm Playbook

    8 Tips from Florida Home Builders’ Storm Playbook

    Check out this article from Leah Draffen at Builderonline.com

    Stacked with real-life extreme weather experience, these two coastal home builders have storm prep down to a science.

    Home builders have a lot to protect when extreme weather is on the way—mid-construction projects, materials, model homes, and more.

    After a record 18 storms, 11 hurricanes, and five Category 3-plus hurricanes last year, 2025 looks very similar. Colorado State University has released its early forecast for the season, which is slated with 17 storms, nine to become hurricanes, and four to reach Cat 3 and above.

    Florida—boasting some of the strongest resiliency codes in the country—has its fair share of experience in extreme weather. So where better to look for storm prep advice than Florida home builders?

    Ryan Johnson, vice president of operations at Neal Communities, and Mike Nunziata, division president of 13th Floor Homes, roll out some tried and true advice below.

    1. Early prep is the best prep. Nunziata says, “The best advice I could offer would be to start early. Spending the time preparing early has undoubtedly helped us keep our teams and jobsites safe, communicate effectively through all stages of the event, recover quickly, and ultimately, avoid losses.”
    2. Stopping work is often necessary. Neal Communities’ hurricane plan is put into effect depending on the level of alert for a storm. When a storm is confirmed, Johnson says there are different stages of what they do including stopping construction and securing mid-construction projects. “We’re pretty conservative on when work stops in preparation for a potential storm,” Johnson explains. “Additionally, our people have to protect their own property too, so we take that into consideration when preparing.”
    3. Name your point person (or people). Johnson says each community gets a point person that will take charge of their respective community to make sure everything is put into place, and to be the point of contact following a storm. Neal Communities has contracts with people who aren’t exactly going to be busy during storm prep. Landscaping companies, for example, help clean up jobsites and eliminate potential debris that can become airborne.
    4. Secure the sites. Neal has a storm committee that meets a few times a day after advisories come out to decide what the teams are going to do next. In many instances, tie beams must be poured to secure walls of homes under construction, Johnson says. And if dumpsters can’t get emptied in time, dumpsters are filled with dirt or sand to prevent them and the contents inside from causing damage. “Municipalities themselves have regulations of what needs to be done at different levels of alert,” Johnson adds.
    5. Get those documents. Call rosters, insurance contacts, and insurance policies are likely needed following a storm. Nunziata says it’s a necessity to have them ready, “Make sure you will have ready access to critical documentation in advance of the storm. The easiest way to accomplish this is with hard copies distributed to your team. To the extent that it’s not feasible for certain documentation, try to back-up and save documents locally as grid failures and cellular service can be spotty in the aftermath of a storm. Satellite phones and internet connections (e.g., Starlink) are also a good option if you need to access the internet or place calls.”
    6. Keep your teams safe. As Johnson mentions, Neal Communities is conservative when it comes to storm prep and stopping work. He says, “When storms come, we give our employees off probably 48 hours ahead of a storm comes. When the schools close, the employees with children have to stay home, right? So, we let them work from home. And then after the storm, the same thing.”
    7. Meet and assess. Both Johnson and Nunziata agree that when it’s safe to assess damage, that is when recovery work begins. “Resources, such as materials and labor, should be mobilized, with a focus on restoring essential services like water, electricity, and transportation. Once immediate needs are addressed, structural repairs and reconstruction should begin, adhering to updated building codes to increase resilience. Community services are crucial, as well as environmental cleanup and hazard mitigation. Finally, ongoing monitoring and feedback help adjust efforts and ensure long-term sustainability in recovery,” Nunziata says.
    8. Help homeowners how you can. Known for “doing the right thing,” Neal Communities always aims to fix damage if something wasn’t done right. “What happens with these storms, like last year, is you might only get a 90 mile an hour wind and roof tiles are mostly for 150 miles an hour so the warranty doesn’t cover it, but we actually went out and fixed all our roofs. We build houses that are mostly designed for 150 mile an hour wind so if you really think about it—if we got 80 to 100 mile an hour winds—something probably wasn’t installed correctly. We want to make it right.” Johnson also says they wouldn’t want to make a new homeowner who just closed on their brand-new home to have to make a claim. Last year, the home builder spent roughly $4 to $5 million extra on warranty expenses to fix storm related damage across the communities, but not a single house flooded or had structural damage, Johnson says.

    Strapped with plenty of experience and very sturdy building codes, Florida has storm prep figured out. However, last year’s record storm definitely left the state’s home builders—and many other affected areas—turning their attention to better preparations.

    Nunziata adds, “Effects of the 2024 storms on Southeast Florida were somewhat unexpected given landfall on Florida’s west coast. We saw several tornadoes, not a common occurrence here, move through our market and cause significant damage. Last year was a wake-up call and reminder to our builders that it pays to be prepared even when a direct impact isn’t expected.”

  • Neal Communities Wins Six Top Awards in Parade of Homes

    Neal Communities Wins Six Top Awards in Parade of Homes

    LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (April 7, 2025) – Neal Communities and its associated company, Waterscapes won six top awards in the 2025 Parade of Homes for the Suncoast Builders Association.

    “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.

  • Neal Communities Volunteer Week Celebrates Company’s Commitment to Philanthropy

    Neal Communities Volunteer Week Celebrates Company’s Commitment to Philanthropy

    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.