Neal Communities contributes to extend Legacy Trail

SARASOTA, Fla. – Neal Communities, southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, recently donated $5,000 to support the Vote Yes for the Sarasota County Legacy Trail Extension campaign.

On the November 2018 ballot, voters will see a referendum to approve the extension, which will enhance connectivity from North Port through Venice to downtown Sarasota, with additional improvements, such as safe crossings, overpasses and amenities, paid for with a bond issued by Sarasota County. 

“The extension and enhancement of this old abandoned railroad corridor is vital to improve connectivity throughout our region and enhance quality of life,” said Pat Neal, CEO and chairman of the board at the Lakewood Ranch-based new home building firm. With this donation, we hope to bolster this community amenity used by more than 225,000 people each year to travel without using motorized vehicles.” 

If approved by voters in November, the Legacy Trail extension will improve safety and access for families, walkers, runner, cyclists and individuals with disabilities. It will also provide safe crossings and overpasses at Clark Road and Bee Ridge Road. Facilities along the trail will be improved as well, with additional parking and restroom trailheads. For more information, visit www.extendthelegacytrail.com.

“It is commendable for responsible corporate citizens, such as Neal Communities, to provide the resources to inform our citizenry of the perpetual benefits of an extended Legacy Trail,” said Dan Bailey, who serves as co-chair of the campaign along with Gina Taylor.

About Neal Communities

With over 40 years of building award-winning homes, Neal Communities has over 70 successful communities throughout southwest Florida. The Lakewood Ranch-based builder was named the Professional Builder 2015 “Builder of the Year” and was named one of 2012’s “America’s Best Builders” by BUILDER Magazine and voted the “2013 Best Residential Builder in Southwest Florida” in a readers’ poll sponsored by Gulfshore Business Magazine. The company is ranked No. 1 locally by Metrostudy and by Hanley Wood Market Intelligence based on number of home sales and ranked nationally among the top 50 builders by BUILDER Magazine.

To date, Neal has built over 13,000 homes in southwest Florida. As the area’s largest and most established, locally owned and operated private builder, Neal Communities is continually striving for excellence in every aspect of the home building and development business. Neal Signature Homes, Neal Land Ventures, Charlene Neal PureStyle, Waterscapes Pools & Spas, Neal Communities Funding, Fiducia Insurance and Allegiant Title Professionals all contribute to the firm’s continued, record-setting local success. The company’s honors and accolades include numerous Parade of Homes awards, 50 Aurora Awards, 5 Best in American Living Awards and hundreds of local and regional industry awards. For more information, please visit www.NealCommunities.com.

Neal Communities Donates $90,000 to the Rotary Clubs of Manatee County for Accessible Playground Project

Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, has made a $90,000 donation to the accessible playground project at G.T. Bray Park. The project is a public-private partnership spearheaded by the six Rotary Clubs in Manatee County, in partnership with Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources.

Neal Communities first learned of the accessible playground project after Mike Storey, President of Neal Communities, met Jennifer Griffith, whose son uses a wheelchair.

“The idea for an accessible playground came up when my mother wanted to take my son and his cousin to a park,” said Griffith. “However, there were no playgrounds in Manatee County that were wheelchair accessible and all-inclusive for my son and his cousin to play together.”

Griffith later met Storey and presented the idea for the accessible playgrounds with the Rotary Clubs of Manatee County. Neal Communities then donated $90,000 towards the construction of the first playground, to be built at G.T. Bray Park. Once funded and construction begins, the accessible playground will replace the existing play structure at G.T. Bray Park.

“We’re looking at building a total of three accessible, all-inclusive playgrounds in Manatee County,” said Tom Norton, Chairman of the Rotary playground project. “The parks will all be led by the Rotary Clubs of Manatee County and will be located at G.T. Bray Park, Tom Bennett Park and Buffalo Creek Park.”

Each playground requires an investment of $600,000 before construction can begin. The Rotary Clubs have raised nearly $200,000 so far to support construction at the first park. 

Sponsorships are available by equipment piece, which includes the opportunity to name the equipment. Neal Communities has sponsored the main play structure and a swing set.  

For more information or to make a donation to the playground project, visit https://www.rotaryplaygrounds.org/. 

About Neal Communities

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 nearly 50-year history, it has built over 14,000 new homes in more than 90 acclaimed communities from Tampa to Naples. The company consistently ranks among the nation’s top 100 home builders and has earned numerous awards including the prestigious Builder of the Year from Professional Builder in 2015 and America’s Best Builder in 2012 from BUILDER Magazine. With a core belief that “Where You Live Matters,” Neal Communities has given more than $7 million to local charities throughout Southwest Florida and is committed to the communities where they live, work and build. Company sales in fiscal year 2018 were $464 million.

Additional Neal Communities brands include Neal Signature Homes, Neal Land Ventures, Charlene Neal PureStyle, Waterscapes Pools & Spas, Neal Communities Funding and Allegiant Title Professionals. For more information, please visit www.NealCommunities.com.

Neal Communities to Begin Taking Sales at Windward at Lakewood Ranch

Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, is pleased to announce that Windward at Lakewood Ranch will begin taking sales on July 14. 

This new 450-acre gated community, which will have 780 homes at completion, will feature a variety of popular architectural styles for home elevations from which buyers can choose. Options include British West Indies, Coastal, Island and Farmhouse designs, and all homes will be green certified. 

“We’ve had a lot of interest in Windward at Lakewood Ranch due to its desirable location and variety of housing types that appeal to many different buyers,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “Lakewood Ranch is such a dynamic, growing area with excellent schools, great shopping and dining and close proximity to a variety of cultural and outdoor attractions. Windward at Lakewood Ranch will be an ideal place for both families and active retirees to call home.”

Opening in mid-2021, the community’s amenities will feature a British West Indies architectural style with Dutch Colonial touches. A 7.8-acre amenity center will include a 9,600-square-foot clubhouse with community gathering spaces, fitness center, adult and children’s pools, sports courts including eight pickleball and two tennis courts, sports fields, playgrounds, two dog parks and two event lawns.

A full-time lifestyle coordinator will plan and host events for the community’s residents throughout the year. Pedestrian and bike trails will also wind throughout Windward at Lakewood Ranch, creating extensive connectivity within the community and providing opportunities for outdoor exercise. Fitness stations will be mixed in along the trails.

Windward at Lakewood Ranch will offer 16 unique floorplans, seven of which will be on display as model homes in the community’s Phase 1. Floorplans will include paired villas and single-family homes. Paired villas range from 1,434 square feet to 1,524 square feet. Single-family homes start at 1,531 square feet and can be as large as 2,907 square feet. Pricing ranges from the low $200s to high $400s.

Windward at Lakewood Ranch is ideally located in Sarasota County along the southern gateway of Lakewood Ranch, just three-and-a-half miles east of I-75 at the corner of Lorraine and Fruitville Roads and adjacent to Lakewood Ranch’s Waterside Communities. The community is close to A-rated schools in the area, as well as several private school options. 

For more information, visit www.nealcommunities.com/new-homes/windward/.

About Neal Communities 

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 15,000 new homes in more than 90 acclaimed communities from Tampa to Naples. The company consistently ranks among the nation’s top 100 home builders and has earned numerous awards including the prestigious Builder of the Year from Professional Builder in 2015 and America’s Best Builder in 2012 from BUILDER Magazine. With a core belief that “Where You Live Matters,” Neal Communities has given more than $7 million to local charities throughout Southwest Florida and is committed to the communities where they live, work and build. Company sales in fiscal year 2019 were $410 million.

Additional Neal Communities brands include Neal Signature Homes, Neal Land Ventures, Charlene Neal PureStyle, Waterscapes Pools & Spas, Neal Communities Funding and Allegiant Title Professionals. For more information, please visit www.NealCommunities.com.

Neal Communities begins construction at SkySail 

Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, has begun construction at SkySail, its new community located in eastern Collier County.

Planned for approximately 1,300 single-family homes and apartment homes, SkySail will offer pricing starting around $250,000. It will be the largest community built by the south division of Neal Communities to date and is expected to open in early 2022.

“Collier County is one of the most desirable places to live in and retire to in the United States,” said Tim Oak, President of Neal Communities, South Region. “The mix of amenities and gorgeous open space that will be offered at SkySail will make it an attractive community for families and active adults. We hope this exciting new project helps introduce even more Southwest Floridians to the attractive, high-quality homes and communities that Neal Communities builds.”

SkySail has been designed around a central lake, with more than 240 acres of lakes throughout the approximately 640-acre community in Naples. Many homesites will feature lake views.

The community’s lakeside amenity center will offer a range of options for all ages and interests. Residents will be able to work out at the fitness center featuring free weights, machines and spaces for group fitness or gather at the lakeside social club, which will include a game room for kids, serving kitchen and verandas for taking in the views. Other amenities include a family staycation pool, an adult pool with lap lanes, eight pickleball courts, two tennis courts, a playground, a dog park, event and game lawns and an events pavilion with dedicated restrooms. Walking and biking trails will wind throughout the community and feature workout stations designed by Avid Fitness.

For more information, visit www.NealCommunities.com. 

About Neal Communities 

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 15,000 new homes in more than 90 acclaimed communities from Tampa to Naples. The company consistently ranks among the nation’s top 100 home builders and has earned numerous awards including the prestigious Builder of the Year from Professional Builder in 2015 and America’s Best Builder in 2012 from BUILDER Magazine. With a core belief that “Where You Live Matters,” Neal Communities has given more than $7 million to local charities throughout Southwest Florida and is committed to the communities where they live, work and build. Company sales in fiscal year 2019 were $410 million.

Additional Neal Communities brands include Neal Signature Homes, Charlene Neal PureStyle, Waterscapes Pools & Spas, Neal Communities Funding and Allegiant Title Professionals. For more information, please visit www.NealCommunities.com.

Neal Communities makes $5,000 donation to support 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’ first donation to the Boca CARES charitable fund.

Boca CARES was established in the fall of 2018 and 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 almost $150,000 through four grant cycles.

The residents of Boca Royale Golf & Country Club have been extremely supportive of Boca CARES, which asks for a suggested donation of $200 per household. Organizations that the charitable fund has made grants to over the years include the Boys & Girls Clubs of Charlotte County, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, Englewood Community Care Clinic, North Port Meals on Wheels and Senior Friendship Centers.

“We really have done a lot, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic hit,” said Denise Whitty, a seven-year resident of Boca Royale, a member of the board of Boca CARES and a sales associate for Neal Communities at Boca Royale. “Recently we’ve been helping with meals and the needs of so many children that are having a hard time right now. All the money stays local, and it’s just very rewarding to give back and help others in need.”

“It’s so great to see the residents of Boca Royale Golf & Country Club come together to support the local community in which they live,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “They’ve already made a big impact, and we’re happy to assist them in their continued efforts to help children, families, seniors and veterans in the greater Englewood area.”

For more information about Boca CARES, visit https://bocaroyalecares.com. 

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

About Neal Communities 

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 17,000 new homes in more than 90 acclaimed communities from Tampa to Naples. The company consistently ranks among the nation’s top 100 home builders and has earned numerous awards including the prestigious Builder of the Year from Professional Builder in 2015 and America’s Best Builder in 2012 from BUILDER Magazine. With a core belief that “Where You Live Matters,” Neal Communities has given more than $7 million to local charities throughout Southwest Florida and is committed to the communities where they live, work and build. 

Additional Neal Communities brands include Neal Signature Homes, Charlene Neal PureStyle, Waterscapes Pools & Spas, Neal Communities Funding and Allegiant Title Professionals. For more information, please visit www.NealCommunities.com.

Neal Communities makes $5,000 donation to support Sisters Sowing Seeds

Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, has made a $5,000 donation to support Sisters Sowing Seeds, a nonprofit organization that empowers teen girls in the community.

The organization was founded in 2015 by Monica Donley, a senior accountant with Neal Communities. It offers mentoring programs and other services to help teen girls and young women succeed both in school and life and strengthen their self-esteem. 

The COVID-19 pandemic proved challenging for the nonprofit, which had to shift from in-person to online meetups. “I missed that personal touch, but we were still able to meet through Zoom,” said Donley.

Those Zoom sessions included events such as trivia games and virtual themed parties to help the girls de-stress from the difficulties of the last year, as well as a group session with a therapist who offered advice and assistance on navigating the pandemic and all the changes it brought. Tutoring sessions were available for students who needed extra help.

Donley also delivered frequent care packages to the 25 middle and high school students working with Sisters Sowing Seeds. They contained everything from personal items to useful supplies like journals to gift cards to help the girls and their families with necessities.

“It was important to keep doing what we do because of the time that I had spent cultivating relationships with these young ladies,” said Donley. “You don’t want to leave them when they’re in a difficult time; you want to make sure you’re able to stand by the words you have given them and the commitment you made to them to be a part of their lives. So of course I wanted to be a part of their lives when times got difficult. I didn’t want them to be out there by themselves.”

Over the past several years, she’s witnessed how the organization affects the girls it serves—and how important it is to be there for them. “These girls are changing and finding out who they’re becoming,” said Donley. “We get an opportunity to have an impact in that early stage of self-exploration. We can be there as a positive influence to let them know they are valuable. We can show them they’re capable of doing things they didn’t think they could.”

The $5,000 donation from Neal Communities will help Donley purchase supplies for upcoming Sisters Sowing Seeds efforts, which include a book club and a return to in-person community events. Neal Communities previously made a $1,000 donation to Sisters Sowing Seeds in 2019 and a $3,000 donation in 2020. Donley is truly grateful for the support she is getting from her employer for a cause so near to her heart.

“I think the community means a lot to my employer, and I think that’s important,” she said. “It feels good to work at a place that cares not only about your working for them and being able to achieve their goals, but that is also looking out for the community. They saw that this meant something to me, and they were willing to invest in it. And that means the world to me.”

“We’re honored to be able to both give back to the community and support one of our valued employees in her efforts to make a difference,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “Monica is doing life-changing work through Sisters Sowing Seeds, and we’re happy to help support her efforts to empower the local girls and young women her organization serves.”

For more information about Sisters Sowing Seeds, visit www.sisterssowingseeds.org. 

About Neal Communities 

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 17,000 new homes in more than 90 acclaimed communities from Tampa to Naples. The company consistently ranks among the nation’s top 100 home builders and has earned numerous awards including the prestigious Builder of the Year from Professional Builder in 2015 and America’s Best Builder in 2012 from BUILDER Magazine. With a core belief that “Where You Live Matters,” Neal Communities has given more than $7 million to local charities throughout Southwest Florida and is committed to the communities where they live, work and build

Additional Neal Communities brands include Neal Signature Homes, Charlene Neal PureStyle, Waterscapes Pools & Spas, Neal Communities Funding and Allegiant Title Professionals. For more information, please visit www.NealCommunities.com.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County dedicates sports field to Pat and Charlene Neal 

With the help of a substantial donation by Pat Neal, chairman of the board at Neal Communities, and his wife, Charlene Neal, Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County, an afterschool and summer program that offers hope and opportunity to every child in the community, has broken ground on its new facility.

The longtime Lakewood Ranch-based builder and philanthropist and his wife will make $200,000 contributions over the next five years, totaling $1 million for the nonprofit’s Invest in Kids campaign. The couple’s donation will underwrite the new flex field at the Club. 

With less than $200,000 needed to close out the $7.5 million Invest In Kids campaign to rebuild the physically and functionally obsolete DeSoto Club, Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County held a groundbreaking ceremony on June 1 to celebrate the start of construction. The new campus will serve up to 600 kids, more than double the number currently served by the nonprofit.

“The more that we invest in our kids, the more that they provide back in our community,” said Dawn Stanhope, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County. “We cannot thank Pat and Charlene Neal enough for doing just that. Our sports programs are a vital part of Boys & Girls Clubs’ initiatives, and with their help, our members will enjoy great outdoor space for years to come.”

The new Flex Sport Field at the DeSoto Club campus will be named the Patrick and Charlene Neal Field.

“Philanthropy is a major part of everything we do at Neal Communities and investing in children is an important cause,” said Pat Neal. “Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County provides life-changing experiences for young people to learn, grow and build supportive relationships. We feel humbled and fortunate to bolster its mission to improve the lives of young people in our community.”

Pat Neal founded Neal Communities in 1970, and since then, the award-winning homebuilder has created over 70 successful communities and built over 13,000 homes throughout southwest Florida. 

Charlene Neal is the vice president of design at Neal Communities and the president of Charlene Neal PureStyle, a full-service retail interior design company she founded in 2007. She oversees the design for all new communities and the styling and decor in the models for Neal Signature Homes and Neal Communities.

About Neal Communities

With over 40 years of building award-winning homes, Neal Communities has over 70 successful communities throughout southwest Florida. The Lakewood Ranch-based builder was named the Professional Builder 2015 “Builder of the Year” and was named one of 2012’s “America’s Best Builders” by BUILDER Magazine and voted the “2013 Best Residential Builder in Southwest Florida” in a readers’ poll sponsored by Gulfshore Business Magazine. The company is ranked No. 1 locally by Metrostudy and by Hanley Wood Market Intelligence based on number of home sales and ranked nationally among the top 50 builders by BUILDER Magazine.

To date, Neal has built over 13,000 homes in southwest Florida. As the area’s largest and most established, locally owned and operated private builder, Neal Communities is continually striving for excellence in every aspect of the home building and development business. Neal Signature Homes, Neal Land Ventures, Charlene Neal PureStyle, Waterscapes Pools & Spas, Neal Communities Funding, Fiducia Insurance and Allegiant Title Professionals all contribute to the firm’s continued, record-setting local success. The company’s honors and accolades include numerous Parade of Homes awards, 50 Aurora Awards, 5 Best in American Living Awards and hundreds of local and regional industry awards. For more information, please visit www.NealCommunities.com.

Neal Communities collects Builder of the Year award for sixth consecutive year

For the sixth consecutive year, Neal Communities, southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, has earned the Builder of the Year award from the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC).

Neal Communities bested four other builders and was named the leader for the most single-family homes certified with 282.

Drew Smith, Florida Building Commissioner – Green Building and founder of Two Trails Green Building Consulting, accepted the award on behalf of the builder at the March 6 ceremony in Orlando, Fla. 

“Neal Communities’ green initiatives across our building footprint is a point of distinction that stands out among the rest,” said Michael Greenberg, southwest Florida regional president for Neal Communities. “It is one more way that we strive to provide the best quality, value and benefits of green and energy-efficient living in the distinctive communities we create for our homeowners.”

The FGBC is the leading certifier of green projects in Florida. To date, it has 15,000 residential properties, more than 24 million square feet of commercial and high-rise projects, 53 land developments and 86 local governments participating in its certification programs. FGBC certification programs are the only standards developed with climate specific criteria to address issues caused by Florida’s hot-humid environment and natural disasters.

FGBC certified homes complete a technically rigorous building assessment and construction process to promote design and construction practices that reduce the negative environmental impacts of the building, improve occupant health and well-being and reduce operating costs for the owner. 

Founded in 2000, the nonprofit is dedicated to improving the built environment and seeks to lead and promote sustainability with environmental, economic and social benefits through regional education and certification programs.

About Neal Communities

With over 40 years of building award-winning homes, Neal Communities has over 90 successful communities throughout southwest Florida. The Lakewood Ranch-based builder was named the Professional Builder 2015 “Builder of the Year” and was named one of 2012’s “America’s Best Builders” by BUILDER Magazine and voted the “2013 Best Residential Builder in Southwest Florida” in a readers’ poll sponsored by Gulfshore Business Magazine. The company is ranked No. 1 locally by Metrostudy and by Hanley Wood Market Intelligence based on number of home sales and ranked nationally among the top 50 builders by BUILDER Magazine.

To date, Neal has built over 14,000 homes in southwest Florida. As the area’s largest and most established, locally owned and operated private builder, Neal Communities is continually striving for excellence in every aspect of the home building and development business. Neal Signature Homes, Neal Land Ventures, Charlene Neal PureStyle, Waterscapes Pools & Spas, Neal Communities Funding and Allegiant Title Professionals all contribute to the firm’s continued, record-setting local success. The company’s honors and accolades include numerous Parade of Homes awards, 50 Aurora Awards, 5 Best in American Living Awards and hundreds of local and regional industry awards. For more information, please visit www.NealCommunities.com.

Tax cut package prioritizes Floridians

The return to conservative principles under Gov. Rick Scott has resulted in the drastic reduction of tax burdens on Floridians. While Florida has long been known as a haven for those seeking a low-tax lifestyle, the current administration has rendered this reputation truer than ever. Under Scott, the state legislature has passed numerous bills enacting sound tax cuts tailored to benefit the quality of life for the state’s residents. Essential to accelerating job creation, reducing costs on goods and services fundamental to living and doing business in Florida has been a staple of the Scott agenda.

This cost-cutting strategy has proven beneficial to businesses and individuals alike, with reduced costs of operation reflected in lower prices for consumers. Scott’s annual push to further curb the stifling business rent tax as well as burdensome regulations epitomizes his commitment to incentivizing business incorporation while simultaneously lowering the cost of goods and services.

The recent passage of House Bill 7109 mirrored the philosophy that has come to typify the governor’s approach to taxation, reducing the financial burden on the most vulnerable Floridians while providing for the revenue necessary for maintenance of government operations and infrastructural improvements. Were it not for pushback from the state Senate, Scott would have scaled back certain taxes even further.

The impact of these tax breaks cannot be overstated with the new fiscal year rapidly approaching on July 1. The bill constitutes one-time tax reductions totaling $45 million in addition to $134.7 million in recurring tax cuts, according to Florida TaxWatch.

Scott’s Florida-first approach to taxation shines through in several specific cuts, with the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday being one of the first that comes to mind. This one-time “holiday” establishes a three-day window from June 2 to the June 4 within which items such as self-powered lights and radios, portable generators, fuel tanks, reusable ice and other hurricane-related provisions will be sold sans sales tax. This three-day cut alone is expected to save Florida residents and businesses $4.5 million.

A three-day Back to School Sales Tax Holiday aligns with Scott’s continued efforts to reinforce Florida’s commitment to its schools and students, while a discount on property taxes for property designated for affordable housing exemplifies the common-sense, all-encompassing manner in which these cuts were designed.

But the cornerstone of HB 7109, and perhaps the top priority of the Scott administration, is the cuts aimed at promoting business incorporation and longevity in Florida, in turn establishing jobs and opportunity for its residents both today and in the future.

A Research and Development (R&D) credit within the bill allays operating costs for qualifying businesses, increasing the attractiveness of the state’s commercial landscape. In addition, a sales tax exemption for numerous items used in agriculture is expected to free up approximately $2.6 million annually, a number that is sure to make Florida’s orange farmers smile.

Significantly, the bill continues the reduction of the business rent tax, the only state-sanctioned sales tax imposed on commercial leases in the entire nation, an ongoing pursuit of Gov. Scott. This rare and burdensome sales tax costs Florida-based businesses more than $1.7 billion annually, an untenable albatross that suppresses job creation and enterprise. In particular, small businesses and startup companies find their growth limited by this inescapable burden.

HB 7109 institutes a .2 percent reduction in tax on the sale of commercial leases and rent. This reduction from 6 percent to 5.8 percent is expected to save businesses in the state $61 million annually including $7 million in local revenue. While a step in the right direction, many, including governor Scott would like to see this number drastically reduced, if not eliminated. It is one of the few taxes levied by the state that defies Florida’s embrace of limited taxation.

Despite further gains to be made with regards to the business rent tax, HB 7109 indicates yet another step toward Floridians keeping more of their hard-earned money in their own pockets.

Neal Communities hosts 19th annual art contest at Taylor Ranch Elementary School

During this year’s annual My Favorite Home art contest by Neal Communities, the top 10 student finalists in each grade level at Taylor Ranch Elementary School in Venice were recognized for their artistic abilities at the event on Friday, Nov. 14, which was attended by school officials and guest judges from around the community.

This year marks the 19^th year that Neal Communities has held the My Favorite Home art contest, featuring a different community school each year in Manatee or Sarasota Counties.

“We had a great time working with a variety of art mediums in each grade level, and I know the students truly enjoyed the process,” said Robyn Ferraro, art teacher at Taylor Ranch Elementary School. “I am so proud of the creativity displayed by our students, and we thank Neal Communities for their generosity in supporting our art program.” 

Neal Communities donated $1,500 to the school’s art program at the event. 

“We are extremely thankful to Neal Communities for this contribution, which we will use toward the purchase of technology for the art department,” said Dr. William Bolander, principal at Taylor Ranch Elementary School.  

All students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade participated in the contest. The kindergarten students utilized markers and crayons while the first-grade students worked with construction paper to emphasize the landscaping and environment. Second graders applied shapes using stamping and print making, third graders used water color paints and fourth graders painted with metallic oil pastels. The fifth-grade students were able to use any medium of their choice. 

“I can speak for our entire team when I say that this is one of our favorite annual events,” said Pat Neal, CEO and chairman of the board at Neal Communities. “We are always inspired by the student artwork and commend the hard-working teachers and staff members who work tirelessly to educate our local students. Our teachers do a wonderful job, and it’s because of them that so many people seek out Sarasota County as a place to call home.” 

The students’ submissions were narrowed down to the top 60 entries – ten from each grade level. Six grade-level winners were chosen by a celebrity judging panel, including Sarasota County Commissioner Charles Hines, Sarasota County School Board members Eric Robinson and Jane Goodwin and Kathy Leon from SNN6. They were joined by Neal Communities’ team members from the company’s marketing, sales, purchasing and accounting departments. The homebuilder’s team will select two overall winners, whose artwork will adorn the cover of the 2018 holiday cards for Neal Communities and Neal Signature Homes.

Below are the grade-level winners listed in order:

• Kindergarten – Meredith Liebeher
• First grade – Lucy Vega
• Second grade – Hampton William
• Third grade – Mia Gadow
• Fourth grade – Nevaeh Naberaall
• Fifth grade – Dariana Colo’n

About Neal Communities

With over 40 years of building award-winning homes, Neal Communities has over 90 successful communities throughout southwest Florida. The Lakewood Ranch-based builder was named the Professional Builder 2015 “Builder of the Year” and was named one of 2012’s “America’s Best Builders” by BUILDER Magazine and voted the “2013 Best Residential Builder in Southwest Florida” in a readers’ poll sponsored by Gulfshore Business Magazine. The company is ranked No. 1 locally by Metrostudy and by Hanley Wood Market Intelligence based on number of home sales and ranked nationally among the top 50 builders by BUILDER Magazine.

To date, Neal has built over 13,000 homes in southwest Florida. As the area’s largest and most established, locally owned and operated private builder, Neal Communities is continually striving for excellence in every aspect of the home building and development business. Neal Signature Homes, Neal Land Ventures, Charlene Neal PureStyle, Waterscapes Pools & Spas, Neal Communities Funding, Fiducia Insurance and Allegiant Title Professionals all contribute to the firm’s continued, record-setting local success. The company’s honors and accolades include numerous Parade of Homes awards, 50 Aurora Awards, 5 Best in American Living Awards and hundreds of local and regional industry awards. For more information, please visit www.NealCommunities.com.