Health & Fitness
John Neal Donates Seven Parcels To City Of Bradenton
Lakewood Ranch based home builder John Neal and his wife Rebecca have donated more than $1 million in land to the city of Bradenton.
Lakewood Ranch-based home builder John Neal and his wife Rebecca have donated more than $1 million in land to the city of Bradenton. The seven parcels located near the Ballard Park neighborhood in Bradenton range in size from 5000 - 32,365 square feet.
“We felt this area, right in the middle of the Ballard Elementary School district with several historic neighborhoods bordering these parcels, was in need of a transitional space,” said John Neal, president of John Neal Homes. “Some of these waterfront pieces of land on and near the newly dredged Wares Creek would make a lovely spot for a park or rowing facility.”
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The city of Bradenton paid $284,661 for the parcels that are worth $1,325,000.
“We are so thankful to John and Rebecca Neal for acquiring this land and generously donating it to the city,” said Patrick Roff, Bradenton City Council member. “I am looking forward to turning around properties that have been nuisance problems for the past two decades or more, and in essence offering us a redo on the Ballard Park area.”
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Roff says he’d like to see a passive park on the largest parcel of donated land.
“That way there would be no need for improvements except for occasional mowing, and we would give the community a chance to access the freshly dredged Wares creek for fishing, canoeing and kayak launching,” he said.
Mayor Wayne Poston of the city of Bradenton echoed Roff’s sentiments and would also like to use the land as a new community space.
“We are so grateful to John and Rebecca Neal for this generous donation that would be perfect for a park or dedicated open space,” Poston said. “That will encourage more resident interaction and really invigorate this part of the city.”
John Neal Homes was the largest custom builder in Manatee County in 2011 based on permits and is currently building in Lakewood Ranch, Legends Bay, The Forest, Riva Isle and on privately owned lots in Bradenton, Venice, Parrish, Siesta Key, and Freeport, Bahamas. The company is completely integrated to benefit its customers, with its engineering and building team, plus PureStyle design services and Waterscapes pools, the fifth largest pool company in the state.
Established in 2010, John Neal Homes garners a 99.8% positive customer referral rate and is a testament to the customer service offered by John Neal Homes. John Neal is a fourth generation builder in the Neal family and under his pioneering leadership, the John Neal Homes team builds on more than four decades of experience.
John Neal is a dedicated community advocate and philanthropist. He sits on several community boards including the Manatee County Red Cross, the State College of Florida, and is an incoming board member of theManatee County Chamber of Commerce. John also sits on the Environmental Lands Action Committee for Manatee County and continually takes an active role in advocating for and supporting his community.
The company's honors and accolades include Aurora Awards for models in The Country Club at Lakewood Ranch and Country Club East and several Parade of Homes awards from the Home Builder’s Association. John Neal was named as one of the Gulf Coast Business Review’s 40 under 40 in 2011 and a person to watch by Biz941. John Neal Homes is a custom builder that designs homes in planned communities as well as on your lot. For more information go to www.homesbyjohnneal.com
