Business Briefs

+ Neal home sales on the rise, adds employees
Neal Communities reported strong sales in the month of August with 80 homes sold in 16 communities — up 15 homes during the same month last year.

“Eighty sales is a tremendous number for summertime,” said Nicole Brooks, director of sales for the Lakewood Ranch-based company. “Our hardworking sales team does an excellent job demonstrating the strong value a Neal home provides to a diverse group of buyers.”

Neal’s Central Park neighborhood in Lakewood Ranch accounted for 13 sales.

Woodbrook, also in the East County, accounted for five home sales.

Additionally, Neal recently promoted Jason Frost to vice president of land acquisitions and hired Elayne McKinney and Bill Panebianco as area sales managers.

Frost has 12 years’ experience in land acquisitions and has also worked in China.

McKinney and Panebianco have more than 35 years of sales and sales management experience combined. In their new roles, they will oversee and manage Neal Communities’ team of sales professionals.

+ WCI starts construction on carriage home models
WCI Communities has begun construction of the first two carriage home models in its new Riverside neighborhood at Tidewater Preserve.

Both models have three bedrooms, two bathrooms, an open great room, breakfast nook, kitchen and formal dining area.

The Loxahatchee boasts 1,710 square feet of living space, while the Potomac has 2,376 square feet of living space.

WCI plans to open the models for public viewing in December.

+ LWR olive oil shop celebrates anniversary
Lakewood Ranch Main Street’s Katy Rose Olive Oils, a specialty olive oil store, celebrated its fifth birthday Sept. 12 and Sept. 13 with special treats and celebratory wines.

Guests of the event also were able to meet the real Katy Rose.