FRONT PORCH

Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s largest private homebuilder, donated $15,000 to Venice MainStreet to sponsor its Friday night concert series and marketing efforts. The homebuilder is the first annual sponsor for this popular entertainment series in downtown Venice.

For 35 years, Venice MainStreet has supported the city of Venice’s historic downtown district by hosting special events like the Friday night concert series. On the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month, free music performances take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Centennial Park. The series, which is open to the public, has an annual average attendance of 10,000. The program helps attract both tourists and residents downtown and stimulates economic spending in dining, shopping and recreational activities.

“Venice MainStreet is grateful for Neal Communities for supporting our mission through sponsorship of our annual concerts in the park series. The funds will be used to pay local artists to perform and support marketing efforts for downtown” said Kara Morgan, CEO of Venice MainStreet. “We look forward to an exciting roster of performers throughout the summer months and we hope everyone will try to catch a concert downtown this year!”

Venice MainStreet is an accredited Main Street organization through the Florida Main Street Program and Main Street America. Its mission is to preserve and enhance the character, beauty and economic vitality of historic downtown Venice. The organization achieves its goals through marketing, promotions, special events and historic preservation advocacy.

“We are proud to support an organization dedicated to economic development and business vitality in the Venice community,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities.

During the company’s 50-year history, Neal Communities has built over 18,000 new homes in more than 90 acclaimed communities from Tampa to Naples. As a prominent builder in the area, Neal Communities has a core belief that “Where You Live Matters.” The private homebuilder has given more than $7.5 million to local charities throughout Southwest Florida and is committed to supporting the communities where it builds.

For more information about Venice MainStreet’s concert schedules, performers, or to join the Venice MainStreet e-newsletter visit www.visitvenicefl.org. For more information about Neal Communities, visit NealCommunities.com or call (941) 229-0630.