FRONT PORCH

Neal Communities, southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, has again donated $1,500 as a Finish Line sponsor of the Tour de Parks bicycle ride, which was held Sunday, March 17. This is the second year Neal Communities has sponsored the event.

The Tour de Parks included 21-, 35- and 62-mile routes that offered participants of the ride the opportunity to experience 12 scenic parks. The shortest ride was entirely on the 18.2-mile Legacy Trail, while the longer two rides also incorporated side streets and neighborhoods from Venice to Sarasota. All rides started and finished at the historic Venice Train Depot near downtown Venice.

Proceeds from the event, which is presented by the Friends of The Legacy Trail and Sarasota Manatee Bicycle Club, will be used to enhance the Legacy Trail and add amenities such as water fountains and additional extensions of the trail.

“Each spring, The Friends of The Legacy Trail holds a fundraising event to support and extend The Legacy Trail. Neal Communities has consistently supported our efforts to provide safe recreational venues,” said Louis W. Kosiba, president of the Friends of The Legacy Trail. “Neal’s support has had and will have a meaningful long-term impact for Sarasota County residents whether they cycle, run or walk.”

Tour de Parks participants received breakfast, lunch, and snacks, with more than 100 volunteers helping out along the routes. The first 650 registered also received specially designed T-shirts, and all the riders were delighted with perfect weather on the day of the event.

“The Legacy Trail has been a wonderful addition to our local community,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “We are proud to support this event and hope that residents in and around Sarasota County have the chance to experience this unique amenity.”

With a core belief that “Where You Live Matters,” Neal Communities has given more than $8 million to local charities throughout Southwest Florida and is committed to the communities where they live, work and build. Over the years, Neal Communities has championed academic, athletic, cultural, environmental and philanthropic programs that support the arts, community, non-profit and educational organizations.