On the Mend

Several Gulf Coast homebuilders are in rebound mode in 2011, despite the hard times permeating the industry nationwide.

Two homebuilders in east Manatee County, for example, have seen a dramatic rise in sales. Lakewood Ranch-based John Cannon Homes, with 37 sales through the end of June, has already surpassed its total 2010 sales figures. And Gibraltar Homes, also based in Lakewood Ranch, reported 30 sales in the first half of 2011, double the 15 sales it had in the first six months last year.

“Some people who were sitting on the fence aren't anymore,” says John Cannon. “There's an excitement out there that we haven't seen in a while.”