Homebuilder hits 10-year high

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Neal Communities, one of the most prolific homebuilders on the Gulf Coast through the recession, had its best month in 10 years in February, with 54 sales.

The last time the homebuilder surpassed 50 sales in one month was in February 2004, when it had 52. The strong month, moreover, follows a solid January, when the company posted 33 sales. That figure was up 43% from January 2011.

“Momentum looks strong heading into March,” Neal Communities President Pat Neal said in a release. “In the final week of February we had our biggest week of traffic, up 40% compared to this time last year.”

Home sales in February took place across 10 neighborhoods, four in Lakewood Ranch and six in surrounding communities.