PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, was asked by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to assist with a community vaccination event in Charlotte County. Part of statewide efforts to inoculate citizens as protection against COVID-19, the vaccinations took place February 11, 12 and 13 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kings Gate, a Port Charlotte 55+ community where Neal Communities is currently building homes.
“When Governor DeSantis reached out to ask for assistance with this vaccination event, we were happy to support him and the state’s efforts to vaccinate its residents,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “We’re glad to have the opportunity to help protect the health of Southwest Floridians in such an important way.”
The Florida Department of Health oversaw the administration of the Pfizer vaccine at Kings Gate, with 1,000 inoculations taking place each day. Florida residents 65 or older were eligible to receive one of the doses.
The vaccination effort was conducted as a drive-thru event. Attendees received their vaccination under the porte-cochère at the Kings Gate clubhouse and also got scheduled for their second vaccine dose during the event.
The Florida Department of Health also oversaw traffic coordination for the vaccine drive. Ivory Matthews, community and government affairs director for Neal Communities, played a key role in coordinating the event. In addition, many Kings Gate residents under age 65 stepped up to help with the vaccination efforts.
“We were heartened to see how enthusiastic Kings Gate residents were to offer assistance with the event, even if they weren’t yet eligible to get the vaccine themselves,” said Neal. “It’s encouraging to see so many entities working together to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.”
