FRONT PORCH

Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s largest privately owned homebuilder, has donated $1,500 as a Finish Line sponsor of the upcoming Tour de Parks bicycle ride on Sunday, March 19.

Presented by the Friends of The Legacy Trail, the Sarasota Manatee Bicycle Club and the Trust for Public Land, the Tour de Parks bicycle ride includes 21-, 35- and 62-mile routes that offer participants a chance to experience the 18.2-mile trail and while exploring side streets to various parks and neighborhoods from Venice to Sarasota. Proceeds from the event will be used to enhance The Legacy Trail, including amenities such as water fountains and connectors such as the current one planned for North Port.

“The Legacy Trail provides an opportunity for those in our community to experience the outdoor scenic landscape of both north and south Sarasota County,” said Pat Neal, founder and president of Neal Communities. “We are proud to be part of this event, which showcases The Legacy Trail and the surrounding parks.”

With a core belief that “Where You Live Matters,” Neal Communities has given more than $7.75 million to local charities throughout Southwest Florida and is committed to the communities where they live, work and build.

“We are excited to welcome Neal Communities as our Finish Line Sponsor for the Tour de Parks,” said Louis Kosiba, president of the Friends of The Legacy Trail. “The 18.2-mile Trail has become a much loved and celebrated multi-use path connecting the historic Venice Train Depot and Payne Park in downtown Sarasota.”

The Tour de Parks ride will start and finish at the Historic Venice Train Depot near downtown Venice. Ride start times depend on the length of the ride. The 62-mile route will start at 7:30 a.m., the 35-mile route will start at 8:30 a.m. and the 21-mile route will start at 9:30 a.m. All rides are expected to conclude at 2 p.m.

The cost to participate is $65 per rider, which includes a breakfast from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m., a lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., rest stop snacks and roadway support. T-shirts will be provided to the first 650 registered riders.

For more information about The Legacy Trail or the Tour de Parks ride, visit www.FriendsofTheLegacyTrail.org. For more information about Neal Communities, visit www.NealCommunities.com.