Builder sales surge in 2012

LAKEWOOD RANCH — The sales records continue to stack up at Neal Communities, one of the region's most prolific homebuilders.

The latest news: The firm reported 442 sales in 2012 through September — a figure that beats its 2011 tally of 403 sales. In September, meanwhile, the firm sold 62 homes, up 59% from the 39 sales it had in September 2011, according to a release.

A key community in the company's sales surge, according to the release, has been Central Park in Lakewood Ranch, just east of Intestate 75. Neal sold 17 homes in the community in September, and has sold 314 homes there in two years.