The history of Palmetto as a prime location for Hollywood movie productions based in Florida dates back to 1920, but this sleepy cinematic town really awakened in 1998 as two major productions found success at the box office.

Great Expectations and Palmetto were the first two films that proved to Hollywood film crews that the Old Florida charm was alive and well in Southwest Florida. Even legendary actor Burt Reynolds was here in 2016, precisely at Southeastern Guide Dogs in Palmetto, where he plays the role of a horse trainer who helps a young girl with a disability bond with an animal companion.

If you are looking for a neighborhood that captures that Old Florida feel, you should look Old Mill Preserve in Palmetto, a new residential project being developed by CalAtlantic Homes. Old Mill Preserve is located about a mile east of I-75, south of 69th Street and near the Buffalo Creek golf course. This is a low density residential area of Manatee County, which means that CalAtlantic Homes is able to offer more spacious and detailed properties at lower prices.

As of mid-2016, CalAtlantic Homes has planned to offer 11 floor plans at Old Mill Preserve. The introductory prices are in the low $200K range for two-bedroom homes built on 1,420 square feet. Some of the most attractive models are getting their debut in this new community; for example, the Starling has three configurations with attractive designs that combine elements of Mediterranean and country manor styles.

Home buyers with large families are more likely to be interested in the Celebration II floor plan, which offers four bedrooms, three full bathrooms and a garage with three parking spaces built on 2,788 square feet of interior space.

CalAtlantic Homes is establishing a strong reputation as one of the best builders in Southwest Florida; to this effect, Old Mill Preserve will be one of its flagship neighborhoods thanks to quality construction and extras such as modern HVAC systems with smart thermostats, gourmet kitchens, elaborate verandas, decorative foyers, crown molding, quartz counter tops, and other luxurious details.

Old Mill Creek is about 45 minutes away from Anna Maria Island and 20 minutes from Downtown Bradenton. The closest shopping center, Parkwood Square, is two miles away and features a large Publix supermarket.