NEW HOME NEIGHBORHOODS
Find Your Dream Home A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO Reid Stephenson's 2025 Recap PANERA BREAD Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
SOUTH LAKE TOWNES Lakeside Living & Walkable Convenience 4 5 6 8 10 UNC HEALTH Celebrating Five Years of Service to the Flowers Plantation Community
1,811-2,593
MODELS ON-SITE TO VIEW
COPPER RIDGE - TRUE HOMES
New Floorplan Available! The Wayne home: 3-5 bed, 2.5-4 bath and 2,656+ SF. Check out their exclusive design studio! Call Celina Hill at 609-634-3199 or Lauren Hemingway at 704-421-8855 for current pricing.
NORTH DISTRICT TOWNHOMES - TRUE HOMES
Check out the Karver Townhome in North District! This home features 3 beds, 2.5 bath, 2,120 SF and includes a 1st floor primary bedroom. Contact Nick Stafford (352) 484-7725 or Brandon White (919) 616-4653 bwhite@truhomes.com for current pricing.
As we reflect on 2025, it’s clear that this has been an extraordinary year for Flowers Plantation. Our community has continued to thrive, growing not only in size but also in opportunity and connection.
We have been fortunate to welcome several new businesses that further enhance the experience of living and visiting Flowers Plantation. Among these are Elements Massage at Harris Teeter, Crossroads Cleaners, Lumina Massage and Riverside Bank at the Percy Flowers Store, along with our newest dining options— Chipotle and Panera Bread—located near the Waterfront District. Each of these additions strengthens the vibrant mix of services and amenities available right here in our community.
Growth has also continued across our residential developments. South Lake Townes has officially broken ground along SE Flowers Parkway at the SE Lake, bringing elegant three-story luxury townhomes to the area, while Watson at Flowers Plantation on NW Flowers Parkway is introducing stunning estate home sites designed for refined living. North District continues to grow, releasing their new 4-story plans along the NE Lake area.
There has been significant growth throughout our educational facilities, with Everbrook Academy opening on the West End
of Flowers Plantation, and now Thales Academy working to complete their second elementary school on site to allow for the continued addition of students at Flowers.
Our expansion throughout 2025 serves as a reminder of our ongoing commitment to fostering a community that residents are proud to call home and visitors love to experience. Every new business, every new neighborhood, and every new family that joins us helps shape the future of Flowers Plantation.
We look forward with great excitement to all that 2026 will bring—new opportunities, continued growth, and the same spirit of community that makes Flowers Plantation such a special place to live, work, and enjoy, where “The Living is Easy”
Warm regards,
Reid Stephenson CEO, Flowers Plantation
The Flowers Plantation community gathered with excitement to celebrate the grand opening of the brand-new Panera Bread! Residents turned out in full support for the ribbon-cutting event, eager to welcome this popular café and bakery to the neighborhood. The morning was filled with smiles, warm greetings, and the delicious aroma of freshly baked bread and brewed coffee filling the air.
Panera’s arrival brings another great dining option to Flowers Plantation, offering the perfect spot for everything from casual breakfasts and coffee meetups to hearty lunches and dinners. With its fresh ingredients, signature soups, salads, sandwiches, and bakery favorites, Panera has already become a fast favorite among locals.
The grand opening marks another exciting milestone in the continued growth of the Flowers Crossroads area. The community’s enthusiasm and turnout showed just how ready everyone was to enjoy a new place to gather, connect, and share a meal. Welcome to the neighborhood, Panera Bread!
81 District Way, Suite 102 (919) 276-3080
Hours: Monday–Saturday | 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday | 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
2025 has been a phenomenal year at Flowers Plantation, and I could not be more excited for what lies ahead in 2026. We’ve experienced tremendous growth, along with an outpouring of community engagement, fellowship, and fun through a variety of events and gatherings.
As the Director of Community Relations, my goal is to always be available to our residents — whether you have questions, ideas, or concerns. Through attending HOA meetings and community events, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many more of you this past year. I want to emphasize that you can reach out to me anytime — by phone or email — and I will always do my best to respond promptly and assist in any way.
Our Public Safety Division has also seen continued growth. We are proud to have a team consisting of one full-time and seven part-time Public Safety Officers. While their primary focus is reducing crime and partnering with local emergency services, their impact goes far beyond that. You’ll often see them walking the trails, picking up litter, supporting food and toy drives, helping with community events, or assisting residents with flat tires, jump starts, lockouts, and many other problems that may occur.
Collectively, our team brings over 180 years of law enforcement experience and more than 100 years of fire and EMS experience. Our officers hold advanced law enforcement certifications,
EMT credentials, specialized Law Enforcement and Firefighting instructor certifications, CPR/AED Instructors, and some are even child car seat technicians — all of which help us provide a level of safety and service unmatched in a community setting like Flowers Plantation.
Please don’t hesitate to stop and speak with our officers, or reach out if you ever need assistance. We are here to serve you and to help keep Flowers Plantation one of the most desirable and welcoming communities in the region.
For any Public Safety needs, please call 919-500-8476 or reach me directly at ryan@flowersplantation.com.
As 2025 comes to a close, let’s work together to make 2026 our best year yet at Flowers Plantation!
Ryan Jordan Director of Community Relations Director of Public Safety ryan@flowersplantation.com
Three-Story Townhomes: Sophisticated living in a premier Triangle community
Brand-New Floorplans: Modern layouts with stylish details
Effortless Lifestyle: Low-maintenance with full landscaping included
Lakeside
Walkable
and walking trails
The Flowers Plantation Foundation has had an incredibly productive year. Our team continues to work diligently to set the standard for what a thriving, connected community should be — not only for our residents, but also for the many guests and visitors who enjoy spending time in Flowers Plantation.
Throughout the year, Community Relations Director Ryan Jordan and I have had the privilege of attending numerous HOA meetings and connecting with residents across our neighborhoods. These conversations are vital to ensuring that the Foundation continues to address concerns, find solutions, and build a stronger future for everyone who calls Flowers Plantation home.
A major part of my role as Foundation Director is maintaining fiscal responsibility to ensure that our annual budget is used efficiently and strategically. I’m proud to share that through careful planning and responsible spending, the Foundation was able to limit the annual budget increase to just $20 per residence, while still completing important projects and improvements throughout the community.
This year brought several notable successes, including:
• Completion of sidewalk connections from remaining neighborhoods, including Bedford on NC 42, creating better walkability and connectivity throughout Flowers Plantation.
• Monument additions and upgrades across multiple neighborhoods, enhancing entrances and aesthetics.
• Completion of Northeast Flowers Parkway, improving infrastructure and community access.
• Hosting our first National Night Out, a major milestone for our Community Safety Division and a wonderful opportunity for neighbors to gather together.
• A Summer Concert Series that drew some of the largest crowds to date.
• Our growing Flowers Market, held monthly on Saturday mornings, bringing local vendors and residents together to celebrate community.
Of course, many of these accomplishments wouldn’t be possible without the leadership of our Foundation Superintendent, Steven Driver. His efforts in maintaining our turf, buffers, entrances, and tree-lined streets help keep Flowers Plantation looking its best. He also work tirelessly to monitor and address any safety concerns quickly and efficiently.
As we close out this year and look toward the future, I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together. It’s a privilege to serve as your Foundation Director and to work alongside such a dedicated team and engaged community. For any questions, feedback, or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me!
Dan Whaley Foundation Director Flowers Plantation Foundation dan@flowersplantation.com
UNC Primary Care & UNC Urgent Care team up to offer integrated care
Three years ago, Sawyer Gay was lifting weights after school when he felt a sharp pain along his rib cage. After calling his parents, he drove to an orthopedic clinic with urgent care services. But the receptionist said they were too busy to see him that afternoon, he says.
So his parents suggested he go to UNC Urgent Care at Flowers, not far from where they lived. The nurse practitioner who saw him ordered a chest X-ray and told Sawyer she would be in touch with results.
“About 30 minutes after I got home, she called and asked me to come back with my parents,” says Sawyer, now 23. “I thought I popped a muscle. But the X-ray showed a lesion on my ribs.”
With a referral in hand, Sawyer saw a medical oncologist the next day and began chemotherapy. Since his treatment, he’s been cancer-free, he says.
While he may have forgotten the name of the medical provider, Sawyer remembers the thorough and thoughtful care he received at the urgent care. “I’m glad they were there for me,” he says.
Reid Stephenson, CEO of Flowers Plantation, says the urgent care and the adjoining primary care clinic are a great benefit to the community. Just recently, he was seen at the urgent care after getting a gash on his scalp.
“The people are always friendly, and it’s convenient,” he says.
A week after opening on March 9, 2020, the clinics faced their toughest challenge. Cases of the coronavirus were trickling into North Carolina, and the Governor moved quickly to declare a state of emergency. It came with orders to try and stem the spread of illness by closing schools, businesses, churches, government buildings and other gathering places.
“Suddenly we had to rethink our operations,” said Wendy Gatewood, a director of operations for UNC Physicians Network. The primary care team switched from in-person to virtual visits. In the parking lot, the urgent care team treated and tested patients while in their cars.
“I don’t know how we did it. It took lots of collaboration, resources, flexibility and a mindset and willingness to take care of patients,” she says. “Every day was different, and we were constantly regrouping.”
The Flowers site became a respiratory diagnostic center where patients could receive monoclonal antibody treatments for COVID infections. Nurses from the education department at UNC Health Johnston in Smithfield came over to do the infusions.
“We were treating sick patients on one side and giving infusions on the other,” she says. “Our teams were doing everything they could for the community.”
Throughout the pandemic, the community was receptive and appreciative to the clinics for what they did, she adds. “They were thankful we were there.”
Today, the challenge at Flowers is meeting the growing demand for access to health care services.
Ricky Byrd, a director of operations for UNC Physicians Network, says the organization is looking at adding 5,000 square feet to the building and recruiting four more providers. “I’m constantly amazed at the growth I see in retail spaces, restaurants and new neighborhoods,” says Byrd, a former resident of Flowers. “It just keeps getting bigger and better.”
In fact, Byrd was at the homeowners’ association meeting about eight years ago when someone first brought up the prospect of bringing a doctors’ office to the community. Members of the audience were tossing around names of Raleigh and Durham hospitals that might be interested. Byrd piped up and suggested UNCPN.
Byrd says he and Stephenson talked after the meeting, which led to more formal discussions with senior UNCPN leaders, and eventually, a development plan and a building site overlooking the pond.
Stephenson says developing a retirement center is part of the vision for expanding health care services at Flowers Plantation to an aging population. These would include independentliving cottages and apartments, assisted-living and full, 24/7 nursing care.
“It’s definitely a priority,” he says. “We want our residents to stay here and get the care they need.”
Hours at the primary care clinic are: Monday, Wednesday & Thursday, from 7 a.m. till 7 p.m.; and Tuesdays & Fridays from 7:30 a.m. till 5:30 p.m.
Hours at the urgent care clinic are: 8am-8pm every day except Christmas. On all other holidays, the clinic closes at 4 p.m.
If you’re new to Flowers Plantation, your to-do list may be lengthy: Enrolling kids in school, finding a place of worship, setting up a mailing address with the post office. But the most important task may be establishing a primary care home. UNC Primary Care and UNC Urgent Care at Flowers are under the same roof at 37 Pineville Blvd., near the intersection of N.C. 42 East and Buffalo Road.
What sets them apart?
“We have a team approach to patient care,” says Candice Grant, urgent care manager. “Our providers, clinical and registration staff from both clinics support one another and work together to make sure our patients receive the best care.” In addition to acute care for non-emergency type conditions, the urgent care clinic also offers sports physicals, DOT and non-DOT physicals, vision and hearing screenings and TB skins tests.
Kaneshia Campbell, practice manager, says primary care patients like having an urgent care clinic in the same building. “It’s not easy to get an appointment with your primary care provider when you’re sick,” she says. “We work together to offer integrated care and an introduction to the services and specialists of UNC Health.”
SATURDAY | DECEMBER 6, 2025 | 2 PM – 6 PM
Dr. Watson Inn: 500 Flowers Parkway
Join us for the 19th Annual Flowers Plantation
Christmas Tree Lighting! A cherished tradition that brings our community together to celebrate the joy and spirit of the season. This festive evening will feature twinkling lights, holiday music, warm treats, and plenty of cheer as we gather to watch the grand lighting of the tree.
Families, neighbors, and friends are invited to share in the magic, create lasting memories, and kick off the holiday season with heartwarming community spirit. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
On Tuesday, October 7, Fifth Third Bank celebrated the opening of its Flowers Branch in Flowers, North Carolina, with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and community event.
The Flowers Branch marks another milestone in Fifth Third’s strategic expansion across the Carolinas, reinforcing the Bank’s commitment to delivering personalized financial services in modern, communityfocused spaces.
“We’re excited to welcome Johnston County residents to our newest location and look forward to building strong relationships in this vibrant community,” said Jissely Estrella, Financial Center Manager, Flowers Branch. “This branch reflects our dedication to providing streamlined service and meaningful financial solutions.”
The event included remarks from Fifth Third Bank regional leadership, including Tommy Lloyd, Senior Vice President, Retail Executive, and Joshua Kerr, Retail Regional Manager. Guests enjoyed refreshments from local vendors, a tour of the financial center, and opportunities for one-on-one interviews with Bank leaders and a showcase of Small Community Market Vendors, including: Coates Hearing, Trinity Insurance Oak City Spice Blends, East Coast Junk Pros, Isaiah 117 House, and SnapDetail.
Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact.
Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust.
The quality of life in our community is important to us. We work, play and raise our families here. That’s why we’ve committed ourselves to improving lives in all the markets we serve.
Fifth Third Bank in Flowers Plantation offers a full range of financial services designed to meet the needs of individuals and families in the community. From everyday checking accounts to savings accounts and CDs that help you plan for the future, the bank provides flexible options to manage your money with ease.
Customers can also take advantage of credit cards with a variety of benefits, along with convenient online and mobile banking tools that make it simple to access accounts anytime, anywhere.
In addition, investment services are available to help you build long-term financial security, while consumer loans offer support for major purchases or personal goals. Whatever your financial journey, Fifth Third Bank is here to help you every step of the way.
The Flowers Branch features a modern layout designed to support both quick digital transactions and in-depth financial consultations. Flexible meeting spaces and privacy-enhancing design elements ensure a comfortable experience for every client. Stop by our new branch!
Location:
55 District Way, Clayton, NC 27527
Phone: (919) 351-3008
Drive-Thru & Lobby Hours: Sun-Mon: Closed Tue-Thu: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Fri: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Sat: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Copper Ridge is nearly sold out, with less than 10% of lots remaining, so now’s the time to act! Choose your own lot and floor plan, visit the design studio, and fully customize your home with an estimated 6–8 month build timeline. For those looking to move sooner, quick move-in homes are also available.
Floor Plan 4,000 SF | 5 BED | 3 BATH | $449,900
Offering 4,000 square feet of living space with 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a study, and a game room! Starting at just $449,900.
(704) 741-9581 | lhemingway@truehomesusa.com | chill@truehomesusa.com | hdupree@truehomesusa.com
2 months FREE with move-ins on or before 8/31. Get Ready Flowers: It's Time To Discover The Averly Way
THE AVERLY AT FLOWERS 380 Topwater Drive (833) 968-1618
The Averly at Flowers, located within the Flowers Plantation community, is where local charm meets sophistication. Brand new and ready to redefine the way you see upscale living. The Averly at Flowers features petfriendly apartments with top-tier amenities. Discover the collection of stylish 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments and embrace the numerous amenities and impeccable services that come attached to this premium Flowers Plantation community. And we didn’t even mention the community amenities featuring two resort style pools, two fitness centers, a pet spa, community walking trail, and two onsite clubhouses with top-end customer service.
Located within walking distance to the new Waterfront District!
Big things are happening in Flowers Plantation. True Homes is excited to introduce a brand-new collection of waterfront townhomes now under construction in North District.
Picture this: 4 stories of modern living, a private balcony, and a walk-out rooftop terrace with sweeping views of the lake and the upcoming Waterfront District. It’s the kind of lifestyle you don’t just dream about... You get to live it here.
Ready to learn more? Visit us at North District or contact our team today to join the interest list!
While the highly anticipated waterfront townhomes are on the way, you don’t have to wait to make North District home. Explore our two most popular floorplans, The Karver and The Advent, both designed for modern living and effortless comfort.
Whether you’re looking for a quick move-in home or prefer to build your own from the ground up, North District has something ready for you, with pricing starting from the mid-$300s
Visit us today to tour our decorated models and see why so many are choosing to call North District home.
Visit our model at 48 Paperwhite Place, Clayton, NC 27527
A thoughtfully designed 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home with a first-floor primary suite, covered patio, 1-car garage, and a spacious loft upstairs that’s perfect for a second living space, home office, or guest area.
A stylish 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath layout featuring a 2-car garage, large loft, oversized primary suite, and a builtin desk or office space that makes working or studying from home easy.
| bwhite@truehomes.com
Introducing Views at Flowers apartment homes, a luxury oasis nestled within the picturesque landscape of Flowers Plantation. Live, work, and relax at these one, two and three bedroom apartment
Enjoy elevator access to your home, wood-style vinyl floors, recessed lighting, and brushed nickel finishes. The kitchens shine with pendant lighting, quartz countertops, and designer cabinets, while an in-unit washer and dryer make chores simple. Beyond your doorstep, indulge in exclusive access to the golf simulator lounge, turf social lawn, entertainment terrace, coffee bar, resident lounges, and game rooms featuring billiards and shuffleboard—perfect for unwinding or socializing.
Step onto your private patio or balcony to unwind or explore the community’s impressive amenities. Take a dip in the sparkling pool, fire up the grill, or catch up with neighbors at the fire pit. Stay active with two fitness centers, and handle work in the conference room or private work spaces. Your four-legged friends are more than welcome here, as we embrace a truly pet-friendly community offering a pet spa and pet park.
WITH THIRD CLASSROOM BUILDING OPENING FOR 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR
Thales Academy at Flowers Plantation—one of the 13 campuses in the Thales Academy college preparatory network of K–12 independent schools located in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia— will be the largest Thales Academy campus in 2026–2027 with the addition of a third classroom building. The new building joins the existing two classroom buildings and gymnatorium building on campus and will allow for an additional capacity of 600 Pre-K–5 students.
"We have seen strong demand for our high-quality, affordable Pre-K through high school education in the Clayton area, so I am grateful that the addition of this new building will allow us to serve more students in the community," says Bob Luddy, Founder, Thales Academy.
Thales Academy at Flowers Plantation is the first Thales Academy campus in Johnston County, North Carolina and has experienced high enrollment across all grades since it opened in 2022. Located in the award-winning planned community of Flowers Plantation near Clayton, it continues to expand both its physical campus (the second classroom building
and the gymnatorium were added in 2024) along with its student enrollment.
"As our Thales Academy at Flowers Plantation community grows, we are delighted to be able to accommodate more students in the 2026–2027 school year," says Caitlin Moody, Pre-K–5 Head of School, Thales Academy at Flowers Plantation.
Construction of the new building is scheduled to be completed in June 2026, opening for first day of class in July for the 2026–2027 school year. In line with the existing buildings on
campus, the new classroom building will embody a modern, yet classical, aesthetic modeled after beauty and order, including large floor-to-ceiling glass windows that provide an abundance of natural light in all classrooms. It will also boast a beautiful, secure design, outfitted with the latest safety and security features, including controlled-access doors, security cameras, and background check systems for all visitors, as well as advanced HVAC units that provide up to 100% outdoor air for superior indoor air quality.
"Beam Construction continues to be a valued partner in helping us achieve strong, safe, and beautiful spaces for our schools, and it is great to see them topping out another building which will help us serve Thales Academy's highquality education to many more Johnston County-area students" says Brandon Hafner, Chief Operating Officer, Thales Academy.
Thales Academy at Flowers Plantation currently serves Pre-K through 10th grade and will add 11th grade in 2026–2027 and 12th grade in 2027–2028. Tuition at Thales Academy at Flowers Plantation for 2026–2027 is $7,600 or less per year (varying by grade level), and scholarships and payment plans are available. Applications are open now, and priority consideration will be given to those who apply by November 3, 2025. Interested families can learn more and apply online at: www.ThalesAcademy.org.
You’ll find lots of reasons to expand your wellness routine this fall at the YMCA. Discover cardio, personal training, league sports, swimming, volunteer opportunities and more.
Take Your Workout to the Next Level with
• A variety of daily group fitness classes including strength training, cycling, yoga and cardio dance
• Family and adult sports including pickleball
• State-of-the-art cardio and strength-training equipment
• Heated outdoor pool
• An expanded, improved Kid Zone available at select times while you workout
Members enjoy discounts on youth programs and access to all YMCAs in the Triangle area. Join today and start your healthy new lifestyle.
The Selma Cyclepaths proudly participated in the annual Historic New Bern Bike MS Ride, raising over $80,000 this year to support people living with multiple sclerosis. Most of our cyclists rode 150 miles over the two-day weekend, while a few pushed themselves even further to complete a double century.
The ride is designed to be both challenging and meaningful, mirroring, in a small way, the fatigue and numbness experienced by those living with MS. Fortunately, the event is exceptionally well supported, with rest stops every 10 miles, fully equipped Support and Gear (SAG) vehicles, and on-site medical assistance.
This is our major annual fundraising event and the focus of our training throughout the year. We ride every Saturday from Thanksgiving Elementary School, offering short, medium, and long routes with average speeds of 12–14, 15–17, and 18+ mph. From April through August, our rides are SAG-supported.
On October 4th, we hosted the Selma Railroad Days Ride in partnership with the Town of Selma—and a great time was had by all! In 2026, our team will have the honor of leading the Railroad Days Parade before setting off on our routes. Stay tuned for details next fall—we’d love for riders in the area to join us!
Finally, on October 5th, ten of our cyclists took on the Cycle NC Mountains to the Coast Ride, a 473-mile journey from Lake Lure to Fort Fisher, NC, featuring an impressive 18,606 feet of elevation gain.
Join the Selma Cyclepaths! E-bikes welcome! Send an email to Selma.cyclepaths@gmail.com and they'll put you on their email list for times/ routes for weekly rides. To obtain more information, check out their website: www.selmacyclepaths.org. Follow them on Facebook!
If you’d like to stay informed about events, new businesses, upcoming specials, and more, make sure you’re signed up for our bi-weekly newsletter! It’s the best way to stay up-to-date on all the latest news within the community. Don’t miss out on all the exciting updates happening in Flowers Plantation!
To sign up, simply send an email to foundation@flowersplantation.com with your name and “Newsletter” in the subject line. November/December 2025
