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The Florida Palms: First Gay Retirement Community
The Networker
December 2004
A small, tasteful wooden sign in Palmetto, FL says Palms of Manasota, and the drive leads you into the only gay and lesbian retirement community in the U.S. Your first impression is of towering trees, fountains, well-manicured grounds and attractive single story homes. Tranquility. But don't judge by first impressions. Inside this subdivision is a bustling hub of activity, with a group of real pioneers turning a vision of gay retirement into reality, little by little.
The Palms is the dream of developer Bill Laing, who recently passed away. Bill's passion created the community. He bought the land, and saw the first group of homes built. There are 19 homes at the Palms, and the folks who live in these first homes are finishing the realization of Bill's vision. It's not easy. It takes lots of money, and lots of hard work. The entire community is involved in the process, and each person is passionate about Bill's vision: "Build a community where lesbian and gay families care for each other as they age - comfortable, happy, and loved, in a safe, welcoming environment. Become a role model for others around the country - be viewed by neighbors within our city, county and state as a respected part of the community."
You don't have to be retired to live here. The homeowners, aged 45 to nearly 80, love to party, host dinners and social events, and go on outings. But this is not a resort. The Palms homes are designed for retirement, with all the issues of aging taken into account. The homes are accessible with wider doorways, no stairs, and larger bathrooms with room for a wheelchair if or when someone needs to use one. An Assisted Living Facility is on the drawing board - a separate two story building that can handle differing levels of care. To provide affordable alternatives, the Villas at the Palms - triplex units each backing on a lake - are being built next, along with the community center, swimming pool and other activity areas.
Still looking for more pioneers, the community welcomes visitors and hopes you'll give them a peek.
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