Tampa Bay
Chulavista Landings - A Community of the LIttle Manatee River
Oct 12, 2007 - 2:52:04 PM

The Front Entrance

Chulavista Landings is in Ruskin, Florida, on an inlet of the Little Manatee River. It is a community of 242 homes, with 3 lakes in addition to the river; but more than that it is a family, with the best and friendliest people anywhere. Their residents represent many different states, including Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin; Tennessee, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and the New England states. Michigan leads the way in numbers. About 45% are year round residents, with 55% being snowbirds.

The Clubhouse. The Shuffleboard Courts Are in the Front, the Pool to the Right, and the Horseshoe Pits to the Left

The amenities include: a rec hall with exercise equipment, pool and ping pong tables, computer with DSL, and library; heated pool; clubhouse with over 300 capacity, which has a commercial kitchen, stage, and bingo board; and last, but not least, the Little Manatee River, the best fishing river in the state, and regarded by some as the best in the country. The Little Manatee empties into Tampa Bay and provides all 3 types of water; salt, brackish, and fresh. Therefore you will find all types of fish, including

The New Docks Will Be of This Type

reds, grunts, mackerel, catfish, and snapper, to name a few. Chulavista Landings is in the process of permitting for dredging of the inlet, after which NEW BOAT SLIPS will be built! Already in place at the river are; a fishing pier, community boat launch ramp, fish cleaning hut with electricity and water, a fire ring, and a tikki hut.

Volunteerism is rampant, and includes:

Limbo Anyone?

activities and decorating committees; garden club; teaching of crafts, quilting, water aerobics, line and ballroom dancing; and much more. Many of their activities are year round. You will find card games of many different types, dances, pot lucks and other dinners, BBQs, karaoke, shuffleboard, bingo, horseshoes, golf groups, and fishing groups. Specialty events include Luaus, Halloween Costume Ball,

Greeters at the Luau

Independence Day ribs and chicken BBQ, with music at the tiki hut prior to watching the fireworks. Cruises, day and multi-day organized trips to Florida sights are also available. Beaches are many and nearby. Each has its own unique characteristics, and the “Beach Bums” try to visit them each at least once a year. You can be as busy or as laid back as you like. There is something for everyone at Chulavista Landings!

Chulavista has representatives to the Florida Mobilehome Owners (FMO). A Homeowners Association is in place and active, with an elected Board of Directors, as well as a Board of Trustees.

Sunset Over the Center Lake

The resident managers are Gail and Chuck Raymond. Although they were both born and raised in New England, they came to Chulavista Landings from North Carolina, their home of many years. Gail is a former Paramedic. During the course of her career she held the positions of Training Officer, Supply Officer, Instructor, and Supervisor. She has been a camper all her life, and did part-time work at a campground and RV resort owned by family in upstate New York. Chuck owned a campground in Vermont and, more recently, a distribution business in

Heron on the Fishing Pier

North Carolina. They have been the managers at Chulavista Landings since 2004. Chuck and Gail have family all across the state of Florida, including parents, siblings, children, and grandchildren; they are their primary reason for relocating here.

Ruskin is known for tomatoes, which have been grown here about forever, with 2 crops per year. You will not find any finer tomatoes in the country. A tomato festival is held each year coinciding with the spring crop. Wild life, especially birds, abound.

28 Inch Redfish Caught Off the Fishing Pier

Ruskin is located about 20 minutes south of Tampa, with Busch Gardens, the Lowery Park Zoo, and PIRATES! 20-30 minutes east is St. Petersburg/Clearwater, with fine arts and The Pier; 35-40 minutes south is Sarasota, with wonderful theatrical entertainment; 90 minutes northeast is Orlando, with The Mouse and more. Major airports are located in each of these cities. Sun City Center is 10 minutes away, with shopping, many fine restaurants, medical facilities, and golf courses. There is also an outlet mall in Ellenton, 20 minutes down I75.

Chulavista is a great place to spend the winter months!  C lick here to see available homes for sale.