Tropical Breeze Estates, Inc.
Phone: 561-732-4878
Fax: 561-732-6577
What is now Tropical Breeze Estates, Inc., was once farmland and dense woods on a stretch of land between two canals fronting on Lawrence Road and extending to Military Trail. The front part was cleared for growing crops. Behind it were pasture and pines, and beyond that was a dense pine woods where birds, rabbits, and snakes made their homes. Gladys Wells, the widow who owned this property, sold it to Fred Hawks in 1963, and he promptly began developing a park he called Northern Pines
By 1965, Mr. Hawks sold to new developers, Mr. Bowron and Mr.Coleman. The year 1966 was an important time in the park's growth because the clubhouse and pool were built and that meant Northern Pines had a lot more to attract new residents. At that time the area south of Meadowview began to fill up. West of Marigold was still virgin forest. Before 1966 recreation was quite informal. Shuffleboard courts had been provided but social life was limited to exchanges between neighbors and the cookouts that were held outdoors were the beginnings of our current potluck suppers. When the clubhouse became available, it became the center of most activities.
In 1969 the park was sold to Joseph Scarp, Roland St. Clair, and Ed Robison. Mr. Robison changed the name of the park from Northern Pines, Inc. to Northern Pines Mobile Estates, Inc. The next change came in 1969 when Mr. St. Clair bought out his partners and officially the name became Northern Pines Mobile Homes, Inc. The property to the west was sold and that property is now owned by Jamaica Bay.
For two years residents held many meetings on whether to buy the park. The residents formed a not-for-profit corporation and named it Tropical Breeze Estates, Inc. The residents closed the deal to purchase the park on May 31,1985. Construction began on the last section of the park in April 1987 and was completed in July 1987. The last lot was sold in March 1988. Many residents have worked hard over the years to make Tropical Breeze Estates, Inc., what it is today.
At the present time Tropical Breeze Estates is a very active community during the season with activities for almost everyone, from bingo to bowling, cards, shuffleboard league, bowling and golf leagues, Saturday night dances, potluck dinners, pancake breakfasts, quilting club, water aerobics, etc. We also have a good many year-round residents. During the summer, the park becomes much quieter, but lounging around the pool is still a popular pastime.
Interested in learning more?
