APOLLO BEACH –When Pentagon worker Elaine Hill Brock left her job as a confidential assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force to work with a downtown law firm, she thought her Washington, D.C. days of long hours, stressful work and top-secret information were behind her.
But, that was only the beginning, as her move across the Potomac River from the Pentagon was a mere four months before the tragedy of Sept. 11.
“I felt I should have been in the Pentagon with my friends and the people I had worked with all those years,” she said, recalling the events of the catastrophe and the days that followed.
So, when Brock decided to retire in 2011, the North Carolina native set her sights on sunny Florida and ended up at Del Webb Southshore Falls community in Apollo Beach.
“I decided to strike out on my own and see what life held in store for me,” she said. That’s when she discovered the 233-acre community that is Del Webb Southshore Falls.
“Washington D.C. is a wonderful place to live but, it’s very fast paced and takes a lot of energy,” said Brock, 66. “Del Webb Southshore Falls has a very casual and easy-going lifestyle that appeals to me.”
Not knowing anyone in the area, Brock – a mother and now, grandmother – immediately joined the singles group, the book club, and went to Pub Night, just a few of the activities offered at Del Webb Southshore Falls, according to Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for Pulte Homes North Florida Division.
“Del Webb Southshore Falls really does offer something for residents of all activity levels,” Strickler said. “Our Wellspring Club is popular with everyone.”
Some of the features of the 14,000-square-foot club are a heated lagoon-style pool, a resistance-walking pool, an auxiliary pool, a state-of-the-art fitness facility, Internet café, billiards and game rooms, a grand ballroom, tennis, bocce ball and pickleball courts, and a putting green.
When she isn’t at the beach or pool, riding her bike, practicing yoga or reading, Brock says she’s usually hanging out with her best friend and constant companion, “Sophie,” her Basset Hound.
And, unlike at some age 55 and up communities, having a dog like Sophie is a welcome addition at Del Webb Southshore Falls.
“I enjoy running into all the other dog owners along the sidewalks and trails, but I’ve been pushing for a dog park,” she hinted.
She said she selected Del Webb Southshore Falls based on several factors, including its proximity to the ocean, the safety of a gated community, the beautifully-kept grounds, and the friendliness of both staff and residents.
“I can drive into Tampa if I feel the need for a little culture: theater, concerts, upscale shopping, etc. or just relax at one of the local restaurants,” she said.
In less than a year since she moved in, Brock says she’s met many incredible people and made what she considers lifelong friends.
“I broke my foot back in November and was astounded at the number of people who came to my aid and helped me through this calamity,” she said.
She added that the only downside of her move to Florida is that her family - son Christopher, daughter-in-law Lauren, and grandchildren Ethan and Becca - all still live in Ashburn, Va.
But then, isn’t that what guest rooms are for?
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