Fifty Years of Being Neighborly

by Emma Dixon

There is a reason Chuck Ness and his wife Judy have made the Wekiva community near Longwood their home for 45 years. It’s the same reason Maria Delose and her husband Ralph have resided there for 35 years. And why Tracie Cervero Gifford and her husband Chandler Gifford have enjoyed 13 years of living in the development. 

Wekiva, which recently marked its 50th anniversary, is a special place. Community, friendship, and natural beauty mingle together, providing a beloved home for these families and many others. 

Nestled on the border of Wekiwa Springs State Park, the Wekiva community is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Seminole County. In the 1960s, Wekiva was a hunting club, echoes of which can still be seen in signposts proclaiming Wekiva Hunt Club and Fox Hunt. The development’s original land planner, Harlan Hanson, decided to retain as many trees as possible, allowing nature to surround the 2,700 homes. Wekiva also boasts more than 145 acres of common areas including seven parks. 

You’ve Got a Friend in Me

However, it’s not just the ever-present beauty that attracts families to the area.

“This community is so special to me because my neighbors have always been friendly and have looked out for one another,” says Maria.

“Our first Thanksgiving in Florida, we were alone, and our new neighbors invited and welcomed us with their own family for the holiday meal. It was so nice,” says Maria. “I’ve known many of my neighbors for over 30 years. It is so comforting to have those long, trusting relationships.”

Like Maria, Tracie values Wekiva’s welcoming atmosphere.

“The development reminded me of where I grew up in Miami Springs – a suburb, nestled in a large city, made up of middle-class families with a strong sense of community,” says Tracie. 

For Chuck and Judy, it was initially the golf course that drew them to Wekiva. They moved there from Northern Ohio in 1979 and also liked the fact that the community had 25 miles of trails to explore, as well as grocery stores at each end of the development and other shops and restaurants within easy reach.

“Of course, it’s completely changed since 1979,” says Chuck. “When we moved here, it was only 30 percent developed and has grown incredibly in the intervening years.” 

For Chuck, who is now 97, the Wekiva community feels like an extension of his own family.

“People here are very nice and very supportive of me and my family,” he says.

In 1981, Chuck joined the board of directors for the Wekiva Homeowners Association, eventually serving as the HOA president for 35 years. 

“It seemed like a good idea at the time to have some say in what was going on as the community grew,” he says. 

In the 1980s, Chuck recalls, the board typically met on the second floor of a bank building or in empty offices because the directors didn’t have a dedicated space of their own.

“It wasn’t a great setup,” he says.

When the current HOA building opened in the heart of the community, one detail in particular stood out to Chuck: seeing his name on a plaque in his honor. The building was dedicated to him because of his decades of exemplary service on the board. 

“It means so much to me!” says Chuck. 

Like Chuck, Maria is happy to have a home and community where she feels so comfortable.

“I love the feeling of being surrounded by many neighbors who know and care for each other in an area filled with nature’s beauty,” she says.

Celebrate Good Times, Come On!

The Wekiva community recently marked its 50th anniversary with a celebration for all its residents.

Held in one of the development’s open spaces, the event featured a chili cook-off, a pet contest and dog parade, a kickball tournament, local vendors and food trucks, and a movie screening. Those activities were followed by a happy hour at the Wekiva golf course.

It was a great opportunity for the residents to get together and show pride in their community.

“The event was built on the traditions and previous celebrations created by WOW (Women of Wekiva), the founding women and mothers of the community,”  says Tracie Cervero Gifford. “They have since retired from putting on our annual community events, so our HOA formed an events committee with very big shoes to fill.”  

Judging by all the smiling faces at the 50th anniversary party, the celebration was a big hit with Wekiva families. Tracie, a member of the events committee, says more community get-togethers may be on the horizon.

“It was such a success that we hope to turn this celebration into an annual fall festival,” she says.