Due to the influx of population over the past decades, finding a little privacy in a Florida HOA is often hard to do. However, this is not the case with the Retreat at Sea Branch, which is nestled in between the Atlantic Ocean and a woodsy paradise in Hobe Sound. Not only does this location enjoy the breath-taking views of the Atlantic Ocean, but it also rests beside a lush canopy of undisturbed greenery that backs up to the Retreat. These beautiful, yet peaceful, surroundings have proved to be a real drawing point for those who live at the Retreat. 

This relatively new community has only been around for a year and a half, but it already boasts a population of about 1000 people. There are 555 houses sitting on about 300 acres overall and roughly 75 percent of the residents live there year round. The Retreat houses people of all ages-there is even an elementary school up the road which attracts a few couples with young children.  

Bill Cole, president of the board of directors at the Retreat, sings the praises of his home. He says it is a very unique place. We're surrounded by the Atlantic Ridge nature preserve, which is a total of about 6000 acres that runs about 15 miles all together. It is a very natural wild park system." He continues, "So all of that green that you see, hopefully, will stay green forever. It is a unique property in that we're totally surrounded by nature and not encroached on by shopping centers or highways or what have you." He adds, "That makes it a very quiet private area, you can see the stars... there's absolutely nothing like this and there probably won't be.” 

The Retreat at Sea Branch offers residents the chance to see all kinds of animals-up close and personal. It is not uncommon to see wild animals visiting the Retreat, and recently, there have been several sightings. Some members have been surprised by the unexpected presence of alligators. Six bobcats were spotted taking up the street as they safely crossed to the other side. A great blue heron was seen peacefully bathing itself in the Retreat pond to the delight of some residents. However, it takes a certain kind of individual to enjoy these animal visitors. Some people may not relish the opportunity to see an alligator or snake up close, but these homeowners have found it to be a relaxing way to incorporate nature into their daily lives. The association also stocks the pond with several different kinds of fish for the enjoyment of the members. 

The Retreat is not alone in its community, however. There are six other HOA’s that, together with the Retreat, form a property owners association, Sea Branch Boulevard POA. The properties include: The Arbors, The Oaks, Double Tree, The Falls, The Preserve, and the Lost Lake Golf Club. The property owners association joins together to help with the upkeep of the plants along Sea Branch Boulevard. Bill was elected to be the president of this POA, as well, adding to his duties. There is a management company, Capital Realty Advisors, that runs the entire property. They provide an on-site manager, Gina Cotto who works out of an office in their club house. 

Like many Florida residents, Bill moved down from the North. He was originally from Rhode Island, but he and his wife became Florida converts several years ago. A retired builder, he has served on boards for communities like this for 25 years. Since he was voted to be the president about a year and a half ago, he says that his position there is a full-time job. Bill serves with four other individuals on the board of directors at the Retreat with each serving either a one- or two-year term. 

The Retreat at Sea Branch may be a new community, but it has already withstood the test of three hurricanes. The houses stood up under the pressure of howling winds and grueling rain, giving testimony to how well they had been built. But the hurricanes, as well as the plethora of people streaming into South Florida, brought with them another problem-the ability to find good vendors. In fact, that has been the most difficult part of Bill's job. Bill said that one thing that every board member needs to run an effective community is "a lot of patience," which has proved true in his ongoing struggle with finding vendors that can mow the lawn, repair the swimming pools, and perform the other services the community requires. The other side to this challenge is finding these services at the most reasonable price.  

The board is also facing the problem of insurance coverage-not so much for the association, but more so for the homeowners. Finding low-cost home owners insurance has proved difficult for those living at the Retreat. This problem is one that is shared by many Floridians due to the big losses faced by the insurance companies after the hurricanes.  

When asked about any ongoing projects, Bill says, the board of directors is dealing with the turnover from the builder. He comments that it is the same as buying a house because there are all kinds of problems that get discovered and have to be dealt with. These turnover- related issues are time consuming for Bill.  

It's not all work and problems at the Retreat, there are many opportunities for the community to come together and have fun with one another. Activities can range from strenuous to leisurely. Residents participate in everything from tennis, aerobics and other fitness activities, bridge, and all kinds of art. This common bond of a shared passion for some type of recreation helps to build the sense of community.  

Many of the residents volunteer their time serving the local community. Some of these volunteers participate in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Others volunteer their time at the Treasure Coast Food Bank, which sponsors soup kitchens and emergency food pantries. 

Other ways residents become involved in their community is by volunteering for one of the many committees. In all, there are about 15 committees that members can take part in. 

One noteworthy committee is the Neighborhood Watch. These residents have made it their business to make the lives of those in the community safer by keeping a lookout for their neighbors and reporting any suspicious activity. Those who take part in this committee are trained by a crime prevention specialist. They are meant to be an aid to the local law enforcement because these individuals can more readily spot when something is out of place.  The association has the watch divided into zones with each individual involved looking over a certain area.  

The board at the Retreat hopes to make living at the Retreat affordable for everyone desiring to live there. To aid in this, they plan to keep the cost of living in the luxury of these lush tropical surroundings down to a minimum. Bill states, "I think that our goal is to protect the investment of everyone that owns a home here and control our cost, so that the people can enjoy the quality of life that this place offers.” 

The Retreat at Sea Branch plans to be around and provide the same amenities that it has for many years to come. Bill exclaims, "I wish I could convey how unique this property is, there is just absolutely nothing like this in Martin County. People have described

Sea Branch Boulevard as the prettiest drive in Martin County. You come off Route 1, which is a typical kind of place with strip malls and stuff, and you turn up here and you're in paradise, ...you can ride your bike or you can walk or whatever, it's just a very, very pleasant place. People talk about that constantly-when they come home from work, they're really happy to turn into this part of the world and be in a different environment altogether than the outside world." Yes, the Retreat at Sea Branch is a very unique place, it is a peaceful, tranquil, and beautiful tropical oasis in the heart of South Florida and will hopefully always remain the same.