![]() ![]() "Most of the trailers can't be moved, and even if they could, where would we go? "People just don't have the money," he said. But he wonders how much longer he can stay. He'd bought his trailer for $17,000 in 2008 and sunk about $13,000 into it he asked the park management what they'd give him for it. Iarocci, a 72-year-old former New York City firefighter now on disability, decided last year he was done. Unfortunately for the longtime residents, Ocean Breeze is more than just a business. And it’s likely harder to market the place as a top-shelf destination when it still has a bunch of older trailers about. It’s not surprising that Carefree should see a huge opportunity you’d have to be blind to miss it. The town occupies a key piece of real estate, right on the Indian River Lagoon. What’s happening in Ocean Breeze resembles gentrification. Andreen said Sun is likely to take over sometime in June. "We're certainly not at that point yet," said O'Neill.Ĭarefree is in the process of being sold to Sun Communities, one of the biggest owners of manufactured housing communities in the nation. However, said O'Neill, "I think it's fair to say that large increases in rent could have that effect," and if the town council and town attorney come to that conclusion, it can try to "remedy" the situation, perhaps with court actions or fines. He said the deal to sell the park to Carefree included "specific language that prohibited displacement," though that language might not have been specific enough: it didn't identify big rent hikes as the functional equivalent of forcing people out. Town officials are looking into the residents' complaints, said Terry O'Neill, the town's management consultant. And she suspects the owners aren't enamored of those sore thumbs marring the shiny new landscape. "I stick out like a sore thumb," she said. Two new bungalows - or maybe they're villas - were built alongside Hennessey's trailer, which sits on Indian River Drive. Meanwhile, there's a lot of dirt and construction activity as workers erect the new, more upscale homes. "We were told things would remain mostly the same and no one would be displaced, although they were going to put $5 million into the park for infrastructure," said resident Rhonda Hennessey.īut promised improvements were slow in coming. Many residents left those who stayed faced eviction - until Arizona-based Carefree bought the park for $16.5 million in 2013. The cooperative quickly fell behind on its mortgage payments, then declared bankruptcy. Residents banded together to buy the 45-acre park for $26 million.īut only 134 of the park's then-560 residents bought into the deal. Ocean Breeze is actually an incorporated town - one that's seen more than its share of troubles.įounded in 1938 by Harry and Queena Hoke, the park was family-owned and run until 2007, when descendants wanted to sell. “We have the right to bring them up to market rates,” he said. But, he said, the “legacy” residents are still paying comparably little, given all the improvements to the resort. “I empathize, I know the increase is more than they were hoping for,” said Andreen. It’s not true, said Rick Andreen, Carefree’s president and chief operating officer. “They’re trying to ease out the old guard.” “Most of the people here are well into their 70s and 80s and on fixed incomes,” said Ted O’Rourke, 84, who’s lived at the park for 25 years. This, after going up 5 percent the year before. In March, residents got notice their rents were being hiked 7 to 10 percent. Call (888) 319-1750.Ocean Breeze, which is actually an incorporated town, has seen more than its share of troubles. Take a virtual tour of our most popular homes below with additional virtual tours available upon request. Virtual Tours of New Models Several brand new models with one and two bedrooms, plus spacious floor plans, are now available. There’s always more to explore at this new waterfront resort Practice your swing or refine your putt with a round of golf.Stop by our spacious clubhouse to meet friends for a morning coffee or enjoy a game of billiards.Join a club, enter a chili cook-off, or attend our engaging community events and activities Stay as busy or relaxed as you’d like.As a valued member of our waterfront community, you can take advantage of a wide selection of on-site amenities and community features. Guest and residents have exclusive access to a world of social activities, classes, outdoor recreation, and planned outings. The new Ocean Breeze Resort offers a lifestyle to pursue your passions and discover new ones along the way. Ocean Breeze Resort - Sun Communities - Overview ![]()
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