Moving into a new neighborhood is always an experience to remember.  In the spring of 1980, a major event occurred in Daytona Beach.  The first four families moved into a new 900+ acre upscale development: the development contractor, his accountant, his building assistant, and the mayor of Daytona Beach.  After a long hard day of moving furniture and making their homes comfortable, it was time to take a shower.  The mayor reached over to turn on the water and, you guessed it, no water. Not a drop! A quick call to the developer at his home confirmed that he also had no water. A call to the city to report the problem confirmed the new Pelican Bay development had not been connected to a city water source.  This was serious! What were they going to do? It could take days to install a water connection. In the meantime, the families needed a shower and a place to stay for the night. Fortunately, that evening, the developer discovered that the lack of water was due to a water valve that had been accidentally turned off and the problem was solved. 

Moving to a new location can often be stressful and simultaneously full of delightful experiences.  Certainly, this is the same condition that many Pelican Bay homeowners have experienced in the last 40 years. Our family was also part of the first few owners to move into Pelican Bay.  It did not take long after my family arrived at their new home for my two girls to get busy helping decorate their rooms and pedal their bicycles around the neighborhood in search of any new friends. Shortly, they returned with their results.  “You have moved us to a development without kids.” A few days later, my daughters came back to the house after another search, excited and shouting “Mom, I just met a wonderful family with kids just like us! Make some iced tea and popcorn and invite them over.”  Yes, Mayor Kelly’s family of seven lived just a block away. We were all happy to be in our home and make new friends.

In early 1980, east Pelican Bay Drive’s pavement ended just before Gull Drive. Beyond that was an unfinished path with no exit. On weekends I would take a drive to see the rapid building development in our area and, you guessed it, I managed to get my car stuck in the loose dirt near the entrances to the future Village on the Green and Hawks Landing.  Meanwhile, the girls would join the other kids in their free time and go horseback riding in an area where

The Estates homes would later be built. We were very happy to be located near my job at GE and living in an attractive community with so many lifestyle choices.  We have lost some amenities and features over time, but we can be proud of how great our total Pelican Bay image has matured with so many diverse homes.

Another wonderful memory, thanks to Lori and Jim Gallagher, was the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day with an open house for neighbors and plenty of delightful Irish food and premium beverages.  Nigel Cook added to the festivity by supplying entertainment with his bagpipes.  This occasion always filled the air with neighbors singing and laughing. Each party goer always left full of tasty food and drinks.  Yes, sometimes the “happy” revelers left the party late in the evening feeling mellow, while marching and singing down the street to their homes. Other neighbors, Ed and Ruth Kertis, always had an open door policy at their home and supplied camaraderie as well as an open keg of beer to share with their friends.

The ninth hole of the North Golf Course was a source of many fun days, great food, and was always well attended.  In addition, the Club supported volunteering neighbors from all areas of Pelican Bay to stage memorable fun events such as comedy and dancing follies.  Also, remember the National Professional Seniors Golf Tournaments held here in 1982 and 1983.  Holidays also presented homeowners many opportunities to share their friendship and love with others. Over the years, you could always find parties during New Years, Daytona 500, St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and many other special spur-of-the-day gatherings in Pelican Bay.    

The last 40 years haven't just been about great parties. Throughout, homeowners have taken pride in ownership and from the very beginning have worked to enhance the beauty of their homes and yards. They have landscaped with flowers, palm trees, fruit trees, subtropical shrubs and more.   After 40 years of meticulous care, we can now enjoy a scenic drive through the neighborhood and appreciate a quality community. By the way, did you ever wonder just how many types of citrus and palm trees exist in Pelican Bay?   Thank goodness we live in Pelican Bay!