Jean DiBeneditto
Back in 2001, I was looking into manufactured home communities just getting some ideas for my retirement. When I checked online and came across Blair Group communities in Florida, I was very excited because one of their communities was close to my family in St. Petersburg [StrawBerry Ridge in Valrico].
Sharon Hurley

I always knew I wouldn't spend my retired winters in the cold mountains of upstate New York, but rather in place like Florida. I didn't consider moving full-time to Florida, but was thinking of having more of a seasonal home there.
Bob Burfitt

After serving 20 years in the U.S. Navy, as well as having a civilian career that required my family and me to move several times, I have found living in StrawBerry Ridge to be a complete pleasure.
Earl Emmons
When I retired in 1997 from a career of journalism with the Tampa Tribune, I was looking to live in community with quality housing, social and recreational amenities, and a friendly atmosphere all at an affordable price.
Kay Bailey
After moving to Valrico, I met a few people who lived at Strawberry Ridge and decided to check it out. I had lived in an area where most people who were employed were younger.
Bernie Gauthier
When you think about retiring, you don’t think about coming home but that’s exactly how I felt when I came to Strawberry Ridge. It’s a place with friendly neighbors, organized and convenient activities and facilities and responsive management. It’s not just a place to live, it’s a community.
JoAn & Al Bernacki
Our love affair with Strawberry Ridge Both Al and I were newly retired. Al was the Plant Manager of an Oil Blending Company and I from the Merchandise Records Department of the Montgomery Ward Store in Hammond, Indiana. Having spent two winters with our daughter and family in California we decided to head to Florida and give the children a break so as not to wear out our welcome. We had a friend that lived in Plant City, Florida that was passing the community and stopped by to inquire about a rent in the fall of 1989. There was one unit left and upon checking the home she called to give us the good news. We in turn called Strawberry Ridge and made the arrangement to arrive on January 1, 1990.
Dr. & Mrs. Floyd Myers
In the early 1990’s my wife and I began contemplating my upcoming retirement. After much consideration, we decided to select a retirement community. In considering our options, we asked our attorney to develop some information regarding Strawberry Ridge. His report, along with our own research, led us to select a large four (4) bedroom manufactured home, built to our specifications, which we placed in Strawberry Ridge. So, in 1993 we moved into our new home. We enjoyed our residency in “The Ridge” for thirteen (13) years. Then, we decided to downsize and move into an apartment.
John Guthy
Six years ago I had the good fortune to discover Strawberry Ridge and chose it as my home. Originally, I’m from NYC, but, thirty-one (31) years ago, on an impulse, I decided to visit Florida. Sarasota was where I lived for the first twenty-five (25) years and then, having discovered Strawberry Ridge, moved here. In six (6) years of living at Strawberry Ridge, I can honestly say I have never regretted my decision! I am surrounded by a large group of very friendly people and plenty of activities.
Barb Phillips & Irene Mack
Strawberry Ridge- Where do we begin? We have lived in the area since 1989, coming from Berwyn, IL (a suburb of Chicago). We were brought to the area by a job offer with Time, Inc. for Barb. I had semi-retired. Not being familiar with Mfg. homes, we bought a site built home in Seffner and immediately figured we just had to have a pool. For the next 6 years, we lived on a large corner cul de sac lot in a 2200 sq ft home with our pool and proceeded to maintain the lawn, landscaping, pool & home during this time.
Chris Ritter
In 1997 my husband and I started planning for our retirement date of 2000. We usually researched things well in advance, so I started looking on the internet for a retirement place in Florida. My parents already lived in Florida, and we always enjoyed coming down to visit and hated when we had to return to the winter up north. Also, both of our sons had accepted jobs with a company in south Florida. That was another plus.