NATURES COAST RV RESORT
Anthony Tocco, former manager of Sahara Village Park where we live, searched for several years for a piece of property to develop. He and his wife, Lavonne, looked all across the southern U.S., preferring a warm climate, near a body of water. They finally found a desirable place that would take all their skills in construction, management and business acumen: an abandoned small “Park” on the Gulf Coast, near Steinhatchee Florida. They moved to Florida in mid-April, about the same time we began our trip.
The park had been closed for two years; and now Anthony and Lavonne have been at work on their “baby” for 8 weeks.
The “WOW” factor is what they were looking for, and I think they are finding it. As you drive in on the palm-lined colorful graveled entry way, you are struck with how neat and well arranged everything is. It looks like a perfect place to sit back, feet up, and watch the clouds roll by. There are many other attractions nearby of course—this is the Nature Coast of Florida on the Gulf of Mexico—vacation-land for residents of many nearby states (and a place that hurricanes consistently miss). Our friends in Pensacola said, “Steinhatchee is like Pensacola used to be before the hurricanes hit us the last few years.”
The property is surrounded by impenetrable tropical jungle. The grounds (15 rentable spaces at the moment) and the swimming pool are already impeccably neat.
When you’re the boss the hours are long.
The pond has a patch of cat-tails, a multitude of frogs, and several kinds of fish—no live alligators yet. Around the edge grows the attractive sky-blue flowered water plant, Pontederia cordata, “pickerel weed” found along water courses throughout tropical areas.
They even have banana plants. Lavonne pointed proudly to their first banana flower and fruit forming on one stalk. The shore also supports Canna florida, a short, yellow flowered native species. The showiest of all is several clumps of Hibiscus coccineus, at least 6 ft. tall and covered with large red flowers.
It’s a beautiful setting, but very hot and humid; a few minutes outside and you are drenched in sweat. The Toccos seem to thrive here, as do the many people who choose to live in this climate. Air-conditioned houses and cars, fans, showers and pools, water or other drinks always at hand make Florida livable. Anyone who likes to fish or play at any water sport is in their element.
Is this the fabled “Fountain of Youth” Ponce de Leon was looking for?—maybe for our friends Anthony and Lavonne Tocco.
Their web site: www.naturescoastrvresort.com
STEINHATCHEE, FLORIDA
Steinhatchee is located off the US19/US27 between Talhassee and Gainsville, Florida, sort of in the “armpit” of Florida’s Gulf Coast. The coastal area for a couple of hundred miles is called “Nature Coast.”
They must have a really big fork-lift!
The people who were cleaning these scallops come down every weekend to go snorkeling for scallops.
Swimming in the warm Gulf waters and shopping the local arts & crafts markets are two other sports enjoyed in Steinhatchee.
5 comments:
What a surprise to know that Anthony Tocco and wife found such a lovely place, and that you could stop there. (Of course, I don't know they were looking or that he had left Sahara Village.)
This is all the time I can spare tonight, but I'm looking forward to connecting with your blog another day, now that I know I can!
Joyce
Oops. You know I meant, "I didnt' know...."
Joyce
I have to whole heartedly agree with you that the park is well built and maintained. I recently stayed there with several freinds and thought that the park itself was very nice (with the exception of it only having one bathroom). Yvonne was freindly, helpful, and represented the business well.
I did have a problem with the rule enforcement though. I understand that the rules must be followed eg: "doqs can't pee on the dark green grass, or "only one vehicle per hookup". What I don't understand is the tone that the rules were delivered. Anthony has the social skills of a chainsaw with a damaged muffler and four different groups of campers told us that they would not be back.
None of the campers in the park were loud or rowdy or flagrant rule breakers. They did not need to be watched over like a bunch of children and certainly did not need to be told the rules repeatedly. If I make the unforgivable sin of driving a second vehicle to the campsite in order to unload supplys or make the earth shattering mistake of forgeting to have a guest sign in immeidiately, I expect to be told so that I can correct the problem promptly. Don't waste my time with lectures on issues that were happly corrected at the time they were discovered.
Good luck to Yvonne & Anthony, but I will be spending my money with other, more appreciative businesses in the future.
Ok here’s the problem you establish rule for everyone safety and to help keep the park clean. All guests are given a written copy of the rules. Then you have the RVer’s who feel that bending the rules is ok. So the question is, at what point do you become that mean manger or is it the RVer not liking being caught not following the rules. Many of our guests ask if they are not sure because they appreciate the park. Nature’s Coast RV Resort is proud of its guest satisfaction and our guests are equally pleased as evidenced by return visits over and over as well as personal recommendations to family and friends.
Thank You
Nature's Coast RV Resort
Once again, I will agree with the fact that rules are needed and should be enforced. You have a nice campground that should be taken care of by those who stay there.
The problem is that you feel the need to be the "mean manager" when it is not nessacery. When we were there, we had only the intent to enjoy ourselves and relax. We had an issue arise that we were not aware of and you brought it to my attention.(Good Job). I appologized and told you that I would correct it immediately. At this point, the problem should have been over and done with, but you had to keep that mouth running. It amazes me that someone who works with the public can have such a lack of people skills. It's a good thing you own the place, because I don't know many bosses who would put up with that kind of behavior.
The bottom line is that RVer's are generally not out to "bend" the rules. They are at the park to have a good time without alot of stress. Don't treat them like children and you might fill some of your empty spots.
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