Time to migrate south for Empire’s snowbirds

By Helen Westie
Sun contributor
A veritable little Empire exists in South Florida every winter. An enclave of snowbirds go to their winter homes in this attractive, well-kept mobile home park, named Holiday Park, which is Northport, Florida, about 100 miles north of Naples. It all started with Caroline Balmer who bought one of the mobile homes after her mother had moved there. Mary and Max Wendell moved in the following year. And then within a few years, in the late 1990’s came Theresa and Ray Sullivan, Mae and Dale Van Houzen, and later, Mary and Jim Dailey. A few downstate friends are now a part of their community.

On hearing of the great fun this group enjoys, the writer of this article tried to rent a home a few years ago in this park but there was not one available. Now rumor has it that there are rentals to be had because the seller’s market is depressed.
When asked to comment on their winters, Ray and Theresa Sullivan penned this joint comment: “There is no place in the world like Empire. It will always be home. But it is a blessing to be active all winter with fellow Empirons in 70 and 80 degree weather.”
At times the whole group enjoys a day at a nearby beach for a picnic or a cookout. They may attend a movie or a dinner together. All are involved in some activity, be it a Mah Jonge, tennis or bridge.
When asked why she enjoys Northport, Mae Van Houzen said, “It’s the people first and the great weather second. Our Empire extended family of friends challenges us to stay in shape physically through sports and exercise, mentally through reading and playing games, and spiritually through our shared love of our Lord. It’s a great time in life and we are grateful for these friendships in Empire and Florida.”
Every member of the group talks about how they help each other. It may be with building or repairs. It may be an emergency such as the bad fall Jim Dailey had on the tennis courts when he was rushed to the hospital by Mary and Max Wendell with a compound fracture of a finger. It may be to help with food and encouragement when someone is ill. All birthdays are celebrated together, often with joke gifts. When Mary and Jim, the newcomers, arrived, a big stuffed parrot was hanging from a dining room ceiling. Also, a bottle of a wine was there to greet them.
“We have spiritual, emotional and physical support from each other,” according to Mary Daily. “We hate to leave Empire but Northport, Florida is our home away from home.”
Sometime in October the Empire snowbirds will be on their way. By November 1, all are settled in at Holiday Park.