Apollo
Beach and Ruskin are two neighboring regions located in Southern
Hillsborough County on Tampa Bay. Known for its breathtaking waterfront
real estate and for its serene rural wildlife and natural beauty,
this area is becoming one of the most rapidly expanding places on
the map! In spring 2007 Ruskin will become the first new city in
Hillsborough County in more than eighty years. One of the most convenient
factors about this area is its location. With easy access to the
interstate systems and highways, the commute to Tampa, MacDill Air
Force Base, Brandon and Orlando are made easier and more convenient.
In select locations,
aquatic access to Tampa Bay is available for boaters. With a gorgeous
view, boat slips and marinas with exclusive access to the Gulf of
Mexico, this is truly a boater's paradise!
In addition to the overall beauty, these areas are rich in historic
value and culture. Originally inhabited by George Miller's family
in 1906, a married couple, both of which were teachers, Ruskin College
was established but due to a lack of enrollment was shut down after
only one year. The architecture and original school buildings from
that time period remain a constant salute to the town's motto, "Through
hard work and the pursuit of knowledge a community of individuals
will prosper and come together for the common good." In addition
to the old Ruskin College buildings, other places of interest are
the A.P. Dickman house and the George Miller house. The Dickman
house is now a popular Bed and Breakfast featuring a unique asymmetrical
exterior design, two verandas with lounge chairs, and each room
fully furnished in antique furniture with a differing theme. This
Bed and Breakfast is a local "getaway" where residents can enjoy
peaceful walks in beautiful gardens and enjoy the serenity of the
Ruskin Inlet. The George Miller house now serves as the headquarters
for the Women's Club. Originally built in 1914, this home also had
affiliations with Ruskin College and served as the residence of
the original president and founder of the college, George Miller.
This home reflects the bungalow style homes that were contemporary
so long ago. New developments in Apollo Beach and Ruskin feature
elegant waterfront homes in the Key West style, as well as Mediterranean
and Tuscan influence. Many residences here have private docks and
boat lifts, and others are located next door to marinas. This area
is a boater's dream. With all of this nearby, homes are surprisingly
affordable.
There is a wide variety of entertainment available to residents.
The major appeal of the Apollo Beach/Ruskin area is the wide variety
of aquatic activities. People can waterski, jetski, swim, parasail,
kayak, canoe, snorkel and enjoy many relaxing hours of fishing and
boating. The waterfront location for much of Apollo Beach presents
many unique options for entertainment. Boaters and sailors can spend
many delightful afternoons in Tampa Bay or make their way out into
the Gulf of Mexico for a relaxing sunset cruise up and down the
coast. The Manatee River's slow flowing currents and gentle banks
lined with undisturbed natural beauty also present an opportunity
for canoeing, hiking trails or simply enjoying the scenery.
In the Ruskin area, there are several shooting ranges where sharpshooters
can take aim at various targets. Annually, Ruskin is the home to
Gun Shows and Expositions where aficionados can view and purchase
a variety of differing firearms, as well as swap stories and learn
about assembly and the history behind each model represented. Ruskin
is also the home to a very popular drive-in theater, a nostalgic
experience for some and a brand new experience for others!
Another unique feature of the area is the undisturbed manatees
that swim and play in the local water. These endangered, gentle
giants can be viewed from a distance or encountered up-close and
personal! Swimming with these majestic creatures is an experience
of a lifetime, something that will be remembered and enjoyed by
all!
Ruskin and Apollo Beach area residents can also expect the finest
in health care professionals. Both South Bay Hospital and St. Joseph's
Hospital are within minutes. Each hospital specializes in the most
advanced treatments and services available. The experienced and
knowledgeable staff will treat you and your family with the respect
and compassion you deserve. In addition to excellent health care,
the area also offers highly rated public and private schools. The
differing structures and curriculums available have been designed
to offer each child the opportunity to excel and receive preparation
and guidance for college. The Apollo Beach and Ruskin areas are
within close distance to the University of Tampa, the University
of South Florida, the International Academy of Design and Technology
and Hillsborough Community College in addition to other trade schools
where specialized degrees can be earned. The close location to these
schools makes the commute to college easy and hassle free.
The Apollo Beach and Ruskin area is quite unique in itself. Apollo
Beach presents waterfront living and coastal activity, while Ruskin
offers more of a rural beauty. For more information about this area
and the communities available within it, please contact your local
Twin Palms Realty Inc Agent Today!
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