Although they enjoy easy access to everywhere and the natural environment, John and Terri Bakas believe that the families that live in Lake St. Charles are its best asset.
By JOHN and TERRI BAKAS
Published March 5, 2004
We moved from New Tampa to our new home in the Riverview subdivision of Lake St. Charles in 1999 and never looked back.
We laugh about it now because we thought that in moving to Lake St. Charles we would be leaving civilization and learning to adapt to a rural lifestyle. Lake St. Charles gives us the sense of being far away from the world, but in reality its best kept secret is location, location, location!
We have been forever spoiled by quick and easy access to Interstate 75, Interstate 4 and the Lee Roy Selmon Crosstown Expressway. Downtown Tampa used to be a 45-minute commute from New Tampa. It's now an easy 20 minutes.
Nature is a big part of Lake St. Charles. The subdivision encircles a scenic 70-acre lake, and the homes nestle in and around conservation areas that are thick with oaks, wetlands, and ponds. The community clubhouse overlooks a large pool and the lake and is the perfect place to watch the setting sun. A much-loved bike and walking path meanders along the lake's edge and through the shaded conservation areas before passing the large sports field and children's playgrounds.
Birds seem to thrive here, and we work hard to attract them to our backyard. We are not the only ones enjoying the nature here. Recently, some Lake St. Charles residents received an award for the best maintained Adopt-a-Pond in Hillsborough County.
As great as the location and natural environment are, the families that live in Lake St. Charles are the best asset. Because the community is conveniently located near MacDill Air Force Base, many military families make their homes here. We enjoy the patriotism and experiences from other locations these families bring to the neighborhood.
When we first moved here, there were many new things to learn about the area's history. We began collecting information and sharing it on two Web sites we developed, LakeStCharles.com and RiverviewOnline.com. Riverview is rich in heritage and many of the original families still live here. The Alafia River winds through Riverview and imparts a restful spirit to life here.
The easy access to everywhere, a backyard filled with wildlife, and watching growth enhance the best of Riverview's history - this is why we live and enjoy our life in Lake St. Charles.
The Bakas live on Colonial Lake Drive. - Tell us, in 400 words or less, why you live where you live. Please include your likes and dislikes. Send essays to brandon@sptimes.com and please include a daytime phone number.
