Southwest Florida is known for being a mecca for retirees from around the world. In the Diocese of Southwest Florida, there are residential retirement options for those who seek retirement housing with a connection to the Episcopal Church. In addition, our Bishop Gray Retirement Foundation, serving three Florida dioceses, supports Episcopal seniors in Florida, including lay employees, clergy, and parishioners.
Continuing Care Retirement
- Westminster Suncoast: This retirement community (pictured above) opened in 1964 as Suncoast Manor (St. Petersburg Episcopal Community Inc.) and was established by the St. Petersburg Episcopal churches through the leadership of Bishop James. L. Duncan, then rector of St. Peter’s. Westminster Suncoast, now part of the Westminster Communities of Florida system, is a 30-acre gated active living community in a garden setting on Pinellas Point in St. Petersburg. It offers central dining, Alzheimer’s care, recreational services.Westminster, which has properties across the state, still honors the community’s Episcopal legacy, and offers the Honorable Service Grant, which is available to Episcopal priests, missionaries, Christian educators and their spouses. The grant is available at all Westminster properties. Suzanne Ujcic is the contact for Episcopal Service Grant at (800) 948-1881. Westminster Suncoast, 6909 Dr. Martin Luther King (9th St. S.) Saint Petersburg, Florida 33705, (727) 867-1131. westminsterretirement.com
- Canterbury Tower: This Tampa retirement community has weekly Wednesday services from nearby St. John’s. At 3501 Bayshore Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33629, Sales Office: 813-837-1083, Find out more at canterburytower.org
St. Petersburg & Pinellas
- Peterborough Apartments: A high-rise independent living facility in downtown St. Petersburg near City Hall and the St. Petersburg Senior Citizens Center. 440 4th Ave. N, Saint Petersburg, Florida, 33701 (727) 823-5145.
- St. Giles Manor I and II: In two locations. St. Giles Manor I, next to St. Giles Pinellas Park, is a 150-unit facility with library and lounge started by an early church rector, the Rev. Emmit Smith. Recently renovated to the tune of $14 million, its board is still associated with St. Giles Church. St. Giles Manor II, is nearby. St. Giles Manor I, 5041 82nd Ave. North, Pinellas Park, Florida, 33781, (727) 541-5741; St. Giles Manor II, 7690 58th Street N, Pinellas Park, Fl 33781, (727) 623-9886
Other Retirement Links
- Church Pension Group listing of retirement facilities in Florida
- Bishop Gray Retirement Foundation offers financial aid for Episcopal seniors in Florida, including lay employees, clergy, and parishioners.
Last Updated: 10-16-23