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 It doesn’t happen very often, but every now and then we have the
pleasure of interviewing some Pringle residents who have decided to move
“North” to become Central Floridians.
Al and Nancy Pita moved to Royal Highlands from the southernmost part of
the United States. They were both born and raised in Key West, and lived
there until they discovered the benefits of living here in Central
Florida. As Key West became more built up and attracted tourists, it
also became more crowded and very expensive. After spending time on
vacations in Central Florida, Nancy and Al found that real estate prices
were very reasonable and that it was much less crowded than Key West.
While living in Key West, Al was employed by the Key West Citizen, which
is the local newspaper. He primarily worked in the Mechanical
Department, but held a variety of positions at the newspaper over the
course of 15 years. He later worked for the U.S. Navy for over 32 years
at the base in Key West. He started as a job printer, then became an
aircraft recovery mechanic, and eventually worked for Navy Public Works
as a mechanic in their Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Department.
Nancy was employed by Key West High School, spending most of her 33
years at the school working as a cashier in the cafeteria. She said that
she thoroughly enjoyed being with high school students on a daily basis.
The Pitas have a son, Albert, who also lived and worked in Key West. But
he now provides maintenance services on a part time basis to the
associations within the Pringle communities. He was so impressed with
the community of Royal Highlands that he is currently having a home
built near his parents.
 Al and Nancy also have a daughter, Cheryl, who lives in Key West, but is
planning on joining the rest of her family by building in Royal
Highlands in the future. The Pitas also have one grandson who works at
Disney World. Al has a well-earned reputation in the neighbor-hood as
“Mr. Fix-it”. He enjoys working in his garage, repairing just about
anything for himself and his neighbors. Al is an active member of the
Eustis Gun Club, and he meets with his son frequently to practice target
shooting.
He also has several citrus trees around his home, and has become quite
knowledgeable about maintaining the trees. Nancy likes to participate in
the swimming lessons that are provided at the Recreation Center. She is
also an excellent cook, especially Spanish and Cuban meals. Both Al and
Nancy attend most of the community functions, especially the frequent
shows that take place in the rec center. Once a month, they meet other
former Key West residents (often referred to as Conchs) who live in the
area for a social gathering.
Al and Nancy explored many of the communities in the area before
deciding on Royal Highlands. They were impressed with the personal
attention that they received from their salesperson, Linda Chaffee. They
built a Carlisle model home, choosing not to customize the floorplan. As
a matter of fact, they had it built exactly like the model they toured.
They were so impressed with the original design that they even used the
same colors!
Just as importantly, they have found that the community is quieter and
more peaceful than their Key West neighborhood. “We have found the
pearly gates here,” said Nancy, “and we have made so many friends in the
short time that we have lived here”.
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