Second generation settlers calling SCC home

Nan Baytos lives just three houses away from her mother, Martha Lower, in Sun City Center.

Baytos was one of 80 families living here identified as second or third generation SCC families as part of the town's 50th anniversary festivities.

"It's just wonderful," Lower said of having her daughter nearby. "It makes it really nice. She takes good care of me."

For example, when Lower had a nasty spider bite on her foot, her daughter tended to the wound.

Although mother and daughter get together, especially when other relatives come to town, Lower said they aren't inseparable. Sun City Center provides enough activities to interest each of them.

"She goes her way and plays tennis and I go my way and play bridge a lot," Lower said.

Baytos said she feels fortunate to live near her mother.

"To be with your mother when she turned 90 was a milestone," Baytos said. "It's so great to be with her and enjoy her."

Dee Kelly, a volunteer for the 50th anniversary celebration, said officials took photographs of second and third generation families. The photos will be compiled into a booklet for the families.

She said organizers were surprised to find 80 families and expect there may be more that have not come forward.

"We will display it at the Information Center," Kelly said. "People will see what a great place it is to live for different generations."

Kelly is a second generation resident as well, although her mother, Irene, died 6 years ago and her father, Phil Lange, a well-known SCC historian, died in 2010.

Susie Collins moved to SCC with her husband, Charley, to be near his mother, Anne Collins. They took Anne up on her offer to buy her house after she moved into a Sun City Center assisted living facility.

Susie and Charley are both Realtors for Keller Williams Southshore.

"It's a vibrant and alive community," Susie said. "Right now it's the baby boomers who are coming. Even if their parents are not living, they know about Sun City Center and have seen their parents enjoy it. This is where they want to be."