Our Story

History

A Legacy on the Gulf

Nearly 170 years of history on Anna Maria Island.

1858

The Beginning

Ruric Edwin Cobb, a former sailor and musician, established a settlement on January 5, 1858, on what is now Anna Maria Island. Cobb recruited regional bands and developed the area's earliest community, laying the foundation for generations to come.

1902

Development Era

Cobb developed 154 acres of the island, transforming the frontier settlement into a coastal destination. By 1906, he had constructed a beachfront clubhouse that became the social center of the community.

1914

Changing Hands

Financial difficulties during World War I led to W.K. Zewadski foreclosing on the property. The land would pass through several owners over the coming decades.

~1939

Gulf Park Opens

The property was converted into a trailer park around 1939-1940, opening as "Gulf Park." For the next six decades, it would grow into a beloved waterfront community on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

2003

Residents Take Ownership

In a landmark decision, 120 shareholders came together to raise $5 million and purchase the land beneath their homes. Sandpiper Resort Co-Op, Inc. was formed as a resident-owned cooperative — putting the community's future in the hands of its residents.

2024

Resilience Through Storms

Hurricanes Helene and Milton tested the community's resolve, with approximately 150 units sustaining flood damage. True to form, Sandpiper's residents banded together, supporting each other through recovery and rebuilding stronger than before.

Today

Thriving for Over Twenty Years

Managed by Tracy Moon and governed by its own residents, Sandpiper Resort is a 166-unit, 55+ waterfront community spanning nearly 10 acres on Anna Maria Island. With a 14-slip marina, heated pool, and an active social calendar, it stands as proof that community ownership works.

Co-Op Ownership

Owned by the People
Who Call It Home

Sandpiper Resort is a resident-owned cooperative. Shareholders own shares in the co-op corporation, which owns the land. This means no outside developer or corporate entity controls the community's future.

Major decisions — including any potential sale of the property — require a two-thirds supermajority vote of all members. This structure ensures that no one entity can unilaterally purchase the park.

120 Shareholders 46 Homeowners Two-Thirds Vote Required Board-Governed

Sandpiper Resort Co-Op residents gathered at the marina

Compliance

Florida Co-Op Compliant

Florida cooperatives governed under FS 719 are not required to maintain a website. Sandpiper Resort voluntarily exceeds state transparency standards — because our shareholders deserve it.

DBPR Registered

Registered with Florida's Department of Business & Professional Regulation as required by FS 719.501.

Sunshine Law Compliant

Board meetings are open to all shareholders with proper notice, per Florida's Sunshine Law requirements.

Financial Transparency

Annual budgets and financial reports prepared and available to shareholders per FS 719.104.

Electronic Notices

Meeting notices, announcements, and community updates delivered digitally via website and mobile app.

Document Access

Bylaws, rules & regulations, meeting minutes, and governing documents available through the resident portal.

Resident App & Portal

Secure resident login, push notifications, issue reporting, and digital community tools — all voluntary, all for you.

Sandpiper Resort Co-Op, Inc. is governed under Florida Statutes Chapter 719 (Cooperatives). This website, resident portal, and mobile app are maintained voluntarily to serve our community.

Community

Life at Sandpiper

More than a place to live — it's a way of life between the bay and the Gulf.

Sandpiper Resort bayside lounge with colorful chairs overlooking the marina

🏝

Prime Location

Situated between the Tampa Bay Estuary to the east and the Gulf of Mexico to the west, with stunning views of the Anna Maria Sound.

🎭

Active Lifestyle

Fitness classes, yoga, pickleball, dance lessons, shuffleboard, and live music. There's always something happening at Sandpiper.

🌄

Island Traditions

Bingo nights, coffee hours, potluck dinners, dances, and celebrations. Beachcomber activities at sunrise and sunset viewing at the bay.

"Historically, resident-owned communities typically don't make it past the first three years. Sandpiper has been thriving for over twenty."

— Tracy Moon, Property Manager