ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (June 28, 2018) — The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay, an independent living, assisted living and memory care community in South Pasadena, has received national recognition. The community was recently honored by national senior living provider Watermark Retirement Communities with several awards, which recognize associates’ dedication to the community and its residents.
Watermark Retirement Communities, which owns and operates The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay and 51 other communities nationwide, honored the community during its annual awards recognition in Tucson, AZ.
“We’re honored to be recognized for our extraordinary community and for creating an atmosphere where residents thrive,” said Suzanne Burtzlaff, Executive Director of The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay. “Our associates are the backbone of the community and they deserve every accolade and award that they receive.”
Included in The Fountains honors were two awards for Watermark University Faculty of the Year – associate Frank Hodge, who serves as the director of housekeeping and laundry, and resident Dorothy Etheridge. Watermark University offers residents the opportunity to attend and teach classes that showcase their passions and engage their minds. Resident Dorothy Etheridge taught several classes this year, including a three-part series on her life growing up in the Belgian Congo.
“Our residents are incredibly active and have so many unique interests and interesting life experiences that they can share with our community,” said Burtzlaff. “Watermark University gives residents an opportunity to connect with their neighbors and learn new things. We’re so proud of Dorothy for winning this award, she’s an inspiring speaker and finds such joy in sharing her experiences with others.”
Burtzlaff was also recognized with a Thrive Award for her thoughtful execution of the community’s disaster preparedness plan during Hurricane Irma. The community was ordered to evacuate two days before the storm and residents were relocated inland. In the face of a crisis, Burtzlaff made sure that residents and associates were safe and out of harm’s way, while her own family was at home preparing for the storm.
In addition, The Fountains earned its Standards Review Accreditation. The internal Watermark review has more than 3,000 questions touching on all departments and requires that the community score above a 90 percent in all categories.
For more information about The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay, visit bocaciegabay.watermarkcommunities.com.
About The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay
The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay is a retirement community in St. Petersburg located at 1255 Pasadena Avenue South on a 14-acre waterfront property. The community offers independent living, assisted living and memory care, with short and long-term skilled nursing and rehabilitation at The Springs, an on-site health center operated by Summit Care. The Fountains’ vibrant lifestyle includes multiple dining options, an extensive calendar of events, outings, classes, clubs and fitness opportunities. Managed by Watermark Retirement Communities, The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay is committed to creating an extraordinary and innovative community where people thrive. For more information, visit bocaciegabay.watermarkcommunities.com.