By Jim Hunt for the News and Journal
News and Journal
During our recent visit to Florida, my wife and I had the pleasure of joining our good friend, Connie Derriggi, for a trip to Ave Maria, Florida, a master-planned community about 40 miles inland from Naples. Connie’s daughter, Kristie, recently moved to Ave Maria for a teaching position and now resides in a beautiful new subdivision. The neighborhood features picturesque homes, a golf course, swimming pools, pickleball courts, and modern workout facilities—an ideal setting for an active and vibrant lifestyle.
After enjoying a delicious dinner at the golf course clubhouse, Kristie took on the role of tour guide and drove us to the heart of the town.
Ave Maria, established in 2007, was developed as a collaboration between the Barron Collier Companies and Tom Monaghan, the founder of Domino’s Pizza and Ave Maria University.
Designed to blend residential, commercial, and educational spaces, the town is centered around Ave Maria University, a key feature that reflects the community’s Catholic heritage.
The town offers a variety of housing options, from single-family homes and condominiums to villas, many of which are situated around the Ave Maria Golf Club—providing residents with scenic views and top-tier recreational opportunities.
At the heart of the town is the Ave Maria Town Center, a lively hub featuring restaurants, shops, and frequent community events. A standout landmark is the Ave Maria Oratory, a breathtaking church that is both a spiritual and architectural centerpiece of the community. Stepping inside, I was struck by the uniqueness of its structure—a massive network of welded steel beams supporting an impressive roof. As we admired the church’s beauty, we couldn’t help but notice the row of golf carts parked outside, a testament to the town’s relaxed and convenient mode of transportation.
With a population of around 7,000 residents, Ave Maria has seen steady growth since its founding, drawing new homeowners with its modern amenities and small-town charm. The community is rich in outdoor recreation, offering parks, walking trails, and sports courts, catering to a range of interests.
While strolling through the Town Center, we struck up a conversation with two gentlemen relaxing in rocking chairs outside the Ave Maria Visitor’s Center. One had relocated from Boston, and the other had made the short move from Naples. Both spoke highly of their new home, appreciating not only the pleasant weather but also the sense of security that comes from being inland—away from the direct impact of hurricanes and coastal storms.
As the evening drew to a close, we returned to Kristie’s home for a quick tour. Her beautifully decorated house was a warm and inviting space, but what stood out most to me was the screened-in pool and hot tub—the perfect retreat after a long day.
We thanked Kristie for her wonderful hospitality and made our way back to Marco Island, reflecting on our visit. Ave Maria is a truly unique town—blending modern living with a strong sense of community, faith, and natural beauty. If you ever find yourself in the area—or if you’re looking for a charming escape from the cold and snow up north—it’s certainly worth a visit!