Bobby and Lula McDonald have found the perfect retirement location in Regatta Bay. Their journey from careers to the shores of Florida is a story of resilience, family, and a shared love for creating wonderful memories.

 

In 2010, Bobby decided he wanted a beach house, so he and a friend drove down to the coast from Missouri, starting in Gulf Shores, AL. They drove until they reached Destin, and that was it for Bobby. As a contractor, he could do any necessary work himself, so he found a fixer-upper and completely remodeled it. They had planned to retire here, but the three-story beach house was too much. Lu and Bobby decided to come down closer to earth. They found their slice of paradise in a charming one-story home in Regatta overlooking a pond. What began as a winter retreat soon blossomed into a year-round residence, prompting them to bid farewell to their former homes.

 

In Regatta Bay, every day is an opportunity for new experiences. Bobby loves golf, but his knees do not, so he went back to work building and remodeling homes. Lu's passion for pickleball keeps her active and engaged with the community. The couple are members of Village Baptist Destin, where Lu helps with the finances and Bobby helps with building projects. Together, they delight in exploring the bay on jet skis seeking out playful dolphins, and traveling around the world. “Bobby and I are looking for our next big trip, thinking, Scotland or Ireland, but I also want to see the northern lights,” Lu said.

 

For Bobby and Lu, family has always been at the heart of their journey. The two met as teenagers in Missouri at a church youth rally. A month after Lu graduated high school, they tied the knot. Then came their daughters, April and Brittany. Tragically, a terrible car accident claimed the life of 11-year-old Brittany. April survived; however, she still feels the effects of the accident. She and her husband Steven have two adorable boys, Nicholas, 7 and Michael, 4, and reside in Prairieville, LA. “We spend a lot of time on Interstate 10, between Florida and Louisiana,” Lu stated. Their annual tradition of embarking on unforgettable adventures with their grandsons is a cherished highlight. From walking the cobblestone streets of Rome to cruising through the azure waters of the Mediterranean to exploring Disneyland, each expedition is filled with laughter, love, and the joy of creating lasting memories.

 

Bobby's journey from electrical contracting to real estate ventures reflects his entrepreneurial spirit and knack for turning dreams into reality. From buying and renting houses to building apartments and strip malls, Bobby continues to escape retirement. Lu's ascent from accounting graduate to CFO of a multinational corporation for 32 years had the family relocating often, from Louisiana to Tennessee to Missouri to Jamaica. “Since the company moved us around, Bobby would build a new house each time we moved, and would also invest in property in the different states we lived,” Lu explained. She retired successfully in 2021.

 

As they embark on this new chapter of their lives, Bobby and Lu remain ever-curious and adventurous. From contemplating their next big trip to savoring the simple joys of beachside living and time spent with family, they embrace each day with gratitude and optimism. Their story serves as an inspiration to embrace change, cherish loved ones, and savor the beauty of each moment along the way.