Philip Benjamin Tower

Pros

• The manager is knowledgeable.
• Ms. B.J. is great.
• The staff are helpful, friendly, and willing to help.
• Residents have peace of mind.
• Residents love living at Philip Benjamin Tower.
• Residents appreciate the staff, amenities (laundry room, library, computer room), and the bus service with activities.
• It is affordable for low-income seniors on a sliding-scale rent.
• The community is safe, well-kept, and central, with 24-hour desk staff.
• Real estate professionals have referred clients here.

Cons

• There is a problem with the elevators and mold from hurricanes.

Review

There's a strong sense of care and capability that comes through in the impressions shared about Philip Benjamin Tower. The people who live there consistently point to a manager who seems to know her stuff and to a staff that feels welcoming and capable. One reviewer captures the spirit with a straightforward compliment: "Bj the Manager knows her stuff. Awesome." Another echoing sentiment simply sums it up as "Ms. B.J. is great." Taken together, these reflections paint a picture of a community where getting to know the staff and the manager is part of what makes living there feel reassuring. The overall tone from many residents and family members is that meeting the team and settling in has been a positive, peace-of-mind experience.

That warmth does come with a note of realism. A few reviewers acknowledge that there are areas that need work, specifically mentioning problems with elevators and mold connected to past hurricanes. It's a reminder that, while the community is valued for its social connections and staff, it's not without its challenges. The balance in these testimonials is telling: residents appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and the people who run the place, even as some infrastructure concerns remain on the table for ongoing improvement. It's a portrait of a living environment that earns high marks for people and program, while continuing to address practical upkeep.

For those considering moving in, the experience can unfold in a very tangible, positive way. One resident describes the transition as taking a little time, but ultimately finding a home they love in Philip Benjamin Tower. The individual notes nearly three years of residence and highlights the breadth of on-site and nearby resources that help make daily life richer. The staff, the laundry room, the library, and the computer room are all mentioned as practical conveniences. Then there's the community lifeblood - the bus that takes residents shopping and to banks, plus a calendar of activities ranging from bingo and card playing nights to movie nights, concerts, shuffleboard, and more. The affordability aspect is also highlighted, with a sliding-scale rent program that makes the place accessible for low-income seniors, reinforcing the sense that this is a community designed to be inclusive and supportive.

Families speak with equal warmth about the safety, care, and ongoing attentiveness of the environment. One reviewer describes their mom finding a "beautiful safe, independent home community with caring, responsive and friendly staff." The sentiment is echoed in notes that the place is well kept and that the staff remain pleasant and involved, underscoring how important it is for loved ones to feel secure about the day-to-day environment. It's not just about a roof over a head; it's about being in a space where the person you care for can thrive and feel comfortable.

Comparisons to other communities further reinforce the positive impression. "Compared to others I visited it's great," one person remarks, signaling that Philip Benjamin Tower holds its own in a competitive landscape of senior living options. Additional affirmations point to practical benefits: a reliable bus for outings, secure nighttime presence, and a robust slate of activities. These visible features - transport, safety, and social engagement - seem to matter deeply to residents who value independence paired with community support, making the Tower appear as a compelling choice for seniors seeking both motion and meaning in their daily lives.

The lived experience for families, especially those connected to a parent, is perhaps most vivid in the extended testimonial about bringing a mother to live there two years ago. The writer expresses deep appreciation for a safe, independent apartment where the staff's hard work translates into safety and happiness for residents. They describe a central location that facilitates access to services and social opportunities, noting the 24-hour desk presence and the system of pull cords that allow residents to request assistance if needed. The daily check-ins for those who don't report in are framed as a thoughtful safeguard, reinforcing the sense of a tight-knit, attentive community. The Gulfport Senior Center becomes part of the daily rhythm, a detail that locals will recognize and value. The writer also mentions referrals of real estate clients, suggesting growing trust in Philip Benjamin Tower as a reliable, reputable solution for families seeking for aging parents.

Put simply, the picture that emerges is one of a senior-living community that blends warmth, activity, and practical care. The staff and management are repeatedly described as friendly, responsive, and committed to the residents' well-being, with B.J. singled out as a capable and appreciated leader. Residents enjoy a rich menu of programs and amenities - on-site spaces for laundry, libraries, and computers; organized activities that foster connection; and accessible transportation that supports independence. At the same time, there is honest recognition that improvements are needed in certain facilities components, such as elevators and mold remediation tied to historical storms. Taken together, the overall sense is that Philip Benjamin Tower is a dependable, people-centered community that helps seniors live safely, actively, and with a strong sense of belonging.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.2 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (0.6 miles)
• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• Walgreens (1.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)

Hospitals

• All Children's Obgyn Specialists (0.2 miles)
• St Anthony's Hospital (3.8 miles)
• Bayfront Health St. Petersburg (4.4 miles)
• All Children's Hospital (4.5 miles)

Physicians

• Allergy Associates (0.6 miles)
• Bay Area Family Practice (0.7 miles)
• Retina Vitreous Associates (1.3 miles)
• Pediatric Health Care Alliance (1.3 miles)
• Pasadena Eye Center (1.4 miles)
• Bay Area Medical (2.4 miles)
• Central Neurology Sleep Disorders Center (3 miles)

Restaurants

• Chuck E. Cheese's (0.6 miles)
• Dead Bob's (1.1 miles)
• Chili's Grill & Bar (1.5 miles)
• Portillo's Hot Dogs (1.6 miles)
• McDonald's (1.9 miles)
• Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish (1.9 miles)
• Casita Taqueria (2.7 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.9 miles)
• Bandit Coffee Co. (2.7 miles)
• Mazzaro's Italian Market (2.7 miles)
• Bula Kafe (2.8 miles)
• Kristina's Cafe (2.9 miles)
• Starbucks (4.6 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.7 miles)

Parks

• Northwest Park (1.4 miles)
• Azalea Park (1.7 miles)
• Treasure Island Beach (3.7 miles)
• Roser Park (4.5 miles)
• Crescent Lake Park (4.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Christ The Cornerstone (3.8 miles)
• Allendale United Methodist Church (4.5 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Park Place & RPX (4.6 miles)
• AMC Sundial 12 (4.8 miles)