River Wilderness FAQ

River Wilderness is a secure golf and country club community of about 800 homes nestled on the Manatee River. Homes blend perfectly with the 18-hole golf course offering an authentic country lifestyle. Our country community is in Parrish, Florida – The River Wilderness is a community that includes several smaller neighborhoods. Each Sub Association has its own theme of beautiful homes in natural and manicured surroundings with many amenities. 59 Community Lakes. 1500 Acres with Abundant Green Spaces. Two Security Gates. We enjoy a 27,000-sq-ft clubhouse. Convenient RV/Boat Storage & Boat Ramp. Plus, The Club at River Wilderness — A semi-private club with golf course, practice facilities, fitness center, community pool, tennis courts, and more.

Access to Our Community

Community Gates – Bar Code Entry

Access to the ‘Nicest Community on the Sun Coast’. We have an Auto Bar Code Procedure! If you are new here you will need a new bar code sticker that will allow access through the River Wilderness gates. Basically, go see ‘Merry’ at the Community Center. Resource Guide in PDF format

Access & Safety  –  access@rwhoa.org

River Wilderness  â€“  941-981-5520

Community Center Main Guard Gate – 941-776-2243

Islands Guard Gate  –  941-776-5953

If you have any questions, e-mail or call any of us at the RWHOA board.


Amenities

Community Amenities on Site

Boat Storage

River Wilderness in Parrish, Florida offers boat storage and a community boat ramp for residents in good standing:

  • Location
    • The RV/Boat storage area is located off of Wilderness Blvd. W., between the Club Fitness Center and the entrance to Savannah Lakes.
  • Access
    • Only residents in good standing are allowed to use the RV/Boat storage area.
  • Boat slips
    • Boat slips are available on a first-come, first-served basis through the Homeowner’s Management Company.
  • Boat ramp
    • River Wilderness also has a community boat ramp.

If you have any questions, e-mail or call any of us at the RWHOA board.


Bocce Ball

Come out and play with other River Wilderness Homeowners. Bocce Ball is a game that can be played by anyone regardless of age, athletic ability or gender. The Bocce Ball Courts are an RW HOA amenity and are open to all residents. When you can please join us at the Bocce Ball courts at 3:00 PM on any Monday for an introduction. The courts are located behind the Savannah Lakes sign.

  • Please park at the Club and walk to the courts.
  • Do not park on the street by the court. If you have a golf cart, you may park at the
  • courts by driving around the back of the courts.
  • Please note that the ground leading to the courts has been extremely wet, so you may want to enter from the front, don’t drive on the grass, if it’s still too wet.
  • There are community bocce balls at the courts for anyone who wishes to play or practice other than on Mondays.
  • Please groom the courts after use, the broom is behind the bulletin board, no special skill is required, just drag the broom around the court.
  • This is a very social game, so bring whatever refreshments you enjoy and since it’s an Italian game, the rules are flexible.

If you have any questions, e-mail or call any of us at the RWHOA board.


Fitness Center

Optional membership allows you to enjoy the tennis, pickleball, fitness center and the social activities at the club. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. River Wilderness

Stay fit and active in our modern fitness center, equipped with cutting-edge equipment and dedicated trainers. From cardio machines to strength training, we have everything you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

  • Unlimited use of the Fitness Facility, fitness classes, tennis courts, pickleball course and pool
  • 7 day advanced court reservations
  • Discounted rates for personal training and lessons
  • Guests privileges for fining and social events
  • Guest Passes available to use fitness amenities for a fee

If you have any questions, e-mail or call any of us at the RWHOA board.


RV and Boat Storage

The RV/Boat storage area is only available for use by residents in good standing of River Wilderness. The RV/Boat storage area is located off of Wilderness Blvd. W. between the entrance to Savannah Lakes and the Club Fitness Center.


Community Site Plan

Community Site Plan

Our gated golf course community that was developed from 1985 – 2016, with a total of 800 homes. The homes in River Wilderness are set amongst an 18-hole golf course, offering country living at its best. RW is just 6 miles southeast of exit 224 of I-75 in Parrish, FL. Parrish is perfectly positioned between the Tampa/St. Petersburg area and the Bradenton/Sarasota area. By car, we are 2 hours from Orlando, 30 minutes from the Gulf beaches, 5 minutes from our own boat ramp on the scenic Manatee River, and 1 minute from the golf course! Our community is located on 1500 acres and contains over 900 completed homes. We are still growing. Our newest sections, “The Islands” and “Cypress Glen,” are under construction. Newly constructed homes in The Islands offer private harbors and individual boat docks with direct access to the Manatee River and beyond. Cypress Glen offers maintenance-free homes.

The following maps are showing our River Wilderness Community Site Plan. These are maps showing our community roads, water ways, nature preserves, and homes. We are the River Wilderness Community located on the Manatee River in Parrish, Florida.

A yellow hat with a black and white logo
Site Map of River Wilderness at Manatee River
A yellow hat with a black and white logo
A yellow hat with a black and white logo
Community Center

Community Center

Our River Wilderness Community, situated in Parrish, Florida, is a gated golf course community that boasts full-time security services. surrounded by breathtaking trees and picturesque landscaping. Situated along the Manatee River, the community surrounds the Golfing green. We have access to The Club, In addition to this fully private Community Center .

The Club

The Club

Families of River Wilderness enjoy an exclusive and private country club. Stretching 27,000-square-foot our Clubhouse at the country club permits residents to enjoy top-notch golfing, fine dining, and community centered social events. While club memberships are available for residents, they are not mandatory. The Club.

More FAQ

Parking Policy

  • The parking policies for River Wilderness Community Center include:
  • Parking spaces: Parking spaces are limited.
  • Parking locations: Parking is not allowed on the grass or along Wilderness Blvd.
  • Overnight parking: Overnight parking is not allowed, except for the gate security officer on duty.
  • Boats, motor homes, and RV’s must display a current. Florida license plate and must be insured. The item must be registered to a current resident. 

Resource Guide in PDF format


Golf Carts

Many residents own a personal golf cart. In our refined country community , private golf carts are allowed on the roads in River Wilderness, but there are some rules and regulations and so does the sunny state of Florida. These include Drivers License, Age, Speed Limits. The
guidelines for use of personal golf carts driven on community roads and common property are:

  • Only licensed drivers are permitted to
    drive the golf cart.
  • Carts must yield to walkers and bikers and
    follow normal vehicle “rules of the road.”
  • Front & rear lights are required after dusk.

Resource Guide in PDF format


HOA & No CDD

While our HOA is here to serve the greater community of River Wilderness in Parrish, Florida our community does not have a Community Development District (CDD.

Your River Wilderness of Bradenton Foundation, Inc. has a non-profit Homeowners Association (HOA) that is for the community managed by the community. Every property owner in our community is a member. The HOA is responsible for the common areas, including the lakes, roads, and gate access. Homeowners are responsible for their own yard care. Hurricane Plan

We will do our upmost to provide needed information on your RWHOA website.

Upon public issuance of a hurricane watch, residents of River Wilderness should begin making preparations for possible hurricane conditions and impending evacuation orders


Here are some tips for preparing for a hurricane:

  • Have a plan
  • Test your emergency communication plan, learn evacuation routes, and have a place to stay.
  • Pack a go bag.
  • Stock emergency supplies. 
  • Shelter safely.
  • Practice going to a designated safe shelter for high winds. If that’s not possible, go to a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of a sturdy building that’s not likely to flood.
  • Protect your property by installing sewer backflow valves, anchor fuel tanks, review insurance policies, and catalog belongings.

Resource Guide in PDF format 


Useful Links

Useful Links

Manatee County Local Information

Whether you are a newcomer to River Wilderness Community in Parrish Florida or enjoyed our area for a while, this is the information to refer to year after year. Useful Links for Manatee County


Tax Collector’s Office

Otherwise known to out-of-staters as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), or Secretary of State (SOS) office.  Among other services, this is the place where you will update a driver’s license, register your vehicles, update your license plates, pay your property tax, obtain a Hunting or Fishing License or apply for that all-important Homestead Exemption.  To see a complete list of available services, visit https://www.taxcollector.com/

The closest Tax Collector office is conveniently located on 4333 US 301 N, North River Office, on 301 just west of I75.  In-person appointments can be scheduled online, or for certain services only, can be handled online.

If you are new to Florida, you will need to make an in-person appointment.  Be sure to bring proof of residency to obtain certain services, such as obtaining a Florida Driver’s license.  


Tax Collector Automobile related links:

In-Person Appointment Scheduling
New Resident information/Forms:
Driver’s license/Learner’s permits 
Automobile Registration/renewal
Parking Permits for the Disabled


Property Tax Related Links

Property Tax General Information

Homeowners Property Tax exemptions


Hunting, Voting

Hunting and Fishing Licenses 

Register to Vote/Find your Polling Place 


Electric Company

Florida Power and Light (FPL) – Establish New or Transfer Service

To report a power outage, contact FPL at 1-800-468-8243 (1-800-4OUTAGE)


Gas Company (TECO)           

Establish or Transfer Service , or by phone at (877) 832-6747 


Manatee County Utilities

Establish or Transfer Services, Trash, Recycling, Water & Sewer – or by phone at (941)-792-8811


Trash, Recycling and Yard Waste Pick Up Schedule*            

Tuesday and Friday: Trash

Tuesday:                    Recycling

Wednesday:              Yard Waste

*Delayed by one day during Holiday weeks. 
See Manatee County’s website for holiday schedule details.  
Please have your receptacles out by 6:00 am on the date of pick up. 
All cans must be brought in within twelve (12) hours of pick up.   

E-scrap and Household Hazardous Waste

Manatee County will dispose of certain household hazardous waste at their Lena Road facility.  Visit their website for more details about disposing household hazardous waste. 
Please do not dispose of any hazardous waste with your regular trash. The hauler will not pick them up.


Cable Companies/Internet Service:        

Spectrum 855 860-9068

Frontier 877-980-3498


Emergency Services

Manatee County Sheriff’s Office

Emergencies in progress (dispatch):  911
To report a crime or non-emergency call 941-747-3011, Extension 2260


Alligator

To Report a nuisance Alligator call 855-FWDGATOR



Fire Department

For emergencies in progress:  911

For non-emergencies or general information: 941-721-2093


Title Fraud

Title Fraud Notification Service – Manatee County Office of Deeds  

Title fraud is rare, but if it does occur, registering for this free service through the county allows you to be notified immediately about any transactions on your property (i.e. a lien or title transfer).

If you have experienced Title Fraud, call the Manatee County Sheriff’s non-emergency line
at 941-747-3011 Extension 2260 to report that you are a victim of title fraud. The Sherriff’s office will advise you on how to proceed moving forward.

 

 

Community Information

 

 

HOA Contact Information

RW Monthly Lake Inspections

 

 

Homeowner Utilities
Electric, Water/Sewer, Refuse,
TV, Phone, Internet

RW Weather Station #1
RW Weather Station #2

 

 

Estoppel Requests

Traffic and Speed Enforcement

 

The Club at River Wilderness

County & State Information

 

 

Manatee County Evacuation Information

 

 

Manatee County Sheriff’s Office
Emergency 911 Report Incident 941-747-3011

 

 

FWC-Alligator Management

Manatee Hurricane Readiness

FWC-Living With Raccoons

 

 

Manatee Animal Services

Manatee County Newsletter

 

 

Manatee Emergency Management

Manatee Water Restrictions

 

Manatee County Solid Waste Info

 

 

Manatee CodeRED Weather Warning

SWFWMD Stormwater Systems

 

 

Understanding Fish Kills
Cold Weather Fish Kills

 

 

 

 

Florida Statutes Government Site

Florida Statutes

If you are new to Florida a seasoned Floridian or this is your first home, the 2024 Florida Statutes are helpful. Here is the handy link to their website.