The Palms Estates Retirement Community of Lorida, Florida, came into being in 1959 as the realization of a dream of a few interested persons in the Church of the Brethren in Lorida. The purchase of 83 acres along Lake Istokpoga provided the nucleus for the development of the Retirement Community.

    The Palms Estates incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation, separate from the Palms of Sebring but affiliated with the Church of the Brethren, in 1984. It has over the years become a growing and thriving community.

    The canal which was dug in 1960 runs through the Retirement community and spreads out to the 28,000 acre Lake Istokpoga. Crossing the canal initially in 1960 was accomplished by a primitive, but novel, ferry-boat on a wire cable.

    Home constructions began in 1961 and a progression of community buildings and improvements ensued as the Palms Estates grew from its early infancy. A well was drilled in 1961 and a machine shop was constructed in 1964.

    The adjacent Lorida Church of the Brethren was built in 1964.

    In 1966, steel for a foot-bridge was bought and assembled and set in place replacing the ferryboat on a wire cable crossing. The year 1966 also marked the planting of orange and grapefruit trees as a source of income and nutrition for the resident's consumption. In 1976, water and sewer systems were installed. During the years 1978-1980, a Fellowship Center and Hobby House were remodeled and an RV area for travel trailers and motor homes was developed.

    Now with 71 homes, either constructed or manufactured, plus 32 spaces for recreational vehicles, the Palms Estates Community enjoys meeting and recreational facilities which include a Fellowship Center (club house), a Hobby House (a game and craft center), a swimming pool, shuffleboard courts, boating, fishing, biking, etc. Golfing is also available at several nearby golf courses.