General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsFor all the Florida bashing that goes on here, let me just tell you....Florida kicks ass right now!
Last edited Wed Mar 9, 2016, 08:35 PM - Edit history (1)
I know the old "Florida Man" bullshit and yeah, I get it. I've lived on and off in Florida since 1963 and graduated HS in Miami in the late 70's. I've lived in SW FL as well as the Ocala area and am now on "The First Coast".
But....just indulge me here for a sec, willya?
Here is what is happening JUST THIS WEEK in my beloved home state;
It's BIKE WEEK!
It's SPRING TRAINING TIME!!
(I was within 120 miles of most of those games that played today. 4 were less than 30 miles away!)
The STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL IS ON!!
The INDY CARS ARE IN ST. PETERSBURG this weekend
And The 12 HOURS OF SEBRING is next week!
SPRING BREAK is starting up!
And the WEATHER IS FINE!
Now...just to be clear, I don't give a damn whether you like my state or not, nor do I care whether or not you ever come here.
But for those of us who know there are just as many "::Insert the name of your state here::: MAN" stories as there are FLA Man, and who love this state for all its beauty, fun and activities, we love...LOVE this time of year.
There's a SHITLOAD going on!
So come on down if you want!
Oh yeah...I lived in a house that had Manatees stop by on occasion,,,,,so there!!
KamaAina
(78,249 posts)It is well known that the Creator has decreed that strawberries are to be grown in California.
What's next? Wine grapes?
A HERETIC I AM
(24,360 posts)and allow me to relieve you of your gross misapprehension.
And FWIW, wine grapes are grown in every state of the union
KamaAina
(78,249 posts)A HERETIC I AM
(24,360 posts)We've had our differences...but don't be a Cali wine snob. Or a Strawberry snob. No need for any of that.
Can't believe FL is moving in on our strawberries. 🙂
A HERETIC I AM
(24,360 posts)(Massive winter tomato production) and I'll bet there are FLA Strawberries in a grocery store near you, because even Oxnard can't produce ALL the time.
abelenkpe
(9,933 posts)Have been from Mexico or Peru. Not always the case, just these past few months. Maybe it's a winter thing? The strawberries have been from Oxnard. I'm sure the Florida produce is tasty though.
petronius
(26,595 posts)Silly Florida-Mans...
Eleanors38
(18,318 posts)But I'll admit that Texas grapefruit runs the table!
csziggy
(34,131 posts)While California strawberries might be excellent, by the time they are shipped east, they are past their prime.
One of the reasons that Publix grocery stores have good produce is the farming in Central Florida. Publix buys directly from some of the farms and ships the produce to their stores on their own trucks. The Plant City strawberries we get here in Tallahassee left the fields usually only a day or two before we pick them up in the stores.
When I was a kid growing up fifteen miles from where Publix started Mom used to buy strawberries at the farm stands along the roads between Bartow and Tampa. Once Publix built a store in Bartow, she bought her strawberries there - their produce managers were better at picking good strawberries and they were not more expensive from the store than they were at the farm stands.
ChiciB1
(15,435 posts)the West Coast. I live about an hour south of there now. But the towns you named are big strawberry towns, but we have many places who grow about 15 miles inland from where I live. My mother-in-law worked Public for many, many years. I think the owners are still Repubs, but it's one grocery store that has always treated it's employees very well. In Florida if you say grocery store, you say Publix!
Just thought I would add a comment. Living on the west coast is better than the east for me.
Outta here.
csziggy
(34,131 posts)But, yes, many of the areas in Florida south of the I-4 corridor have great farming communities. Plant City is most noted for strawberries but they are grown all over Florida.
As you say, Publix is owned by Republicans, but they are good to their employees. They have good profit sharing and they like to promote from the ranks so the opportunities are good for advancement. You can tell - the employees are usually very pleasant and don't seem to be burned out.
A HERETIC I AM
(24,360 posts)They are privately held (Their stock doesn't trade on an exchange) but they do indeed treat their employees well.
salinsky
(1,065 posts)... I can attest to the fact that the strawberries coming out of this area from December thru mid-March are THE best.
I'll be going to the farm tomorrow.
I'll post a pic of my haul.
Tommy_Carcetti
(43,143 posts)Most are small boutique places, but some--like Lakeridge near Orlando--put out a decent stock of product.
Most started with Muscadine grapes, which are a sweet but perhaps acquired taste, but they've developed more and more hybrids that taste like traditional wine grapes but grow well in Florida's subtropical environment.
RockaFowler
(7,429 posts)That place is incredible, too. Up on a hill overlooking downtown Clermont (that's a joke).
Tommy_Carcetti
(43,143 posts)But yeah, I do enjoy stopping by Lakeridge on my drives between South Florida and Gainesville. It's right off the turnpike, so it's very convenient.
ScreamingMeemie
(68,918 posts)watch her beloved Tigers play.
monmouth4
(9,685 posts)saltpoint
(50,986 posts)they should consider a trip.
The Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg is astonishing.
Then drive from Miami to Key West. One of the most gorgeous drives in the country.
Eleanors38
(18,318 posts)We stopped talking, turned off the radio, and rolled down the windows. Such a wonder.
I still like to walk amongst the gators at Payne's Prairie Preserve, then travel 8 miles to a top university and see whatever you WANT to see. The coasts? Less than 2 hours, east or west. Then there is the Ichetucknee...
saltpoint
(50,986 posts)and it's all genuinely interesting stuff.
I like seeing the alligators in the Everglades. Durn things act like they own the place!
Eleanors38
(18,318 posts)when it decided to change spots. Right in the middle of the old campus by the auditorium and Century Tower.
saltpoint
(50,986 posts)around, who ya gonna call -- the Gator Relocator.
Yep. Every once in a while an alligator decides to park its butt in the middle of a major highway and stalls traffic for hours.
Eleanors38
(18,318 posts)saltpoint
(50,986 posts)I don't know what kind of mind set someone has to be in to do those innertube trips down the St. John's River or the rivers in the southern part of the state.
It would give me pause, I think.
I was at the Loxahatchee Preserve near West Palm Beach some years back. Two very large gators had what might be called "a vigorous dispute" over which one would get a particular fish for dinner. You got the impression that both gators felt quite strongly about the matter.
A HERETIC I AM
(24,360 posts)They are typically ambush but opportunistic predators. They aren't like sharks that might come up from underneath and nibble your bum!
Now...if you are a Pekingese walking along right next to the waters edge of a canal.......
saltpoint
(50,986 posts)their little dogs onto the backyard clothesline near canals and alligators deciding it was a a kind of shiskabob. The owner comes back outside. The line's still there. No Fluffy.
A HERETIC I AM
(24,360 posts)If you look at Google Earth shots of South Florida, you'll see there are miles and miles of canals that lead from the everglades all the way into the heart of the residential areas.
The gators would come up the canals with regularity. Snagging a dog or a cat is not at all unusual.
csziggy
(34,131 posts)That is one of the top gator hunting lakes in North Florida and some very large gators live there.
The skiers would go down and while the boat was circling back to pick them up we could see the gators cruising in the same direction. We were wondering what would happen if the gators got to the skiers before the boat did!
saltpoint
(50,986 posts)couple of those skiers looked pretty tasty.
csziggy
(34,131 posts)Broderick Vaughan, a guide for licensed alligator hunts and a nuisance alligator trapper, takes group on a gator hunt.
http://www.tallahassee.com/story/life/2015/09/11/night-crawl-intrepid-alligator-hunters-never-say-never/72070644/
But the biggest in the area was killed in Lake Talquin on the other side of the county:
14-Foot Lake Talquin Gator is Largest on Record
http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/14-Foot-Gator-Caught-in-Lake-Talquin-166965916.html
People water ski in that lake, too.
A HERETIC I AM
(24,360 posts)sooner or later, will have a gator in it.
Cassiopeia
(2,603 posts)You have a gator, had a gator, or will have a gator.
We have a small one in our canal, only about 6 feet.
Eleanors38
(18,318 posts)jehop61
(1,735 posts)the grandkids are coming down for a visit!
onpatrol98
(1,989 posts)I think Florida is a great state. I've vacationed there. So, I'm not an authority. LOL. But, every state is so different and unique. I'd love to visit each one. In terms of Florida, there seems to be something for everyone.
liberal N proud
(60,332 posts)The Grand Prix and the beaches!
lpbk2713
(42,736 posts)A HERETIC I AM
(24,360 posts)Fuddnik
(8,846 posts)lpbk2713
(42,736 posts)But you can park nearby in the afternoons and watch the air show for free.
eissa
(4,238 posts)Cocoa Beach for a few days, then driving down to Miami for a couple of days. Looking forward to exploring the landscape, food and culture.
A HERETIC I AM
(24,360 posts)eissa
(4,238 posts)There seems to be so many great Cuban places it's hard to choose which ones to try. If you have any other tips, please share!
A HERETIC I AM
(24,360 posts)"Ciro's" in Miami (well....almost Perrine, south on US1 from downtown)
Go to The Bayfront complex downtown Miami. Cool
Coconut Grove. VERY cool
Venetian Pool Literally cool!
Play a round of golf at the Biltmore.
Walk the Art Deco District of South Beach.
Eat Conch Chowder in Marathon.
Spend an entire day drinking on Duval Street, Key West
Snorkel at John Pennekamp State Park
Visit Silver Springs
And drive around the Horse Farms of Marion County.
Too many more to list!
eissa
(4,238 posts)How am I going to fit everything in just two days?! I really wish I had more time, there is so much I want to see. South Beach and Bayfront Park were already on my list, plus Crandon Beach in Key Biscayne, and of course Little Havana (going to get our salsa on at Ball and Chain -- really looking forward to that!) I was undecided on Coconut Grove, but will now look into it more -- thanks!
A HERETIC I AM
(24,360 posts)A visit to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is very cool;
NightWatcher
(39,343 posts)For the weather alone Florida is worth it.
A HERETIC I AM
(24,360 posts)And it's hard to beat being able to walk outside in shorts and a T-Shirt the first week of March!
Fuddnik
(8,846 posts)Solar powered pool heater.
A HERETIC I AM
(24,360 posts)Like most houses, we had a pool, and if it was clean, I would go swimming every Jan 1st.
Yup....
I'll hang.
spooky3
(34,401 posts)Ex and I had a great time in Miami years ago. Great weather, friendly people...
LiberalElite
(14,691 posts)HATED Bike Week. She stayed indoors the whole time.
JI7
(89,237 posts)I'm not sure why. It's not politics since i would look forward to places like Alabama Montana Kansas etc
ScreamingMeemie
(68,918 posts)Actually, I love visiting San Antonio for the history and the missions. I never knew how much there was to "know" about Texas until I moved here.
kentauros
(29,414 posts)I only know Texas, so I'll leave it to Heretic to give similar links for more info on Florida:
Texas Highways - The Official Travel Magazine of Texas
The Handbook of Texas Online | Texas State Historical Association (TSHA)
which includes
The Handbook of Tejano History
The Handbook of African American Texas
The Handbook of Texas Music
The Handbook of Houston
Perhaps it would help us be better able to help you if you detailed exactly what it is about our two states you don't like beyond the politics
JI7
(89,237 posts)Or more conservative.
kentauros
(29,414 posts)I am just curious if it's possible you could give us some details beyond what little you've stated so far. It's just too vague. Most people around here love details
longship
(40,416 posts)State pride is cool.
(Go Detroit Tigers! )
A HERETIC I AM
(24,360 posts)just south of the Rouge River.
For a good 18 months it said;
"Go Tigers!
(and take the Lions with you)"
I shit you not.
longship
(40,416 posts)(Well, maybe the Lions, but not the Tigers.)
Al Kaline, Jim Northrup, the Gator (Gates Brown!), and the incredible Mickey Lolich who while on the mound hid his ball grip behind his beer belly and won the World Series for the Tigers that year.
But, yup! The Lions have never recovered since they let Earl Morrall go. Milt Plum? Bah!
Eleanors38
(18,318 posts)Bucky
(53,928 posts)malaise
(268,641 posts)I visit Florida every year - family - and there are places I love. Saw more than a few US kids around today - all here for the weekend of parties
radical noodle
(7,997 posts)I'm going to stay away from the beaches for the next couple of weeks, though. Thanks for the great pics!
packman
(16,296 posts)beaches - come to the Emerald Coast stretching from Destin to Pensacola, Florida. Mile upon mile of soft, white sand with blue/green waves purring on the shore - sure a few sharks, but that makes it interesting
Fuddnik
(8,846 posts)Featuring defending champ and #1 ranked golfer in the world, Jordan Spieth.
Innisbrook is just north of Clearwater, within walking distance of my house.
Warpy
(111,117 posts)My dad loved it. My mother hated it. I'll leave it for the people who love it.
Land of Enchantment
(1,217 posts)and have several family members there. Beautiful place but not like it was back in the 60's and 70's. Plant City rocks and I miss the grapefruit, strawberries, avocados and oranges. Not gonna pick on you.
bigwillq
(72,790 posts)Enjoy.
giftedgirl77
(4,713 posts)Woohoo
Beringia
(4,316 posts)We took vacations there as a kid and they were magical.
Mike__M
(1,052 posts)a gopher is a reptile, when everyone in the country knows that a gopher is a rodent.
Nice post. Sure is more to most states than we normally think about. To me, "Florida" brings to mind Carl Hiaasen, which is probably not fair.
By the way, you ought to pressure Bernie to promise tuition-free swimming lessons to all residents, in lieu of action on climate change.
And ask Hillary for needs-based assistance for low income floaters; yacht owners won't need help.
Generic Other
(28,979 posts)where it has rained more this season than any time in recorded history! This pale face admits to some world class envy!!
A HERETIC I AM
(24,360 posts)The Summer is the rainy season and it will come down here as well, trust me.
It's kind of dry right now, but everything gets as green as can be come the summertime.
A roundtrip from SEATAC to Miami would cost you less than $500
Generic Other
(28,979 posts)LOL. That does sound tempting. Spring break is a Florida tradition, right?
A HERETIC I AM
(24,360 posts)And yes, Spring Break is most definitely a Florida Tradition, dating back to the 50's. The movie "Where the Boys Are" was famous for it's representation of Spring Break in Fort Lauderdale.
It's all over the state now, though. Clearwater Beach is a big draw as well as Fort Myers Beach, not to mention the gorgeous panhandle beaches.
Lochloosa
(16,057 posts)Being 88 miles from my home helps.
http://waneefestival.com/
RKP5637
(67,083 posts)in the US!
ms liberty
(8,549 posts)And I agree. I miss it, and would move back in a heartbeat, but mr liberty is not interested.
rpannier
(24,326 posts)I thought Bugs Bunny sawed it off and sent it to South America years ago
Seriously:
K&R. I wouldn't live there, but it's a nice state. Too much humidity for my liking
And... I missed the hate on Florida posts - a good thing I'll admit, for I am tiring of the 'X state (region) sucks' posts we've gotten
Have a nice day/evening
And has Florida reached Trinidad and Tobago yet?
A HERETIC I AM
(24,360 posts)And has Florida reached Trinidad and Tobago yet?
Yup. Just now!
mcar
(42,278 posts)I live in manatee area. Plus we have one of the nation's top rail trails that bicyclists from all over the world come to ride.
There's lots about Florida that drives me crazy (I'm looking at you Gov Voldemort) but spring is the best!
LibDemAlways
(15,139 posts)highrises overlooking the beach. They were featured on an episode of House Hunters when they bought it. View to die for. Lovely place.
mcar
(42,278 posts)ileus
(15,396 posts)metroins
(2,550 posts)Is where I think all the crazies are. Bike Week also isn't something I'd brag about.
Personally, I love Florida.
I live in Texas and would move to FL in a heartbeat, but TX is easier to make money in.
bvf
(6,604 posts)metroins
(2,550 posts)bvf
(6,604 posts)metroins
(2,550 posts)I am not pming anybody; I rarely send out PM's.
This is a picture of my inbox:
bvf
(6,604 posts)I haven't responded to you via PM. You should take that as a hint.
Hopefully you will.
metroins
(2,550 posts)What you're talking about, but I hope you have a good night.
I literally have zero clue who you are.
bvf
(6,604 posts)I won't. But stop PMing me.
metroins
(2,550 posts)And I'm not "blacking out"....I think you may be mistaking me with the wrong person or taking this internet a little too seriously. I make a lot of posts on the internet, I am sorry if you're not a memorable one if we have interacted.
If you look, you responded to me in this thread, then told me not to pm you.
If you have an issue with me, there is that whole ignore function.
bvf
(6,604 posts)or to use the ignore function except in those rare instances in which MIRT is in catch-up mode.
You asked upthread, "Is there a problem?"
Yes, apparently.
metroins
(2,550 posts)bvf
(6,604 posts)before sending any more PMs you can't recall.
metroins
(2,550 posts)You can continue to discuss the bike shed while I finish working.
bvf
(6,604 posts)Sending unsolicited and unwanted PMs?
metroins
(2,550 posts)responding to you in a thread is considered a "PM"? When you are the one who responded to my post in the thread.
That is confusing.
Anyway, I guess you are trolling me or something, I will stop responding now and add you to ignore so that I don't try to be rational to a person who is being irrational.
Enjoy your week.
Do you understand that posting a snapshot of your inbox is pointless, but amusing?
Eleanors38
(18,318 posts)Vilis Veritas
(2,405 posts)Beautiful place Florida.
Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
FLSurfer
(431 posts)concours d'elegance in Amelia Island.
A must for any Porsche fan.
Happening right now, through this weekend.
A HERETIC I AM
(24,360 posts)PufPuf23
(8,747 posts)UTUSN
(70,639 posts)Tommy_Carcetti
(43,143 posts)There's nothing wrong with Florida itself. It's awesome here.
The only problem related with Florida is its government. That's the only real negative in living here.
Everything else is perfect.
RoccoR5955
(12,471 posts)and speed weeks there?
A HERETIC I AM
(24,360 posts)The months of February, March and April have a shitload going on!
It starts with winter testing, then the 24 hour race, then Speed Weeks ending with the 500. A couple weeks later the Pitchers and Catchers show up, followed by the beginnings of bike week...etc.etc.etc.....
So yeah, it's the whole thing and it did indeed start 60 days ago.
Eleanors38
(18,318 posts)The sound is not replicated anywhere; it's not just the loudness, it is world-filling, enough to drive you to your feet in elation and fear. I still remember the Big-Block era of 200 mph monsters -- Living, organic thunder!
RoccoR5955
(12,471 posts)We sat in the next to the last row just in front of the start finish line. To get the top row, the folks would have had to die.
Even 10 or so years ago, they were quite loud.
NASCAR has gotten too commercial for us though, so we gave up the seats.
Cassiopeia
(2,603 posts)At least here in SWFL. Nice warm and breezy days with cooler nights with all of the windows wide open.
Love this time of year down here.
Liberal Jesus Freak
(1,451 posts)I miss it every day
ornotna
(10,791 posts)Here's a taste.
Big Shoals - 12 Steps
Great thread, thanks.
Mojorabbit
(16,020 posts)Will have to check them out!
Posting from Orlando
ornotna
(10,791 posts)Along with some other very fine bands at the WMNF Tropical Heatwave.
http://www.tropicalheatwave.org/bands/
I can't make it this year but I've seen a whole bunch a great bands in years past. Lots of fun.
Mojorabbit
(16,020 posts)postulater
(5,075 posts)We're visiting with FIL and plan some birding at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve.
Florida has great state parks.
What else is happening in April?
A HERETIC I AM
(24,360 posts)from concerts of all genres at theaters and venues all over the state to small food and ethnic festivals and street fairs happening all the time.
It does slow a bit after Spring Break and Spring Training wrap, but then it starts to gear up for the Tourist season, which lasts all summer.
You'll find plenty to do with a quick google search.
kentauros
(29,414 posts)nikto
(3,284 posts)A HERETIC I AM
(24,360 posts)Next week?
perhaps. Sooner or later, but we are quite a while from that being the case.
But thanks for your cheery addition to my thread!!
nikto
(3,284 posts)kdmorris
(5,649 posts)I love this time of year in Florida. Been here for almost 18 years and consider it my home now.
ChiciB1
(15,435 posts)of this time of year. Was partying all day long, lots of sun, sand, strawberries AND BEER! So many fresh strawberries & I wasn't very hungry and drinking beer I was happy. It was a mixture right out of HELL! Around 3:00 A.M. all of this must have fermented or something and I ended up spending the next 4 hours on my bathroom floor. If it didn't come up... it went out! Really did a number on me because this was about 20 years ago and to this day I've never eaten another fresh strawberry! But, don't let my story ruin it for you because Strawberry Festival Time is very, very popular. I live close to where everything strawberry happens!
We used to picks flats from the fields and make all kinds of "strawberry" things! I do still drink beer though!
I also live on the west coast and we STILL have Snow Birds who will soon start leaving after Easter. Snow Birds keep Florida's economy going even though people ALWAYS complain about them. If you've lived here long enough, you find out what's the best time of day to do certain things to avoid TRAFFIC, TRAFFIC, TRAFFIC!
My husband was born here and even though Florida politics drives me up the wall, I like the little community I live in where there ARE NO condominiums on the beach, and will probably never be! It's one of the older little enclaves between one smaller city and a larger one about 5 miles further up north. Has been a very Red County since I've lived her, but some things are changing because of the small colleges around.
I will say that there's been A LOT of Bernie events going on these days, which has really surprised me. He'll be in Tampa tomorrow, but I won't be able to go because of some back problems. Breaking my heart!
Still have my fingers crossed, but with DWS AND The Clinton Machine here, I'm not sure what kind of shenanigans will be going on. Just don't trust Hillary and even more DWS who is such a piece of work! Disgust at it's best!
eleny
(46,166 posts)....we spent time around Carrabelle and saw the area north of there visiting sleepy towns like Sopchoppy. I want to go back!
d_legendary1
(2,586 posts)Logical
(22,457 posts)A HERETIC I AM
(24,360 posts)The state that elected Arnold Schwarzenegger to the governorship??
California is similar to what they say about Pennsylvania;
"There is Philadelphia and Pittsburgh with Alabama in between. "
There is San Francisco and LA surrounded by Mississippi.
I lived in LA County. I'm not ignorant of the demographics of the state. And BTW, if you mean by saying "The Weather" that it is sunny all the time....well..yeah. Exactly. At least Florida is green because it rains here. SoCal is only green because they aqueduct the water in from hundreds of miles away.
But thanks for adding such a cheerful post!
Tommy_Carcetti
(43,143 posts)A sampling:
https://twitter.com/calimantales
California Man mugged by group of children.
California Man Threatens To 'Kill Any And Every' Muslim, His Lawyer Says Watching 'Fox News' Made Him Do It
California Man Sends Tennis Balls to Strangers in Tribute to His Dog Best Friend
California Man in wingsuit dies after jump from Arizona cliff
California Man arrested after 7500 lbs of stolen candy found in garage
Naked California Man breaks into home during freezing temps in bizarre Christmas Day burglary
California Man douses self with gasoline, threatens fire
California Man dies after becoming stuck in chimney
California Man Sends 240 Doughnuts to College Police After Being Ejected From Football Game
California Man swings samurai sword at Apple store, terrifies customers
California Man Leaves Tips 'For US Citizens Only'
California Man Gets 25 Years For Slicing Up His Boyfriend And Burying His Head Behind The Hollywood Sign
California Man killed after he was hit in the face with a home-made rocket
Family performed lamb sacrifice for California Man days before he was ejected onto freeway sign
Drunk California Man accused of spraying graffiti on prehistoric carvings
Naked California Man emerged from mall bathroom
California Man lights children's Halloween costumes on fire in Walmart, police say
California Man sentenced to jail for posing as LA veterinarian and killing cat in surgery
California Man accused of keeping 12 male sex slaves, branding them with tattoos
California Man accused of punching 78-year-old over Nutella samples faces 11 years in prison
California Man Sentenced for Eating Roommate's Rabbit
California Man gives incredible interview with rack of ribs he rescued from apartment fire
California Man Was Not Actually Human-Alien Hybrid Sent to Save Humanity
California Man bitten by snake while trying to take selfie
And let's not forget *this* California Man who was brought to political prominence by many other California Men and Women:
A HERETIC I AM
(24,360 posts)Tommy_Carcetti
(43,143 posts)Was he merely holding a rack of ribs while being interviewed, or was he asking the rack of ribs questions?
Or was the rack of ribs asking him questions?
So much left unanswered.....
A HERETIC I AM
(24,360 posts)and they were small and unobtrusive, that's why it was so incredible.
Heddi
(18,312 posts)Mr Heddi and I are nomads, and lived all over. Grew up in SC, have lived in Boca Raton when I was in my early 20's, then in Seattle, Central WA, St Pete, Seattle Again, Philadelphia...gonna go back to Clearwater in April. Hopefully for good.
Waffled between Houston and Pinellas Co. The cost of living is great in both, and in the end we decided on Clearwater. My husband wants a boat, and wants to be close to water. I really like Houston but it's so spread out, and the beaches too far away...sigh.
Looking forward to never shoveling snow again. Ever.
A HERETIC I AM
(24,360 posts)(Regardless of what I may have said)
Cocktails on the beach!
CoffeeCat
(24,411 posts)No place I'd rather be than Sanibel Island. I get all crazy just thinking about it.
Eleanors38
(18,318 posts)Our family stayed on Sanibel in the only motel on the island: A slat-floored job with no a.c. or t.v. We ran to the beach out the back door to scoop up coquinas to boil later for a deeply rich soup. We got groceries on the mainland before evening, lest we missed the car ferry, the only way to get to the island. Captiva was owned entirely by a recluse millionaire. The rest of my family still lives in and around Gainesville.
mnhtnbb
(31,371 posts)I really enjoyed Sanibel in January a couple of years ago.
But I don't think I could take living in FL all year. Hot and humid enough for me in NC (Chapel Hill)
in the summer. I enjoy the change of seasons.
Not crazy about crowds, either, anymore.
ornotna
(10,791 posts)It's beautiful there but the traffic is nuts.
mnhtnbb
(31,371 posts)I'm from NY. Grew up in NJ. Lived in L.A. area for almost 20 years.
I don't sit on the beach, either. Like to walk on the beach (with my dog).
Stayed at a condo so I ate most meals right there.
So, the traffic in Sanibel when I was there was no big deal.