| Why Florida?
Posted: 3/2/2009 4:23:42 PM | Somebody just posted to a thread intended for Florida natives about his move to Florida. There must be many reasons for moving to Florida, so, I'm starting this thread so people can tell their story.
I've lived in Cajun country for more years than Florida. Born here and total time in this state would be 22-23 years. My next is Florida for 17 years. The USAF moved me there in early 1984. Got married to military there and retired and stayed till early 1999. Then, moved back to Florida to help my daughter and grandkids in Jacksonville. The majority of my time was spent in Ft Walton Beach in the Panhandle. I have lived in Wash, Del, Illinois, Puerto Rico, Miss, and Turkey. Besides being in my home state and enjoying family, friends and the Cajun culture, I would be living in Florida. | |
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| Why Florida?
Posted: 3/2/2009 5:02:33 PM | I spent my whole adult life in Los Angeles and loved it there. In 2004, my husband at the time and I decided to sell my house and move to Florida so my adult son could go back to college and change careers. My son and d-i-l had moved to Florida in 2001. My husband, son, daughter-in-law and I were all going to find a house large enough for the four of us to live comfortably, and we did so. Within 2 1/2 months, my husband decided he wasn't happy with the situation and left. Good riddance! So now it's my son, d-i-l and I who live here. My son is in his last year of school and hopefully, we will be leaving this state shortly thereafter.
I don't care for the heat and humidity that lasts 6 months out of the year. I would rather live in North Carolina or Tennessee, where there are four seasons, without the frigid winters you'd find farther north. To be with my family, I tolerate living here, but it would definitely not be my choice to spend the rest of my life here. | |
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| Why Florida?
Posted: 3/2/2009 5:26:31 PM | I have lived in Florida now going on 8 years and this is my story and I am sticking to it. LOL
Originally a Yankee from Maryland until 1982 when I transferred to the Space center in Houston Texas from 1982-2001. After I was laid off from 30 years with the Space industry, I chose to move to Punta Gorda because my mom and my brother were living there. Not known to me was the lack of industry or decent jobs here and for the longest time I felt like an extra in another "Cocoon movie" LOL Needless to say I got used to the heat and humidity in Texas so Florida is not much different. I was unaware that when I left hot Houston Texas that I would still have to contend with those nasty fireants, big skeeters, longer hotter summers, and those dreaded things called Hurricanes. My big thrill was to be at ground zero on Friday August 13 2004 when hurricane Charley hit directly in Punta Gorda with sustained 150 mph winds and my furnished mobile home was blown somewhere west of the Mississippi I am sure. So what is my overall opinion about Florida that I can say without getting bleeped? Well Florida is absolutely awesome from November until April but after that it is no fun tracking weather maps for 6 months to see where new storms are coming from or going to. If I had the resources and a job lined up elsewhere I would leave skid marks when I left this state so fast. And that's all I have to say about that. | |
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| Why Florida?
Posted: 3/2/2009 6:24:53 PM | I love this thread, thanks OP!
I was born in NY, moved around a lot, mostly lived in NY or in Colorado with a few brief stops elsewhere. In 1983 I moved to Orlando, and I haven't left yet, so I guess I must like it. It was a bit smaller then, it's been interesting to watch the city grow. And it is still one of the cleanest places I've ever been. (Ever been to Pittsburgh? Or Columbus? Or NYC?)
Since I moved here 25 years ago, I got married, had a child, got divorced, changed jobs several times, changed boyfriends a couple of times, and I still really like the place.
I honestly don't mind the heat and humidiity, growing up on Long Island I was used to miserably hot, damp summers, they just last a few months longer here than they did there, and here I have air conditioning (not common when I grew up in NY).
And I can certainly handle not needing a separate closet for winter clothing... One long coat (I love my leather duster), one jacket, a couple of sweaters, and I'm set. I even own three or four pairs of "closed" shoes for those really cold days below 50.
For sure my arthritic knuckles and knees are much happier here than in a place that has three feet of snow in the winter. Shudder. I do NOT miss snow even one teensy little bit.
Yes, 2004 was horrific with all the hurricanes (Orlando actually got hit by 3 in the same year, it had been something like 60 years since a hurricane had seriously damaged the city since it's so far inland). I'll never forget all the trees down and the blue tarp roofs everywhere, there are still areas of town that I get sad driving through because I remember the beautiful tree canopies that used to be there. Charlie, Frances and Jean. Won't forget those names, there are a lot of painful memories from that year that I won't go into here, but that was 5 years ago, we move on.
I could do with a little less Disney some days, not that I live anywhere close, and I've been here long enough that my northern friends no longer ask to stay with me and do the theme park thing -- after about 5 years here I started enthusiastically recommending hotels in Kissimmee to them and telling them how great it would be to get together one day for lunch while they were here. Snicker.
I may not be a Florida native like my daughter, but I definitely am a local and I like it... I've put down roots and they're growing well. | |
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| Why Florida?
Posted: 3/2/2009 6:45:06 PM | Hi Cajun, well you are still a Floridian at heart, that's why you always post here, right?
I was born in Ohio and graduated high school there in 1971, and moved here the following year with my family (mom, dad, sister, brother, dog), so I've been here for 37 years. Since then, my sister and brother moved away, my father passed away, and my sister has moved back, so now it's my mom, sis and me. I love Ohio because I grew up there and graduated high school there, those friends are special to this day. In fact, I "ran into" a high school friend visiting Florida at the grocery store yesterday! It was really a surprise, a very nice one, although I didn't have any eye make-up on, don't you hate that? 
My big thrill was to be at ground zero on Friday August 13 2004 when hurricane Charley hit directly in Punta Gorda with sustained 150 mph winds and my furnished mobile home was blown somewhere west of the Mississippi I am sure That was my birthday, and I remember that day, I was at work, hearing about the hurricane. I'm so sorry about your home. Wilma blew the roof off our building which then flooded and I had to move out, but at least I was able to move back in... eventually! I agree about hurricane season causing anxiety. I've lived here so many years and never experienced anything like it, but after Katrina I was scared. I love Florida though. | |
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| Why Florida?
Posted: 3/3/2009 3:21:01 AM | Born and raised in Waterford Township MI. Left when I was 28 (1981) with my son and moved to Dallas TX. In 1993, moved to the Pensacola FL area with my, now, ex so that he could be closer to his employer and then to New Port Richey FL in 2000 after we split.
I liked living in TX with all there was to do and see, however, I grew up around water and woods. So for me, the choice ended up being a good one. I am always close to water, there are trees and fields here and there still in this area.
As far as Hurricane Season goes......my ex was a catastrophe adjuster so we worked hurricane storms damage, tornadoes, earthquakes, freeze claims, etc. I learned real quick that when those warnings come, you pack up and go. With many other storms there are no warnings. My only complaint is the homeowner insurance problems here.
I do wish though, that people would move to an area because they want to become a part of it and wouldn't want to change it so much.
Never again will live in MI, although GREAT place to visit, FL is home | |
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| Why Florida?
Posted: 3/3/2009 7:47:38 AM | Born and raised in Boston. Lost my job in 2000 after 24 yrs so figured, what the heck.....head SOUTH. Landed in Coconut Creek and stayed about 7 months. Thanks to a good severance package, I didn't work for almost a year. Then I met my husband and moved to Omaha Nebraska (What was I thinking??) . No one gives up Florida to move to Nebraska (see what love does to you!).
After 4 years I decided to end the marriage. As Rascal Flatts would say....I packed what I could and sold what I couldn't....got in the car and headed to Florida , Again!!! Now I am here to stay!
I don't mind the hot summers or the hurricanes. I just remember the -20 weather and tornadoes in Nebraska and Florida doesn't seem so bad after all!
I have met so many great friends thru POF and have even had a few nice dates.
Home is where we hang our hat but its always nice to remember where our roots are!
Have a great day....Deb | |
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| Why Florida?
Posted: 3/3/2009 6:22:19 PM | why florida???
well....... coz this is where my parents were at.............lol............ my mother has been in florida since she was 3 years old....... my dad was stationed in key west...... them met, fell in love, married and had three children.......... 26 years in the navy and he retired in 69' and we've been in orlando ever since......... i have lived in other places, but never for more than a few months........... and i am pretty darn sure i would never survive a WINTER up north........ i wouldn't mind being a "snow bird" though and get out of the summer heat some times....... i'd love to see it all but will always end up back here..........
happy fishing y'all !! and think pleasant thoughts........................Wolfie  | |
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| Why Florida?
Posted: 3/4/2009 12:05:15 AM | I have Walt Disney to thank and the fufillment of a childhood dream.
I grew up in NYC, and one pivotal event shaped my destiny. The 1964 Worlds Fair. Walt Disney was a strong presence at the fair. I rode Small World, The Carousel of progress and the Ford Motor Attraction and it sealed the deal. I was smitten and determined to somehow get my parents to take me to Disneyland in California. When Walt Disney World in Florida was on the planning boards my parents said Florida would be a better destination for our family. Ten years after the Worlds Fair I went to Disney World and Disneyland in the same summer and a childhood dream came true. I was hooked and was now determined to live in Orlando to be close to my beloved Disney. In 1977 I boarded a Amtrack train with my boyfriend and made Orlando Florida my home. I cannot even guess how many times I have been to Disney , and I still love going. I never did marry my BF , but did eventually meet my ex husband here. My daughter was born here and eventually my Mom, Dad and Brother made Florida their home too.
Thanks Walt Disney
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| Why Florida?
Posted: 3/4/2009 4:04:45 AM | | I was born here. And have never left. Thought about it. Haven't done it. | |
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| Why Florida?
Posted: 3/4/2009 6:42:12 AM | You fine Yankees are welcome in Raider's & my home state. We extend our Southern hospitality to enjoy our fine beaches, beautiful winters & balmy breezes.
However...if you insist on endlessly kvetching about the lack of 'good' bagels or pizza, feel free to hike your happy behinds back to the dreary, gray & freezing climes from whence you came, post haste. Take the mosquitos with you, please.  | |
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| Why Florida?
Posted: 3/4/2009 6:58:02 AM | Ok, I've intruduced the correct method of preparing crayfish and Cajun gumbo to my Fla friends. That's my contribution LOL.
On those skeeters................You don't want to make them extent. Some group of nuts will jump all over you for making them extent. Now, I can give you some of ours and it would balance out. | |
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| Why Florida?
Posted: 3/4/2009 7:15:18 AM | Thanks for the Gumbo, C.
Had a lovely GF from Slidell for many years who not only got me into Cajun cooking, but also many fun trips to the big Easy. Yes, she's an LSU alum, too....in Gator country no less! We're still close friends & taking a road trip to La for St. Patty's. I'll be sure to eat a crawdad Po Boy & beignet in the Quarter for ya!
Ya'll can keep yer skeeters, Frere....we've got plenty. | |
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| Why Florida?
Posted: 3/4/2009 12:19:53 PM | WHY FLORIDA?
Born in Puerto Rico raised in New York City went back to Puerto Rico had my kids there and we came to visit the mouse in Disney World when they were of age... I loved it.. The area , the weather was like ours nice and hot never expected to have cold weather here but oh well...
Kids all grown up and on thier own one relocates to Orlando , now with babies so now I have granchildren and they live in Florida...
So grandma moves to Florida to be with the grandbabies... What better reason??
I do prefer the Gulf I lived in St Pete and my backyard was the beach so I prefer that side of town but for now I'm in the Orlando area... Willing to relocate...LOL | |
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| Why Florida?
Posted: 3/5/2009 10:31:02 AM | | I as walking down the street when I was a kid thinking about what I was gonna do when I got home. A frickin taxi cab switched lanes into the bus lane and hit a huge slush puddle. I was walking by. *SPLASH* The bugger had his horn blaring too, so not only did I get completely doused in slush and melt, I got the cr@p scared out of me. So I'm standing soaked, cold and pretty pizzed off, Florida came across my mind. It always stuck with me. First chance that came-- I chased that dream of living in Florida down. | |
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| Why Florida?
Posted: 3/6/2009 9:25:17 AM | Moved here twice, mainly no jobs in my hometown area after college. I've been in Orlando since 1980, pretty much. And yes, I am more than ready for a change....As long as my two cats can go with me, I'm fine. I've had enough *la nin'a* winters, time for something different...Any ideas? BTW, I'm also a creative person, too.  | |
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| Why Florida?
Posted: 3/8/2009 11:20:51 AM | | I would probably have a much better life elsewhere, but the weather is so nice here. | |
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grub08
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Joined: 8/20/2008
Msg: 18 | |
| Why Florida?
Posted: 3/8/2009 2:54:34 PM | Why Florida?
Because of the absolutely, gorgeous, PERFECT days...Like Today!
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| Why Florida?
Posted: 3/8/2009 3:08:10 PM | I agree Gail! (or is it Gayle?) I have SO much to do but I couldn't resist going out to the pool for a couple hours with my book... I broke up a fight between two lizards and a bee landed on my leg and scared the **** outa me, but other than that it was quite peaceful. Now that DST is here I'm hoping I'll go to the beach after work.  | |
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| Why Florida?
Posted: 3/8/2009 5:45:15 PM |
I broke up a fight between two lizards
Hallie..How do you know they weren't doing the "mating ritual"? You know..where the lizards have their colored throats exposed??? LOL
~~Beth~~ | |
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| Why Florida?
Posted: 3/8/2009 5:59:03 PM | How do you know they weren't doing the "mating ritual"?
At first, I thought maybe they were playing, or mating, but they were acting mad at each other. They didn't have that orange pouch going in and out of the throats, they were small spotted lizards. A couple times a smaller lizard came up and they chased it off. The other two kept sparring and then one bit the other one in the neck and wouldn't let go, so I made it. I bet they found each other and went at it again though. I thought maybe if they're hungry, and there's nothing else to eat, they might eat each other? Cannibal lizards.  | |
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| Why Florida?
Posted: 3/9/2009 4:28:44 PM | Girls that whole lizard thing was too funny.
The mating ritual thing and cannibal lizard stories were great. Before moving to Florida I would have known nothing about those little critters, and wouldn't have understood your posts. They are cute. I know I've had to break up fights between them. I thought maybe it was males fighting for dominance for a female ...or territory?
Why Florida? One reason would to be able to learn about lizards first hand.
Just another great reason to live in Florida, " live lizard entertainment". | |
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| Why Florida?
Posted: 3/9/2009 5:52:15 PM | Okay, I'm not there ......yet, but give me just a lil more time.
I was born in WV.
Had my first birthday in Tampa, Florida.
Lived there until I was six.
Our family moved back to WV and except for a BRIEF residence outside of Los Angelos many years ago, here I've been.
My father has lived back in Florida for about 24 or 25 years now and my grandparents have lived there since before I was born. They've tried for years to get me to relocate there and now's the time. Well, as soon as I put my house up for sale and then sell it that is. Goes on the market in April.
Another reason for the move, I'm tired of the weather here and too there's nothing holding me here either. The daughter has been grown up and out on her own for a long time now and she even left this area.
When considering the move, I asked myself....."IF you didn't own this house, would you already be gone?" and the answer was "yes". There's a couple of more things that helped in my decision also. | |
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| Why Florida?
Posted: 3/9/2009 6:53:29 PM | OK, it's time to "make some points" here.
Why Florida?
All the beautiful women here, of course.
Shameless, shameless, butt kissing, Bob, but hey, maybe it'll work.   | |
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| Why Florida?
Posted: 3/9/2009 6:56:45 PM | All I know is every time I get back from Florida I ask myself...
-Why do I live here (Buffalo, NY) and visit there?-
There is something about gettiing off the plane, gettting on the tram (whether it's Orlando or Tampa doesn't matter) and passing that first bunch of palm trees. Just makes me go aaaaaaaaaahhhhhh! Total relaxation!
I visit every year St. Augustine, Orlando, Tampa, Key West. This year it's Clearwater Beach (friends wedding).
I know I'm destined to live there, just a matter of when....'til then I just stare at the pic of the palm trees on my desk and think it's a heck of a lot warmer there.
See ya soon!!!!! | |
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