The Florida Thread

[Musicman408]

At various times in the past we've talked about Florida in various capacities, but I thought I'd bring it up again. Many of us have at least visited the state, I am sure? I've been vacationing on the panhandle MANY times throughout the years. My mom and I are possibly looking at visiting either Anna Maria Island or Sanibel/Captiva in the near future. I've also looked at various counties for teaching positions in the future. Any locals have suggestions on that?

Enjoy the coastal breeze and discussion!!! :)

[fringed n fab]

I've been here now for a couple months and so far so good. I moved down from Ohio just wanting a change. I was getting to where I didn't like winter anymore and being so cooped up all the time. It is nice down here but definitely a different feel from living up north but hey it's Florida so you have to expect that. The people have been nice here unlike some things I've heard so that was surprising. I think of this Florida thing as an experience. I know I can always move back "home" if I choose and I'm not forced to stay here. I do like it here though but sometimes, especially now that it's getting warmer again, I find myself already missing little things about Ohio. I never expected that because all I could think about for 4 years was getting out of that state. But in a big move like that you learn to give up some things in order to gain some others. I like it here but I do get homesick sometimes. The weather here is usually nice and so sunny and I love the area I chose to live.

[Musicman408]

I've been here now for a couple months and so far so good. I moved down from Ohio just wanting a change. I was getting to where I didn't like winter anymore and being so cooped up all the time. It is nice down here but definitely a different feel from living up north but hey it's Florida so you have to expect that. The people have been nice here unlike some things I've heard so that was surprising. I think of this Florida thing as an experience. I know I can always move back "home" if I choose and I'm not forced to stay here. I do like it here though but sometimes, especially now that it's getting warmer again, I find myself already missing little things about Ohio. I never expected that because all I could think about for 4 years was getting out of that state. But in a big move like that you learn to give up some things in order to gain some others. I like it here but I do get homesick sometimes. The weather here is usually nice and so sunny and I love the area I chose to live.

That's awesome! Great for you!!! Where is it that you are living?

[carrie721]

http://ledge.fleetwoodmac.net/showthread.php?t=40912

http://ledge.fleetwoodmac.net/showthread.php?t=42874

http://ledge.fleetwoodmac.net/showthread.php?t=42207

[mylittledemon]

Any locals have suggestions on that?


Yeah, don't go. Pick someplace more exciting.

[michelle2677]

http://ledge.fleetwoodmac.net/showthread.php?t=40912

http://ledge.fleetwoodmac.net/showthread.php?t=42874

http://ledge.fleetwoodmac.net/showthread.php?t=42207

:laugh:

no matter how long i stay away, some things never change.

[Musicman408]

http://ledge.fleetwoodmac.net/showthread.php?t=40912

http://ledge.fleetwoodmac.net/showthread.php?t=42874

http://ledge.fleetwoodmac.net/showthread.php?t=42207

Now now Carrie- don't be a playa hata! ;)

[fringed n fab]

Yeah, don't go. Pick someplace more exciting.

So I take it you won't be coming here anytime soon? :laugh:

[mylittledemon]

haha... we've tried to book tix for Christmas (of this year) but the prices for 2 people are about 7k... waaay too much. I think we may wait until 2011.

[fringed n fab]

haha... we've tried to book tix for Christmas (of this year) but the prices for 2 people are about 7k... waaay too much. I think we may wait until 2011.

WHAT? :eek: that is crazy! I don't think I'll be leaving the country anytime soon.

[mylittledemon]

Well we dropped 3k (for the two of us) to come to NZ. 2 years ago I got two tickets, round trip for that price!

[nailatixela]

Ethan, what subject and grade do you want to teach? Why do you want to teach?

[fringed n fab]

Well we dropped 3k (for the two of us) to come to NZ. 2 years ago I got two tickets, round trip for that price!

So what brought you to NZ? Just wondering.

[mylittledemon]

Well, he obviously doesn't want to get paid well... or be respected by young people.



(that's a joke, I love teachers!)

[fringed n fab]

Well, he obviously doesn't want to get paid well... or be respected by young people.



(that's a joke, I love teachers!)

My 8th grade math teacher always told us if we ever wanted to be rich, don't become a teacher. We asked her why she chose it then, and she'd reply "Because I love kids".

[mylittledemon]

That's true. I'm all for doing what you love, even if it means being paid a lesser salary. I've yet to find that gig, though. ;)

[iamnotafraid]

gig

There's your answer LittleD.

----------------------------------------------------------------
btw, it's way too hot in the South. I'd suggest finding
a better climate.

[mylittledemon]

haha... what?

[GODDESS6]

Now now Carrie- don't be a playa hata! ;)

you don't look like a playa from your pics:shrug:~

[michelle2677]

WHAT? :eek: that is crazy! I don't think I'll be leaving the country anytime soon.

which part of sarasota do you live in? my grandparents live in osprey :)

[jannieC]

which part of sarasota do you live in? my grandparents live in osprey :)

I lived in Bradenton, Florida (right next door to Sarasota) for about a year and a half. I couldn't get out of that state fast enough. Hot as hell, minimal season changes, and very odd people.

[fringed n fab]

which part of sarasota do you live in? my grandparents live in osprey :) http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/647/englewoodmaplg.jpg



Cool :thumbsup: I've been through Osprey a few times now, it's a nice little town. I live in southern Sarasota. Since being here I've been all up and down the coast to the beaches and towns from Sarasota to Punta Gorda which is across Charlotte Harbor. And you can be to anyone of them within minutes which is nice.

[fringed n fab]

I lived in Bradenton, Florida (right next door to Sarasota) for about a year and a half. I couldn't get out of that state fast enough. Hot as hell, minimal season changes, and very odd people.

Haven't been up to Bradenton yet. From prior research and people on the Florida Forum, they've talked about the high crime and it not being a place someone would really want to live but from what I know it is pretty, near the coast up there. Florida is hot, that's a given. The south is in general but I wanted a warmer climate and the plus side is (at least on the Gulf side) you can swim much longer into the year down here as the Gulf stays warm through late fall and early winter. Hell there are diehards here who were swimming and surfing when the Gulf temp was 55 degrees a couple months ago. I love it when it turns warm though when the water temps reach into the 80's in summer. I've yet to take a swim since being down here over the winter but I have walked the shoreline barefoot and sucked it up even though the water was quite cold. You can't come to Florida and not get in the water I think. From what I see, I see the same fellow Americans shopping and out and about doing everyday normal things just like where I came from up north. There are snowbirds in winter and tourists around Sarasota but the other beaches southward down the coast are less touristy and have more of a local feel about them from what I see. I agree with you that Florida is not for everyone but right now at the moment it's where I want to be. The Englewood beaches are nice too. So is Boca Grande further down the coast a few minutes.

[jannieC]

Haven't been up to Bradenton yet. From prior research and people on the Florida Forum, they've talked about the high crime and it not being a place someone would really want to live but from what I know it is pretty, near the coast up there. Florida is hot, that's a given. The south is in general but I wanted a warmer climate and the plus side is (at least on the Gulf side) you can swim much longer into the year down here as the Gulf stays warm through late fall and early winter. Hell there are diehards here who were swimming and surfing when the Gulf temp was 55 degrees a couple months ago. I love it when it turns warm though when the water temps reach into the 80's in summer. I've yet to take a swim since being down here over the winter but I have walked the shoreline barefoot and sucked it up even though the water was quite cold. You can't come to Florida and not get in the water I think. From what I see, I see the same fellow Americans shopping and out and about doing everyday normal things just like where I came from up north. There are snowbirds in winter and tourists around Sarasota but the other beaches southward down the coast are less touristy and have more of a local feel about them from what I see. I agree with you that Florida is not for everyone but right now at the moment it's where I want to be. The Englewood beaches are nice too. So is Boca Grande further down the coast a few minutes.

I lived in Naples for about a year when I was 19. Bradenton was sometime in my very early twenties. I was working as a bartender/waitress and had a pretty traumatic experience that inevitably tainted my view of the state as a whole. I had a hard time making real friends, as it seemed most people I knew were transient.

I love the beach and the ocean; I imagine I would be okay living there as an adult. California seems more appealing, temperature wise, but way too expensive.

Enjoy the sandy beaches and warm breezes!

[Musicman408]

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/647/englewoodmaplg.jpg



Cool :thumbsup: I've been through Osprey a few times now, it's a nice little town. I live in southern Sarasota. Since being here I've been all up and down the coast to the beaches and towns from Sarasota to Punta Gorda which is across Charlotte Harbor. And you can be to anyone of them within minutes which is nice.

Oh, this is awesome. This is one are I've been looking at- possibly not Sarasota because isn't it a bit more touristy than some of the smaller coastal towns around there? Have you been to the Anna Maria area?

[nailatixela]

Oh, this is awesome. This is one are I've been looking at- possibly not Sarasota because isn't it a bit more touristy than some of the smaller coastal towns around there? Have you been to the Anna Maria area?

You forgot to answer my question. :wavey: I asked nicely.

[fringed n fab]

I lived in Naples for about a year when I was 19. Bradenton was sometime in my very early twenties. I was working as a bartender/waitress and had a pretty traumatic experience that inevitably tainted my view of the state as a whole. I had a hard time making real friends, as it seemed most people I knew were transient.

I love the beach and the ocean; I imagine I would be okay living there as an adult. California seems more appealing, temperature wise, but way too expensive.

Enjoy the sandy beaches and warm breezes!

I've heard Naples is a very uppity, snobbish retired class of people and they can be rude or feel deserving of anyone younger so I have yet to even go there. I can understand though you having a traumatic experience and that tainting your view of the entire state. I wanted to live in a residential suburb on a quiet street, the same as I lived in Ohio, but only with palm trees and spanish moss in my yard this time. And I found it down here. Florida has different areas with different feels depending on what lifestyle you're looking for if you're choosing to live down here. I like Florida for the weather and beaches and it being only 3 states below Ohio really so I can easily pack up and head up home again and be back in Ohio in 18 hours. California looks nice but it's not for me and it's VERY expensive (and overpriced) out there and way too far and I like Florida's water and white sand beaches.

[fringed n fab]

Oh, this is awesome. This is one are I've been looking at- possibly not Sarasota because isn't it a bit more touristy than some of the smaller coastal towns around there? Have you been to the Anna Maria area?

Sarasota can be touristy, especially during the winter when all the snowbirds come down from the north and people vacationing in the winter. Siesta Key is said to be one of the best beaches in the country, if not the world, known for it's fine sugar white sand. St. Armond's Circle in Sarasota as you go over to Lido Key attracts a lot of tourists and shoppers, some very wealthy too. This area is very pretty and beautiful especially at night as you're looking down the coast and all the condo's and high rises are lit up along the beach. And some of the gated million dollar homes along the beach are breathtaking.

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/7417/starmandscircle.jpg

[fringed n fab]

I haven't been to Anna Maria Island yet but I have been to Clearwater Beach before. I love the water and beaches around there.

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/1481/sarasotaarea.jpg

[Musicman408]

Ethan, what subject and grade do you want to teach? Why do you want to teach?

To answer your question, I want to be a high school choir director, and potentially eventually get to a collegiate level.

I was inspired to get into the field from my high school director, who I've mentioned many times on here. He was one of those teachers that absolutely drives and required students to perform at their best. He's a very polar figure, but if you love him, he will be one of the biggest influences on your life. I want to be like that- and I have always enjoyed helping others.

Plus choral music is pretty great!

[Musicman408]

I haven't been to Anna Maria Island yet but I have been to Clearwater Beach before. I love the water and beaches around there.

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/1481/sarasotaarea.jpg

That is absolutely fantastic and PERFECT. That's Clearwater you say? Doesn't look too touristy. I'm going to have to investigate that beast!!! :)

[JWS]

Tim Tebow is a baby!:nod:

[Musicman408]

I'll say- one thing that is difficult is trying to narrow down where it is you would potentially want to live in Florida. There are so many nice areas. One thing I want is an area/county that isn't ridiculously large (Miami) or very touristy. I've always vacationed in Destin, and that isn't bad- but Manatee County seems to be pretty decent! :nod:

It is an intimidating task to research though.

[fringed n fab]

That is absolutely fantastic and PERFECT. That's Clearwater you say? Doesn't look too touristy. I'm going to have to investigate that beast!!! :)

No, Clearwater is near there. This was around the AMI area and the Tampa bay area in the backdrop. Beautiful area though!

This is Clearwater Beach.
http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/5584/clearwaterbeachaerial2.jpg
http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/6045/clearwatercauseway.jpg

[LukeA]

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/1481/sarasotaarea.jpg

Ugh, just looking at this makes me feel hot and humid. :distress:

[Musicman408]

Well goodness, I'll have to show my mom the picture of Anna Maria Island. It really is absolutely stellar!!! Totally beautiful- I could definitely see myself there. The county actually has 5 or 6 high schools.

[fringed n fab]

Ugh, just looking at this makes me feel hot and humid. :distress:

It's Florida :nod:

[TpaDavid]

I don't mean to burst your bubble but Florida isn't the place to look for employment at this time. Especially in the education field. The Tampa Bay area encompasses all of the area you have mentioned - Clearwater, Sarasota, etc. has one of the worst economies in the nation. People have stopped moving to Florida and for the first time in many years more people left the state than moved here. I know several teacher who have been laid off.Education is not a priority in Florida and it never will be. The arts are not a priority in the schools here and never will be. Florida is a wonderful place to visit but many different problems have driven this state to the brink of ruin. You need to do some research on this area - the local papers have websites tbo.com and tampabay.com are two to start with. Good luck - if you move to Florida you will need the best of luck and then some.

[LukeA]

I don't mean to burst your bubble but Florida isn't the place to look for employment at this time. Especially in the education field. The Tampa Bay area encompasses all of the area you have mentioned - Clearwater, Sarasota, etc. has one of the worst economies in the nation. People have stopped moving to Florida and for the first time in many years more people left the state than moved here. I know several teacher who have been laid off.Education is not a priority in Florida and it never will be. The arts are not a priority in the schools here and never will be. Florida is a wonderful place to visit but many different problems have driven this state to the brink of ruin. You need to do some research on this area - the local papers have websites tbo.com and tampabay.com are two to start with. Good luck - if you move to Florida you will need the best of luck and then some.

Yes, this is true. The same could also be written about other "appealing" states such as Arizona & Nevada.

Looking for a real "hot spot"? North Dakota, baby! Insanely low unemployment rate & cost of living!

[fringed n fab]

Yes, this is true. The same could also be written about other "appealing" states such as Arizona & Nevada.

Looking for a real "hot spot"? North Dakota, baby! Insanely low unemployment rate & cost of living!It took me 4 years to decide I wanted to move down here. In any big move like this I would say research everything and get feedback from locals already in an area you're looking to move. It is true living here vs. vacationing are two different things but living here has it's advantages because you get to experience everything and have way more time to see and do things that only people who have 7 days here don't have enough time to do. As far as the economy, I think the U.S. was hit all over, no matter where you lived. I just came from Ohio and it's once thriving manufacturing base had really started to crumble these past few years. And believe it or not housing in Ohio is more expensive than it is in Florida. What would cost you 1800.00 a month for a home in Ohio (recession or not) you can get for 900.00 living in Florida. I used to think it would be the total opposite. I would just say research everything before moving anywhere, especially a move out of state and have all your cards in place before relocating and if you plan right, you can make it down here and not have to be retired already. I'm secure living down here but if I ever were to move, it would be because of me missing family up north (some are still there) and right now that would be the only reason I would move again in the near future.

[Musicman408]

It took me 4 years to decide I wanted to move down here. In any big move like this I would say research everything and get feedback from locals already in an area you're looking to move. It is true living here vs. vacationing are two different things but living here has it's advantages because you get to experience everything and have way more time to see and do things that only people who have 7 days here don't have enough time to do. As far as the economy, I think the U.S. was hit all over, no matter where you lived. I just came from Ohio and it's once thriving manufacturing base had really started to crumble these past few years. And believe it or not housing in Ohio is more expensive than it is in Florida. What would cost you 1800.00 a month for a home in Ohio (recession or not) you can get for 900.00 living in Florida. I used to think it would be the total opposite. I would just say research everything before moving anywhere, especially a move out of state and have all your cards in place before relocating and if you plan right, you can make it down here and not have to be retired already. I'm secure living down here but if I ever were to move, it would be because of me missing family up north (some are still there) and right now that would be the only reason I would move again in the near future.

I think I'll have to hire you as my moving consultant. You can help me set everything up! ha ha ha

A great teacher friend of mine has a sister in law who teaches in Florida, and when I mentioned potentially moving there to her, she highly recommended it, saying that there is a definite teacher shortage in the area.

My dad has an old college friend who lives in Homestead, and enjoys it readily!

[Musicman408]

I've also had luck looking into the Okaloosa County Area!!!

[fringed n fab]

I've also had luck looking into the Okaloosa County Area!!!

I have no idea right off where that is. I'm Sarasota County here. I did go to Siesta Key yesterday morning about 10 30 am and the parking lot was packed and no room to even park anywhere with Spring Break going on, so I just drove to Venice Beach and spent the day on the pier and sand. Boats galore were out yesterday and the Gulf looked so pretty. I stopped tanning 5 years ago and I got burnt yesterday because of it. Ouch, the Florida sun. It was in the 80's yesterday and so nice. If I'm thinking correctly, when Jon and Kate plus 8 had their show, they filmed an episode on Venice beach once. I have pics I took yesterday but haven't uploaded them yet but this is the pier at Venice Beach.

http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/1916/37025141.jpg

[Musicman408]

I have no idea right off where that is. I'm Sarasota County here. I did go to Siesta Key yesterday morning about 10 30 am and the parking lot was packed and no room to even park anywhere with Spring Break going on, so I just drove to Venice Beach and spent the day on the pier and sand. Boats galore were out yesterday and the Gulf looked so pretty. I stopped tanning 5 years ago and I got burnt yesterday because of it. Ouch, the Florida sun. It was in the 80's yesterday and so nice. If I'm thinking correctly, when Jon and Kate plus 8 had their show, they filmed an episode on Venice beach once. I have pics I took yesterday but haven't uploaded them yet but this is the pier at Venice Beach.

http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/1916/37025141.jpg

Such beautiful shots!!!

Okaloosa is on the panhandle and is home to Fort Walton Beach and Destin, as well as Niceville.

[Musicman408]

This week, the Weather Channel is in Destin, FL which is in Okaloosa County. Destin has been a place my family has vacationed almost annually since I was..... I don't know 6 or something. So it brings back a lot of memories, and I LOVE IT!!! It's funny because they show these panoramic shots and stuff, and I TOTALLY know where they are!! It really feels like a second home, because I have been to Destin more times than any other city besides Louisville- and I guess now, Bowling Green. Makes me want to go back VERY badly! :nod:

[Enchanted_Stevi]

After I went to Florida to go to Disney I am in LOVE! Palm trees, sunny, warm. Even when its raining its warm lol I guess when you live in New England where you have 4 seasons and its mostly cold, Florida is like paradise lol I actually would not mind moving to Florida. So beautiful!

[fringed n fab]

This week, the Weather Channel is in Destin, FL which is in Okaloosa County. Destin has been a place my family has vacationed almost annually since I was..... I don't know 6 or something. So it brings back a lot of memories, and I LOVE IT!!! It's funny because they show these panoramic shots and stuff, and I TOTALLY know where they are!! It really feels like a second home, because I have been to Destin more times than any other city besides Louisville- and I guess now, Bowling Green. Makes me want to go back VERY badly! :nod:

Aside from my time living down here this winter, I've only ever vacationed in Clearwater Beach and visited Tampa. My brother and sis in law and their kids have vacationed in Destin and love it there. He was just talking about it yesterday as we were discussing our beach experiences we visited over the weekend. I went to Venice with my parents and other brothers and they decided on going up to Longboat Key because Siesta was just way too packed Saturday morning. Destin does look nice from what I've seen in pics but I wanted to live in South Florida when I came down. Hotter summers yes and greater storm threat, but the winters are warmer down here. I'm 4 1/2 hours down from the Florida-Georgia state line and I like this part of Florida down here. The Panhandle beaches look beautiful though too.

[fringed n fab]

After I went to Florida to go to Disney I am in LOVE! Palm trees, sunny, warm. Even when its raining its warm lol I guess when you live in New England where you have 4 seasons and its mostly cold, Florida is like paradise lol I actually would not mind moving to Florida. So beautiful!

It is a different experience I will say that. Living in Ohio all my life then moving down here. I absolutely love the weather here and the palm trees (who doesn't like those really?) and the tropical landscape in general. And that sweet salt air at the beach combined with everyones tanning lotion. I could live at the beach. And for me right now it's free, I can visit them anytime. I'm just hoping I don't get too homesick about little things I gave up living up north in Ohio. All in all I like it here, Florida will always be Florida. And this is nothing really but a life experience for me I needed to do.

[gretchen]

I have been to Captiva and it was gorgeous. White sugary beaches and turquoise seas...not to mention outstanding dining and accommodations. If you choose Captiva stay at the South Seas Island Resort and Yacht Harbour.

[Musicman408]

Aside from my time living down here this winter, I've only ever vacationed in Clearwater Beach and visited Tampa. My brother and sis in law and their kids have vacationed in Destin and love it there. He was just talking about it yesterday as we were discussing our beach experiences we visited over the weekend. I went to Venice with my parents and other brothers and they decided on going up to Longboat Key because Siesta was just way too packed Saturday morning. Destin does look nice from what I've seen in pics but I wanted to live in South Florida when I came down. Hotter summers yes and greater storm threat, but the winters are warmer down here. I'm 4 1/2 hours down from the Florida-Georgia state line and I like this part of Florida down here. The Panhandle beaches look beautiful though too.

You are right about the winters- and that is something that I have considered. But it seems to me that there are more not ENORMOUS cities that have a decent amount of schools in the panhandle counties. It's just one of those things- it's a hard thing to research when there are so many GOOOD areas.

[Musicman408]

Anyone here ever been to Cape Canaveral?

[mylittledemon]

It is a different experience I will say that. Living in Ohio all my life then moving down here. I absolutely love the weather here and the palm trees (who doesn't like those really?) and the tropical landscape in general. And that sweet salt air at the beach combined with everyones tanning lotion. I could live at the beach. And for me right now it's free, I can visit them anytime. I'm just hoping I don't get too homesick about little things I gave up living up north in Ohio. All in all I like it here, Florida will always be Florida. And this is nothing really but a life experience for me I needed to do.

HA! Yeah... sure! Wait until July/August and tell me how much you love Florida weather. :laugh:

[fringed n fab]

HA! Yeah... sure! Wait until July/August and tell me how much you love Florida weather. :laugh:
Well I've been down here in July and to me it really wasn't that bad, just the sun is a lot stronger for sure than up north. But I tolerated it just fine down here. You have to remember I grew up in Southern Ohio, so there was no breeze in the hot humid summer months and a lot would agree that the northern Mid Western states can feel like a hot frying pan during summer. At least here you're by water (if you're coastal) and you get the breezes. I remember returning home to Ohio in August a few years back after being down here for a bit and absolutely passing out as soon as I got out of the car, it was so humid hot. And me, my sister, and her then-husband all looked at each other and said "Damn, Florida wasn't even THIS HOT". So I guess it just depends on the individual. When it gets hot this summer, and we already have been in the mid to upper 80's down here, I will go about my day and remind myself I DO live in the south now and I knew that coming down here. :)

[mylittledemon]

Blech. The humidity in Florida is brutal. It made me hate it after a few years.

[fringed n fab]

Blech. The humidity in Florida is brutal. It made me hate it after a few years.
I'm just living here right now. I knew I didn't come down here to forever live. Like you, I just wanted to try something new for a change. This world is too big to live in one small place your entire life and really, if you're not tied down by anything keeping you somewhere, you can pack up and move anywhere. Which is exactly what I did. :nod:

[mylittledemon]

Oh no, I'm not saying you made a bad choice ! haha... I'm just remembering those hot days and shuddering to myself :rolleyes:

[louielouie2000]

I Guess it all depends on personal preference. I detest anything under 60 degrees with a passion. Give me heat, humidity, and warm bodies of water to swim in and I'm just peachy! :D

[mylittledemon]

I'd rather be cold than hot.

[LukeA]

I'd rather be cold than hot.

Yep. Far easier to be/get warm than to be/get cool.

[mylittledemon]

Nothing worse than lying in bed at night... sweating. ;)

[fringed n fab]

Nothing worse than lying in bed at night... sweating. ;) Hah that's what AC is for! You know what they say, pesticide and AC are what saved Florida :laugh: but like Louie said, Florida living is a personal preference I think. You either love it or you hate it. And for me I love this down here.


http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/2170/sarasotafl.jpg

[mylittledemon]

Yeah I did it for almost 5 years. I loved the people (best friends of my life)... but the weather, I always hated. ;)

[fringed n fab]

Yeah I did it for almost 5 years. I loved the people (best friends of my life)... but the weather, I always hated. ;)
Were you that young guy pumping gas at the gas station in Southern Georgia saying how you're leaving to get out of Florida after 5 years there as I was telling you I'm on my way down? :laugh:

[mylittledemon]

HA! I don't remember that but... maybe? :laugh:

[louielouie2000]

Hah that's what AC is for! You know what they say, pesticide and AC are what saved Florida :laugh: but like Louie said, Florida living is a personal preference I think. You either love it or you hate it. And for me I love this down here.


Exactly! Give me palm trees and turquoise water any day over a freaking rain coat! :D

It's the same for me though, people always ask me why I want to move back to Austin, this is why:

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a382/louielouie2000/lt1.jpg

http://www.wimberleytourism.com/images/up/Hamilton%20pool%20couple.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/BartonSpringsPool4.jpg

http://www.leakeystar.com/activities/files/dsc01944.jpg

I don't care if it's 115 degrees, there's water to cool off in!! :]

[fringed n fab]

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a382/louielouie2000/lt1.jpg

I had no idea Austin had a beach? Isn't that like in the center of Texas? When I think of Texas, I think of Dallas. The soap opera. Cows and brown parched pastures.

[fringed n fab]

I always heard palm trees met a cruel fate in Texas? Unless you lived more coastal there.

[fringed n fab]

Louie and doesn't Texas have alligators? same as Florida? See I'd be scared to swim let alone even go near any kind of freshwater. That's like rule #1 when you come down here.

[louielouie2000]

I had no idea Austin had a beach? Isn't that like in the center of Texas? When I think of Texas, I think of Dallas. The soap opera. Cows and brown parched pastures.

I always heard palm trees met a cruel fate in Texas? Unless you lived more coastal there.

That's Lake Travis... I took one of my North Carolina friends there last year and he refuses to believe it was a lake and not an ocean :laugh:. It's crystal clear and aquamarine colored, just gorgeous. And there's a species of palm trees that's actually native to Austin, it's name escapes me at the moment. People are alway so surprised at how Austin looks... it's more similar to Southern California or the Mediterranean in it's appearance and climate than it is to Texas :).

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a382/louielouie2000/hippyhollow.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a382/louielouie2000/a3.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a382/louielouie2000/a2.jpg

[fringed n fab]

That's Lake Travis... I took one of my North Carolina friends there last year and he refuses to believe it was a lake and not an ocean :laugh:. It's crystal clear and aquamarine colored, just gorgeous. And there's a species of palm trees that's actually native to Austin, it's name escapes me at the moment. People are alway so surprised at how Austin looks... it's more similar to Southern California or the Mediterranean in it's appearance and climate than it is to Texas :).

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a382/louielouie2000/hippyhollow.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a382/louielouie2000/a3.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a382/louielouie2000/a2.jpg
OMG is that you? Louie in swim trunks guys, keep the pictures coming... :laugh: ;)

[louielouie2000]

OMG is that you? Louie in swim trunks guys, keep the pictures coming... :laugh: ;)

That's me! I'll even show you one from behind! ;) Yes, that's the lil wifey behind me. :p

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a382/louielouie2000/Austin-121.jpg

[fringed n fab]

The view is lovely up there ;) and your better half looks nice. You always make it sound like you're with Danny Devito.

[vivfox]

That's me! I'll even show you one from behind! ;) Yes, that's the lil wifey behind me. :p


He looks like a mini version of you!:woohoo:

[Musicman408]

Hah that's what AC is for! You know what they say, pesticide and AC are what saved Florida :laugh: but like Louie said, Florida living is a personal preference I think. You either love it or you hate it. And for me I love this down here.


http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/2170/sarasotafl.jpg

I'm totally super jealous!!!

Louie- that Texas stuff is looking pretty beautiful too though!!

[fringed n fab]

I was at Englewood Beach a couple evenings ago and snapped these of the sunset etc.

http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/7272/englewood042010.jpg
http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/6236/englewood2042010.jpg
http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/75/englewood3042010.jpg
http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/7362/englewood4042010.jpg
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/4252/englewood5042010.jpg
http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/3796/englewood6042010.jpg
http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/1637/englewood7042010kuvzo.jpg
http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/3681/englewood8042010.jpg
http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/1161/englewood10042010.jpg
http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/7382/englewood11042010.jpg

[vivfox]

Wow Shane, your pictures are beautiful. For an Ohioan boy you are very lucky to now be a Floridian. Please keep snapping pictures. I'm living my oceanic dreams through you.

Love, Viv

[louielouie2000]

Shanie! Where are the pictures of YOU on the beach???

[fringed n fab]

Wow Shane, your pictures are beautiful. For an Ohioan boy you are very lucky to now be a Floridian. Please keep snapping pictures. I'm living my oceanic dreams through you.

Love, Viv
Thanks Viv! I'm happy to be where I'm at at this point and things have been good. I'll snap pictures of things and post as I'm out and about down here don't worry. Florida is a very pretty State. :nod:

[fringed n fab]

Shanie! Where are the pictures of YOU on the beach???
I know! I need to start snapping some of me and I'll post soon enough. I had been out in the water about waist deep right before I snapped all those and the water was so nice and clear. It's warming up fast too with each passing week and about in the 70's right now and warming. I like when the water reaches in the 80's during summer, others though think it's too warm. But yes, I'd like pics of me too and I'll definitely post ;)

[fringed n fab]

Oh and Viv? I've seen that pic of Brandon before and I love it ;)

[Musicman408]

I've got to say Shane, I am really jealous! I'm happy you're enjoying it down there- it's making want to come down even more.

[louielouie2000]

The view is lovely up there ;) and your better half looks nice. You always make it sound like you're with Danny Devito.

Here's a picture of us in Key West a few years ago :)

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a382/louielouie2000/n1384347985_195862_8330.jpg