Please Don't Hate Florida

I moved to Florida from the Midwest 15 years ago. My observations (worth approximately .02):

1. I do miss the change of seasons.

2. Lots of bugs - because it never gets cold enough to kill them off (Orlando area).

3. Summers are hot and steamy. Hey - Florida is a sand peninsula sticking out into the ocean ! Orlando is the same latitude as Cairo Egypt !

4. Yes, it's flat, but in general, it's really not that much different then in the Midwest.

5. High points are relative. I'm sure that folks from Wyoming laugh at what are called mountains East of the Mississippi.

6. I have never been in a state that has more diverse wildlife then Florida, especially if you include the coastal areas (dolphins, manatee, rays, sea turtles, etc). Where else can you find cougars, alligators, bears, and 4 ft tall birds in the same county ?

7. The Keys are a very special place.

8. I think it's almost impossible to beat the weather south of the Orlando area in winter. Think 'Flowers blooming all year'.

9. I think the summer weather in Wisconsin, upper Michigan, Wyoming or Idaho is also hard to beat. I only wish it lasted longer.

10. If you live year round in Florida, you better be able to tolerate heat and humidity. If you live up north, you better be able to tolerate cold. It just seems that the older I get, the easier it is for me to tolerate heat as opposed to cold. I like being able to wear shorts year-round. No shoveling, no heavy coats, no worries about the car starting in the morning. It's a long list.

Tim

Next month we're headed for North Ft. Myers. I have absolutely no Michigan winter activities. Sunshine & warmth is all I need in the winter. Of course Michigan is wonderful the other 3 seasons.
Happy trails,

We all love what we love, dislike what we don't like and try to avoid the word hate.

But I agree with other posters who said they like changes in the seasons. We've lived in warmer climates and prefer otherwise...indeed too nice is just plain boring.

I don't hate Florida but I most certainly don't like it enough to want to live there. We spent 5 out of 6 winters there in areas from the panhandle the gulf coast, the Atlantic coast, central, alligator alley and Key West...that was enough for a lifetime...never again!

Deb and Ed M wrote:
I love Michigan!!! However, since I live rather close to that Lake Effect Snow Machine - we WILL head to Florida for some sunshine. We don't even need "warmth" - just sunshine. I'll be that pasty-white person walking on the beach in my shorts and T-shirt when it's 60 degrees and all the residents are bundled in their winter parkas....LOL!!

X2

I love the mitten state and its change of seasons. Fall camping is the best!! Spring and summer gives us something to look forward to as well! I would hate to have to mow my lawn 12 months out of the year. Taking 5 months off from yard work is kinda nice!

But I do have a different attitude this year. maybe its because im leaving next month for 2 weeks in Mexico. :-)

I love Michigan!!! However, since I live rather close to that Lake Effect Snow Machine - we WILL head to Florida for some sunshine. We don't even need "warmth" - just sunshine. I'll be that pasty-white person walking on the beach in my shorts and T-shirt when it's 60 degrees and all the residents are bundled in their winter parkas....LOL!!

I love Florida!

We have visited for varying lengths of time every winter
since 1987.

The first trip to Florida was in 1972, we were only able to visit sporadically
until /87.

Were down for six weeks this fall, home for Christmas,
will leave Dec twenty eighth to go back until spring.
Can hardly wait!

My Roadtrek wrote:
Death Valley, and New Orleans are lower. Florida is tied with 22 other states at 0 feet.
Britton Hill is Florida's high point at 345'.
Mt. Everest at Disney World is just under 200'
Florida ranks No.1 in average temp. at 70.7.
It's 73 today in Tucson. :)

I probably didn't say it right, but what I meant was that Florida's highest point is the lowest of the all the state's highest points. Either way, it isn't very high. We almost froze to death today. It was like 47 this morning. It is supposed to be in the 30's in the morning. I may just have to call in cold to work...:E

Dog Folks wrote:


............ please don't hate Florida.

Hate Florida?? - - Bugs *LOVE* Florida!

Why would anyone in Southern CA hate Florida?
(even if FL wins on overall annual warm temps)

FL wins hands down on humidity & flying things too!

Darn - dipped into the 60's last week in So. CA, will be in the low to the mid 70s for the next couple of weeks.

"Winter" =
Go surfing in the morning (yes, *we* have waves), head for the local mountains (2 hour drive) for great skiing and snow boarding for the afternoon session (8K ft altitude) - back for dinner.

Of course, World Class skiing is 5 hours away in the Sierras.

BTW - for the poster that wants to retire to Oregon, better visit during winter to help you decide, LOL!


~

Dog Folks wrote:
...please don't hate Florida.

Don't tell us what to do Dog Folk, cause haters just want to hate! :W