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Fuddnik

(8,846 posts)
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 11:41 AM Jun 2014

10 Reasons You Should Not Move to Florida—From Floridians Who Know!


10 Reasons You Should Not Move to Florida—From Floridians Who Know!
The state is sinking in more ways than one.

http://www.alternet.org/economy/10-reasons-you-should-not-move-florida-floridians-who-know

June 16, 2014 |





Florida is sinking and it’s not because of climate change. A new report, Florida – A State of Embarassment, by the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans (FLARA), categorizes the reasons why seniors and young families should not move there.

The report cites crimes that prey on the elderly, regressive taxes, growing gaps between rich and poor, low spending for public schools and libraries, unmet job ands social welfare needs, high home foreclosure rates, poor emergency medical care, and more.

“Behind Florida’s palm trees, tropical birds and beautiful beaches is a state with a multitude of very serious problems that are being ignored by its political leaders,” it begins. “These problems undermine the potential for prosperity for Florida’s residents and place their future at risk."

Here's 10 reasons why Florida is not all sunshine.

1. “Ground zero” for health care fraud. According to several reports by the FBI, Florida leads the U.S. in health care fraud, which it says is a $80 billion a year problem.

(snip)
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10 Reasons You Should Not Move to Florida—From Floridians Who Know! (Original Post) Fuddnik Jun 2014 OP
Prior to my moving to Florida from New Jersey, it was impressed on me to wait until kids were monmouth3 Jun 2014 #1
Smart move! tallahasseedem Jun 2014 #20
Props to the evil union teachers senseandsensibility Jun 2014 #59
I almost added that little tidbit! tallahasseedem Jun 2014 #77
Were not the FL teachers also union? NT kelly1mm Jun 2014 #152
My stepsister just moved from NJ to FL, too! KamaAina Jun 2014 #31
If I had kids school age, I would agree with these assessment yeoman6987 Jun 2014 #89
Florida's ranked 6th nationally in education. NJ is 8th. DirkGently Jun 2014 #90
Education has always lacked directly due to the high number of retirees Boom Sound 416 Jun 2014 #2
Move to FL? LOL fredamae Jun 2014 #3
Your loss. nt Tommy_Carcetti Jun 2014 #142
Your opinion ;) n/t fredamae Jun 2014 #146
Reason # 11: Florida Man! Tanuki Jun 2014 #4
LOL bahrbearian Jun 2014 #8
Crystal Metheny? Busted for drugs? Fuddnik Jun 2014 #21
Crystal Methany Superstar! flamingdem Jun 2014 #24
"DNA ?" MrMickeysMom Jun 2014 #43
That is the funniest thing I've seen... Whiskeytide Jun 2014 #39
Florida Man isn't alone. Meet his west-coast dwelling twin, California Man. Tommy_Carcetti Jun 2014 #45
I've been in Fla. for years shenmue Jun 2014 #5
Yeah, we're trapped. Fuddnik Jun 2014 #9
Try looking into a "short sale". jeff47 Jun 2014 #13
I sold my dad's house in 2006 and people thought I was nuts for underpricing it like I did Warpy Jun 2014 #79
My dad couldn't understand why I wasn't going to move into his house Warpy Jun 2014 #18
Crackers: Last officially-approved syeteotype... Eleanors38 Jun 2014 #147
I resemble that remark Warpy Jun 2014 #150
I love it here despite the problems. nt Mojorabbit Jun 2014 #75
Yup, same here geomon666 Jun 2014 #138
Yeah, when my mom got really sick we moved her out. Benton D Struckcheon Jun 2014 #6
Bad choice of words Doctor_J Jun 2014 #7
And of course we put the only two people an the planet who could lose an election to him. Fuddnik Jun 2014 #10
Too hot.. Peacetrain Jun 2014 #11
It's hotter in Cleveland In July and August than it is in Tampa. Fuddnik Jun 2014 #12
Oh we can get heat here too.. Peacetrain Jun 2014 #14
Average temps in July and August Mariana Jun 2014 #144
Huge summer electric bills Submariner Jun 2014 #52
The weather's monotonous - LiberalElite Jun 2014 #132
A beautiful land abused by a lot of greedy people. Baitball Blogger Jun 2014 #15
always start at the top--that's where fish start rotting MisterP Jun 2014 #49
I live in Sarasota greytdemocrat Jun 2014 #16
Great Farmers' Market PeoViejo Jun 2014 #34
me too Ghost of Tom Joad Jun 2014 #35
I lived 4 out of my Florida 30 years in Sarasota... MrMickeysMom Jun 2014 #44
Great place !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! n/t RKP5637 Jun 2014 #107
Suit yourself. This Floridian loves it here. Tommy_Carcetti Jun 2014 #17
It's not so bad. Been here 11 years. Fuddnik Jun 2014 #22
The politics are crazy and I hope we aren't that negatively impacted by climate change. Tommy_Carcetti Jun 2014 #23
Moved from Florida to New Jersey back in 2010... tallahasseedem Jun 2014 #19
Just the reverse... greytdemocrat Jun 2014 #25
I live in Florida and used to travel to NJ monthly on business DrDan Jun 2014 #29
Well there's a comparison for you! Atman Jun 2014 #32
you are assuming a tad too much DrDan Jun 2014 #42
The no state taxes is why Florida taxes are so regressive csziggy Jun 2014 #53
if I remember correctly, the intangibles tax was pretty much a voluntary report DrDan Jun 2014 #54
Oh, no - it was not at all voluntary csziggy Jun 2014 #57
but if the stocks were purchased out-of-state, how would the tax collector know about them DrDan Jun 2014 #60
You just don't want me down there with my left turn signal on. liberal N proud Jun 2014 #26
You use signals? Lochloosa Jun 2014 #73
Just for eventual left turns liberal N proud Jun 2014 #88
Not in Florida... That's just an invitation Lochloosa Jun 2014 #91
You missed the sarcasm. liberal N proud Jun 2014 #119
No I got it Lochloosa Jun 2014 #120
I believe this also applies to NC and several other southern states randys1 Jun 2014 #27
been here over 31 years . . no plans to leave - but will happily discourage others from moving here DrDan Jun 2014 #28
I think I remember reading about a sink hole problem, too. calimary Jun 2014 #30
Without sinkholes I would not have had a place to go swimming Lochloosa Jun 2014 #85
I love it tom_kelly Jun 2014 #33
I'm from Florida, now happily living in the Northeast. Atman Jun 2014 #36
I'll give you 2 words why not to move to Florida - RICK SCOTT LynneSin Jun 2014 #37
Before that criminal ruined the state, he committed Medicare Fraud... MrMickeysMom Jun 2014 #46
A friend of my wife has called her in tears because of how shitty the schools are joeglow3 Jun 2014 #38
A friend of mine who lives in Florida told me of a friend of hers who has a teenage son. valerief Jun 2014 #40
Well, there are NO regulations at all on private schools. No requirement for certification. madfloridian Jun 2014 #41
I hear you, madfloridian... MrMickeysMom Jun 2014 #47
Nebraska's ranked 40 places behind FL in education. DirkGently Jun 2014 #112
Nebraska has some of the worst schools in poor parts of town joeglow3 Jun 2014 #133
Yes. It's always economics here too. DirkGently Jun 2014 #137
Ditto for most Red states. joanbarnes Jun 2014 #48
Hey, I resemble that remark packman Jun 2014 #50
I cry on planes back to Florida HockeyMom Jun 2014 #51
I still do not understand why you live here if you hate it so much - life is simply too short DrDan Jun 2014 #55
Plus there's so much good about the state that balances out the bad. Tommy_Carcetti Jun 2014 #56
agree completely - go out and find the good DrDan Jun 2014 #58
K&R !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All states suck if one starts making lists IMO. FL is not that bad, in RKP5637 Jun 2014 #113
as the number of tourists visiting each year attest to DrDan Jun 2014 #115
Sure can't be that bad! I love it in FL! n/t RKP5637 Jun 2014 #118
The birds are beautiful. Fuddnik Jun 2014 #63
The wildlife here is simply incredible. Tommy_Carcetti Jun 2014 #64
I've had dolphins come right up to my kayak on the Anclote River. Fuddnik Jun 2014 #69
Don't forget the snakes shanti Jun 2014 #80
They just nibble. DirkGently Jun 2014 #106
Meh. Not a huge problem. Tommy_Carcetti Jun 2014 #129
Everytime I travel out of Florida DirkGently Jun 2014 #94
I had a dream last night I was at Bahia Honda State Park. Tommy_Carcetti Jun 2014 #100
Is that one worthwhile? DirkGently Jun 2014 #104
Absolutely. Tommy_Carcetti Jun 2014 #127
Saw a pair of Sandhills with a chick at the dentist's office today. DirkGently Jun 2014 #116
I would rather walk a mile in a blizzard HockeyMom Jun 2014 #78
Where do you live, if you don't mind me asking? Tommy_Carcetti Jun 2014 #130
You act like moving is a simple task. Really? nt Logical Jun 2014 #65
when one is moved to tears each time they return home, I would think moving would become paramount DrDan Jun 2014 #66
Some people are poor or cannot easily find another job. I think.... Logical Jun 2014 #70
as I said, I did not understand why this person stayed while so miserable DrDan Jun 2014 #72
Job HockeyMom Jun 2014 #74
That does not take away from the fact that life is too short yeoman6987 Jun 2014 #93
But, the mosquitoes will welcome you with French kisses. Tierra_y_Libertad Jun 2014 #61
I was sort of thinking I might want to retire to a purple state. Jim Lane Jun 2014 #62
I love it here... EX500rider Jun 2014 #67
Cool photos. Cool places. Tommy_Carcetti Jun 2014 #68
The springs are the best Lochloosa Jun 2014 #86
Florida has more first-magnitude springs ... DirkGently Jun 2014 #102
You're not lying. Tommy_Carcetti Jun 2014 #103
Same here! Thanks for posting this! n/t RKP5637 Jun 2014 #117
I grew up in Miami RebelOne Jun 2014 #71
I like North Florida madville Jun 2014 #76
Sounds absolutely wonderful! n/t RKP5637 Jun 2014 #122
Grew up in Gainesville, hunted and fished a lot... Eleanors38 Jun 2014 #148
The weird thing that would make me crazy in FL...it's flat BeyondGeography Jun 2014 #81
Flat is good for biking. DirkGently Jun 2014 #105
Great for biking BeyondGeography Jun 2014 #114
The sun-tanned seniors in speedos are scarier. DirkGently Jun 2014 #125
What Florida lacks in ground topography it more than makes up in the sky. Tommy_Carcetti Jun 2014 #131
Gators, rattlers, moccasins, coral snakes, black widows, hurricanes, lpbk2713 Jun 2014 #82
Of those, only Rick Scott has ever annoyed me. DirkGently Jun 2014 #109
Same here. nt Tommy_Carcetti Jun 2014 #141
Glad to be out. Separation Jun 2014 #83
The TV show "Flipper" caused a flood of young people to move to Mosquito Heaven in the 60s. Spitfire of ATJ Jun 2014 #84
Now it's probably a reality show like "House Flipper"! flamingdem Jun 2014 #96
Brilliant ! RagAss Jun 2014 #87
Did you here about the one that ripped a women's arm off the oter day? Lochloosa Jun 2014 #92
Just curious what area you're in - urban or rural flamingdem Jun 2014 #97
The alligators aren't the dangerous ones in Florida. Tommy_Carcetti Jun 2014 #98
Voracious, empty-eyed reptiles DirkGently Jun 2014 #110
+++ 1,000 +++ n/t RKP5637 Jun 2014 #123
thought about moving to Cali but... steve2470 Jun 2014 #95
Plus no annual wildfires. Tommy_Carcetti Jun 2014 #99
it does steve2470 Jun 2014 #101
It's going to be underwater soon. WilliamPitt Jun 2014 #108
Yes. At about the same time as NYC. n/t DirkGently Jun 2014 #111
FLYING FUCKING ROACHES. The whole Southeast should be nuked from orbit, it's the only way to be sure LeftyMom Jun 2014 #121
17 years in Florida and I don't think I've come across a single palmetto bug. Tommy_Carcetti Jun 2014 #126
We get them. Fuddnik Jun 2014 #135
I think I came across one once. At my grandmother's house in Maryland. Tommy_Carcetti Jun 2014 #139
Yes ...please do not move here ...we don't want you here. If you are here please move out ASAP. L0oniX Jun 2014 #124
Fewer Midnight Cowboys the better. Eleanors38 Jun 2014 #149
No problem. You coudn't pay me enough to live there. (nt) scarletwoman Jun 2014 #128
Agreed. flvegan Jun 2014 #134
I lived in Florida in the early 70s. Walking graveyard is what I use to call it. B Calm Jun 2014 #136
I think it's hilarious how some people think only old people live in Florida. Tommy_Carcetti Jun 2014 #140
The only part I found interesting are the Keys. and parts of Miami. kwassa Jun 2014 #143
You're funny. Tommy_Carcetti Jun 2014 #145
Most of those attractions are in northern Florida ... kwassa Jun 2014 #151

monmouth3

(3,871 posts)
1. Prior to my moving to Florida from New Jersey, it was impressed on me to wait until kids were
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 11:45 AM
Jun 2014

out of school. Education was lacking even back in '89..

tallahasseedem

(6,716 posts)
20. Smart move!
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 12:29 PM
Jun 2014

I couldn't believe how much better the school system in in NJ! My children were actually behind given that it was so much better than Florida. Luckily, the awesome NJ teachers got them on track quickly.

 

KamaAina

(78,249 posts)
31. My stepsister just moved from NJ to FL, too!
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 01:14 PM
Jun 2014


but yeah, the kid is out of school. In fact, he fronts a pretty good band.

http://thevansaders.bandcamp.com/
 

yeoman6987

(14,449 posts)
89. If I had kids school age, I would agree with these assessment
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 07:54 PM
Jun 2014

But I can sell my home for 1.2 million in Arnold, Maryland and buy a very nice home in Leesburg, Florida or even the Villages for 200K. The taxes are not that bad considering that they don't have state taxes at all.....compared to Maryland.....oh wow....big time savings! Schools might not be great, but that is why I would not move there if I had school age kids.

 

Boom Sound 416

(4,185 posts)
2. Education has always lacked directly due to the high number of retirees
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 11:47 AM
Jun 2014

Been that way as long as I can remember.

It's been ground zero for health care fraud for the same reason.

fredamae

(4,458 posts)
3. Move to FL? LOL
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 11:51 AM
Jun 2014

Hell, I decided I wouldn't ever even Visit FL years ago.....
Same with AZ, TX, ID, NV, UT..........wait, it might be easier to list the states I would visit.

flamingdem

(39,304 posts)
24. Crystal Methany Superstar!
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 12:36 PM
Jun 2014

Florida Woman @_Flor1daWoman · Jun 11

Florida Woman Arrested For Shooting 'Missiles' Into Car; Actual Name 'Crystal Metheney'


:large

Whiskeytide

(4,459 posts)
39. That is the funniest thing I've seen...
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 01:34 PM
Jun 2014

... in months. I'm sitting in my office laughing out loud by myself. Crystal Methany. OMG!

Tommy_Carcetti

(43,085 posts)
45. Florida Man isn't alone. Meet his west-coast dwelling twin, California Man.
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 01:55 PM
Jun 2014
https://twitter.com/CaliManTales


California Man Invents New Condom "Galactic Cap" Which Covers Only the Tip

California Man accused of naked home burglary

California Man Gets Prison for Ripping Off Girl Scouts

California Man rescued after getting stuck in ex-wife's chimney

California Man drives off with red-light camera

California Man sets new pepperoni roll world champion record, eater downs 31 in ten minutes

California Man uses stolen backhoe to destroy mobile home, claims he was going to return it when finished

California Man accused of posing as Navy SEAL to get $30,000 from charities

Foul Ball-Seeking California Man Absolutely Wrecks Old Woman

California Man suffering from 'constipation' actually had running vibrator in large intestine

California Man's poodle doesn't qualify as service dog in N.J.

Wife: California Man's arrest is case of mistaken identity...again ("It was Florida Man! I swear!!!!&quot

California Man damages historic Alaskan church, bites officer in rampage

California Man Busted in Fake Levi Strauss Jeans Smuggling Scheme

California Man breaks elusive ‘five-minute beer mile,’ taking world champion away from Canadian

California Man charged $4,050 for 2 tacos from Del Taco

California Man With Worn Sock Fetish Arrested Again After Caught Near School

jeff47

(26,549 posts)
13. Try looking into a "short sale".
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 12:16 PM
Jun 2014

You may have a way out, if you don't need profit from selling the house in order to pay for relocating.

Warpy

(110,913 posts)
79. I sold my dad's house in 2006 and people thought I was nuts for underpricing it like I did
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 06:30 PM
Jun 2014

but I'd gone around the neighborhood and counted the "for sale" signs and knew asking market value was not going to work. So I knocked 10% off the price and sold in a week.

The guy who bought it had a whole two years to crow about the deal of the century from that dumb woman before he, too, went well under water on his mortgage.

Warpy

(110,913 posts)
18. My dad couldn't understand why I wasn't going to move into his house
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 12:24 PM
Jun 2014

when he was gone, it had a pool, central AC and you could bike to a beach (although there was no way to get through the wall of highrise condos to see the ocean, much less dip a toe into it).

Well, if it had been in any state but Florida, I might have.

If anyone here is nuts enough to consider moving there, watch this:

 

Eleanors38

(18,318 posts)
147. Crackers: Last officially-approved syeteotype...
Wed Jun 18, 2014, 06:29 PM
Jun 2014

Just add some hoe-down fiddle and jug-blowing, and your fool-proof.

Warpy

(110,913 posts)
150. I resemble that remark
Wed Jun 18, 2014, 07:47 PM
Jun 2014

I was born there. Fortunately, my parents moved while I was a baby and didn't go back (except on vacation) until I was long gone.

Benton D Struckcheon

(2,347 posts)
6. Yeah, when my mom got really sick we moved her out.
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 11:55 AM
Jun 2014

The Florida medical profession is just not up to the task of taking on truly serious illness. Everyone knows that.
Education? No one moves to Florida to pay taxes for schools. They move there to avoid that. Or any other taxes for that matter.
Basically, you'll live well if you're rich. If not, you're on your own.

 

Doctor_J

(36,392 posts)
7. Bad choice of words
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 11:58 AM
Jun 2014
problems that are being ignored by its political leaders,


Nope. The problems are being deliberately caused by political leaders. Rick Scott is himself a criminal. So is JEB.

Fuddnik

(8,846 posts)
10. And of course we put the only two people an the planet who could lose an election to him.
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 12:03 PM
Jun 2014

Alex Sink and Charlie Crist.

Peacetrain

(22,836 posts)
11. Too hot..
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 12:13 PM
Jun 2014

The south is too too hot.. I will take the snow anyday over oppressive heat... It might be nice in the winter, but people seem to be as stuck in their AC during the summer as those of us in snow country are in the winter with our heat.

Fuddnik

(8,846 posts)
12. It's hotter in Cleveland In July and August than it is in Tampa.
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 12:16 PM
Jun 2014

We've NEVER seen 100 degrees in Tampa. I've seen 115 in Cleveland.

Peacetrain

(22,836 posts)
14. Oh we can get heat here too..
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 12:19 PM
Jun 2014

But it goes.. I am just not a warm weather person.. My brother loves it.. but then spends the whole summer inside avoiding it..

Mariana

(14,849 posts)
144. Average temps in July and August
Wed Jun 18, 2014, 01:17 PM
Jun 2014

Cleveland - July: High 83, Low 64
Cleveland - Aug: High 81, Low 63
Cleveland - All time recorded high temp: 104 on June 24, 1988 (not 115)

Tampa - July: High 90, Low 76
Tampa - Aug: High 90, Low 76
Tampa - All time recorded high temp: 99 on June 5, 1985


I think it's obvious which place is hotter in July and August. One isolated record high doesn't really count for much.

Submariner

(12,485 posts)
52. Huge summer electric bills
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 02:53 PM
Jun 2014

from having the AC on 24/7. Thought it would be year round beach time for the 7 years I lived there.

The spirit crushing humidity kept me indoors from April into October. Got tired of sweating bullets and having put on a dry T-shirt 3-4 times a day.

LiberalElite

(14,691 posts)
132. The weather's monotonous -
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 10:52 PM
Jun 2014

esp in summer. 90s in the day, 70s at night, with a chance of thunderstorms - day in, day out, day in, day out. I visited a friend frequently for a couple decades and told her the TV news programs could save money by taping one weather forecast and running it every day for months.

Baitball Blogger

(46,576 posts)
15. A beautiful land abused by a lot of greedy people.
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 12:20 PM
Jun 2014

If I were to start to clean up Florida, I would start with the lawyers. And not any lawyers, but those who cross the line between the public and private sector. You hold them accountable to their professional ethics and you'll see the landscape change.

MisterP

(23,730 posts)
49. always start at the top--that's where fish start rotting
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 02:29 PM
Jun 2014

(though actually fish rot from the spine outward: do not ask me how I know this)

MrMickeysMom

(20,453 posts)
44. I lived 4 out of my Florida 30 years in Sarasota...
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 01:53 PM
Jun 2014

I understand what you mean!

The only true escape was riding horses in Mayakka State Park!

Fuddnik

(8,846 posts)
22. It's not so bad. Been here 11 years.
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 12:33 PM
Jun 2014

I don't have to shovel sunshine, and I can play golf and ride my motorcycle year round.

Tommy_Carcetti

(43,085 posts)
23. The politics are crazy and I hope we aren't that negatively impacted by climate change.
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 12:36 PM
Jun 2014

But other than that, I love it.

I love the natural scenery and the weather. Including the summer weather. Especially the summer weather.

Even all the Florida Man craziness I find more endearing and entertaining than anything else.

tallahasseedem

(6,716 posts)
19. Moved from Florida to New Jersey back in 2010...
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 12:27 PM
Jun 2014

I couldn't be happier that I did. Except for Christie, of course!

DrDan

(20,411 posts)
29. I live in Florida and used to travel to NJ monthly on business
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 12:49 PM
Jun 2014

except for the bagels, I am quite content to remain in the sunshine state

NJ has little to nothing to offer

Atman

(31,464 posts)
32. Well there's a comparison for you!
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 01:19 PM
Jun 2014

Do I live in New Jersey for good bagels, or Florida? Hmmm....

There are 48 other states in the union besides Florida and New Jersey.

DrDan

(20,411 posts)
42. you are assuming a tad too much
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 01:50 PM
Jun 2014

I have also lived in Utah, California, Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Kansas, West Virginia, Nebraska, and of course, Florida

as well as 3 other countries

I like Florida . . .

do I like the politics? no
do I like our politicians? no

I like being outside doing something daily
I like the beach
I like no state taxes - thank you tourists!


I made the comparison to NJ because that was the context of the thread.
I mentioned bagels as that is the ONLY thing I can think of in NJ that I prefer over FL.

csziggy

(34,120 posts)
53. The no state taxes is why Florida taxes are so regressive
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 03:22 PM
Jun 2014

High sales taxes are sold as putting more of a burden on the tourists, but they also hit the middle class and poor really hard. Florida has 0% income tax - while that is nice, it means that people who must spend their entire income on necessities carry a larger burden than people who have more discretionary income.

Florida taxes corporations at a lower rate than their sales tax, probably a major reason that Florida's funding is so low on things that matter to citizens such as education.
http://taxfoundation.org/state-tax-climate/florida

As a life long Florida resident, I would like to see a return to taxation of assets held only by the more affluent. Florida used to have an intangible personal property tax - investments were taxed on their value as of January 1 each year. It was eliminated in 2007 - oddly enough just before Florida's big budget woes began. Of course when the Republican led legislature eliminated this tax, they did nothing to supplement the lost funds.

Charlie Crist took office January 2, 2007, so some of the blame for Florida's lack of funding can be laid at his feet - though he was simply following the lead of his mentor, Jeb Bush.

DrDan

(20,411 posts)
54. if I remember correctly, the intangibles tax was pretty much a voluntary report
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 03:29 PM
Jun 2014

over $50K in investments was to be reported. But I don't think there was any way to determine who had that level of investments - except by voluntary reporting.

Our sales tax is 6.5% (Volusia). Considering 9 1/2 for Tenn, over 9 for Ark, nearly 9% for Ok, La, and Wash, we are not in bad shape.

csziggy

(34,120 posts)
57. Oh, no - it was not at all voluntary
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 03:45 PM
Jun 2014

But it was easily avoided by setting up the right kinds of trusts. For customers who didn't have trusts some brokers would sell all the assets right after Christmas and then re-purchase them in January - and of course the brokers collected commissions on those sales and purchases every years. Nice scam!

It was not terribly onerous - the first $250,000 per individual was exempt and the rate was only $0.50 per $1000 of assets.

Here is a report that explains how it worked: http://www.cga.ct.gov/2007/rpt/2007-r-0197.htm

Leon has a higher sales tax - 7.5% - because we have a 1.5% local option sales tax. Leon has paid for maintenance and improvements on state roads out of our local taxes because the state will not maintain them. We also really like have decent quality schools in our county. I don't have children but I want the kids who live in my area to be well educated so I'm happy to pay that higher tax. I'd be happier if the multimillionaires who live in this county paid more into the budget to improve educate and infrastructure.

DrDan

(20,411 posts)
60. but if the stocks were purchased out-of-state, how would the tax collector know about them
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 03:55 PM
Jun 2014

unless reported by the individual?

For example, stocks purchased through an employee purchase plan . . . how would the state know if one owned them? Once you do report them, I see that they must be paid in subsequent years. But . . . if never reported in the first place . . .

Agree about supporting higher taxes. Better schools only lead to better property prices/values. So, we have no children at home, but another 0.5%-1.5% sales tax in support of schools only helps everyone. I wish more seniors would understand this and vote for the increases.

But to your earlier point, I don't think sales taxes in FL are out-of-line.

DrDan

(20,411 posts)
28. been here over 31 years . . no plans to leave - but will happily discourage others from moving here
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 12:47 PM
Jun 2014

too populous already

and . . . to challenge one of the 10, we have no state tax in Florida . . . so not sure what that was all about

calimary

(80,700 posts)
30. I think I remember reading about a sink hole problem, too.
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 01:08 PM
Jun 2014

In dry periods and other efforts (groundwater pumping?) that extract moisture from the ground, sink holes are opening up and whatever's on top of them is caving in. So it appears to be literal as well as figurative. I forget where I read this but I believe it was a link I first saw here.

Atman

(31,464 posts)
36. I'm from Florida, now happily living in the Northeast.
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 01:29 PM
Jun 2014

I still go back home a lot, and have lots of friends and family there. I posted this article on a private FB group for my ol' home town and, surprisingly, most so far concur. A couple have mentioned about moving away after a lifetime on the beach. Every time we go back it seems to suck more and more. I thought the locals would get riled up, but no, the mostly agree. You have the sunshine, sure...but as we saw last time we were there a couple of months ago, crime is crazy -- we stayed at my SIL's house in a very posh little neighborhood, a gated community without and actual gate (one entrance between the big stucco columns), and despite the seeming remote location and security of the private streets, they kept every door and window locked ALL THE TIME. If you went to the car for something, you had to lock everything behind you. I thought they were nuts. Then, on our second night there I was out in the front yard and a neighbor passed by, walking her dog. She introduced herself (probably more because I was a stranger and she was checking me out) and commented on the noise late last night, at about 2:30 am. Yes, we heard it. She called the cops because there were three "young men" wandering around the back yards.

No wonder they love "stand your ground" so much. This beautiful neighborhood and they live in a freaking shelter. Meahwhile, my little town up north doesn't even have a police department. And they think I'm crazy for living in the Northeast. At least I'm not scared all the time, or have 2lb cockroaches.

LynneSin

(95,337 posts)
37. I'll give you 2 words why not to move to Florida - RICK SCOTT
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 01:29 PM
Jun 2014

He has ruined the state. He has put his own greed and the greed of his cronies ahead of the good people of Florida.

He had 4 years and only made the state worse! Time for him to go!

MrMickeysMom

(20,453 posts)
46. Before that criminal ruined the state, he committed Medicare Fraud...
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 01:56 PM
Jun 2014

But, I fondly remember the days of Bob Grahm and Lawton Chiles, LynneSin.

 

joeglow3

(6,228 posts)
38. A friend of my wife has called her in tears because of how shitty the schools are
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 01:31 PM
Jun 2014

The moved a couple years ago and the grade schools in Florida were YEARS behind where the grade schools in Nebraska were. They even looked at private schools and found them all to be shitty as well.

valerief

(53,235 posts)
40. A friend of mine who lives in Florida told me of a friend of hers who has a teenage son.
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 01:47 PM
Jun 2014

He was required that year/semester to take only two courses. One of them was Baseball.

Unfuckingbelievable.

madfloridian

(88,117 posts)
41. Well, there are NO regulations at all on private schools. No requirement for certification.
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 01:48 PM
Jun 2014

Nothing.

Teachers here lost tenure, which is simply due process, in 2011. They have no guarantee of having a job from year to year. This keeps capable teachers from seeking jobs in the state.

New teachers are not I believe under the teacher retirement system. I believe they have to sign up for 401k plans.

http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20140223/POLITICSPOLICY/302230034

Charter schools are getting most of the state money for upkeep, for 2 years public schools got nothing.

MrMickeysMom

(20,453 posts)
47. I hear you, madfloridian...
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 01:57 PM
Jun 2014

This is a 50 state initiative of those being fostered by the likes of Bill Gates. We're educators in PA who used to teach in FL…

You are so right.

 

joeglow3

(6,228 posts)
133. Nebraska has some of the worst schools in poor parts of town
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 11:27 PM
Jun 2014

Omaha has the worst income gap between blacks and whites in the nation. It is it's own sad state that needs to be addressed.

DirkGently

(12,151 posts)
137. Yes. It's always economics here too.
Wed Jun 18, 2014, 11:09 AM
Jun 2014

Schools in poorer areas struggle. Some majority black areas; some rural and white. Resources are scarce and parents are struggling to keep their own lives together. Teachers sometimes spend their day on things like, "please sit in your seats while class is in session."

Economically advantaged suburban schools do very well here. My public high school offered the International Bacculaureate program and my graduating class had 17 National Merit scholars, and we were only second in the state in that regard.

Meanwhile, a teacher I know had a mom in a poorer rural area offer to come in and straighten her out with a chainsaw for giving too much homework, and another whose child was struggling after coming from an elementary school in a poor suburban area explain that her son needed to re-schedule his 7th-grade math test because she'd given him permission to play video games all night and he was tired.
 

packman

(16,296 posts)
50. Hey, I resemble that remark
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 02:37 PM
Jun 2014

This is not the Alan Grayson state, "Hurry up and die"- we are full of pep and energy and all sorts of good things.

So:

[URL=.html][IMG][/IMG][/URL]

 

HockeyMom

(14,337 posts)
51. I cry on planes back to Florida
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 02:50 PM
Jun 2014

Yes, I have had people ask me why I am crying on a plane to Florida. When I tell them I don't want live and come back to Florida, it shocks them. One couple who questioned me about it, thanked me and said they would reconsider relocating to Florida. Small comfort, but that did help.

Tommy_Carcetti

(43,085 posts)
56. Plus there's so much good about the state that balances out the bad.
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 03:35 PM
Jun 2014

Go to the springs. Or the Everglades. Or the Keys. Or St. Augustine. Or Destin. Or wherever. There's so much to be enjoyed wherever you might live. So enjoy it! Don't just sit around and moan.

I could be stuck around somewhere in BF, North Dakota....but I'm sure there's some pretty cool places around BF, North Dakota that I could get some pleasure out of visiting.

DrDan

(20,411 posts)
58. agree completely - go out and find the good
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 03:45 PM
Jun 2014

year around biking, jogging, hiking
the beach
great seafood restaurants
some really good museums (SE Photo Museum in DB is one of the best in the country)

I just don't understand why anyone would stay someplace where they are unable to find ANYTHING good.

RKP5637

(67,032 posts)
113. K&R !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All states suck if one starts making lists IMO. FL is not that bad, in
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 08:45 PM
Jun 2014

fact it's great. Yep, there are bad things, but there's a lot of good too!

Fuddnik

(8,846 posts)
63. The birds are beautiful.
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 04:04 PM
Jun 2014

I've seen peacocks walking down the street. Bald eagles snatching a fish out of the lake. Ospreys all over the place. Pelicans flying up the river. Families of Sandhill Cranes on the golf course I work at. Curlews and Egrets.

However, they did catch a huge crocodile about a mile south of my house. The furthest north they've ever caught one.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/wildlife/long-rumored-crocodile-captured-in-lake-tarpon/2131063

Tommy_Carcetti

(43,085 posts)
64. The wildlife here is simply incredible.
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 04:12 PM
Jun 2014

Birds especially, but you've got everything from bears to boars to bobcats. You've got key deer the size of dogs. And then at the southern part of the state, you have what amounts to mountain lions living in a lowland swamp. If that isn't the coolest thing ever, I don't know what is.

And then you have the alligators and crocs. Some people are scared, but honestly, you've essentially got what amounts to dinosaurs living amongst you. Also incredibly cool.

shanti

(21,672 posts)
80. Don't forget the snakes
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 06:30 PM
Jun 2014

Corals and cottonmouths, no thank you! My cousin recently moved to FL from WA, I told him he was nuts.

DirkGently

(12,151 posts)
106. They just nibble.
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 08:35 PM
Jun 2014

Grew up in FL -- know not one person ever bitten by any kind of snake. Saw a coral once. A few cottonmouths. One Eastern Diamondback. Never saw a copperhead in the wild. Mostly you see black racers and corn snakes, which are harmless and eat rodents and so forth.

I find the idea of hiking among Grizzlies in those Western States kind of intimidating -- the snakes at least are survivable.

All what you're used to.

Tommy_Carcetti

(43,085 posts)
129. Meh. Not a huge problem.
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 10:05 PM
Jun 2014

There are some corals and cottonmouths out there, but bites are rare. Not really different than copperheads or rattlers in most anywhere else in the country.

I came across a black snake on my lawn last weekend, but it was harmless.

DirkGently

(12,151 posts)
94. Everytime I travel out of Florida
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 08:16 PM
Jun 2014

I'm amazed at the dearth of viewable wildlife. We just ran down to the Keys to kayak and snorkel for a week and saw

- Magnificent Frigate birds
- Black-crowned night heron
- Great White Herons
- Great Blue Herons (of course)
- White Crowned Pigeon
- Osprey (of course)

-Sea turtles
- Black-tipped reef sharks (two feet from the boat zipping around in the clear shallows -- got great pics)
- Nurse sharks
- One billion stingrays
- Tarpon, yellowtail snapper, green parrot fish, etc.

- Crabs and lobster, wandering around the dock

- Dozens of tiny, weirdly tame Key Deer, one of which stalked me and ended up licking a German who'd stopped to see what we were photographing

- Green iguanas (invasive, but hey)

We paddled the French Broad (easy progressives, it's a river) near Asheville a while back, and it was lovely. Saw a groundhog and some Canada geese. And a hawk, I think.

That's it.

Same thing on the Nantahala in N.C. Cool river -- almost no wildlife to be seen.

I get that people don't like our politics here -- neither do we. But frankly the pooping on Florida is pretty lame. We're a big, populous, purple state with insane natural beauty, mostly decent weather, and a lot of solid people, naked bath-salt munching cannibals aside.

Tommy_Carcetti

(43,085 posts)
100. I had a dream last night I was at Bahia Honda State Park.
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 08:24 PM
Jun 2014

And I was snorkeling in the coral reef just 30 feet off shore.

The great thing is, you can actually do that. And it's incredible.

DirkGently

(12,151 posts)
104. Is that one worthwhile?
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 08:29 PM
Jun 2014

Like, just past the bridge? Near the spoil island? We just went to Looe Key again (out of Bahia Honda) and it was great. SO had a middle-ear thing happening and took ill, but up until then it was spectacular. Missed the sharks and the giant grouper that were on the other side of the boat, but got great pics of the yellowtail, tarpon, and parrotfish. The reef is hurting a bit ecologically, but it's still just beautiful.

Tommy_Carcetti

(43,085 posts)
127. Absolutely.
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 10:02 PM
Jun 2014

And that's the one your thinking about, just south of the 7 mile bridge.

The thing about the Keys is that despite all of the drop dead gorgeous blue water around you, it's not necessarily known for beaches to lie on. A lot of the shoreline is mucky on account of the mangroves that go right up to the water.

Bahia Honda is the exception to that rule. Beautiful sandy beach. Crystal clear water that is usually dead calm. And a very short swim out to see all the reef fishes. I happened across a barracuda the last time I was there.

DirkGently

(12,151 posts)
116. Saw a pair of Sandhills with a chick at the dentist's office today.
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 08:47 PM
Jun 2014

They weren't getting work done or anything. Just wandering around out back. The chick was maybe two feet tall?
 

HockeyMom

(14,337 posts)
78. I would rather walk a mile in a blizzard
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 06:29 PM
Jun 2014

than spend 30 minutes with sweat running into my eyes in the Everglades. Been there, done that. I cannot take the HEAT, or Endless Summer. I quit MY job because I couldn't take being outside in the sunshine and heat for an hour a day.

I would rather be in ALASKA than Florida. It has nothing to do with the scenery. It is the WEATHER, in addition to being so far away from my kids and grandkids.

Tommy_Carcetti

(43,085 posts)
130. Where do you live, if you don't mind me asking?
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 10:10 PM
Jun 2014

Even if you're not an outdoors type of person, I'm certain there are some really cool places to go within a couple hours drive.

I'm very well wired for the heat and humidity. Don't mind it a bit. And frankly, summers here aren't that much different than anywhere else along the east coast.

Now being away from family, I understand that might be frustrating. But no sense to take it out on the place that you live.

DrDan

(20,411 posts)
66. when one is moved to tears each time they return home, I would think moving would become paramount
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 04:24 PM
Jun 2014

simple task or not.

like I said . . . life is just too short to be that miserable.

 

Logical

(22,457 posts)
70. Some people are poor or cannot easily find another job. I think....
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 04:41 PM
Jun 2014

You need to understand that. Or have people that need them where they live now.

DrDan

(20,411 posts)
72. as I said, I did not understand why this person stayed while so miserable
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 04:52 PM
Jun 2014

perhaps there are reasons that do not allow a move - of course - that goes without saying.

I stand, however, on my previous statement that life is short - and crying each time one returns home should trigger some changes. This poster just hates Florida from what I can gather from this and her previous posts. One thing I do understand - if I hated a place this much . . . I would move. I had that very experience while living in Topeka. Hated it. Moved.

 

HockeyMom

(14,337 posts)
74. Job
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 06:14 PM
Jun 2014

When you are in your late 50s and out of work for over a year, you will go ANYWHERE for a job. However, once you reach a certain age, you know that you cannot work forever. When that time comes and you must retire, there is no point in staying in a place that you hate. May as well move back then. It becomes far too expensive in retirement flying or driving back and forth to see family, and be in a place you love.

Just biding my time for a couple of years.

 

yeoman6987

(14,449 posts)
93. That does not take away from the fact that life is too short
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 08:11 PM
Jun 2014

HAPPINESS is important over everything. You are only on this Earth for a short time and this person says they are MISERABLE......does it make sense to continue living miserable when you only have a certain amount of time.....crying on the plane upset about going home? Perhaps saving money on all the plane rides may help to relocate to the place they are most happy in......Remember ONLY one life and it is SHORT!

 

Jim Lane

(11,175 posts)
62. I was sort of thinking I might want to retire to a purple state.
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 03:56 PM
Jun 2014

For almost all my adult life, my vote for President, statewide offices, and U.S. House has been essentially meaningless, because I've lived in such solidly blue areas.

It's nice being able to make snide remarks about Republicans and know there's a 75% chance that the stranger you're talking with agrees with you. Nevertheless, I was thinking that, to the extent I'm energetic enough to remain politically involved, it would be better to live where I might make a difference.

The dilemma, as alluded to in the linked article, is that if progressives avoid Florida because of its right-wing policies, then those policies will only become more entrenched.

EX500rider

(10,532 posts)
67. I love it here...
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 04:27 PM
Jun 2014

....and I've lived in Maryland, Va., Calif., D.C., Arizona and Costa Rica.

Springs & Manatees!


Dali Museum!


New College! (where i went in Sarasota)


Daytona Speedway & Bike Week!


Fishing!


Everglades!
?itok=TEklBxAw

Key West!


Tommy_Carcetti

(43,085 posts)
103. You're not lying.
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 08:26 PM
Jun 2014

I'm not joking when I'd say going to a Florida spring is part of the perfect day for me.

RebelOne

(30,947 posts)
71. I grew up in Miami
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 04:52 PM
Jun 2014

and I can give many reasons for not moving to Florida -- big bugs, high heat and humidity, and high crime. I moved to the Atlanta area in North Georgia in 1989 and wish I had done it long before then. I live in a great town just northwest of Atlanta, with smaller bugs, a great climate and a low crime rate.

madville

(7,397 posts)
76. I like North Florida
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 06:18 PM
Jun 2014

It's mostly rural. The county I'm from and live in has about 20,000 people, my property taxes and homeowners insurance combined is about $1200 a year on a 1200 sf house on one acre of land.

I'm into astronomy and I love being 12 miles from the closest town of a few thousand people, the lack of light makes it way more amazing.

I also fish and hunt a bunch, great areas for that. Plus all my family is around here within about 100 mile circle, it's home.

 

Eleanors38

(18,318 posts)
148. Grew up in Gainesville, hunted and fished a lot...
Wed Jun 18, 2014, 06:50 PM
Jun 2014

wonderful springs and rivers. A very strong conservation community persists, despite the sprawling corruption of the current pirate in Tallahassee. And either coast was less than 2 hours away.

BeyondGeography

(39,284 posts)
81. The weird thing that would make me crazy in FL...it's flat
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 06:32 PM
Jun 2014

Like really flat. I have family in Sarasota and can see the appeal if you have a few bucks; it's very laid back compared with New York. But I love the countryside here in the Hudson River Valley, as well as the seasons. So much more variety for the senses and I'm used to it. Very attached to it, actually.

In a few years, I will retreat to my beautiful Columbia County and watch the nature show full time, which includes views of hills! Lots of them. To each his own.

DirkGently

(12,151 posts)
105. Flat is good for biking.
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 08:32 PM
Jun 2014

Mind you, our politicians can't seem to find the money to connect the dozens of little trails around Central Florida, but they're pretty and extremely easy to ride.

BeyondGeography

(39,284 posts)
114. Great for biking
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 08:46 PM
Jun 2014

I discovered the Venice trails on my last visit down there. Very heavily used by Republican-looking retirees, too. Not that I should jump to any conclusions based on looks alone, but I do anyway, based on the white 65+ numbers in 2012 and the fights my mother regularly gets in down there for supporting Obama.

DirkGently

(12,151 posts)
125. The sun-tanned seniors in speedos are scarier.
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 09:05 PM
Jun 2014

That's mostly a Miami thing. Browned to the shade of crispy French Toast, mostly men, thoroughly oiled, and wearing pretty much nothing. On bikes.

Been a while since I've been in town, and I'm sure most are fine people, but it still gives me shivers.

The I-4 corridor near Orlando is more purple. Still see the odd truck plastered with "Nobama" stickers and NRA emblems, but it's not entirely hostile to Democracy.

The trails here are used, but it's not heavy. I'd love to use them to zip around town, or just recreate, but the funding to connect them all keeps de-materializing. Serious cyclists are pretty common on the roads lately, but they are taking their lives in their hands, even with the bike lanes.

Tommy_Carcetti

(43,085 posts)
131. What Florida lacks in ground topography it more than makes up in the sky.
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 10:16 PM
Jun 2014

Its clouds are its mountains:







No one does clouds like Florida does clouds during the summertime.

That being said, there are some decent hills in the very middle of the state, ranging from Ocala down to Lake Wales. Not mountains, mind you, but substantial hills.

lpbk2713

(42,696 posts)
82. Gators, rattlers, moccasins, coral snakes, black widows, hurricanes,
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 06:41 PM
Jun 2014


tornadoes, oppressive heat and humidity, mold and mildew ...

Those aren't so bad next to assholes like Rick Scott and
other thieves and liars voted in to office by idiots who
have no problem voting against their own interests.

DirkGently

(12,151 posts)
109. Of those, only Rick Scott has ever annoyed me.
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 08:38 PM
Jun 2014

Heat's a bit much in the summer, it's true. However, the worst heat I've experienced was in Nashville, Tennessee. Plymouth, MA came close.

Everywhere's hot in the summer, folks.

Separation

(1,975 posts)
83. Glad to be out.
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 06:53 PM
Jun 2014

Florida was my last duty station. I couldn't wait to get out. My experiences were horrible there. It took 3 years to finally find a school for my autistic son. By then we only had a year left before I retired and was due to start that whole process over.

Thankfully we only lost %6 on our house. We managed to sell when those big companies were coming through and buying up whole neighborhoods tracts.

Not to mention just all the weirdness. We now live in Tn. up in the mountains. Got land that belongs to me and my family a modest house. Finally some piece and quite.

Will not step back in Florida voluntarily.

RagAss

(13,832 posts)
87. Brilliant !
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 07:29 PM
Jun 2014

FLARA was thinking when they came up with this method. In the past we had to resort to spreading "alligator attack" stories to keep our families and friends from moving down here. Been here 20 years. I wouldn't trade this beauty for anything.

And - oh yeah - stay up north, it's much better.

steve2470

(37,457 posts)
95. thought about moving to Cali but...
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 08:19 PM
Jun 2014

housing prices in California ? Yeah.... I don't want to move 50 miles east of either SF or LA. That sort of defeats the purpose of moving to California, imho.

Florida doesn't look so bad when you think seriously about moving. I don't want to live in a rural area. I would want to live IN SF or LA or NYC or Chicago. None of them cheap cities to live in.

steve2470

(37,457 posts)
101. it does
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 08:24 PM
Jun 2014

We have wildfires, but as you know, only when it's been really dry and really hot for a while.

LeftyMom

(49,212 posts)
121. FLYING FUCKING ROACHES. The whole Southeast should be nuked from orbit, it's the only way to be sure
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 08:58 PM
Jun 2014

Tommy_Carcetti

(43,085 posts)
126. 17 years in Florida and I don't think I've come across a single palmetto bug.
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 09:55 PM
Jun 2014

Maybe a handful of traditional roaches, but that's about it.

I'm beginning to think it's just a urban legend to keep the gullible dupes out. Although I think now Rick Scott has taken over that role. And unfortunately he's all too real.

But unlike a roach, he'll be gone soon. Hopefully within a year.

Fuddnik

(8,846 posts)
135. We get them.
Wed Jun 18, 2014, 03:12 AM
Jun 2014

But, my two lab mixes quickly eradicate them. Along with the geckos, squirrels possums, and the occasional cat.


cold-blooded killers.

Tommy_Carcetti

(43,085 posts)
139. I think I came across one once. At my grandmother's house in Maryland.
Wed Jun 18, 2014, 11:34 AM
Jun 2014

I remember sitting in her living room next to a potted plant and hearing a rapid flapping type sound. And my very, very first thought was, That's cool. There's a hummingbird inside the house.. And then my very next thought was, Wait a minute.... And off came my shoe.

Perhaps its because I living in a suburban area, but Florida's supposedly buggy reputation really hasn't manifested itself to me. The most annoying creatures around me are probably the rabbit sized bufo toads, who I constantly have to chase away from my garage door, lest they get inside and then die and stink up the place.

Probably the craziest Floridian insects I've seen are the Lubber Grasshoppers that are found all over the Everglades.

 

L0oniX

(31,493 posts)
124. Yes ...please do not move here ...we don't want you here. If you are here please move out ASAP.
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 09:02 PM
Jun 2014

flvegan

(64,389 posts)
134. Agreed.
Tue Jun 17, 2014, 11:34 PM
Jun 2014

Folks scared off by this should please stay away.

We have enough stupid people already. Thanks.

 

B Calm

(28,762 posts)
136. I lived in Florida in the early 70s. Walking graveyard is what I use to call it.
Wed Jun 18, 2014, 07:34 AM
Jun 2014

Just a place where old people go to die.

Tommy_Carcetti

(43,085 posts)
140. I think it's hilarious how some people think only old people live in Florida.
Wed Jun 18, 2014, 11:36 AM
Jun 2014

Nothing against the Golden Girls, though.

kwassa

(23,340 posts)
143. The only part I found interesting are the Keys. and parts of Miami.
Wed Jun 18, 2014, 11:55 AM
Jun 2014

I like Key West, the most interesting spot in the state.

I like snorkeling off the Keys, I like the seafood.

Most of Florida, aside from the beaches, is pretty dull. Most of it is flat and forgettable. There is little in the way of historical areas, because most of it has been built so recently, and there is not much in the way of cultural attractions. Central Florida is a snooze.

I lived there for six months about 35 years ago, outside of Fort Lauderdale. Much of the area looks like strip-mall America, with no distinguishing individual characteristics for the region. Much of the population was highly transient.

Tommy_Carcetti

(43,085 posts)
145. You're funny.
Wed Jun 18, 2014, 03:29 PM
Jun 2014

Florida has little in the way of historical areas....well, except for St. Augustine, the oldest permanent and continuous settlement on US soil.



Not to mention centuries old historical areas in places like Pensacola, Fernandina Beach, Fort Caroline (near Jacksonville), Matanzas Inlet, Fort Jefferson, various battlefields such as Olustee and battles from the Seminole wars. You have distinctive historical buildings such as the Breakers Hotel, Flagler College (formerly the Ponce De Leon Hotel), the Miami Freedom Tower, and many more. You also have Kennedy Space Center, which is ground zero for the space race of the 1960s and beyond.

For cultural attractions, you have places like the Ringling Museum, the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Miami's Art and Design district, South Beach's Art Deco district, Steven Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, Cross Creek (the home of author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings), all just for starters.

Regarding Central Florida, I'm first to say that Disney World sucks balls and the touristy sprawl that surrounds it is hellish. But you also have the Ocala National Forest, the many natural springs that are just beyond beautiful, the St. John's River, the aforementioned Kennedy Space Center, cool little towns like DeLand and Mount Dora.

And sorry if it's too flat for your taste. But I don't think there's anywhere else in this country that has more beautiful skies:



And let's not forget the Everglades, truly a one of a kind ecosystem.

I'm sure if your limited experience with Florida was in the Fort Lauderdale suburbs, it could very well be boring and cultureless. But there is plenty more of Florida than just that.

kwassa

(23,340 posts)
151. Most of those attractions are in northern Florida ...
Wed Jun 18, 2014, 09:28 PM
Jun 2014

my experience being mostly in southern Florida, and around the Bradenton area on the West Coast, where my grandparents retired to. Not lots of culture and history in south Florida. As to the Everglades, well, I'm not too into swamps.

California, where I lived for 17 years, had the same historical issue in that the only old buildings were Spanish missions, however the cultural scene was much more vital. California has spectacular and varied landscapes, too. Florida has better beaches and much clearer and warmer water than California.

Each to their own. Florida is a nice place to visit, but ....

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