Tuesday Traveler - What is ‘The Florida Life?’ - November 29, 2016

I’ve often been asked and pondered this very question; ‘What is the Florida Life’.  After talking with lifelong and longtime Florida residents, as well as visitors to our state, here’s my conclusion.

While many “Floridians” are not born here, they have chosen to relocate to the Sunshine state because of friendships they made while visiting.  This relocation of people from many areas of the world is a major factor in the multi-cultural diversity of Florida.  History, food, music, and more from countries in Central and South America, Caribbean Islands, Europe, and other countries/regions around the world can be found throughout the state.  This cultural diversity is often regionalized.  For example, in north Florida you’ll find more traditional ‘southerners’ with their values and beliefs based in the southeastern US.  Versus the vast Hispanic and Caribbean Islander influences you’ll find in south Florida.

Another demography that’s part of ‘The Florida Life’, is the number of people who vacation here.  For those of us that live here, we often find it amazing how much money people spend for a week of vacationing in the place we call home. 

Average temperatures as shown in Wikipedia

Initially, vacationers and possibly future residence, are drawn to Florida because of the weather.  With an average of over 230 sunny days per year, and moderate temperatures, outdoor activities are the norm.  In northern parts of the state, temps range from lows in the 40⁰F’s to highs in the 90⁰F’s, while the southern parts range from 60⁰F’s to 90⁰F’s.  Yes, the months of June through November are hurricane season, but with today’s forecasting, visitors and residents have adequate time to evacuate if needed.

Floridians and tourists alike enjoy our miles of pristine beaches and fantastic fishing.  Throughout the year, you’ll find people boating, swimming, sun bathing, and walking the beaches in search of seashells.  And on the west coast, every night you’ll find people watching some of the most majestic sunsets in the world  If your water activities include fishing, welcome.  Whether you want to fish from the shore, pier, or boat, fish can be caught.  Fishing charters and local guides can be found at most major marinas, with fishing destinations ranging from deep sea waters to the shallow water flats.

Early morning is the best time for a leisurely beach stroll

Boats and personal watercraft party on the sandbar while non-boaters party on the beach

Fishing from a kayak in a coastal bay

Beaches and water activities not your deal?  No problem, you can experience the Florida outdoors in theme parks, historical sites, and numerous other activities.  The larger theme parks are located around the central Florida city of Orlando, however, smaller parks can be found in most major cities throughout the state.  Many of the historical sites are located in federal, state, or local parks.  In addition to learning about Florida history, these parks are great places for hiking, bike riding, and picnicking.  

Walking and biking trail

A nature trail

In a zoo

In a zoo

Lighthouse in a Florida state park on the Atlantic coast

Another lighthouse, from the sailors view

For those that want to add some casual exercise to your walk in the Florida outdoors, golf is another widely enjoyed activity.  With thousands of private and public golfing facilities around the state, getting a tee-time should be fairly easy.  I say should be, because during ‘Snowbird’ season which is from around October through April, golf courses are busy.   

Along with activities, eating in Florida can be another cultural event.  From the waters of the Atlantic Ocean to our east and the Gulf of Mexico on the west, you can enjoy fresh shell fish like crabs, shrimp, scallop, and oyster.  Fresh fish, some of which you may catch yourself, include grouper, mahi mahi, redfish, and trout.  Then of course, what is a Florida menu without alligator.  While gator can’t be found in every restaurant, if you get a chance, try it.  Combined with the fresh seafood, you will find outstanding local eateries as well as national and international restaurants.  These menus at these restaurants are as diverse as the people.  The local eateries are often times owned and operated by a family, using family recipes.

For lifelong Floridians or those who have been here for more than 20 years, there are some things we think everybody knows.  For example, we realize that whenever we’re in, on, or near a body of fresh water, albeit a pool, pond, lake, creek, or swamp, there is an alligator near.  And, we know that while we fish and swim in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, or our coastal bays, there are sharks in these waters.

Local TV news warning about sharks in the bays

We also adapt to the rapidly changing weather and can tell by looking at the sky when it’s time to seek shelter or a safe port for protection of an approaching storm; and we like watching lightning storms from the safety and comfort of these safe havens.  When summer arrives, instead of heading north, we deal with the heat and humidity with minimal complaining, and if a hurricane approaches, we know when to evacuate, what we need shelter in place and probably already have it.

Our formal wear closely resembles and/or includes shorts, untucked shirts, flip-flops or barefoot, and a hat.  When we invite or are invited to a social gathering, there is no need to ask the dress code.

Combine why we live here and others visit, with some things Floridians take for granted and the answer to what is ‘The Florida Life’ becomes clearer.  For myself it’s simply an attitude.  It’s the ability to move between work and leisure rapidly, enjoying the company of family and friends, treasuring what nature offers, taking life as it comes, relaxing, and having fun in whatever we do.

 

Until next time,
Mike