Pensacola overview

Pensacola and the Panhandle
Blessed with 40 miles of sugar white beaches and aquamarine water, a low cost of living, affordable housing and good jobs, Pensacola has a promising future

Pensacola is often referred to as, “Old Florida”, but it’s also very much the Gateway City to the Sunshine State, offering the visitor, homebuyer, or investor many opportunities that are similar to the rest of the State.

Regardless of what you call it, Pensacola and it’s neighboring Panhandle communities of Ft Walton Beach, Panama City and the numerous other beach communities lying along more than 100 miles of northern Gulf of Mexico coastline between the Alabama border and Apalachicola comprise a vibrant and growing linear coastal community.

Inland there are large tracts of farm and forest land up along the Blackwater River, as well as the developing communities of Crestview and De Funiak Springs. Eglin Air Force Base also calls this area home. At the eastern end of the Panhandle, just beyond the area we are concerned with here, is the State Capitol of Tallahassee. Not far to the West along I-10 is Mobile Bay, the casinos, and coastal Mississippi.
But it is really the beaches that bring people here from all over the Southeast, the rest of Florida, and around the world.

Beaches in the rest of Florida are sand-colored, just what you would expect, but here in the Panhandle they are white and wide and picture postcard perfect. Places like Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, Seaside, Ft. Walton Beach and Pensacola Beach, and Gulf Islands National Seashore have come to define this beautiful area to the outside world. Lots of sun and great weather.

Regions:
The Pensacola area is divided into several diverse regions -- from historic areas like old town, to the beach communities, and from urban living to beachside to the Northern farm country. Cotton, corn and cattle are a few of the crops and livestock that reside in the hills around this northwestern Florida community
General Information.
• Located in the northwest corner of Florida, 196 miles west of Tallahassee and 453 miles NW of Orlando.
• Pensacola is ranked 122nd in metropolitan areas in the country and in the top 100 fastest growing cities.
• Population 400,000 plus
• Area in Square Miles 1679
• Average High Temperature 77°F
• Average Low Temperature 60°F
• 340 days of sunshine
• Average home cost-June 2005-$169,000
• Cost of Living index of 97.1
• Median age-25-44 years old or on average 38

Major Jobs Employment By Industry in order of numbers
• Educational, health and social services
• Retail Trade
• Leisure and hospitality
• Professional and business services
• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Public administration

Hurricanes
Pensacola and its wider area have tended over the past 30 years to be hit more frequently than the rest of Florida by major hurricanes, but in the 30-40 years prior to that the situation was exactly reversed:

Pensacola was less frequently hit than peninsular Florida. Or to put it a different way, the area has been “hit” by just 6 storms Category 3 or higher since 1940, and peninsular Florida suffered 10 such storms during that same period

So, if you’re interested in life in a Medium size town, with growth possibilities mixed in with great weather, you should check out Pensacola.

Melbourne outdoors and recreation

Melbourne and Brevard County Recreation and Outdoors
To say that Florida is about being outdoors is an understatement. Some parts of the SunBelt seem to be mostly about air conditioning and a quick dash outdoors to go to the supermarket. Central Coastal Florida isn’t like that; sure it’s hot in the Summertime, but that doesn’t get in the way of things, like it does in, say, Texas or Arizona or Nevada.
And this greater Melbourne area, in particular, is phenomenal. Consider, for a moment, its sheer number and variety of recreational opportunities:
• 200 Parks, 21 Nature Trails
• 28 Golf Courses, 23 Tennis Courts
• 37 Boat Ramps
• 72 miles of beaches
• 13 Ocean beach parks
• 3 Full service campgrounds
• 11 Ocean Surf fishing park areas

To see a complete list fo to the site below
http://www.brevardparks.com/parks/index.htm

If you think about this for a moment, it resolves into a pretty interesting list of things to do outdoors in Melbourne and Brevard County:
Beaching, in all its variety
• Fishing-saltwater and freshwater
• Boating-Ocean or River Florida Fishing Guides by Lagooner
• Diving-Ocean wrecks
• Surfing-We have some of the best surfing in the state.
• Hiking
• Bike riding – most residential areas are enforced 25 mph speed limits
• Birding-world class, lots of stops on the migration flyway too
• Photography
• Windsurfing
• Kayaking—there are good rental locations and lots of places to launch.
And besides the Beaches, which I’ve mentioned already, there are myriad and wonderful other places to visit. Among these are:
• Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
• Turkey Creek sanctuary

Another place you'll want to visit is the citizen-built Brevard Zoo. This is a very well run, clean facility with both local and African wildlife.

And for environmentally based outings consider the dolphin-watch cruises on the Indian River Lagoon.

Other outdoor wonderlands--in addition to the miles and miles of beaches (especially the pristine sands owned and monitored by the federal government)--include the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, the Canaveral National Seashore, Erna Nixon Park, the Turkey Creek Sanctuary, the Ulamay Wildlife Sanctuary, the Enchanted Forest and the Sebastian Inlet State Recreation Area. Coon's Run Wildlife Sanctuary in Rockledge offers rehabilitation for injured and orphaned wildlife at its privately operated, non-profit center.

The area on the barrier island along the Atlantic Ocean from Holland Spessard Park south of Melbourne Beach to Sebastian Inlet, at the county's southern border, is the largest sea turtle nesting area in the United States. Between May and August, Loggerheads, Greens and Leatherbacks come ashore to lay their eggs. You can walk the beach in the morning and see as many as 20 new turtle crawls from the night before, or you can sign up for one of the frequent nighttime turtle conservation tours and watch the egg-laying yourself. Hatchlings that survive--and few do in spite of serious efforts to protect them--struggle back to the sea during September and October.

Good Sports

Surfing is big here. Several tournaments occur annually in Cocoa Beach. Sebastian Inlet's Monster Hole and Spanish House challenge even experienced surfers. One "don't miss" spot on the surf circuit is Ron Jon's Surf Shop, a Cocoa Beach institution. Originally a small surf shop with several boards and a few T-shirts for sale, it's now a 24-hours-a-day merchandising palace complete with amenities like a fountain and a glass-encased elevator in addition to every conceivable retail item that can carry a Ron Jon logo, including thousands and thousands of T-shirts.

Fishing--especially the saltwater variety--is popular with locals and vacationers. Sport fishermen catch mackerel, sailfish, marlin, wahoo and tuna from Brevard County waters. Marinas, boats, airboats, charter fishing boats, commercial fishing boats and pleasure craft--ranging from one-man skulls and canoes to cabin cruisers and yachts--abound. The Cocoa Beach Pier, which stretches out 840 feet above the ocean, is a good place to cast your line if you don't have a boat--or even if you do. And then there’s that 40 mile beach-anybody can be a surfcaster, and it doesn’t require a lot of fancy equipment.

Other active sports fans enjoy Brevard's facilities, too. Hiking and biking entertain some. Public tennis courses exist in at least 11 parks. The 16 public and seven private golf courses located within county borders keep most golfers content. And, of course, wind surfing, surfing, swimming, diving and boating along the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean beaches keep water-friendly folks in a state of barely controlled bliss.

Baseball is big in the late winter and early spring when Big League ball players train and compete here on the Grapefruit Circuit. The Florida Marlins (from the Miami area) train right here in Brevard County; the Los Angeles Dodgers do their spring stint in Vero Beach (in Indian River County just south of Brevard County). For professional football, residents can travel up the coast to see the Jacksonville Jaguars play; for pro basketball, their best bet is the Orlando Magic, who play less than an hour's drive from home.

Hot Times in the City
You'll be busy for weeks visiting Brevard County's many places of interest. In the Titusville area (north), try Astronaut Hall of Fame, the Valiant Air Command Museum and especially the very reasonable and exciting NASA Kennedy Space Center, where the Astronauts Memorial is also worth a look. Don't neglect downtown Titusville's historic district and the North Brevard Historical Museum.

In the Cocoa Beach (north central) area, check out the pier and Port Canaveral--its commerce, foreign trade zone and Jetty Park. Also mid-county, don't miss Cocoa Village, especially the Village Playhouse and the Porcher House. On A1A in Cocoa Beach, you'll find the famous Ron Jon Surf Shop. On the mainland in Cocoa, visit the Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science and the Astronaut Memorial Hall and Planetarium at the Cocoa campus of Brevard Community College (BCC).

In conclusion, what choices! Glad I’m not in Michigan this winter. Ha!

Fort Myers

Ft. Myers is a complex area, even more than the rest of Florida, because it encompasses such a wide variety of towns and natural areas. Even first impressions depend on where you are. Let’s say you fly into Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), which serves Naples-Marco Island as well as Greater Ft. Myers. RSW is a beautiful, modern, busy facility, excelently sited at the intersection of I-75 and Ft. Myers’ Daniels Parkway. From here it’s but a short drive to anywhere in Southwest Florida. Downtown Ft. Myers is a half hour away; Sanibel-Captiva or Bonita Springs about 30-40 minutes; and Naples about 50 minutes. Your first impressions will be how easy everything is. Infrastructure appears to be excelent, even though you realize you’re in at least a medium-sized metropolitan area. It’s no problem finding your way around, it’s clean, streets are wide and well-groomed. There seem to be parks everywhere.

And in fact, to hear some people, you’ve just stumbled onto the perfect city. Though summers can be hot, the rest of the year is mild, warm, and sunny; and much of the year it hardly rains, other than late afternoons (a Florida standard). There are lots of beaches serving the public’s need to escape, there are lots of canals for those buyers who want to live waterside, and there’s lots of green spaces and watery preserves in the Big Cypress area that defines the inland section beyond residential LeHigh Acres.

Ft. Myers, an early fort and commercial center in colonial Florida, has emerged as one of the State’s foremost centers, with a proud array of financial, educational, cultural, and medical facilities that have made it a favorite for both retirees and an increasingly youthful population. And housing ranges from old Florida through every kind of modern; there is something for everybody.

The greater Ft. Myers region consists of several distinct areas: Ft. Myers itself; Sanibel and Captiva Islands; Ft. Myers Beach; Bonita Springs and its beaches; Cape Coral and adjacent Pine Island; and nearby, more rural areas extending north (Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, and up towards Arcadia; and east along Rte 80 and the Coloosahatchee River towards La Belle). Here’s a few of them:

Quick statistics-2005
• Population-530,000
• Ft Meyers pop-58,000
• Ft Myers beach-6900
• Average home price $281,000 (June 2005)
• Price index-100.25 or 10th in the state (100 is average statewide and nationally)

About Ft Myers:

Fort Meyers and its neighboring areas offer up a great mix of culture, business, and lifestyles. Enjoy water sports, museums, walks on the beach, loys of sun, golfing, tennis, shopping till you drop, baseball spring training, restaurants, world class resorts and much more-almost too much to list.

From the modern business environment of Fort Meyers, to the laid back atmosphere of Sanibel or the neighboring Pine Island (reminiscent of small fishing villages in New England) to the incredibly fast expanding Cape Coral area, there is something here for every lifestyle and pocketbook.

A few endorsements
• Inc Magazine ranked Fort Meyers 9th among the top 25 medium metropolitan cities for entrepreneurs.(2005
• US Housing markets ranked Ft Meyers Cape Coral as the number one housing market in a metropolitan market in the US for the 2nd year in a row. (2004)
• Expansion magazine named Lee County a four-star community in its annual quality of life scorecard for 2003.
• Money magazine ranked Fort Myers-Cape Coral as one of the "Best Place to Live in America."
• Self magazine ranked the Fort Myers-Cape Coral metropolitan area "No. 1 in the nation for working women." (2003)
• Forbes magazine ranked the Fort Myers-Cape Coral metro area 37th among the top 200 best metro areas for business and careers

There’s definitely a reason this area is expanding and booming.. and the reason is simple---people want to live here!

So, If you think palm trees, sun and beaches should be in your future, you have to check Ft Meyers/Lee County out.

Lower Florida Keys

LOWER KEYS MAIN OVERVIEW

For the real estate buyer or investor, the Lower Keys start at Mile Marker 30 or Big Pine Key (home of the Key Deer, an endangered species, sort of a miniature Virginia White-Tail). Key deer?

You’ll immediately become aware of them because of the radically lowered speed limit the minute you cross from Bahia Honda and Spanish Harbor Keys onto Big Pine Key, imposed to make sure you don’t run one over.

Humor aside, you really have entered a different world once you cross over that huge seven mile gap of ocean from busy Marathon and the rest of the upper and middle Keys on the famous 7-Mile Bridge.

You have arrived in a world that is more laid back, slower-paced, more isolated in most ways, and geographically shaped differently.
• Until now you’ve been driving along the mostly northeast-to-southwest spine of each narrow Key, ocean to your left, Florida Bay or the Gulf of Mexico to your right, with neither body of water more than a few hundred feet away (or much less), for almost 100 miles
• Now, beginning at Spanish Harbor, you head north and then due west, before resuming (at Cudjoe Key) the trek towards the southwest (direction: Key West) that you’ve been traveling ever since you left Key Largo. (Ever wonder why it’s Key West and not Key South?)
• And something else is different! We are now crossing Keys that run more north-south than east-west. The actual ocean and gulf are now miles away, to our south or north, while we cross mangrove forests, wetlands, and pine barrens.
• Check out a map: the group of islands we call the Lower Keys are obviously different enough geographically from the Upper and Middle Keys (which run east-west, and end at Marathon) to have been considered by Colonial Spain as a different group of islands altogether. They were administered from Cuba, not from St. Augustine like the rest of Florida.
• When Spain sold Florida to the United States it did not intend to include Key West and the Lower Keys; the young (then Lt.) Admiral-to-be Perry was sent in the USS Shark (true story) to enforce the USA’s claim to the contrary. The rest is history.

This geography has implications today mainly in two ways:

First, the fabulous ecosystem of the Lower Keys backcountry provides – some claim, anyway – richer opportunities for boating and fishing, and certainly better kayaking and birding than any other portion of the Florida Keys from the Mainland to Key West. Almost the entire area north of the Overseas Highway (US#1) is protected wild environment as part of either the National Key Deer Refuge or Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge. And that makes this part of the Keys very special, from a homeowner’s or visitor’s perspective.

Second, this north-south orientation of the islands provides dozens of flow-through channels in the event of hurricane storm surges, helping to reduce the extent of water pressure and flood damage. I’ve ridden out one category 3 hurricane in my friend’s house on Cudjoe Key, and while we had to deal with extensive flooding common to these great and rare storms, the damage was much less than it might have been if the storm surge water had been blocked and therefore tumbled whole houses in its path instead.

Big Pine “Metro”

The Lower Keys or what I’ll call “Big Pine metro”, includes the islands of Big Pine, Little Torch and Big Torch Key, Ramrod and Summerland, Cudjoe and Sugarloaf. Each Island is unique in its environment and boating access, which does translate down to home prices. More on that below.

When you enter the Lower Keys, you will see right away that it is much more laid back. Generally, the further you get away from Miami, the more the Bahamian feel. And to some extent, particularly on Big Pine and its attached No Name Key, and a couple of other spots in the Lower Keys, that sensibility is well-preserved despite the rapid development of the very limited remaining land available for new building. Parts of Sugarloaf preserve this same feel, and residents of the Torches and Ramrod would claim that too. It’s less true on Cudjoe and Summerland, but they have other advantages.

A few other general reflections about this area, why it’s different, will help bring it into focus.
• Teddy Roosevelt started the national wildlife refuges here about 100 years ago, to save the birds; and the bird life is definitely a terrific part of the Lower Keys special ambience
• Looe Key is one of the best places to snorkel and dive in the whole Keys chain. It wasn’t always so tranquil: it got its name when a British ship of that name went down centuries ago, and it was long a principal cause of shipwrecks in this part of the Keys. Today its main problem is the worldwide bleaching of coral reefs, happening here too (30% since the early 1990’s), but so far I don’t notice fish reduction. Come enjoy it while you can!
• Fishing is outrageously good: backcountry including flyfishing for tarpon, or offshore in the Gulfstream or along the reef line, near American Shoal lighthouse, or any drifting weed line; or try barracuda from a kaya
• Key West in general: you can go to Fantasy Fest, for example, and go home afterwards. Someday you’ll be able to go to Cuba with ease, since you’re only about 90 miles away!
• Biggest drawback, but hey, why did you come here in the first place? There’s only one lane each direction, and getting off the rock to Miami can seem like it takes forever. Fortunately the half hour to 45 minute drive to Key West traverses nice scenery, much of it slowly enough (45 mph) to enjoy it; but if you don’t slow down the police will ticket you.
• Boating is different here: water pretty shallow, big boats more rare than middle and upper keys, or Key West; forget sailboats in most areas. We’ve tried to differentiate that for you island by island, see below, but as a general rule of thumb, you have to look harder for deep water access here than, say, in Marathon, Key West, or Oceanside Key Largo.
• There are exceptions to that rule, and they tend to cost more: Cudjoe Gardens, Summerland Key, one section of Big Pine along Pine Channel. There are few deep natural channels between Gulf and Ocean near the more built-up areas which most bigger pleasure boats can use, but unlike most of Key Largo, at least they exist.

Big Pine Key

Big Pine in particular is one of the largest and most interesting Islands in the Keys. It has a population just over 5000 and as of Sept 2005-there were homes starting at $340,000. As you get closer to the water or buy a home on a canal, the prices rise accordingly. But there are quite a few different developments, mostly of single family houses, and some are pricier than others.

Water depth affects prices, and some areas have about 15 inches and some have 3-4 feet. Obviously this means you can have a certain kind of boat in some areas that won’t work in other areas. It depends what you’re looking for. The shallower areas have more direct and private access to a lot of the wilder and more pristine parts of the Island and adjacent backcountry. They may also (but not reliably) be less expensive.

Until now, on the drive down the Keys from Miami, the housing areas were arrayed on either side of the road, gulfside/bayside or oceanside. Here it’s different. The 2-lane, 45 mph Overseas Highway (what a misnomer!) runs across the southern edge of Big Pine, through the restaurant and business area; most of the residential areas are situated several minutes drive to the north. To some buyers that slow drive (30-35 mph speed limits, for the deer) is a price deterrent the farther north you go; to others the isolation means extra value.

Big Pine may be “remote,” caught as it is between the commercial centers of Marathon and Key West, but Big Pine does have it’s own major grocery store, post office and restaurants. It has some medical facilities, police and fire protection, and other basics of a “town It certainly has some interesting and unique retail shops, but in general it doesn’t have a lot of socalled unnecessary shopping. In fact the residents of the other Keys mentioned above generally will go to either Marathon or Key West for both basic needs and discretionary shopping. There is one big exception to that, on Saturday mornings, when it seems like everybody in the Lower Keys comes to the Big Pine Flea Market.

Nor does Big Pine have its own school system. Monroe County’s elementary and middle schools for the Lower Keys are on Sugarloaf; for high school kids are bused to Key West.

That’s this isolation feel like? Not bad, actually.
• Recreation: Boating, exploring, fishing. Whether you are interested in offshore or backcounty, Big Pine offers quick and easy access to both venues. Or walk along the nature trails that wind through Federal Refuge land of pine barrens and hardwood hammocks, and observe the miniature deer and bird life. Or kayak any of a number of “trails” in the shallow water backcountry. Or ride a bicycle along miles of safe roads and trails. Or snorkel or dive Looe Key, perhaps the best of the best when it comes to Florida’s coral reefs. It’s 3 miles or so offshore, straight out Newfound Harbor Channel.

The Lower Keys are definitely getting away from it all.
• Employment: If you live here, and are not retired, most likely you will work in either Key West or Marathon. Both of these towns are about a half hour to one hour drive at max from Big Pine, even at rush hour (an oxymoron for sure).
• Remember that “mile markers” in the Keys, which are the standard way of giving an address along the Overseas Highway, start at Key West and number 1. Big Pine is mile marker 30 or 30 miles away---Marathon is mile marker 48. Key Largo is 99.
• Local employment is fairly highly concentrated at this time, either tourist-related or construction. The rest of the services sector is still pretty small.

But in conclusion, if you want to be near world-famous Key West but yet have a quiet neighborhood and homes that are more affordable, the Lower Keys could be the answer. And if you really want to get away from even the sight of traffic on the Overseas Highway, Big Pine offers you that too.

To see more general information see the links under Florida Keys.

The Rest of the Lower Keys

There are five islands or sets of islands, proceeding from Big Pine towards Key West, that account for most of the available real estate in the Lower Keys. Some of these islands contemplated getting together as a new municipality called Village of the Islands a few years ago.

The referendum failed, partly because there was obviously insufficient commercial activity and commercially taxable property in the miniature downtowns of Summerland and Sugarloaf or anywhere else to support such a venture, and partly because most of the residents of these islands really do like their isolation and privacy, and didn’t like the idea of a another tier of municipal taxation.

So they voted against incorporation. Stay tuned; the issue is not dead, and eventual passage (which I consider unlikely) would definitely change what these islands are all about.

Here’s a brief thumbnail sketch of each of the islands that make up what I’m calling Big Pine metro. Each one is quite different from the others, so here goes.

The Torches

The Torch Keys are located just west of Big Pine Key and are comprised of three separate islands know as Big, Middle, and Little Torch Key. Little torch Key is the primary residential area with the majority of development nestled into the canal systems just south of the Overseas Highway on the ocean side. While there is some residential development on both Middle and Big torch Keys, these islands are largely protected by state and federal wetlands and hardwood hammocks.

Little Torch offers excelent boating access to both backcountry and offshore for both small and slightly larger boats. Some of the canals can be tricky to get out of, so it’s surprising to find that a number of residents here keep fairly large sailboats tucked behind their houses and in the wintertime the cool evening breezes and the sounds of the sailboat halyards lull nearby residents to sleep.

Despite its feel of an older neighborhood, with smaller canals, a little like some parts of Key Largo, Little Torch prices can be relatively higher, as they tend to reflect easy access to a deep water channel.

This is where you catch the 1920’s style deluxe motorboat to Little Palm Island to stay or for dinner. It’s also a good place to rent a boat for exploring on your own.

Ramrod Key

Continuing further south on the island chain you come to Ramrod Key. Ramrod is a very quiet and primarily residential island with pleasant neighborhood developments located both north and south of the highway. It is described by residents as being more "laid-back", more "keysey" than the islands found further down the chain. Ramrod is very familiar to the residents of the Lower Keys as it is home to the Cruz Animal clinic, an excelent veterinary hospital, and a popular local restaurant. There’s also a dive shop with accommodations and a restaurant.

Boating control depths are typically 2-2 1/2 feet with good access to both offshore and back country boating and fishing. Small boats are typical here.
Prices are a little lower here.

Summerland Key

Imagine flying your own plane to your island paradise home where you step onto your sports fisherman or cabin cruiser for a weekend of sun and fun. It's all possible here. Summerland is a mecca for large boat owners and private pilots. It’s one of the few places in the whole country where you can have it both ways.

The island boasts unusually wide flow-through canals and a private air strip for local residents making it a perfect spot to park a Beechcraft and a 50 foot + boat. The majority of homes on Summerland are located on the Atlantic side of the Overseas Highway.

Although there is some price variation, homes here are generally very expensive; those on what’s called “open water” or the airstrip moreso

Summerland has a small downtown along US#1, with a good boutique grocery store, a couple of restaurants, real estate offices, a bank, a wholesale fish shop, some healthcare offices, an office building, and some retail.

Cudjoe Key

There are a number of (perhaps apocryphal)stories of how Cudjoe got its unusual name. Many Cudjoe streets are named after either famous or amazingly obscure pirates, which might include a Mr. Cudjoe. Another story has the island described in 19th century Key West scuttlebutt as the location of ”Cousin Joe’s” woodcutting and charcoal-making place, of which there were quite a few in the Lower Keys.

Whatever its history Cudjoe is a quiet and peaceful residential island surrounding its own bay, probably the best bay in the area for water sports. The island’s fishhook appearance and bay are such distinctive features that they can be seen easily in satellite pictures.

Cudjoe Key provides a wide variety of housing ranging from ocean front executive homes to both Keys standard canal homes and some extraordinary ones, to the upscale gated mobile home park, Venture Out, on Cudjoe's eastern shore. All waterfront properties on the island, including Venture Out, have become expensive.

Nearly all the homes are on the Atlantic side of the Overseas Highway. Boating access on Cudjoe is excelent , almost no matter where you reside. Boating drafts generally range from 2-4 feet, but some canals on the fishhook are narrow and have shallow entrances to Cudjoe Bay. Eastside canals are also narrow and open onto shallow water. The more expensive Cudjoe Gardens housing area at the west end of the island has much bigger and deeper canals that will accommodate large boats.

Sugarloaf Key

Former home to the Sugarloaf Pineapple Plantation, Sugarloaf Key offers quite solitude to its residents. If you are looking for larger floorplans, more luxurious landscaping and privacy this is the Key for you. The majority of homes are located south of the Overseas Highway looking out onto the distinctive blue white waters of Upper and lower Sugarloaf Sounds. Large ocean front estates rim the outside of the island facing out to the Atlantic.

Boating is excelent for shallow draft boats with quick access to the backcountry, but there is no access for large boats or sailboats. The Sugarloaf backcountry is legendary for flats fishing.

If you are a pilot, Sugarloaf has a basic public airstrip you can fly into. There’s a popular sky diving operation, and you’ll definitely see folks falling from the sky. The houses along the airstrip get together at Christmas and the “Ho-Ho-Ho” and lights can be seen for miles.

Sugarloaf has a whimsical downtown, where you can also rent a kayak or a boat, buy essential supplies, and get a bite to eat.

Properties here tend to be expensive, partly because the average lot sizes are roomier than those found on the other Keys.

In Conclusion

This part of the Keys, like every other, is truly unique. We’ve tried to give you the flavor and an honest appraisal of what it’s like to live here.

Properties have become very expensive but they’re still a bargain if you look at comparable waterfront properties across the United States. This part of the Keys is certainly not for everybody, not anymore, but if you’re in that price range, you owe it to yourself to look at the Lower Keys seriously. They offer a different package from the Upper Keys or Middle Keys, and yet again from Key West, with whose prices they are often comparable.

A Keys homebuyer or investor needs to assess the whole package in each of the four main areas of the Keys.

Florida Keys employment

Florida Keys Employment

The local economy leans towards goods and services for both new residents and tourists.The retail, construction and hotel industries have the most employees in Monroe County.
Business Size
Monroe County is comprised of primarily small businesses.
Since there is no state or local income tax, you take home more.
Employment: The good news. Key West has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country.

Why? Key West is one of the most popular destination points in the world for Divers, Boaters, Fishermen and people looking to get out of the bad weather and enjoy our water and the unique ambiance of Key West and the neighboring islands

So What? In addition to people flying and driving in, on average we get two to three Cruise ships from all over the world each day. This has spurred a growth which includes more hotels, condos, and restaurants, charters, etc. Obviously all these new startups plus all the existing ones need people.

So? The bad news for an Employer! Employers have a hard time finding full time or year round employees. Instead they get people looking to work summers or to pay for extended vacations. Now there is nothing wrong with this and in some cases this is what they want however in most cases they would like to find steady year round help and offer full benefits.

The good news. If you are looking for a steady job, have your own transportation and a good work ethic (will show up) there are lots of jobs to be had. For instance in the building, remodeling trade contractors have a very hard time getting reliable help. Some of these jobs start at $15.00 per hour. In general retail jobs start at $8.00 and quickly go to $10.00 and more with commissions.

Sound too good to be true? Remember this is a resort area, which has a unique and completely different makeup than the rest of the country or world. Kind of like Aspen except that we get tourists year round!
To look for jobs in the classifieds go to www.keysjobs.com or www.keynoter.com.
Some statistics:
• Construction 5.4%
• Education & Health Services 12.3%
• Financial Activities 6.0%
• Information 1.3%
• Leisure & Hospitality 32.6%
• Manufacturing 0.8%
• Natural Resources & Mining 0.4%
• Other Services 3.5%
• Professional & Business Services 7.8%
• Public administration 8.8%
• Trade, Transportation and Utilities 21.2%

The areas top employers as of September 2004 per the Enterprise Florida site at http://www.eflorida.com/profiles/CountyReport.asp?CountyID=25&Display=all
• Monroe County
• Business Line: County Government
• Number of Employees..................................................... 700
• HMA
• Business Line: Hospital
• Number of Employees..................................................... 600
• Monroe County Sheriff's Office
• Business Line: Law Enforcement
• Number of Employees..................................................... 561
• City of Key West
• Business Line: City Government
• Number of Employees..................................................... 500
• HTA
• Business Line: Tourist Attraction & Retail Company
• Number of Employees..................................................... 300
• FKAA
• Business Line: County Water Comany
• Number of Employees..................................................... 258
• Florida Keys Community College
• Business Line: Education
• Number of Employees..................................................... 225

Additional resources for demographic information include:
• Bureau of Economic and Business Research at the University of Florida (BEBR)
• http://www.bebr.ufl.edu/
• U.S Census Bureau
• http://www.census.gov
• Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation – Labor Market Information
• http://www.labormarketinfo.co

State jobs http://dms.myflorida.com

Take a look at http://www.employmentwizard.com/?pid=172

In conclusion, its not New York, but you're living in a tropical paradise and you're still in the United States.

Marathon and the middle Keys

MIDDLE KEYS AND MARATHON MAIN OVERVIEW

Geographically, the Middle Keys stretch from the southern tip of Islamorada at the high-rise Channel 5 bridge – which has, in both directions, perhaps the most beautiful and stunning views in the Keys – to Marathon’s improbable, spectacular Seven Mile Bridge connecting Marathon to the Lower Keys. Most of us have seen this famous 7 mile bridge in movies (True Lies) or television commercials. It neatly divides the Atlantic Ocean on the East from the Gulf of Mexico to the West, a mere thread of concrete across the 75-100 square miles of azure and green seas and “flats” and islands that your eyes encompass simultaneously.

As a practical matter, the Middle Keys basically refer to the “large” incorporated town and bustling commercial center of Marathon and the nearby expensive housing areas of Hawks Key (Duck Key), Key Colony Beach, and Long Key. The other islands in the Marathon region are Boot Key, Knight Key, Hog Key, Vaca Key, Stirrup Key, Crawl and Little Crawl Key, East and West Sister’s Island, Deer Key and Fat Deer Key, Long Pine Key and Grassy Key. Marathon’s metro area sits between mile markers 48 and 55 and has a non-tourist residential population of more than 13,000 (it feels bigger than that), with a median age of 44.

Marathon is centrally located 80 miles south of mainland Florida and more or less just 50 from Key Largo and 48 from Key West. Marathon is served by bus lines to Key West and the Mainland, and by the sleek Marathon airport offering connections to Miami and Ft Lauderdale and from there to anywhere in the world.

Employment
The primary industries here are:
• Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services
• Retail trade
• Educational,health and social services
• Construction

The Marathon area is definitely a destination point and has hundreds of small and medium size business to support it. It is fairly self-contained, too. It’s not necessary to go anywhere else, because everything you really need is right there, including shopping and services, police and fire, healthcare facilities including a modern full service hospital, all the usual municipal functions, and outdoor recreational activities like boating, fishing, and diving.

If you want to work in the Keys in the construction trades or certain kinds of services or consulting, Marathon can be a good location, because it is centrally located – jobs and commissions from Key Largo to Key West are pretty easily reached on a within-day commuting basis.

This sense of Marathon as a sort of “hub” for the whole middle section of the Keys, including the edges of the Upper Keys and Lower Keys, goes back a long ways. In the early 20th century Henry Flagler built a large work camp and supply base at Marathon while constructing his “railroad that went to sea”.

Recreation

The Marathon area is primarily an outdoor community; there’s no reason to relocate here, in my opinion, if you don’t love the water, either for play or for work, whether on weekdays or weekends, since you can’t get away from it even if you wanted to, and if you work you’re going to drive across a lot of it whether headed up or down the Keys.

And Marathon thrives on its central Keys, watery environment. Marathon has excelent swimming beaches (not common in the Keys), and good diving and snorkeling, from novice to experts, at all water depths. Some divers think that some of the best parts of the coral reef along the Keys are right here. The Sombrero Key Lighthouse area is an example.

Fishing can be either oceanside or Backcountry (gulfside), with your own boat, on party boats, or with a personal guide. There’s plenty of flats fishing, as in the rest of the Keys, but oceanside offshore fishing (excelent) prevails, since there’s not quite the same extensive range of backcountry options as elsewhere in the Keys, given there’s fewer islands and the area isn’t quite as wild as having Everglades National Park for your backdoor neighbor (like Key Largo).

Boating in general is a little different here. Most boating is fairly open water or along the Overseas Highway and Keys chain; there aren’t as many protected areas (think multiple islands for kayaking or canoeing) as there are in either the Upper Keys or the Lower Keys or Key West. And waters seem to have more of a chop more of the time here, too. On both sides the water gets deeper faster.

But if you want to be on a canal with a big boat tied up at your back door, this is a good part of the Keys to be in: lots of deep canals, and easy Ocean access. (Most of the deep canals and good big boating access is on the south, or Oceanside, part of the islands.) It’s also one of the few spots in the Keys where you can easily get a big boat or a sailboat back and forth from Bay to Ocean.

In addition to these water-based sporting activities, there’s 9-hole Par 3 golf at Key Colony Beach, plenty of tennis, some nightlife particularly at the resort hotels, and a variety of restaurants where you can eat outside under the sun or indoors in air-conditioned comfort. There’s also Islamorada and Big Pine just short drives away for variety.

Housing

As of Sept 2005, the least expensive available home started at $345.000. Marathon and its surrounding residential islands have a range of homes from Estates to manufactured. Like much of the Keys, a lot of the properties are waterfront, and that means it’s going to cost more. But Marathon has also been a market where traditionally, if you worked in the Keys, you could find reasonably affordable homes.

To get an idea on how prices work look under the investment page for the Florida Keys.

In conclusion, Marathon has a variety of housing stock, and its central location gets you to Miami in 2 hours and Key West in just over an hour. So if you really want to get away from it all, and yet be relatively close to things either direction, this could be the best of the Keys areas for you. You can enjoy outdoors but still have good options of restaurants and shopping nearby.

Key Largo and the upper Keys

UPPER KEYS MAIN OVERVIEW

Once you leave civilization at Florida City, Key largo is the first town and first island you come to as you travel down US 1 -- across a dozen plus miles of beautiful and still totally pristine Everglades country, then along a narrow strip of mangrove splitting Barnes Sound from Blackwater Sound and Florida Bay, now across the old swing bridge at Jewfish Creek, finally over Lake Surprise.


And there it is: Key Largo, the stuff of myth, located some 55 miles and about an hour south of Miami International Airport and just 24 miles south of Homestead. You are now on a different planet.

Since 1948, when it was the setting for the movie, "Key Largo," starring Humphrey Bogart, Edward G. Robinson and Lauren Bacall, the name Key Largo has become world famous. In fact, Key Largo is one of the oldest place names on early maps of the North American continent, dating back to the sixteenth century when the Spanish explored the area looking for riches to take back to Spain. Today it is Miami’s Cape Cod -- and for the rest of us it is the Gateway to the American Caribbean.

The climate is subtropical and foliage is lush. Temperatures have only a few degrees day-night fluctuation, compared with much of the rest of Florida. There’s a steady sea breeze, and rain tends to be passing showers

Key Largo has become synonymous with the laid-back Keys lifestyle. Yet Key Largo is also a particularly vibrant community due to it’s being close to Miami. On the weekends, it is an easy drive for people to visit the Keys and their unique ambience. For investors it means great occupancy rates, for 2nd homeowners a quick and easy getaway. If you want to make this your home, well, Key largo was ranked No. 11 of the 50 Best Places to Live list by Men's Journal Magazine in 2002.

If you’re looking to relocate here, there are homes as of Sept 2005 listed from $269,000. Of course they go up from there: the median price is XXXX to give you some perspective. (To get an idea on how prices work, look under the investment page for the Florida Keys.)
•
The Key Largo housing market is diverse and eclectic, and includes everything from ultra-modern big new houses and condos to just plain old-Florida funky, and everything in between. It is a complex market, and will take the buyer or investor some time to comprehend.
•
The market also covers a lot of physical territory: Key Largo itself, the largest and longest of the Florida Keys, stretches for 30 miles from the resort yachting community of Ocean Reef at the island’s north end (which exits to the Mainland by a separate bridge over Card Sound) to the community of Tavernier at its southern tip
•
Moreover, another part of the diverse Upper Keys real estate market is Islamorada, the 17-mile long, half-mile wide, often handsomely groomed municipality that picks up where Key Largo leaves off and is comprised of Plantation Key, Windley Key, and Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys

Some Facts About Key Largo
• It has a year-round population (not counting the ebb and flow of tourists and weekenders, and Miami daytrippers) of approximately 15,000 and a median age of 43.
• The primary industries here are:
◦ Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services
◦ Retail trade
◦ Educational, health and social services
◦ Construction
• Key Largo is served by a full-service hospital in Tavernier, providing easy health care access to all residents
• Key Largo children attend award-winning public and private schools covering grades from pre kindergarten through High School

Recreational Options

You can’t really get bored here, unless you just don’t like the water.
• Dive: If you snorkel or dive, Key Largo is a terrific place to live. Long considered the sport diving capital of the world, Key Largo is home to John Pennekamp State Park, the world’s first underwater park. I used to camp and snorkel there on weekends with my kids.
And I’ve also had some great times diving wrecks and exploring the surrounding waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. There are lots of dive shops for folks at all skill and preference levels.
•
Fish: If you like to fish, Key Largo is (if that’s possible) an even better place to live. Stretching down to Islamorada, the bonefishing capital of the world, there is a fabulous “backcountry” – Florida Bay – and offshore you’ve got the Gulf Stream and every kind of pelagic sports fish you can imagine. If you’ve got your own boat, great; if you don’t, you’ll find one of the largest fishing fleets per square mile in the world, between Key Largo and Islamorada.
•
Boats and Toys: See above. There is every possible sea thing to rent and enjoy. In fact, Key Largo and the rest of the Upper Keys, including Islamorada, are much better this way than the Middle Keys or Lower Keys with the exception of Key West.
•
Kayaking, Canoeing, Photography and Birding: These don’t all necessarily go together. My friend and I did a lot of fishing from our kayaks before it became the latest craze. But if you want to explore shallow-water backcountry to enjoy birds and wildlife, and want to consider paddleboating as opposed to motorboating as the way to do it, then this part of the Keys will likely please you more than areas farther south and west.
• If you’re a private pilot, there’s a basic airstrip for small planes on Tavernier, and you can even live next to the runway.

Living Here – Other Options

So what about the rare person who buys a home here but doesn’t want to spend every waking minute on the water? No problem. Here’s just a few things that contribute to the quality of life for the person who relocates to Key Largo.
•
Eating out: You’ve got tempting choices here, ranging from easy drives to Islamorada – famous throughout the Keys for its eateries – to the Mainland. And right here on Key Largo you’ve got excelent choices of just about every possible cuisine. And not only that: ever noticed how few waterfront restaurants and bars there seem to be in waterfront areas? Well, Key Largo is an exception!
•
Gallery hopping: Not exactly Key West by any means, but the Upper Keys from Key Largo through the long slender town of Islamorada offer a lively community of artisans, artists in residence, and galleries
•
Shopping: One of the drawbacks (to some residents) of living farther “down” the Keys (in the direction of Key West) is the “need to get off the Rock” syndrome combined with the reality of limited shopping options. In the Upper Keys (Key Largo, Islamorada) that’s less of a problem. You’re an hour from Miami
•
Other stuff: There’s local night life in the Upper Keys, unlike the Middle Keys (some, but less) or the Lower Keys (not much). And there’s lots of tennis, if that’s your game. There’s also plenty of local shopping and services; that’s worth mentioning because the farther south and west you go in the Keys, the less true that is.

In conclusion, Key Largo definitely feels like you’re in a different part of the country, due partly to the aquamarine water and the Tiki bars and just the general ambience. So if you want to be away from traffic and a rushed lifestyle, but yet want to be near shopping and everything else that Miami has to offer, this could be just the ticket. It’s hard to imagine a better price-value proposition in the Keys.

The Florida Keys

THE FLORIDA KEYS, MONROE COUNTY OVERVIEW

Imagine: Incredible Sunsets, Tropical Weather, lots of sun, Palm tress, Balmy Nights with Soft Tropical Breezes. How about a unique array of colors: for instance, shades of Greens you never knew existed? How about, world-class fishing and diving within minutes of your home? How about year round citrus, vegetables, gardens and really fresh seafood? How about clean air, beaches and pure nature and all of this mixed in with a laid-back Island attitude?

If all this sounds (too!) good, consider this--since we only spend a small percentage of our lifetimes outdoors, why not make the most of it?

The Florida Keys are a unique American landscape. They are not even like the rest of the Florida. Called by some “America’s Caribbean,” they are reminiscent of the Bahamas or the Caymans or the Netherlands Antilles. They are low-lying dots on an azure sea that separates Cuba from the U.S., strung 130 miles in a long narrow corridor athwart the Gulf Stream, and bordered by one of the world’s principal coral reefs that was the scourge of pirates and the Spanish fleet nearly 500 years ago but beckons divers, fishermen, and boaters today.

The Keys today are comprised of four very distinct areas.

Upper Keys:

Key Largo, Islamorada--These are bedroom communities to Miami- very busy on weekends due to closeness to Miami. Desirable for 2nd home owners as it’s a short trip from Miami International. Another plus is a very active tourist base meaning jobs and if you’re an investor or want to rent out your home, it means great occupancy rates.

Middle Keys:

Marathon—The big community at midpoint down. Very diverse Real estate options. The water is deep for good boating. It’s only 50 miles from Key West. Marathon has lots of business activity and a good airport making connections through Miami to the rest of the world.

Lower Keys:

Big Pine through Sugarloaf Key, These are great residential areas- small and more like flat versions of New England or Caribbean seaside towns—shopping is available and Key West and all the restaurants and nightlife are 30 to 45 minutes away.

Key West:

A destination point for millions of tourists, cruise ships and Florida residents looking for something different. This town definitely has a relaxed feel about it. Eve though I lived 23 miles from there, going in on week ends still felt like going on vacation.

General Information Florida Keys
• Located in the southern tip of Florida. The keys border the Everglades and the waters of the gulf of Mexicoand the Atlantic..
• 2000 square miles
• Average Temperature 77.8°F
• Average Annual Precipitation 39 in
• Average Rain Days 109
• Population projection 2005 -80,000
• Key West population-34,000 plus
• Average home cost-June 2005-$600,000 in the Keys
• Cost of Living-almost 112-1st in the state
• Median age-43.

Major Employment and jobs by Industry in order of numbers
• Management, professional
• Service occupations
• Sales and office
• Fishing
• Construction
• Natural resources
• Production and transportation

In conclusion, the Keys are expensive but are like no where else you’ve ever been. If you like the water and are an avid boater, fisherman, diver, you should consider the Keys. You’ll never regret it.

The only cautions are the usual suspects in waterside Florida: first, the possibility of hurricanes in the late summer and fall months, and, since you are literally at sea level, and since evacuation is only towards Miami some hours away (3 ½ from Key West), a fair amount of stress around that issue. (Unless, of course, you adopt Jimmy Buffet’s attitude and just lie back and enjoy the waiting.) And second, for real shopping variety, you really do have to go to Miami, and at 45 mph in tight traffic for several hours, that gets old. (Which is why I and other Keys residents learned to provision ourselves in advance, and otherwise take a page from Buffet’s song and just enjoy hamburgers in paradise.) And finally, insurance rates are on their way through the roof. (But aren’t they everywhere?)

Perhaps all that, and a generally very high cost of living, is why more and more people are looking at the Keys not so much as a primary home for retirement, but rather as a second or vacation home – and most people who have ever been there, or like us who have ever lived there, would have to say that there is no place quite like it or quite so wonderful. I think the Keys will always have a unique draw for folks old and young alike. As I said, we spend only a small part of our lifetimes outdoors, so why not make the most of it – in the Florida Keys!

Key West

Key West

Key West is both a place and a state of mind. It lies about as far away as you can go in this USA, almost part of the tropics, some four hours and 150 miles south and west of Miami. You cross a lot of bridges and spectacular blue and green water to get there, and when you get there you’re only 90 miles from Cuba. Cruise ships consider a stop at Key West part of their Caribbean itineraries!

It’s not a big place, and it is a place where real people live. It has a year-round population of just over 26,000 and a median resident age of 39 years. Key West also includes the neighboring communities of Stock Island, where a lot of the remaining commercial fishing is based, and which used to be where Key West’s supplies were “stocked” in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and Key Haven, with wide canals and lots of pleasure boats.

Key West has been described in about a zillion travel guides and Web sites and the name used in countless movies as the place people want to finally get away to. Having lived in Cudjoe Key (23 miles away) and selling real estate in Key West, I have a good feel for the place.

The best way to describe Key West, is a vacation place. Meaning whenever you’re there, the ambience and atmosphere catches you up in it and you could well be somewhere in the Bahamas or the Caribbean.

Key West is also a state of mind. You can watch sunsets from Mallory Square on the harbor, or from the bars and restaurants on the boat basins. You can shop or whatever on famous Duval Street. Since nobody knows how to throw a party like Key West does, you can join in at Fantasy Fest (think Mardi Gras) at the end of October, and see for yourself. This is, after all, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. Whatever you imagine about Key West is probably true.

Or you can enjoy the reality of Key West’s other state of mind too – its wonderful diversity, history, and creativity. Lots of writers, artists, artisans, and musicians have always called this state of mind/special place home, from Hemingway to the present day.

There are also plenty of areas in Key West where the locals go besides Duval Street and the sunset bars. In fact when you get off of Duval, you will find restaurants, art galleries, grocery stores and antique shops in the neighborhoods, and tree-lined little streets with lots of tropical foliage where people live.

So although you’re in one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, the neighborhoods here are quiet, lined with historical architecture and have a very comfy feel. And the historic district is very compact. You can walk everywhere.

Dining Out

These areas outside of Duval, in my opinion with the exception of the Atlantic side of Duval are where the good restaurants are. Places like Louie’s Backyard, Blue Heaven, and Michaels to name a few are popular with the locals and the tourists who have visited here many times and have found them. My neighbor on Cudjoe Key, a longtime Florida and Keys resident, says to add Café Sole, Mangia Mangia, and Antonia’s to that list. (Café Sole is right across a quiet little street from what just might be the best Haitian art gallery in America.) Well, truth is, everybody’s got their favorites when it comes to restaurants and the hidden gems you can find here. Part of the fun is walking around and discovering them.

Outdoors Recreation

Key West has all kinds of options when it comes to playing outside: diving and fishing, sailing, lying on the beach, biking and visiting historical sites. And you can go for boatrides on the harbor, ranging from sunset sailing schooners to fast speedboats that spin in circles.

Boats and rides tend leave from the harbor area or the boat basin(s), but there’s a number of other options too.

Transportation

Key West international airport offers flights to Florida cities like Miami, Ft Lauderdale and Orlando. From there you can fly anywhere in the world.

There is a “flying boat” ferry connecting to Ft Myers (takes a few hours), and of course Cruise ships stop here as a layover point or destination. There is no train from or to points north.

The balance of travel back to mainland Florida is by automobile or bus on US1, known as the Overseas Highway.

You haven’t lived until you’ve experienced rush hour in Key West – some people swear there is no such thing. Not much, anyway.

Finally, within Key West there is little need for anything more than your own two feet. But you can drive, and there’s decent parking on the periphery of downtown. There are also some buses, and taxis, of both the four-wheeled and two-legged variety! Every once in a while somebody comes up with the idea of using boat taxis to get from Point A to Point B, but this isn’t reliable.

Housing

Homes in Key west are expensive – less expensive in Stock Island and very expensive in Key Haven. As of Sept 2005, homes in Key West started at $385,000 but much higher prices are commonplace. Some of the tiny historic-type homes carry price tags that surprise people, but then you have to remember that it’s a small island in high demand, and there’s not a lot of inventory.

There’s much more inventory when it comes to condominiums, but even condos are getting very pricy. Timeshares, allowing week-at-a-time purchases, have become more common too.

* * * * *

In conclusion, several visits to the Keys and in particular Key West made me sell my business in Oregon and move to the Keys. It is an adventure and personally, I made a decision that I wanted to be one of the people who went on vacation and didn’t leave!

Florida Education overview

Florida Education
Due to the incredible growth rate, Florida has had to adjust its Education systems to meet the needs of it’s new and existing residents. The result is a success story.

In Fact,
9 Florida Colleges rank among the Top 100 Entrepreneurial Colleges and Universities for 2004. 825 entrepreneurship programs and curricula were researched and ranked on more than 70 separate criteria.

Florida universities among Top 50 Regional Programs: Florida Atlantic University, Florida State University, University of Florida.

Florida universities among Top Entrepreneurship Emphasis Programs: University of South Florida, Nova Southeastern University, Stetson University. Top Florida colleges with Limited Curriculum programs are: Bethune-Cookman College, Rollins College, Eckerd College.
(Entrepreneur Magazine, May/2004)
• As it stands today (2005) Florida is one of the leading states in both private and public education.
• Regardless of your needs, be it for your children (public or private) higher education, adult education or trade/medical/law schools, there is a learning facility here for you.
For stats on Florida education and accountability go to http://www.firn.edu/doe/eias/eiaspubs/reports.htm
Or http://www.fldoe.org/arm/default.asp

A few quick facts about our higher education facilities.
• Florida has 28 community colleges.
• Florida has 16 State universities.
• Florida has 120 plus private colleges and universities.
• Florida has 18 adult and community education locations.
• Florida has 18 health care schools.
• Florida has 13 Legal and criminal justice schools.
• Florida has 22 technical schools
• Florida has 19 business schools with over 56 locations.
• Florida has 10 Law schools
• Florida has 5 Art schools
• Florida has 2 (among the best in the country) Culinary schools
• Florida has 4 computer schools
• Florida has 70 Aviation schools
• Florida has 13 higher education facilities.

In addition, the Community college system in Florida is one of the best in the world. Basically it has been set up so that wherever you reside, there’s a college within commuting distance.

Link to Florida state universities
http://www.flbog.org/univ_info/univlist.asp

Link to public and private law schools
http://www.flbog.org/univ_info/lawschools.asp

Link to independent colleges and universities
http://www.flbog.org/univ_info/icuflist.asp

Link to all Florida public schools by county
http://www.fldoe.org/schoolmap/flash/schoolmap_text.asp

In conclusion, regardless of where you live, Florida has education opportunities for you. Be it public or private, pre school or higher learning, including adult education.

Daytona Beach employment

Daytona Beach Employment
One of the best things about Daytona and Volusia county is the abundance of career opportunities.
Whether you're an entrepreneur or a corporate executive, Volusia County has a position for you.
All of this coupled with a low cost of living index and the fact, that  there is no state or local income tax, means you take home more.
That combined with a low cost of living means a better lifestyle.

Wouldn’t it be nice to go to work each day and have it be sunny.
Some statistics:
As of may 2004 per the US Department of labor in Volusia county:
Number of workers-167,420          
Median hourly wage $11.31 to $14.83 
Entry $7.44  per hour
Experienced $19.02 average per hour
Annual wage $30,840

For specific figures by occupation go to http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_3600.htm#b00-0000
lMajor Employment By Industry in order of numbers
• Retail
• Health care and Social Services
• Accommodation and food services
• Educational services
• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Public administration
• Management
• Top Employers
Volusia County School Board   8,998 School System
Halifax Staffing Incorporated   6,330 Medical
Volusia County 3,354 Government
Publix Supermarkets Incorporated  2,798 Grocery
Wal-mart Associates Incorporated   2,206 Retail
Vision Hr Inc. 1,667 Human Resources
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical 1,513 University
Florida Hospital Ormond Memorial    1,403 Medical
Daytona Beach Community College 1,334 Jr. College
Winn Dixie Stores Incorporated 1,290 Grocery
John B Stetson University 1,078 University
City of Daytona Beach   1,017 Government
United States Postal Service   952   Government
Florida Hospital Fish Memorial 850   Medical
Tyco Healthcare Kendall Products 770 Manufacturing
Florida Health Care Plan Incorporated 740 Medical
Memorial Hospital West 737   Medical
Act Corporation    701   Health Services
National Association for Stock Car 700 Entertainment
Daytona Beach News Journal 696   Newspaper
Bert Fish Medical Center Inc. 598   Medical
Walgreens   552   Pharmacy
Target   549  Retail

Additional resources for job and demographic information
Bureau of Economic and Business Research at the University of Florida (BEBR) http://www.bebr.ufl.edu/
U.S Census Bureau
http://www.census.gov

Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation – Labor Market Information
http://www.labormarketinfo.com
State jobs http://dms.myflorida.com/

*If you have to work for a living, you might as well be in a great environment.

Florida health and medical overview

Living in a warm climate and being close to nature and enjoying the outdoors is good for your health.
When you wake up and it's sunny out more than 300 days a year-you have to admit, you're going to feel better about life. So that's just one of the main benefits of living in Florida.

When you do need a Doctor or health facility, Florida has them. Why do we have some of the best Hospitals in the country and all that goes with it-nurses, doctors, etc?

The answer is: With a growing retirement community (Florida is the number 1 choice for retirement areas) as well as new residents, relocating here due to our great job creation, we have to have them!

Another other factor is that people like it here. Job transfers to Florida are usually looked at as a positive step in life. When the snow is flying-who doesn't look at the travel guides.

Some serious information:
Based on a recent survey by The Winter Park Health Foundation
• The majority of Florida voters (63%) rank health care as one of the top three most important functions of state government. Twenty eight percent said it was "the most important function."

• When asked specifically about Medicaid, 82% of Florida voters feel it is important for Florida state government to provide health care coverage to uninsured children and uninsured low-income working adults, with 58% feeling it is "very important."

• When advised that Florida's Medicaid insurance program accounts for one quarter of the state budget and knowing that will increase due to population growth among those who qualify, 73% of Florida voters still feel that the state of Florida has a "responsibility to assist in providing health coverage for uninsured children and uninsured working low-income families."

• The survey focused on issues such as voter concern about cost and accessibility of health care and insurance coverage; levels of support available for low-income and needy disabled, the elderly, children and working families without health care coverage; levels of concern about the cost of Medicaid to the state of Florida, and the roles of federal, state and local government.

The conclusion is unmistakable. Floridians care about Health care and demand the best.

As with Education, due to its rapid population growth Florida has had to adjust for new and existing residents. The results are a success story.
• There are over 275 hospitals located throughout the state.
• There are 47 VA hospitals and Clinics
• There are over 2000 assisted living facilities
• There are over 2300 Health care clinics

To see all facilities in the state of Florida by city go to http://facilitylocator.floridahealthstat.com/

For a general list see www.myflorida.com or go to the specific areas link on this site and see the Specific Health information page.

Another excelent resource for Hospital location can be found at www.hospitallink.com

Due to the influx of new people and the attraction of the area (Doctors like nice weather too) Florida is on top of breaking technologies in Specialized care.

Starting a business in Florida

Florida ranks fourth in the nation in the number of expanding or relocating businesses.
If you have a special skill, industry knowledge and or a lifetime interest, Florida may be the best place for you to consider owning and or starting a business.

Florida has a wonderful spirit of innovation. From the Aerospace industry to Art galleries, it all has a place here.
In the coastal areas it’s possible to have a business that caters to locals and the tourists. This seems to be the best of both worlds depending on what business you’re in.

For more specific information on incorporating and business licenses, go to www.myflorida.com and www.sunbiz.org
Rents will obviously vary greatly. Shops on Los Olas Blvd in Ft Lauderdale and Duval street in Key West charge extremely high rents per sq ft. However they also make lots of money due to thousands of tourists and locals daily.

For more information on what the business climate is like, check the different area links and their chamber of commerce.

Florida's Advantages by the Numbers:
Compared with the other U.S. states, Florida:
• Is the nation's 4th most populous state (Census, 2003)
• Has the 4th largest labor force, and the 15th lowest unemployment rate (BLS, 2003)
• Has the 4th highest number of business establishments (BLS, 2002)
• Has the 4th largest Gross State Product, making it the 8th largest economy in the western hemisphere, and the 15th largest economy in the world (BEA, 2001)
• Ranks 4th in total employment in high-tech industries (AeA Cyberstates, 2005)
• Is the 9th largest producer of exported goods (MISER, 2003)
• Is the 9th largest recipient of Foreign Direct Investment (BEA,2002)

State and Local Incentives, Florida Tax Advantages

Some of the more significant advantages to living and establishing businesses in Florida, with respect to taxes are:
• No state income tax
• No corporate income tax on sub-chapter S corporations
• First $5000 of taxable income apportioned to Florida is exempt
• No state property tax on inventory or equipment
• No business inventory tax
• No corporate franchise tax on capital stock
• No corporate tax on limited partnerships, individuals, estates and private trusts
• No collected or assessed state property tax
• No sales tax on "boiler fuels" used at a fixed Florida location in an industrial manufacturing, processing or compounding process
• No sales and use tax on goods manufactured or produced in Florida for resale or export outside Florida
• Corporation accounts receivable (one third) exempt from intangible property tax
• Exemption of employee stock options from employer
• No property tax on goods-in-transit for up to 180 days

While these are in themselves incentives, the following are additional incentives offered by the State and local government working together to provide you with an environment conducive to your success.
• Ad Valorem Tax Exemption (real and personal property) is offered by the local government and is based on the financial impact projected on the County (number of employees, capital expenditure, etc.).

Sales and Use Tax Exemption
• Silicon technology-based industry transactions involving manufacturing or research equipment
• Purchases of machinery and equipment used by a new or expanding Florida business to manufacture, produce or process tangible personal property for sale
• Labor, parts and materials used in repair of and incorporated into machinery and equipment that qualify for sales tax exemption upon purchase (phased in over four years, 25% exempt on July 1, 1999)
• Electricity used in the manufacturing process (phased in over five years, 80% exempt on July 1, 1999)
• Aircraft parts, modification, maintenance and repair, sale or lease of qualified aircraft
• Commercial space activity - launch vehicles, payloads and fuel, machinery and equipment for production of items used exclusively at Spaceport Florida
• Labor component of research and development expenditures---------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary of Florida's Tax Incentive

Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund Programs
This program provides an inducement for target industry to locate new facilities in Florida or to expand existing facilities in Florida. The program provides tax refunds of $3,000 per new job created.
The incentive is increased to $6,000 per job if the company locates in a rural county or an Enterprise Zone. Higher awards are available to companies paying very high wages. To qualify for the “QTI” program, a company must create at least 10 new jobs (or a 10% increase for expanding Florida companies), pay an average of at least 115% of area wages, have a significant positive impact on the community and have local support.

Quick Response Training Program
The Quick Response Training Program provides grant funding for customized training to new or expanding businesses. The program is flexible and structured to respond quickly to meet business training objectives. A local training provider – community college, area technical center or university – is selected and available to assist in the application process and program development or delivery. If the business has a training program in place, a state training provider will supervise and manage the training program and serve as the fiscal agent for the grant funds. Reimbursable textbooks/manuals, materials/supplies and training equipment.

Economic Development Transportation Fund
This grant program provides up to $2 million to local governments for the construction or improvement of transportation infrastructure needed to accommodate new or expanding industry.

Expedited Permitting Assistance
State and local permit streamlining procedures are available to assist businesses in obtaining necessary permits and approvals in a quick, efficient and predictable manner.

Specialized Incentives
Your project may qualify for opportunities such as urban or rural tax credits, and incentives for brownsfields and enterprise zones.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Local Property Tax Incentive
New and expanding businesses can be granted an exemption from property taxes on improvements to real property and for tangible personal property. In order for a company to be eligible for this incentive, it must first meet the definitions of a new or expanding business as defined below:
• New Business:
A manufacturer which establishes ten or more full-time jobs.
• A business with more than 50% of its sales outside the State of Florida which establishes 25 or more jobs.
• Office space of a new Florida corporation housing 50 or more full-time employees of the corporation.

The above are applicable if the business is on a site clearly separate from any other facility owned by the same business.

Any business located in a slum or blighted area as defined by Section 163.355, Florida Statutes.

Expanding Business:
◦ A manufacturer that adds a minimum of ten new employees and increases employment by 10% or increases productive output by a minimum of 10%.
◦
◦ A business with more than 50% of its sales outside the State that adds a minimum of 25 new employees and increases employment by 10% or increases productive output by a minimum of 10%.
◦
◦ The expansion must be on the same or a co-located site of the business’ current operations.
◦
◦ If a business meets one of the above definitions as a new or expanding business, it may then file an application for the Economic Development Property Tax Exemption with the local County Commissioners or the appropriate municipality or both. After the city or county commission receives this application, it must submit the application to the county property appraiser for review. After the property appraiser makes the report as to the fiscal impact of granting the exemption, the county or city commission shall then adopt an ordinance in the usual manner-granting the exemption.
◦
◦ A business cannot receive exemption from school taxes or water management district taxes. Also, a business must pay taxes that were approved by the voters of a city or county to pay for bond issues and other special tax levies authorized by the voters of a city or county.
◦
◦ The exemption can only be for the improvements to the real property and for tangible personal property. The land on which the new or expanding business is to be located will still be taxed.
• The State offers programs such as the Qualified Target Industry (QTI) Tax Refund Program (tax refund), a Sales Tax Exemption on Electricity and Steam (exemption), a High Impact Performance Incentive (grant) and more.

Tax Information: State
• Corporate Income Tax 5.5%
• Personal Income Tax 0.0%
• Retail Sales Tax 6.0%
• Intangible Tax (per $1,000) $1 - $1.50
• Groceries and medicine exempt from retail sales tax

Small Business Assistance
Below are nine resources proven helpful to start up and maintain a succesful small business!
◦ Small Business Administration - www.sba.gov
◦ Small Business Development Center - www.fausbdc.com
◦ US Chamber of Commerce Small Business Center - www.uschamber.com/sb
◦ (The US Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Center is a one-stop shop for small businesses, containing everything from practical business advice to the latest small business news from Washington, D.C.)
◦ Florida Small Business - www.floridasmallbusiness.com
◦ Enterprise Florida - www.eflorida.com
◦ The Florida Venture Forum - www.flvencap.org
◦ SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business - www.score-chapter412.org
◦ Odeon Group (Small Business Administration Intermediary) - 305 681-9600
◦ Micro Business USA - 305 438-1407
◦ First Florida Capital - (888) 320-5504

Below is a great site explaining why you should be in business in Florida.
http://eflorida.com/aboutthissite/sitemap/default.asp?tn=1

If you have a dream follow it, Remember making a decision to do nothing and stay where you are is still a decision.

Arts and Culture overview

Florida Arts
Florida is a cultural society and embraces it’s writers, artists, photographers, musicians and actors. Just look at how many people from the Sunshine state, who excell in these areas. In short, Individualism is one of our best assets.
Why are the Arts important to us?

Economics:
• Florida’s arts and cultural industry is one of the fastest growing in the state. Its annual statewide economic impact has grown from $1.7 billion in 1997 to over $2.9 billion and now supports over 28,000 full-time equivalent jobs.

• Florida’s arts and cultural organizations, which constitute a small fraction of the state’s entire arts and entertainment industry, expended $1.2 billion in FY 2001.

• Attendees at the programs and events of not-for-profit cultural organizations exceeded 400 million in 2000-01. Audience participation is significant because attendance at these events generates related commerce for local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and shops.

• An estimated 7 million out-of-state tourists visited Florida’s cultural facilities or attended cultural events as a primary activity. These “cultural” tourists spent $4.5 billion, adding $9.3 billion to the state's gross regional product and creating 103,713 full-time equivalent jobs with a payroll of $2.6 billion.

State of our Arts
• Due to the influx of people relocating here with varied tastes our facilities have grown to where they rank among the best in the world The Arts in Florida is a powerhouse business for both residents and tourists.

• From major Art museums, to world class Symphony orchestras to ballet and theatre companies, writer’s conferences, and outdoor festivals, we have it all.

A few quick facts about what we have.
• 7 professional Opera companies.
• 16 major symphony orchestras.
• 35 Theatre companies.
• 33 dance companies.
• 4 major film studios
• 16 major sports and entertainment arenas/stadiums
• 200 outdoor festivals per year.
• Hundreds of galleries, craft shops and small owner operated business that specializes in the Arts.
• Music-From Jazz to Blues to Art exhibits; there is definitely something for everyone.

Link to county Art agencies http://www.florida-arts.org/resources/FloridaLocalArtsAgencies.htm

Link to all Florida Art museums http://www.florida-arts.org/resources/museumsartcentersgalleries.htm

Link to Florida dance organizations http://www.florida-arts.org/resources/FloridaDanceOrganizations.htm

Link to Florida music organizations (symphonies, community orchestras, etc)
http://www.florida-arts.org/resources/FloridasMusicOrganizations.htm

Link to Florida Theatre venues (playhouse etc) http://www.florida-arts.org/resources/FloridaTheatres.htm

Links to Florida state organizations and associations
http://www.florida-arts.org/resources/StateOrganizations.htm

In conclusion:
If you love the arts and want Cultural opportunities, Florida definitely has a place for you.
So, if you’re creative or possibly want to pursue another career or lifestyle…this could be just the place for you.
One other thing-You can enjoy the majority of all this outdoors!

Melbourne Florida

Historically, the place that gives this entire area its “name” is Melbourne, the oldest and best-known community on what Floridians call the “Space Coast”.
Melbourne is right in the center of a long north-south corridor – coastal Brevard County – that is sandwiched between the St. Johns River Basin to the West and the Atlantic Ocean.

It stretches from Palm Bay and other smaller communities in the south through Melbourne, West Melbourne, and Melbourne Village in central Brevard to Viera, Cocoa and Titusville in the north.
And it includes a half dozen beach communities on one long, fabulous barrier island stretching from Sebastian Inlet to Cape Canaveral. This “greater Melbourne” is one of the most rapidly growing residential areas in Florida, and it currently boasts the fifth most rapidly appreciating home property values in the entire United States [USA Today, Sept 2, 2005]!

Yet Melbourne itself is reminiscent of an older not so built up Florida.
The main streets are wide and the city is well maintained. It has Arts, Fine Dining Health and Educational facilities that compare with the best Florida’s larger cities offer. It’s just an hour from Orlando and three hours from Miami. The location makes anywhere in the state very accessible. Even remote Key West is just a 5 or 6 hour drive. As to Outdoor and recreational opportunities, in my opinion it’s one of the best places in Florida. The beaches are not jammed, there is plenty of access and it’s not wall to wall development.

When you approach the Ocean over the high bridge across the Indian River (the Intra-Coastal Waterway or ICW), your view is sweeping. It is not blocked by condos and hotels, thanks to strict zoning laws enacted well before the current rapid growth and development. For one thing, there are 3- and 4-story height limits, unlike what you find throughout much of South Florida. For another, there is lots of easy to find, easy to use “forever” beach access. Before development there was conservation, and Melbourne and its beachside communities have some of the nicest public beaches in all of Florida

Melbourne also has a great Old-Town, downtown area with specialty shops, antique stores, theaters, restaurants and more. There are dining places overlooking both the Indian River Lagoon (the IntraCoastal) and the Ocean. Another Old Town section, Eau Gallie, features art galleries and the county art museum.
In a recent study, with a major space employer in Melbourne, the employees had this to say.

Melbourne is a safe place to live
It has great weather and lots of sun
It’s easy to travel and get to work and there are good job opportunities..
There is a wide variety of recreational facilities.
It’s easy to get involved in the community.
It’s a great place for creative people.
Three out of four would recommend a friend or family member to relocate to Melbourne.
Melbourne has the amenities that a larger town would have yet it has a small town atmosphere.

I call it user friendly.
All that and the Real Estate is a good deal. As of this writing (summer 2005) single-family homes, minutes from the beaches can be had from 200,000 up.

Melbourne, and its landside communities of West Melbourne and Melbourne Village, plus its beachside communities of Indialantic, Melbourne Beach, and Floridana (going south), or Indian Harbor Beach and Satellite Beach (going north) is simply a great place to live. Ditto for the greater Melbourne area from Sebastian Inlet to Cape Canaveral. What a great place to relocate or retire to.

Florida Weather

Florida Weather
The weather is Florida’s biggest asset next to the sand and surf. In short we have milder winter weather than anywhere else in the 48 states…think about that next time you look at your heating bill!
Also we have almost zero air pollution. (Winds from the Oceans disperse the air pollutants) You can see the stars at night.
Acid rain has not affected us like the rest of the country.
The temperature drop from day to night is on average never over 25°---compare that with Minnesota, which can vary as much as an 84°.
Some statistics:
Average max temps in the Florida Panhandle range from 80° to a low of 56°
Average max temps in Central Fl range from 84° to a low of 60°
Average max temps in Southern Fl, range from 86° to a low of 66°
With the exception of Hawaii, no other state extends further into the tropics than Florida. Key West for example is on the same 24° 30N, that Tampico Mexico and Sao Paulo Brazil are. This makes the angle of the sun higher or more perpendicular hence more warm weather.

To see average January temperatures across the United States go to http://www.mapsofworld.com/usa/thematic-maps/usa-temprature-january.html
Compare where you live or want to live in Florida. For more specific info, look at the area you are interested in and go to the weather page.
So what about the rainy season and humidity?
We are a tropical climate, so our rainy season comes in the summer. Generally it will rain hard for a half hour then subside. It does get humid then. Although not as bad as you’d think. Our water breezes really help cool us off.

Hurricanes
And, finally, hurricanes…..we have to talk about this, and you, our reader, have to think about it. Florida lies in the tropics, or more exactly, pretty close to the tropics. Much of the American Southeast is at risk for hurricanes, from Texas to the Carolina coasts, year in, year out. But in the popular imagination, Florida is the bullseye.
So what’s the reality, and what is the relevance? The reality is, yes, it’s true; we are in the bull’s eye. And the relevance? A zillion people continue to relocate to Florida. Why? Because, perhaps like you, they feel (rightly) that the percentages favor them, that they are not likely to encounter a hurricane. Really. In the grand scheme of things, not many hurricanes make landfall in Florida. So their confidence is reasonable.

Anyway, before hurricanes do threaten Florida, there is plenty of warning; and except for people who live directly on the beaches (dangerous), you can prepare and defend pretty successfully in almost all cases. When the Authorities say you must evacuate (chiefly from the beaches and adjacent areas), you should. If you live in the Keys, that’s always critical, at an earlier stage, say, than the rest of Florida’s east or west or north coasts, because you’re very close to the action no matter where you live in the Keys. So there’s less time for error.

I experienced a Category 3 major hurricane in the Keys. In the future I would evacuate. Every hurricane season in the Keys, you worry (Jimmy Buffet even wrote a song about sitting around waiting for hurricanes that never materialized). The first serious hurricane in fifty years was Georges in 1998 (my experience). But there have been lots of worries, lots of close calls, and like this year (2005) a fair number of combinations of tropical storm force winds, higher tides with some flooding, and salt-blown browning of the vegetation. So the reality is, you live in the Keys, you worry about it.

The other part of Florida that seems uniquely vulnerable, especially in the aftermath of recent northern Gulf of Mexico history, is Florida’s Panhandle. It’s important to put this in perspective. Yes, Pensacola and its wider area have tended over the past 30 years to be hit more frequently than the rest of Florida by major hurricanes, but in the 30-40 years prior to that, the situation was exactly reversed: Pensacola was less frequently hit than peninsular Florida. Or to put it a different way, the Panhandle area of Florida has been “hit” by just 6 storms Category 3 or higher since 1940, while peninsular Florida suffered 10 such storms during that same period.
The dangers can be largely counted on fingers. Hurricane Donna hit southwest Florida in 1960, Hurricane Charlie I about the same area in 2004.
Hurricane Andrew hit Miami-Homestead in 1992, but you have to go back to the 1920’s for anything comparable.

I moved to Melbourne Florida (central east coast) partly because the area NEVER got hurricanes (and in fact the whole northeast and central Florida coast is in a geographical bight that in fact does not get hit, but Melbourne is on the cusp, a bit south). My first year (2004) living there, the Central East Coast got two of them. So much for expectations. Still, the likelihood of that happening again remains very low. Moreover, if you lived inland just a few miles that summer of 2004, because of the buffer of the long barrier island and the wide ICW/Indian River Lagoon, the net effects of the hurricanes were pretty mild.

In any case, the likelihood per the historical record of that happening again remains very low. The reality is that the weather on both Florida’s east and west coast is great, and you really don’t have to worry yourself through hurricane season, like folks perhaps do in some other parts of Florida (the Keys, the north coast of the Gulf of Mexico).
Bottom line? I would be remiss if I did not tell you that hurricanes are a potential fact of life. But what I’ve outlined above underscores the reality that the very occasional occurrence is the exception, absolutely not the summertime rule.

More about Hurricanes and Observations..
If you live on the coast you stand the greatest chance of having one affect you. Some areas of Florida have gone fifty years plus without one but you never know.


In my opinion, the best thing you can do is buy a home that was built after Andrew-August 92 that was built to stricter building codes. Have window protection and a backup generator and make sure your insurance is up to date. If they ask you to leave, do it!

Realize-If you live in an older home that was not built up to the stricter building codes (After Hurricane Andrew-August 1992) or you live in a mobile home you stand the best chance of having major structural damage.

Living on the beach in a mobile home is asking for it. Although, you may never have a problem, you’re still definitely taking your chances. Barrier islands and open-water Ocean or Gulf front are the most prone to damage.
Having lived in California, I prefer the threat of a hurricane however as opposed to an earthquake. At least you have a warning.
For current information about hurricanes go to http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
For 2005 climate info by areas go to http://www.coaps.fsu.edu/climate_center/LCD/2005LCD.html
For current weather forecasts by cities go to http://iwin.nws.noaa.gov/iwin/fl/fl.html

*Living in a waterfront home typically means that you will pay a higher Insurance premium. The insurance is higher due to flood and wind concerns.
Part of this is also because the pricing on these homes is higher so there is more value to insure against.
*Despite four hurricanes in 2004, the number of Florida visitors rose 7% to an all-time high of 79.8 million last year and is on target to hit 80 million this year.

Having said all this, I can’t imagine living elsewhere. It is really great to wake up and it’s sunny out.
We spend over half our lives indoors…so when you do go outside, wouldn’t it be nice if it was warm and sunny?

Florida Recreation and Outdoors overview

Florida Outdoors and Recreational Opportunities
Florida is the outdoor capital of the US!
Why? Because Florida has the following:
• 1700 rivers and streams
• 3 million acres of lakes
• 105 state park sites 30 million plus acres to hunt and fish in
• 320 freshwater springs
• Over 500 miles of beaches.
• For a complete listing of all parks by area go to http://www.floridastateparks.org/

Geography
• Coastline: 1,197 statute miles
• Tidal Shoreline: 2,275 statute miles
• Beaches: 663 miles
• Total Land Area: 54,136 square miles
• Total Water Area: 4,424 square miles
• Rank Among States In Total Area: 22nd
• Number of Lakes Greater Than 10 Acres: 7,700 (approx.)
• Length North and South: 447 miles
• (St. Mary’s River to Key West)
• Width East and West: 361 miles (Atlantic Ocean to Perdido River)

Participant sports
• Ballooning
• Biking
• Birding-330 official sites
• Boating-
• Camping
• Canoeing-over 60 state trails
• Fishing. Over 600 species of fish. Florida is considered the best state in the country for fishing.
• Flying
• Gardening-3000 species of plants and 300 species of trees
• Golfing-Over 1000 courses
• Hiking-Scenic trail-
• Horseback riding-over 50 public Equestrian trails
• Hunting-.
• Kayaking
• Photography
• Surfing
• Swimming
• Scuba Diving-over 600 Ocean and spring dive sites
• Snorkeling
• Tennis

Spectator sports
• Drag racing
• Football-college-NFL
• Baseball-MLB-Major and minor league and Spring training (Jan through April)
• Horse racing
• NASCAR racing
• Dog racing
• NBA Basketball
• NHL Hockey
Link to all 18 national teams and their spring training locations
http://flasports.com/page_prosports_springtraining.shtml
Link to all Florida pro Sports teams
http://www.funandsun.com/1tocf/sportf/spts.html
Being outside is better for your health!

The really good news is that you can do most of these things year round. Sorry no mountain climbing or white water rafting!

Florida Cost of Living

Florida Cost of Living
The cost of living index is based on the composite price of groceries, housing, utilities, transportation, health care, clothing and entertainment.
Cost of living indexes will generally be higher in areas that offer access to beaches, culture, arts and recreation. In addition areas, that offer a wider variety of services such as health and education will run higher due to higher wages, and increased quality of living.
Cost of living indexing explanation
A figure of 100 points is used as an average both for the USA and Florida. For example:
Boise Idaho is ranked at a 99
Boston Mass is rated at 240
San Francisco at 217
Statewide, Florida cities come in from a low of 90 and up.
One way to compare Florida areas to salary requirements
For example-If you were relocating from Portland Oregon (whose rate 1s 120) to Orlando, and you currently make $50,000 per year, the formula is as follows
Take the destination index, in this case Orlando-99.8 and divide by Portland’s index-120, then multiply by a salary of $50,000. This will give you a figure of $41,583, which would be required to make in Orlando and have the same quality of life.
See comparable Florida statewide
* Re cost of living--in some areas Real Estate has went up dramatically however costs that factor in such as food, transportation, rents etc have not increased at the same rate-so in some areas, even though housing is expensive, the overall rating may still be low.

Information from Accra-2nd qtr 2005

Daytona 99.8

Ft Lauderdale 116.6

Jacksonville 91.7

Miami/Dade 116.30

Orlando 99.8

Pensacola 97.1

Sarasota 108.9

Tampa 98.8

Ft Myers 103.0
Clearwater 94.8

St Pete 94.8

Bradenton 96.4

Gainesville 99.4

Port Charlotte 92.8
Fl Keys 112.43

West Palm Beach 102.69

Naples 102.35

(Population Weighted-State Average=100
See national comparisons
Cost of living (100 = nationwide average)
New York, NY 364
Long Beach, NY 340
Palo Alto, CA 268
Menlo Park, CA 265
Los Altos, CA 261
Saratoga, CA 261
Boston, MA 240
Malibu, CA 233
San Francisco, 217
Greenwich, CT 215
Cambridge, MA 211
Santa Monica, CA 197
Keystone, CO 194
San Rafael, CA 192
Weston, CT 192
Darien, CT 192
Wellesley, MA 192
Fort Lee, NJ 189
Arlington, VA 184
Honolulu, HI 184
Washington, DC 181
Princeton, NJ 180
Vail, CO 178
Chicago, IL 166
Sunnyvale, CA 164
San Mateo, CA 163
Marathon, FL 161
Ridgewood, NJ 159
Mystic, CT 159
In conclusion, given Florida’s climate and Job opportunities and the outdoor recreation prospects, Florida can really make sense.
Why not live in a vacation spot?