Welcome New Floridians
This site started on the Tenth Anniversary of our moving to Florida. Ten years came and went pretty quickly. We have learned a lot in those years and have made some mistakes along the way. Our goal is to try to help new Florida residents, and those thinking about relocating here, profit from our experience.
The articles are set up with a variety of categories, so you can look for whatever interests you. We are open to suggestions to improve the site and will try to answer any questions asked.
Our Articles
To Pool or Not to Pool
Do you want a home with a pool for your new residence in Florida? That was one of the most important items on our wish list when we were looking to buy a house. Now, more than 10 years later, would we buy a home with a pool again? The answer to that may depend on when...
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Homeowner’s Insurance
Finding affordable home insurance in Florida can be a challenge; that’s a nice way of saying it is expensive.
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Danger in the Sand
There is a potential fatal hazard on every beach that most people don’t know about or have ever heard about. Digging holes in the sand. Safety at the beach usually involves watching the kids in the water. Not many of us ever give any thought to kids playing in the...
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Disney World
Like it or not, it is impossible to ignore the 800 pound gorilla in the room named Disney World. It’s both the largest vacation resort and the most visited theme park in the world. Walt Disney was a business genius; there is no doubt about that. In the early 1960s he...
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Kennedy Space Center
The Kennedy Space Center on the East Coast certainly has to be at the top of my list of fun places. From examples of several different rockets, to a Shuttle Launch Simulation, to great 3D movies, there is plenty to see. The admission to the site is valid for two days,...
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House Guests
One of the joys or curses (the choice is up to you) of living in Florida is people coming to visit. We enjoy having company, especially family. You may guess that our favorite visitors are our grandkids. They are always welcome. When one of our sons visited us, just...
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Sponge Docks at Tarpon Springs
In the late 1800’s Greek Sponge divers arrived in Tarpon Springs to harvest the sponges in the Gulf of Mexico. Using rubberized suits and diving helmets, they made the sponge industry the community’s most important source of revenue. At the turn of the 20th century,...
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Hot day at the beach
In the heat of the summer months, we usually visit the beach in the early morning or late evening hours. In the morning, the temperature is cooler, there is less humidity and the sun is not as strong. In the evening, the sea breeze usually picks up and with the sun...
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Sunscreen – a Florida necessity
The Florida sun is hot, in all seasons. Sunburns are a significant factor for the development of skin cancer. It’s important to take steps to avoid sunburns and damage to your skin by too much exposure to the Florida sun. The best advice is to wear sunscreen...
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Driver’s license and vehicle registration
Florida law requires you to obtain a Florida drivers license within 30 days of becoming a resident. If you have a drivers license from another state can visit a local DMV office to apply for your Florida license. If your out of state driving record is clean, you will...
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Alligators
Before Florida was heavily developed, much of the state was a swamp, a natural home for gators. Alligators have lived in the state for centuries; we have invaded their territory. Once facing extinction, today, the gator population is thriving, now estimated to be over...
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Hot Hot Hot
Another hot day in Florida. Often, people ask how Floridians tolerate the heat in the summer months. The answer is simple; we adjust our lifestyle the same way we did up north when the temps were freezing. We live in air conditioned homes, we travel in air conditioned...
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