NEW FLORIDA RESIDENT BLOG

Here you go....... M y Website

 Welcome to Paradise. I admit it, when I first arrived in Florida the idea of alligators kind of freaked me out.  I was actually tasked once with protecting an eight pound dog close to a VERY active alligator lake, and I failed.  I mean the dog survived (barely) but the entire incident shook everyone involved.  Reportedly, even some neighbors were upset as the dog rescue team had to gain access and operate in their lanai, which was lake adjacent. So, long story short, this was about the same timeframe as when our family thought evacuating for a hurricane was a good idea.  Now, of course, we set up chairs on our loggia and enjoy watching the storm.  Florida, like life, is much more enjoyable if you relax and maintain a confidence that you will get through the challenge in front of you, and thrive.    So although we respect storms and alligators, we are not about to let them ruin our fun.   Yes, there are alligators in every body of water ...

 Welcome to paradise. There are so many great places to live on the Suncoast I literally NEVER get tired showing all these great lifestyles to 'soon to be residents'.  However, recently, I was talking to a couple who loved their home so fiercely that they wanted to move it to a canal because they wanted to be by the water.  While that is allowed and very possible throughout Florida, I don't recommend it.  With newer building codes your home would need an upgrade or 2 (hundred) in its new location.   That can be pricey. It kind of reminds me of an incident when I accidentally purchased  a "rental" helmet for my son.  The time and effort getting him the correct helmet and returning this "so embarrassing" piece of protective gear seemed daunting to me.  I needed to come up with a solution which was fast and eliminated any embarrassment and allowed my kindergartener to maintain his "cool" status. Mission accomplished. So yeah, the couple mentione...

Welcome to Paradise. I'm sure lots of people will answer "weather" or "low taxes" as their absolute favorite part about living in the Sunshine State.  I used to say weather, then taxes, then, economic stability then, wildlife and boating.  But that changed in 2014 when our son was born.  Or, it was probably in 2016, when he really started talking. A lot. If I go back a bit, I remember when our son was 60 days old we signed him up for a Florida prepaid college plan.  I always want him to know that he is clever, can solve difficult problems and certainly do ANYTHING he can imagine.  It's probably something many parents say to their kids, but not all parents can wake up their kindergartener to watch Falcon Heavy Launch. After seeing this from our lanai, Rocky KNOWS anything is possible... Our Website  

Welcome to paradise. Yes, this is the sunshine state but we are a Sub-Tropical locale which means big afternoon storms - especially in the summer.  Before moving here I saw a person interviewed that had been struck by lightening twice in the same day in Florida!  Spoiler: this person insisted on holding an umbrella above their head which apparently attracted two bolts.  My son and I, never worry abut this.  My son (although only 6) and I are gentlemen. It can be tough raising kids with so much connectivity and social pressure, but, that's only if they do not have a strong sense of self.  We have made it clear to our son from an early age, he is to respect people, care for the weaker and always be a gentleman.  Of course, if you are new to our state you may be unaware that there are only three instances when a gentleman carries an umbrella.  Helping an elderly woman across the street, returning a lost umbrella and finally, protecting a newborn (female) ...

Welcome to Paradise. For some reason when my parents' home was built in 1925, the builder decided that six cement steps (uncovered) would make an ideal entrance to the structure.  I don't know but, I'm pretty sure it snowed and things froze in the 1920's so I am truly baffled about why a nearly fatal fall during a freezing rain storm surprised anyone. It shouldn't have. Interestingly, it was not the danger and potential injuries that got me to despise the winter and freezing temperatures in New England.  It was the fact that you could enjoy outdoor activities 365 days a year in Florida.  Why would anyone not want that? It was 19 degrees in my birthplace when this photo was taken. Our Website         

Welcome to Paradise. Sometimes, I cannot believe how long I was alive before I moved to Florida.  Now, I know I will never leave, except for a short trip to Los Angeles in 2028. #LA28 Skateboarding is in the Olympics My Website