I lived in Florida for 10 years and could not be happier to have had the opportunity. Living in the sunshine state is quite an adventure.
1. 70 degrees is considered "cold".
Once the weather hit 70, it was considered a cold front. We would all break out our sweaters and jeans. It was always a rare occasion. Now that I live in NY I know what real cold weather is like.
2. Living near a beach.
There was a beach 5 minutes away from my house. Being able to walk to the beach was a luxury. I grew up going to the beach every day.
3. Two words: FIRE ANTS.
In my opinion, fire ants are one of the worst things about living in Florida. Fire ants like to have their hills all about Florida. When you get bit it's usually by more than one and it burns tremendously
4. Amusement Parks.
I had year-round passes to Busch Gardens and Universal Studios. It wasn't uncommon to spend a day at one of these amusement parks. The best part was they were less than an hour from my house.
5. TRAFFIC.
Since the majority of the population in Florida is the elderly, trying to drive anywhere in Florida is nearly impossible, (especially when the snowbirds are in town).
6. Baby Sea Turtles
If I went down to the beach at the right time, I was able to watch sea turtle eggs hatch.
7. Flea Markets.
Almost every weekend I would go down to the flea market. There were always different vendors and a variety of interesting items.
8. Hurricanes.
It was not unusual to see people with their houses boarded up or for school to be canceled due to a hurricane. Hurricanes are the snowstorms of the south.
9. Real Seafood
It may be expensive but it is definitely worth it. Being able to order fresh seafood at a restaurant is a perk.
10. SAND. EVERYWHERE.
As much as I enjoyed going to the beach every day, I did not enjoy having sand everywhere. No matter how many times I showered or washed off my feet, I still managed to have sand in my hair. Everyone tracked it around the house too, it's nearly impossible to get rid of.
11. Publix Cookies.
Every time I would go grocery shopping with my mom the first thing I would do is run to the bakery section. Publix would hand out free cookies and they were delicious. Nothing beats Publix.
12. Manatee/Dolphin Sightings.
It's very common to see a manatee or dolphin while walking on the beach, or sitting outside at a restaurant near the water.
13. Air Conditioning.
After being in the sun all day there is no better feeling than walking into a house that has air conditioning, or sitting in an air conditioned car.
14. Boating.
If you never went boating then you didn't really live in Florida. Boating is one of the biggest pass times and one of the most relaxing. It's so much fun to go sighting seeing on the water. Water tubing and skiing are also a major part of boating.
15. Rays Games.
I grew up going to Rays games and I wouldn't want it any other way. The atmosphere of Tropicana Field is contagious and you know exactly what I mean if you have been there. I still love watching the Rays play to this day and go to Tropicana Field whenever I am in town.
16. Alligators.
Having an alligator pond by your house wasn't uncommon. There was a pond down the street from my house, they usually keep to themselves and just sit out in the sun. I was actually chased by a baby alligator before, (running in a zig-zag pattern doesn't help).
