I have lived in paradise my entire life. Anna Maria Island, Florida is the epitome of small, beach-town friendliness, and when you mix the stark white sands and crystal clear water of our beaches, the amount of tourists that flock to the countless rental homes that scatter the seven-mile long barrier island seems like the entire population of Florida has come together in one tiny town to celebrate spring break season. However, it's one thing to vacation here, and a whole new ball game to actually live in the endless traffic and unbearable Northeastern drivers. They do know it's OK to go faster than ten miles under the speed limit, right? Here are some memorable quotes from out-of-towners I've gotten during my time of working at an ice cream store:
"So do you, like, live here?
Nope, I live somewhere else, but drive all the way here just to work at an ice cream shop.
"Do you go to school? I haven't seen any of those!"
Well, it is the law and high schools aren't usually right on the beach.
"It's SO cold up in Wisconsin right now, but I'm sure you don't understand what that's like!"
Contrary from what you may believe, I actually have left this town a couple of times and seen snow and even had to wear a jacket. Crazy, I know.
My sarcastic attitude towards these people who have blessed me with not having to pay a state income tax is one that has been cultivated over many years of cringe-worthy traffic, a couple of fender benders and thinking that if one more family tries to fit themselves on this island, it will finally sink into the Gulf of Mexico.
When I talk about how excited I am to get out of here and start over in a brand new town, some people think I'm crazy and kind of ungrateful. Who wouldn't want to live within walking distance of the beach? But at the end of the day, I love my hometown and I know I'm going to miss it once I'm gone. On my way home from school, I don't mind getting stopped by the bridge anymore because I know there are only so many months left of getting to look at the beautiful Tampa Bay waters every day. This town shaped who I am; the childhood memories of riding bikes to the beach and wearing a bathing suit no matter where I was going are some that I will never forget. Like everything else in life, growing up in a place that so many people consider paradise is a unique experience that comes with its highs and lows. People who live here don't have time to drive 15 mph everywhere we go, but that doesn't mean we don't enjoy the beauty of the island as much as people who are just visiting for a week. If anything, we appreciate it more because the familiar sights, smells, and sounds remind us of a lifetime of wonderful memories.
