jennybog, I've experimented with and used TBHs before. You can find photos of my TGHs on the flickr photo website (under 'txbeeguy'). If you have specific questions, I'll be happy to try and answer them. You appear to have not kept bees before; if this is correct, I'd recommend you do a little reading first and find out about some of the 'technical' aspects of beehive design such as the important concept of 'bee space'. There are a few other important considerations that are different between the standard Langstroth hive design and TGHs.

Sounds like drone bees. Sometimes on new foundation bees draw comb uneven height both sides, so then you can cut some off if too high and turn the frame around. The extra comb, [burr comb] very normal, it is basically the extension of the comb frames and lots of large cells are made for drones. Getting rid of these combs helps to lower Varroa population, since they prefer these cells.

yes, it is very possible. In fact alot of people do just that. Your bees may die out but in a good swarm year a swarm will move back in and replenish the hive. The problem that you will have in your area is africanized bees, which wave invaded Florida. You will need to become some what of a beekeeper to handle them and make sure that you don't create a safe haven for dangerous bees.

Oh my! That peachy confection is absolutely stunning against the seafoam colored wall. The fragrance must be out-of-this world. Thank you so much for posting it. Patrick