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Winters in Fla.

20 years ago

Anyone from the Northeast who spend part of winter in Fla? Any special town you like? Would like to rent a detached home or condo for about 4 mos..furnished in an adult community.

Dont swim, fish, golf or tennis (I know, then why would you go to Fla.?)..but do bowl, dance, enjoy shows and other stuff. And would like to get away from the cold.

Any recommendations? TIA

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Comments (2)

Irma_StPete
20 years ago
Gosh, Cara, as a native of St. Petersburg, Fla. I am curious what they will reply...(WHEN will they reply?) Maybe this forum is a little slower to pick up responses than some I am used to.

Let me recommend my area, the "Suncoast." A peninsula directly west of Tampa, on the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. For more than 100 years we have welcomed visitors as crucial to our economy and community life.

I think we have everything nice (except NYC level arts culture and schools...and relief from humidity May through October...but then, we would be totally UNAFFORDABLE if we had those things!).

3 Big performing arts centers among Tampa, St. P, and Clearwater that bring in or produce many, many shows. Community theater is everywhere and many depend on "snowbirds" to attend, perform, build sets, usher, etc. Dinner theaters also cater to the retired set.

Bowling is "around." Florida has recently instituted "no smoking" in all public buildings including restaurants and in bars that serve a sizable menu, so that affects bowling alleys. Lawn Bowling, Bocche Ball, Shuffleboard... you will still find all of these outdoor games played.

Dancing? For the retirement set? Oh yes! Both city-sponsored and commercial ballrooms. Everywhere!!

And "Snowbirds" are important to us as volunteers. "Meals on Wheels" and every other aspect of community life are helped by our visitors.

The traffic may be lighter when May comes, but we do miss them - it is nice to have people come here to warm up and relax!

Here are some links that will give you information:

http://www.sptimes.com

http://www.stpete.org

http://www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/index.asp

I hope this helps! Let me know if I can help further.
Cara_6
Original Author
20 years ago
Thanks, Irma, for all that great info. It really sounds nice where you are. I was just saying to my DH today, who volunteers at our local hospital; that they will probably welcome him at any hospital he chooses to volunteer in.
(right now, he has the flu!) :(

For 5 yrs, he's been saying for us to winter in FL; see if we like it, and if so, move there. I already know I couldn't take the summers...but winters, yes! But I'm the world's worst procrastinator!

Have a happy new year.
Cara
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