Living in Florida

Hurricane season in Florida: Hurricane storm clouds over a Florida beach

Hurricane Season in Florida

Hurricane season in Florida lasts from June 1st to November 30th. You may also hear this referred to as the “North Atlantic” Hurricane Season. Hurricanes can occur before or after this window, as well. What month has the most hurricanes in Florida? August, September and October are the months with the most hurricanes in Florida….

Red tide in Naples, Florida, caused by a harmful algae bloom

Algae Blooms in Florida

One of the worst parts of living in Florida is the ongoing problem with harmful algal blooms. Harmful algae blooms are extremely serious problems which threaten the state’s economy, environment and long-term future. What are Harmful Algae Blooms in Florida? A harmful algal blooms, often abbreviated as “HABs”, is an out-of-control growth of algae. Algae…

A welcome sign on the beach in Mexico Beach, Florida

Mexico Beach

Mexico Beach is a quiet beachside town in the Florida Panhandle. It is a hidden gem and a last remnant of “Old Florida” in a region known as the Emerald Coast. Mexico Beach is known for its laid-back lifestyle, white sand beaches, clear waters and abundant wildlife.  Mexico Beach has a small-town feel and a…

aerial photo of the villages, florida

The Villages

The Villages® is one of the largest retirement communities in Florida.  All combined The Villages cover more than 80 square miles, which is equivalent to more than 51,200 acres. Amazingly, The Villages is still growing, and is one of the fastest growing cities in Florida. Most people imagine The Villages as a single block of…

sandbar in key west, florida

Sandbars in Key West

Sandbars in Key West are hidden gems. The sand is like white sugar. The water is crystal clear.  When you’re all alone on a sandbar there isn’t any noise, except for the sound of the water. They’re like private desert islands.  You can often see fun and exciting marine life on sandbars, including dolphins, sharks,…

Devil's Den Cavern in Williston Florida

Devil’s Den Spring

Devil’s Den Spring is a natural spring, set inside a giant cavern. This spring is gorgeous, and we love this place! We think Devil’s Den is one of Florida’s coolest and most unique spots in Florida. It’s one of the only springs in Florida that’s located inside an underground cavern. Plus, there is on-site camping….

surfing in destin florida

Destin

Destin, Florida is a small beach town located in the Florida panhandle. It is an incredibly popular beach destination for tourists, and has been a popular destination for many decades.  Destin was once a quaint fishing village, but has grown into a busy tourist destination. More than 4.5 million people visit Destin annually, according to…

downtown fort myers florida

Fort Myers

Fort Myers is a medium-sized city in southwest Florida. It’s one of the largest tourist destinations in southwest Florida, and is a major driver of the regional economy. Location Fort Myers is located in southwest Florida, on Florida’s Gulf of Mexico coast.  The city sits on the southern shores of the Caloosahatchee River, just south…

Waterfront homes in Cape Coral, Florida

Cape Coral

Cape Coral is a medium-sized town in Southwest Florida.  Cape Coral is not a party town; it is known as a laid-back, quiet community. There is not a lot of action in the small city, or the tiny downtown area. Because of this, Cape Coral mostly appeals to retirees, boaters, and people who love the…

Grayton Beach, Florida

Grayton Beach

Grayton Beach is a small beach town in the Florida Panhandle. Many people say that Grayton Beach is a reminder of how “Old Florida” used to be. Grayton Beach is known for its charming, eclectic community and beautiful nature. The beaches in Grayton Beach are among the best in Florida, and the area is surrounded…

Blue Springs Florida Underwater Photo

Blue Hole Spring

Ichetucknee Blue Hole Spring is my favorite spring in Florida. I can never wait for the next trip. It’s hard to capture the beauty of this place with words, or even photos. Ichetucknee Springs State Park gets extremely crowded during the summer. If you’ll visit, I highly suggest arriving as early as possible! Some activities…

The sunrise from Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland, Florida

Lakeland

Lakeland is a medium-sized city in Central Florida. It sits just about half way between two of Florida’s biggest cities, Tampa and Orlando. Not surprisingly, Lakeland got its name from the large number of lakes that surround the city. There are 38 major lakes in the surrounding area. The largest and most popular are Lake…

A Map of the 5 largest cities in Florida

Major Cities in Florida

On a map, Florida can sometimes look like a small state because of its long, narrow shape. But, Florida is deceptively large in both land area and population. Florida covers 65,758 square miles, which makes it the 22nd largest state by land area. According to the most recent 2019 census estimate, 21,477,737 people live in…

The Wat Mongkolratanaram Thai Temple in Tampa, Florida

Thai Temple Tampa

Update: 6/15/2021: The Thai temple and grounds are open daily from 9 am until 6 pm. The Sunday Thai brunch market is held every Sunday from 8 am until 1 pm. The market is currently drive-through service only. After collecting food via car, visitors can park and eat their food at the onsite picnic tables….

An aerial drone photo of luxury waterfront homes in Windermere, Florida, one of the best suburbs of Orlando

Windermere

Windermere, Florida is a small, vibrant city in Orange County, Florida. It’s one of the best and popular suburbs of Orlando, especially for wealthy people. Windermere is known for its luxurious lakefront homes, famous residents and a quiet, charming atmosphere. Approximately 2,500-3,000 residents live in the Town of Windermere. Location Windermere’s location is one of…

Winter Haven, Florida

Winter Haven

Winter Haven is a medium-sized community in Central Florida. Winter Haven is a part of Polk County. It is well-known for its desirable winter climate and a chain of lakes, which are linked via canals. Location Winter Haven is centrally located between two of the largest cities in Florida, Orlando and Tampa. Both Tampa and…

Driving on the beach in Florida, Ormond Beach, Volusia County

Ormond Beach

Ormond Beach is a relaxed, coastal town on Florida’s east coast. It sits in the northern section of Florida’s peninsula, in a region called the Palm Coast. It’s located in Volusia County. It’s located 6 miles north of Daytona Beach, and 50 miles south of St. Augustine. It is 71 miles east of Ocala, and…

The Singing Tower in Bok Tower Gardens

Bok Tower and Gardens

Bok Tower and Gardens is one of the best things to do in central Florida. Most visitors absolutely love it, you should definitely consider visiting. Bok Tower and Gardens is a botanical garden, nature preserve and the site of a beautiful, world-famous bell tower, called a carillon. A carillon is a series of musical bells…

The Centennial Plaza in Winter Garden, Florida

Winter Garden

Winter Garden, Florida is a small, charming city located on the outskirts of Orlando. It sits on the southeast shore of Lake Apopka, and is often considered to be the easternmost suburb of Orlando. It’s home to just over 46,000 residents. Winter Garden is located inside Orange County, Florida, and is part of the greater…