Life In Florida

Lake Placid Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 19 Aug 2017 15:31:00 +0000

Lake Placid Florida,

This beautiful town located in Highlands County Florida has a population of around 2,000 people. No this is not the town where the 1980 Winter Olympics took place but it is well known for the beautiful caladiums that are grown here and the town is also known for being called the Town of Murals. The Mayor of Lake Placid Welcome Page.

Lake Placid is found in the lake-intensive center of the state and known as the Caladium Capital of the World, Lake Placid’s attractions include 27 freshwater lakes, Toby's Clown School and a small-town charm people love. The annual Caladium Festival is held the end of July, Henscratch Farms Vineyard & Winery hosts an annual Grape Stomp in August, and a Saturday Morning Market is held on the second Saturday of each month October through March. Enjoy the area's unique ecosystem at Archbold Biological Station, as well as a historically good time at the Depot Museum, home of the red caboose and local history artifacts displayed by the Lake Placid Historical Society. In 2012, Reader’s Digest named Lake Placid “America’s Most Interesting Town.”

Spooky, Creepy Homes In Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 16:48:00 +0000

Where ever you drive in Florida you will find houses abandon or in terrible shape. Many of these homes on the back rural roads of Florida have been their since the plantation days. The weather in Florida plays a significant role in making these homes look old and spooky. Just a couple blocks from where I live in Central Florida is one of these homes. Many of the local kids say it is haunted and have seen ghost walking around the fenced in yard late at night.

Here is a good article with more pictures of old spooky homes around Florida

14 Creepy Homes

The Ghostly Side of Ybor City

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 01:23:00 +0000

Tampa's famous historic district called Ybor City is a well known area of Tampa that is very charming and quiet during the day. The area would remind you of a miniature New Orleans. The cobble stone streets and wrought iron balconies take you back to when Tampa was just a small town. This area is great for place for souvenir shopping or sipping some great Cuban coffee while watching cigars being made and rolled by hand.
At night Ybor comes alive with entertainment and street festivals. The bars, lounges, and restaurants come alive with young and old. But what also comes alive are the ghost that haunt this area.

One of the places that is claimed to be haunted is the Don Vicente de Ybor Historic Inn. The Inn was at one time a public clinic. Today visitors claim to see ghost of nurses that use to treat the patients. The Inn was on the Travel Channel show called The Dead Files and the episode was called "Hotel Hell"

Another location that claim to have ghost in Ybor is the famous Cuban Club. This social club was started in the early 1900's for the Cuban immigrants. Today the club is still be used for many social gatherings. The Cuban club was featured on the SyFy Channel Ghost Hunters television show and the episode "Club Dead".

Lake Lindsey Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 21:14:00 +0000

Lying between Inverness Fl. and Brooksville Fl. Is a small community called Lake Lindsey. This small rural community of just under 100 people. This area of Hernando County is just beautiful with its majestic oak trees over hanging the road and the two most beautiful lakes in Hernando county, Lake McKethan and Lake Lindsey. Lake Lindsey does have a public boat ramp and offers great fresh-water fishing for the fishing enthusiast.

One of the most fascinating things about this small rural community is it’s mall. Every day I drive past this interesting little general store and I just wonder, if these walls could talk what would they say.

Lake Lindsey Mall on Facebook Click Here

Another interesting place to visit it the local cemetery. There are many stories on the tomb stones that date back to the early 1800's.

Here is a real good article that I came across when I was putting this site together.

There's A Story Behind Every Grave In Historic Cemetery

Crystal River Florida Indian Mounds

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 21:09:00 +0000

Crystal River Indian Mounds located in beautiful Crystal River is a 61 acre pre-Columbian, Native American burial site which is operated today by the Florida State Parks. It is said that this site is one of the best preserved pre-Columbian sites in North America. The six mound complex contains burial mounds, temple platform mound, a plaza area, and a midden. For over 1,600 years (200B.C. until 1400 A.D.) the Deptford Culture occupied this area. It is estimated that over 7,500 Native Americans may have visited the complex every year when it is was occupied.

The most impressive feature of the site is the two great platform mounds. The largest platform mound was built around 1,400 years ago. It is said that probably only the highest chief and priest lived on top of these mounds. Very similar to the Aztec pyramids.

Today the site can be visited and contains a half mile paved loop trail that passes by each mount and signs explaining the mound history. A 55 step observation deck atop the parks largest mound, the Temple Mound provides breath taking views of the area especially the coastal water ways. This also is a great area for anglers because it is a prime location for both saltwater and freshwater fishing.

The Crystal River Archaeological State Park is open from 8:00 a.m. until sunset 365 days a year. The admission cost is only $3.00 per vehicle.

Panama City Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 21:46:00 +0000

Are you looking for a fantastic beach that offers a lot of things to do and see, then it would be wise of you to consider Panama City Beach.

With over 27 miles of sugary white sand of coast line this is the perfect place for vacationing, swimming, fishing, jet skiing, sunning, parasailing, and boating. Panama City Beach is an awesome destination for all travelers.

Panama City Beach as a population of just over 12,000 people and sits in Bay County in the wonderful, beautiful Panhandle of Florida. The city got the name some years ago and the Spring Break Capital of the World due to the fact from March through April over 100,000 college and high school students arrive here from all over the world to celebrate spring break.

For the nature lovers Panama City Beach offers miles and miles of hiking and biking trails from the emerald coast line to the tree lined rivers offering many opportunities to photograph all the beauty that nature offers.

If you are an avid fisherman then Panama City Beach is the place for you. This area offers some of the best fishing in the country from casting a net or a line from the many piers along the beach to chartering a professional fishing charter to take you on into the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico Panama City Beach is the place for great fishing. Here is a website to visit for Charter Boat Fishing in the Panama City Beach Area.

There is no better way to end your vacation at Panama City Beach than to experience awesome sunset at the most beautiful beaches in the world. Panama City Beach is known for some of the most impressive sunsets here in America.

Panama City Beach has its own blog site, I am not endorsing it but if you would like to learn more of this great destination come check out their blog.

Webster Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 17:16:00 +0000

Webster Florida is one of those little sleepy towns in the heart of Florida except on Monday’s. Every Monday the town comes alive with the awesome Webster Flea Market. The flea market draws thousands of people from all over the world and is open all year long. Summer hours for the Webster's Flea Market and Farmer's Market are from 6 am to 2 pm, while winter months see the market open from 5 pm to 3 pm.

For more than 50 years the Webster Flea Market has been in operation and one of those place to find everything imaginable. One of the big draws for people is that this is a great place to find fresh produce from local farmers, fresh flowers and plants, antiques, electronics, and many other products.

Peak season for the Webster Flea market is in the cooler months of Florida usually from October to May. The only problem this time of year is there are hundreds if not thousands of people walking the 50 acre flea market and the vender's are not for much for wheeling and dealing.

You can also bring your pets along to the Webster's Flea Market and Farmer's Market as long you as keep them on a leash and clean up after them. And if you run out of cash, just as you are about to strike a great bargain, simply head to the on site ATM, which is located just a few minutes away from all the action!

The other thing that takes place on this site is once a month on the 1^st Sunday of every month there is a Auto & Cycle swap meet that takes place. With more than 300 vendors bringing new and used parts and merchandise you should be able to find what you are searching for. This is the place to come to find that part you have been searching for. From parts for antique collectible to ready-made project car or even a brand new custom vehicle this is the place to find it. Admission is price for the swap meet is $4 per person and includes free use of hot showers and restroom facilities

To get to Webster is easy from any direction. It takes just over an hour to get to Webster from Orlando, Tampa or Gainesville. (See Map)

Suwannee River

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 16:16:00 +0000

The Suwannee River Is called by some the gateway to the Gulf of Mexico. The river meanders some 235 miles from the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia to the Gulf of Mexico. Over 206 miles are on the Florida side of the borer.

The river and the people that enjoy the river are blessed to have as many as 55 crystal clear springs that feed the river and give the public many places to enjoy the crystal clear water.

The Suwannee River is one of only a few untouched natural river systems in the southeastern United States and it is federally designated as a wild river.

One thing that you need to be careful of when boating on the Suwannee River are the Jumping Sturgeon Fish. The sturgeon fish seem to migrate up the Suwannee river each year and they grow very large in size. So be extremely careful when the sturgeon are making their way up the river.

If you are interested in doing some camping or fishing along the great Suwannee River here is a web site for you to visit to get more information for this great area Florida State Parks Suwannee River.

There is so much to do and see along the Suwannee River so please take a day and drive over and enjoy what nature has to offer.

Homosassa Springs Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 18:44:00 +0000

The day was warm but a little wet which made for a great day to take the grandson and head over to Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park. Homosassa River and Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park is in Citrus County where we live. This area is very unique and filled with nature of all kinds. The park does have an admission but it is really worth the cost to get in.
The park is great for all ages to come and enjoy. Like I said we took our grandson which was only about a year old at the time and he had an awesome time enjoying all the animals and wildlife that the park offers for your enjoyment.

These are just a few pictures of Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park. You must come out to see it for yourself just how amazing this place is.

Weeki Wachee Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 17:22:00 +0000

The city of Weeki Watchee sits in Hernando County with a population in 2000 of 12 people. This huge town covers an area of 1 square mile, but this city is known all around the world. Weeki Watchee is around an hour north of Tampa on Hwy 19. This little star on the map is known for their enchanted spring and the famous underwater mermaid show.

At Weeki Watchee state park the water bubbles out the aquifer at a consistent 74 degrees and flows down the Weeki Watchee 7 mile long river.

The spring’s average discharge is 112 million gallons a day. The sandy-bottomed spring pool is large, at 165 feet by 210 feet, but the is a small 20-foot by 3-foot opening through exposed rock at a depth of 185 feet. The force of the discharge is too great for safe entry except during drought conditions.

There is much to see and do at this fantastic place that is only a mile square called Weeki Watchee. I love going and tubing and swimming in the springs and crystal blue water. When exploring the river you may be so lucky to come across a West Indian Manatee

taking a swim up river, or you see an alligator taking a nap on the shore.

Come and experience the natural beauty of the crystal clear waters of the Weeki Wachee River and enjoy a great outdoor experience while canoeing or floating down this beautiful springs.

Inglis Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 18:55:00 +0000

Inglis Florida is a small rural community that sits off the Gulf of Mexico in the Nature coast of Florida. This area is known for birdwatching, fishing and many other outdoor recreational activities.

One of the beauties of this area of Florida is the Withlacoochee River. This picturesque waterway was given the name "Outstanding Florida Waterway" by the State of Florida. For visitors it is an awesome site to see the large shrimp boats coming to unload their catch for the day.

Fishing, crabbing, shrimping and commercial fishing is one of the main industries in this area of Florida. So seeing stacks of crab traps and nets drying in the sun gives the allure of a old fishing village back in time.

My family and I just love to visit these little out of the way towns in Florida. Some of them like Inglis take your mind back in time to the way things were in yesteryear.

Three Sisters Springs

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 21:31:00 +0000

Here we go again,

Three Sisters Springs in Citrus County is in the news again. An Orlando organization called The Save the Manatee is wanting to close the springs during the winter months. The club has started a petition to keep people out of the springs and make the area a manatee sanctuary during the winter.

Sanctuaries are set up in Kings Bay so manatees have a place to stay warm without being disturbed,

but the club says more are needed.

They say manatees would use Three Sisters Springs more if people were kept out.

"We like to share the water but you got to be eco-friendly as well," said Joe Grzeca.

The Save the Manatee Club also believes shutting down Three Sisters would ease crowding near the entrance. Not everyone however, is a fan of the idea.

Source

Fort Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 18:35:00 +0000

Fort Christmas was built in the community of Christmas Florida. This fort was built during the Second Seminole War, Construct started on Christmas Day December 25, 1837.

Today there sits a full scaled replica of Fort Christmas at 1300 Fort Christmas Rd. The site is less than one mile for the original location of the Fort. Today at Fort Christmas Park besides the full scale replica of the fort there is also a growing number of restored Florida Cracker Houses and Farm Buildings furnished with original and reproduced furniture that depicts the rural life of Florida from the 1870’s through the 1930’s.

The historical park is just a few miles north of the main highway HWY 50 separating Central Florida’s Orland and Titusville on the Florida’s Space Coast . The historical park also includes several picnic pavilions (including a large one that is covered and screened), restroom facilities, a unique themed children's playground, a baseball diamond, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts.

Fort Jefferson, Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 21:03:00 +0000

Fort Jefferson, Florida

Fort Jefferson is within the Dry Tortugas National Park and is about 70 miles west of Key West. Fort Jefferson is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and in 1992 the fort was established as a National Park.

Fort Jefferson was built to protect on of the most deep-water anchorages in North America. Nearly 30 years in the making the Fort was never finished or fully manned. During the Civil Was the Union warships used the harbor in their effort to blockage the Southern shipping routes.

For many years the fort was used by the Union Army to house prisoners. The most famous prisoner to see the inside of the fort was Dr. Samuel Mudd, the physician who helped John Wiles Booth.

Today the 100 square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands which is only accessible by boat or seaplane. With vast amounts of marine life and coral reefs this is an excellent place to come and explore. The shallow waters also make this an excellent place to come and snorkel and enjoy the abundance of colorful tropical fish and living coral that sits just off shore in the beautiful blue waters.

Camping in the Dry Tortugas National Park is definitely an experience of a lifetime! Imagine sleeping under the stars, on an island 70 miles from civilization, with the warm tropical breezes blowing through palm trees and the rhythmic sound of the ocean waves playing in the background. Camping is limited so make sure you make reservations ahead of time.

The Disney Wilderness Preserve

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 18:25:00 +0000

Disney Wilderness Preserve

The Disney Wilderness Preserve in Poinciana is a conservation preserve that encompasses around 12,000 acres in an area that sits in a region of developed land. This area was purchased to replace the habitats that

were lost by construction of Walt Disney World.

The 12,000 acres was a former ranch in Osceola County and now it is a untouched beautiful preserve that is owned and operated by The Nature Conservancy. The preserve is now a national model for sustainable development.

Home to more than 1,000 different types of plants and animal the Disney Preserve plays a big part in the ecosystem of the Everglades. The wetlands also play a major role in replenishing the ground water and reclaimed water that the

local community uses for irrigation.

This preserve is an awesome place to bring the family and spend the day and enjoy the beauty that Florida offers it people.

Drywood Termites in Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 21:47:00 +0000

Drywood Termite

Many residents owning property in Florida especially those that live in counties along the coast and those that live in southern communities will have the likelihood of experiencing a dry wood termite infestation at one point in their home or business, this according to the University of Florida. Dry wood termites are different than subterranean termites in that they do not need moister to live and they do not live in the ground.

Dry wood termites are secretive insects and are difficult to detect. They live deep inside wood and, except during periods when they come out and swarm or when repair work is being done on infested homes, they are seldom seen. Too find these wood destroying insects you should look for winged adults or "swarmer’s", shed wings, ejected fecal pellets, and galleries inside wood. These are some typical signs of a dry wood termite infestation. Swarming ants are sometimes confused with termites, but their differences are easy to recognize.

Visual inspections by a termite licensed inspector are the best way to locate an infestation. Inspectors look for feeding damage, wings from swarming termites, kick out holes which are about the size of a BB and fecal matter. During an inspection the inspector will look for piles of fecal pellets near infested wood. The pellets are generally the color of the wood on which the termites feed. These pellets are about 1⁄32 inch long and modest magnification will show long dimples or flutes down each surface. The pellets appear to be six sided, blunt at one end and pointed at the other. Another way to identify termite galleries if you do not find fecal pellets or kick out holes is too search for surface blistering in paint or warping wood is a good sign of an advanced infestation. Blistering occurs many times because of the termites are tunneling right under the outer surface of the wood, which gives a blistered appearance.

There are many types of treatments for dry wood termites. Make sure that you have a

thorough inspection done by a qualified inspector first. Then ask about the type of treatment they would recommend. Some companies will jump right to having a fumigation job done to the house, but there are many times that a spot treatment is all you will need. The difference in cost between a spot treatment and a fumigation job can be thousands of dollars. So just like getting a second and third opinion on surgery, do the same here and get two or three opinions on termite treatments.

Florida Eastern Subterranean Termite

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 19:41:00 +0000

Florida Insects

The one well known fact, if you live in Florida you will have insects and termites. I work as a service manager for a very large Pest Control Co. in Florida. I have been in the industry for over 20+ years, I am also known as the The Bugman.

There are 4 well known termites that attack structures in Florida, the EasternSubterranean Termite, the Formosan Termite, Florida Dampwood Termite and the Powderpost Drywood Termite. Today we are going to look at the Eastern Subterranean Termite.

The Eastern Subterranean Termite is highly destructive to many common building materials. The can enter a home through the smallest of cracks in the floor, foundation, or cement walls. They can come through a crack as small as a 1/16^th of an inch. Once inside the structure they can rapidly eat the internal sections of the structure in no time. Termites feed on cellulose material not just wood. Wood is made up of cellulose material but also is the backing paper of your drywall, also the pictures hanging on your wall, and so on. Eastern Subterranean Termite live in the soil in the ground and forage 24 hours a

day looking for food for the colony.

A single Eastern Subterranean Termite social colony can contain from 100,000 to 1,000,000 termites and will forage up to 150 in search of food. When the termite leaves the ground they build shelter tubes to travel in. The tubes are like highways for termites, these tubes protect the termite from predators, sun-burn and from dehydration. Most of the caste of the colony will stay in the ground or shelter tube except the winged reproducer’s.

The winged reproducer’s take flight in Florida from early December and last until April depending on climate conditions. After the winged termites (alates) will drop to the ground and shed their wings. The female will begin to search for a nesting site and the males with follow closely behind the female to set up the new colony. It may take from 5 to 10 years for the two to form a mature colony.

There are different forms of control for in early Subterranean Termites. When choosing termite control or termite prevention for your structure please ask a lot of questions about what the type of treatment is to be done for your structure. Also ask about the type of warranty they are offering with the treatment. There are a lot of companies all around Florida so make sure you do your home work before hiring any company to protect your dwelling.

Find Florida Vacation Rentals

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:19:00 +0000

Find Florida Vacation RentalsBy Olga Angelo

Florida Vacation Home Rental

Florida vacation rentals make visiting Florida more fun, from the top of the state to the southernmost of the Keys. You can enjoy all the comforts of home while visiting Florida, by staying in fully furnished vacation rentals. Choose a luxury villa, beach house, vacation condo, or home rental near pristine sunny beaches or in the action of areas like Miami, or South Beach. There are exciting destinations for the whole family to enjoy everywhere you go in Florida, from the top down.

St. Augustine, New Smyrna Beach, Northern Atlantic Coast Beach summer Vacation rentals
Begin your visit on the Atlantic Coast North. Stretching south from the Georgia border to Cape Canaveral, this area has prime tourist attractions. You can watch a launch of one of the space shuttles or review NASA history at Kennedy Space Center, on Merritt Island. Take photos of natural fauna such as alligators, the reclusive manatee, or bald eagles when you tour the neighboring National Wildlife Refuge or Canaveral National Seashore Park.

White sands, safe swimming, and fishing are close when you pick summer rentals or a home rental vacation in the New Smyrna Beach area. Enjoy intracoastal waterfront rentals at family oriented Ormond Beach, north of Daytona. Palm Coast is another fast growing canal community. Vacation homes, condo rentals, and cottage rentals here put you right in the swing of things with some of the top golf courses to be found in Florida.

For a leisurely look at history, choose Florida vacations and Florida rentals in historic St. Augustine. There are over 144 blocks of historic sites and buildings to see, and by choosing a local vacation rental you will be able to truly enjoy living history.

Orlando, Disney World and Central Florida Vacation Resort Rentals

Another very popular area for vacation rental homes, condos, and owner rentals is the exciting Disney/Orlando/Central Florida region. Orlando and Walt Disney World top the list for fun and family vacation adventure in everyone's book. The largest city in Florida, Orlando, is nearby to the world's best known family theme park and resort, Walt Disney World, and the educational adventures at Sea World, and Universal Studios. This is one place for family fun, and when you have house rentals, villas, and other rental property galore to choose from, it makes your vacation most affordable and easier to handle because of the home-like atmosphere and conveniences of home that you have at your disposal.

Panama City, Fort Walton Beach Florida Panhandle Vacation Rentals

The Panhandle Region of Florida offers much to see and do in this northwestern stretch of land along the top of the Gulf of Mexico. Tour the state capital of Tallahassee, and drive on the Christopher Columbus Transcontinental Highway that is part of I-10 east-west from Jacksonville, FL to Santa Monica, CA. There are several major military bases in the Panhandle Region, including the Naval Air Station at Pensacola. Other popular and famous vacation and winter destinations in this area are Fort Walton Beach, and Panama City. These towns have quartz sand beaches that are extremely white, and not found elsewhere. This is an ideal place to find vacation home rentals, beach rentals, home rentals, or short term condo or luxury rentals during your Florida vacation stay.

Tampa, Tampa Bay and Florida Gulf Coast Central Beach Vacation rentals

Head for the Tampa/Gulf Coast Central region to enjoy the subtropical waters of the Gulf of Mexico along the Florida shoreline. Major cities to visit include Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Cape Coral and Cape Myers. Relax and enjoy your Florida vacation in a Florida beach rental along the Gulf Coast. Or, choose Siesta Key island vacation rentals, beach houses, FL condo and vacation villas near to tourists destinations like Busch Gardens in Tampa, and barrier island beaches.

Naples, Southwest Florida vacation condo and beach house rentals

Southwest Florida is the place for some unique outdoor fun, with airboat rides, excursions and hiking through the Everglades National Park, the Naples Zoo, bird watching, charter boat sport fishing, and world class beaches. Florida beach rentals, island rentals, villa rentals, and luxury vacation home rentals put you in the center of action while remaining independent of others. Set up a beach Florida vacation, or condo rental now for your upcoming Florida vacation rental to have home comforts while you are sightseeing.
Miami condos, South Beach beach villas, Fort Lauderdale apartment rental

Exciting nightlife, fashion, and passion sum up South Florida/Miami/South Beach. Dance the night away at Latin clubs, and work on your tan all day at endless beaches. Collect seashells for souvenirs, go sailing, fishing, or jet skiing, surf and build sand castles. This is the life of the rich and famous, made affordable by using your beach house rental, vacation house, Florida condo, or rental house in town. Settle in and hit the town for world class shopping, entertainment, or just beautiful people watching.

Florida Central Atlantic Coast beach villas rental

The next area to consider is Florida's Atlantic Coast Central. There are beach vacation rentals, Florida condos, and vacation rentals by owner to be found that will exceed your best expectations. Visit famous sunny vacation cities of Cocoa Beach, Titusville, Jensen Beach, Daytona Beach, Port St. Lucie, and other fun locations. Kissimmee, Melbourne, Vero Beach and all the way south to West Palm Beach are towns where you will want to spend much more than a day. The region is crisscrossed with hiking trails inland for the outdoors enthusiast, and white sand beaches for sunning along the coastal waters of the Atlantic.

Florida Keys, Key West Beach condo and summertime holiday villa rentals

Be sure that your Florida vacation includes a stay in the amazing Florida Keys. Take the unique Overseas Highway across the water to paradise. Swim in the Atlantic, or the Gulf of Mexico, along the way to Key Largo, Key West, and see in person the legendary country that Hemmingway found to be inspiring. Enjoy the Gulf Coast Florida offers, and wander pleasant Key beaches. Go fishing on a charter boat to catch the big ones you can tell stories about, the marlin, and sailfish.

Settle into your vacation paradise on a Florida beach, in your rental house. Enjoy a Florida rental for a sun filled, fun filled vacation. Stay in a rental house, beach house rentals, or villas Florida, and make it your home away from home. Who knows, you may decide that you want to retire here someday!

View Florida Vacation Rentals

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Olga_Angelo

50 Offbeat Florida Attractions

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 21:56:00 +0000

50 Offbeat Florida Attractions

Author: Ryan Wiseman

An ancient Spanish monastery, spiritualist camp, castle made entirely of coral, undersea lodge, bat tower, seven mile bridge, Navy SEAL museum and other unique curiosities can all be found in the Sunshine State for those travelers who like to stray off the beaten path. Below are 50 of the most offbeat attractions in Florida:

African Queen - Key Largo, Florida

The marina at the Holiday Inn Key Largo (Mile Marker 100) is home to the original boat used in the classic 1951 movie, The African Queen, which was directed by legendary director John Huston and starred Humphrey Bogart, Katherine Huston and Robert Morley.

Ancient Spanish Monastery - North Miami Beach, Florida

Built in Segovia, Spain, in 1141, the Spanish Monastery is the oldest building in the Western Hemisphere. Newspaper tycoon, William Randolph Hearst, had the entire monastery dismantled and sent to the United States in the 1920s where it serves today as St. Bernard de Clairvaux Episcopal Church.

Big Cat Rescue - Tampa, Florida

The world's largest big cat rescue and sanctuary, Big Cat Rescue is home to lions, tigers, cougars, leopards, bobcats, ocelots, servals, lynx, caracals and other exotic cats. Guided educational tours of Big Cat Rescue are available.

Blue Hole - Big Pine Key, Florida

The largest body of fresh water in the Florida Keys, the Blue Hole is an old rock quarry created during the construction of the Florida East Coast Railway, according to legend. Today, the Blue Hole is home to alligators, turtles, fish, ducks and a variety of wading birds. The Blue Hole is located at Mile Marker 30.5 (bayside).
Burt Reynolds; Friends Museum - Jupiter, Florida

A monument to actor Burt Reynolds' massive ego, the Burt Reynolds & Friends Museum contains a collection of awards and memorabilia from his movie and TV career.

Butterfly World - Coconut Creek, Florida

One of South Florida's top tourist destinations, Butterfly World is the world's largest butterfly aviary - home to more than 80 butterfly species and 5,000 butterflies.

Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp - Cassadaga, Florida

A Historic Spiritualist Camp founded in 1894, Cassadaga is the oldest active religious community in the Southeastern United States and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Christ of the Deep - Key Largo, Florida

The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, "America's First Undersea Park," is home to the famous nine-foot-tall bronze "Christ of the Deep" statue, which lies 25 feet beneath the ocean in the Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary.

Citrus Tower - Clermont, Florida

Although these days you will definitely view more subdivisions than citrus trees, you can still ride the elevator to an observation deck 226 feet above the rolling hills of Clermont for a spectacular glimpse of the surrounding area.

Coral Castle - Homestead, Florida

How did one individual endeavor to procure and sculpt more than 1,100 tons of coral rock into a “fantasy world carved out of stone” using only homemade tools? The secrets still lie within Coral Castle, "America's Stonehenge," the bizarre masterpiece of obsessive genius Ed Leedskalnin, which was built over a 28-year period.

Creations Pop Culture Museum - Delray Beach, Florida

A variety of incredible exhibits await you at Creations Pop Culture Museum, which features tons of Hollywood movie and TV memorabilia.

Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park - Gainesville, Florida

A National Natural Landmark, Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park boasts a 120-foot-deep sinkhole that is accessible from a stairway leading to a lush, "miniature rain forest." The premises include a visitors center and hiking trails.

Dinosaur World - Plant City, Florida

A unique outdoor museum, Dinosaur World is billed as the "world's largest dinosaur attraction." Highlights include life-size dinosaur replicas, caves, hands-on activities, fossil dig area, educational exhibits, gift shop and more.

Dry Tortugas National Park - Key West, Florida

About 70 miles West of Key West lies Dry Tortugas National Park, which is home to historic Fort Jefferson. Dry Tortugas National Park is accessible only by boat, ferry or seaplane.
Flipper's Grave - Grassy Key, Florida

Grassy Key in the Florida Keys is home to the Dolphin Research Center, which also serves as the final resting place for the original "Flipper" (real name: Mitzi), the most famous dolphin in film and TV history. Mitzi is buried in the Center's courtyard.

Gatorland - Orlando, Florida

Billed as the "Alligator Capital of the World," Gatorland features such lively shows as the world-famous Gator Jumparoo, Jungle Crocs of the World, Gator Wrestlin' Show and Up Close Animal Encounters, as well as the Gator Gully Splash Park, petting zoo, aviary, train ride and more.

Holy Land Experience - Orlando, Florida

A "living, biblical history museum," Holy Land Experience allows visitors to meet interesting biblical characters in authentic costumes, view a fascinating collection of antiquities and expore the ancient architecture of biblical Jerusalem.

Jackie Gleason's Mausoleum - Miami, Florida
An immense outdoor mauseoleum at the Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Cemetery in Miami serves as the final resting place for Jackie Gleason, who will always be remembered for his role as Ralph Kramden in "The Honeymooners." The only inscription on the mausoleum is Gleason's signature parting lines: "And Away We Go."

Jesus Film Project - Orlando, Florida

The two-hour docudrama, Jesus, has been viewed by approximately 5 billion people around the world since making its debut in 1979. Learn all about the "most widely viewed film in history" at the Jesus Film Project's master studio, which is located at the World Headquarters of Campus Crusade for Christ.

Jules' Undersea Lodge - Key Largo, Florida

The only underwater hotel in the United States, Jules' Undersea Lodge lies approximately 30 feet beneath the sea and guests have to scuba dive to reach the two-bedroom habitat.

Jungle Adventures - Christmas, Florida

A 20-acre wildlife sanctuary, Jungle Adventures is home to alligators, bears, deer, bobcats, panthers, crocodiles, monkeys, snakes and turtles. View alligator feedings and wildlife shows, take a jungle cruise and visit a Native American Village.

Key West Cemetery - Key West, Florida

Opened in 1847, the historic Key West Cemetery is home to a monument for sailors who died during the sinking of the U.S.S. Maine in 1898, as well as a number of quirky inscriptions such as "I Told You I Was Sick" and "Devoted Fan of Julio Iglesias."

Monkey Jungle - Miami, Florida
Visit Monkey Jungle - "Where Humans are Caged and Monkeys Run Wild!" One of the few protected habitats for endangered primates in the country, Monkey Jungle is home to more than 400 primates that run free on a 30-acre reserve. A total of 30 primate species are represented here such as spider monkeys, colobus, gibbons and guenons.

Monument to the States - Kissimmee, Florida

Begun in 1942, the 50-foot-tall Monument to the States lies in downtown Kissimmee and consists of more than 1,500 fossils and rocks from every state, as well as more than 20 countries.

Mulberry Phosphate Museum - Mulberry, Florida

Mulberry is known as the "Phosphate Capital of the World" and the Mulberry Phosphate Museum features an incredible colleciton of fossils and exhibits that document the town's role in the phosphate industry.

National Key Deer Refuge - Big Pine Key, Florida

A 8,542-acre National Wildlife Refuge that lies on Big Pine Key and No Name Key in the Florida Keys, the National Key Deer Refuge serves as the home of the endangered Key Deer, as well as nearly two dozen other threatened and endangered plant and animal species.

Navy SEAL Museum - Fort Pierce, Florida

The Navy SEAL Museum is the world's only museum dedicated exclusively to "the elite warriors of Naval Special Warfare."

Old Jail - St. Augustine, Florida

The entire family will enjoy a guided tour through this 1891 jail, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse - St. Augustine, Florida

Built in the early 1700s and located near the famous St. Augustine City Gates, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse contains a variety of unique artifacts and displays.

Perky's Bat Tower - Sugarloaf Key, Florida

Built in 1929 by Florida Keys entrepreneur, Richter Perky, as a way to attract mosquito-eating bats, Perky's Bat Tower never attracted any bats but today it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Potter's Wax Museum - St. Augustine, Florida

Billed as "America's first and finest wax museum," Potter's wax museum is nestled in historic St. Augustine and features more than 160 wax figures of such celebrities and historical figures as Albert Einstein, Julius Caesar, Tiger Woods, Princess Diana, Michael Jordan, Johnny Depp and even a bald Britney Spears!

Reptile World Serpentarium - St. Cloud, Florida

The Reptile World Serpentarium houses more than 50 species of snakes from all over the world such as the Australian taipan, king cobra and East African green mamba. Venom shows take place twice daily.

Ripley's Believe It Or Not! - Orlando, Florida

View such oddities as a Rolls Royce made from a million matchsticks, two-headed calf, shrunken head, four-eyed man, cannibal dinosaur, Mona Lisa made out of toast, Egyptian mummy, Van Gogh portrait made from 3,000 postcards and a piece of the Berlin Wall at the Orlando Odditorium, which appears like it is being slowly devoured by an immense sinkhole!

Ron Jon Surf Shop - Cocoa Beach, Florida

Open 24 hours a day, Ron Jon Surf Shop is a massive 52,000-square-foot, multilevel specialty store that features surfboards, clothing and surf-related souvenirs, as well as live music, demonstrations and autograph sessions.

Salvador Dali Museum - St. Petersburg, Florida

Nestled in downtown St. Petersburg (of all places!), the Salvador Dali Museum boasts the most comprehensive collection of permanent works by the famous surrealist painter such as "The Hallucinogenic Toreador" and "The Discovery of America by Christopher Columbus."

Seven Mile Bridge - Marathon Key, Florida

A masterpiece of engineering, the Seven Mile Bridge was constructed between 1979 and 1982 on the Overseas Highway and serves to connect the Middle Keys (Marathon Key) to the Lower Keys (Little Duck Key). For the record, the actual length of the Seven Mile Bridge is 6.79 miles.

Solomon's Castle - Ona, Florida

Internationally known sculptor, Howard Solomon, created this unique medieval-style fortress to house his extensive artwork. Guided tours of Solomon's Castle are available. The premises also include the Boat in the Moat Restaurant.

Southernmost Point - Key West, Florida

A huge buoy-like structure at the corner of Whitehead and South streets in Key West supposedly marks the "Southernmost Point in the United States," which is only 90 miles North of Cuba.

Spook Hill - Lake Wales, Florida

Park your car at the bottom of this "gravity-defying hill" in Lake Wales and it will appear to roll up the hill. Is it an optical illusion or some kind of mystical occurrence?

St. Augustine Alligator Farm - St. Augustine, Florida

View Maximo the Giant Crocodile (15 feet and 3 inches long, 1,250 pounds) at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm, which also features wildlife shows, nature habitats, albino alligators and much more.

Titanic: The Experience - Orlando, Florida

The world's first permanent Titanic exhibition features a full-scale re-creation of the Titanic's Grand Staircase and incredible stories of the passengers and crew who survived the tragedy, as well as more than 250 Titanic artifacts and memorabilia from the 1997 Oscar-winning movie, Titanic.

Venetian Pool - Coral Gables, Florida

Surrounded by Venetian-style architecture and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Venetian Pool is a 820,000-gallon pool that was carved out of a coral rock quarry in 1923. It features a variety of waterfalls, caves, grottos and a diving platform.

Water Ski Hall of Fame & Museum - Polk City, Florida

View the first pair of water skis and other rare artifacts and memorabilia that document the history of waterskiing at the Water Ski Hall of Fame & Museum, which also contains a resource center and audiovisual library.

Weeki Wachee Springs - Weeki Wachee, Florida

Established in 1947, Weeki Wachee Springs still features its ever-popular live mermaid shows, as well as a state-of-the-art waterpark called Buccaneer Bay and sightseeing boat tours.

WonderWorks - Orlando, Florida

Experience an earthquake, lie on a bed of nails, design your own roller coaster and immerse yourself in virtual reality fun at WonderWorks - "Orlando's only upside-down attraction!"

World Chess Hall of Fame - Miami, Florida

Learn about some of the most famous chess players in history such as Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky at the World Chess Hall of Fame, which also features fascinating chess exhibits and artifacts.

World Erotic Art Museum - Miami Beach, Florida

The World Erotic Art Museum boasts an extensive collection of more than 4,000 artifacts that comprehensively document the history of eroticism from 200 B.C. until today.

World's Largest Drive-In - Sunrise, Florida

Open since 1963, the Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop boasts the largest drive-in movie theater and daily flea market in the world.

World's Largest McDonald's - Orlando, Florida

In addition to offering a unique menu that includes gourmet sandwiches and desserts, this two-story McDonald's offers a 25,000-square-foot play area, as well as more than 60 arcade games. It is located just off world-famous International Drive.

World's Smallest Police Station - Carrabelle

Basically a phone booth, the World's Smallest Police Station was built in the early '60s to accommodate the one police office in Carrabelle, population 1,800. It's worth the photo opportunity if you ever find yourself driving aimlessly through Florida's panhandle.

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Orlando, Florida Guide, the best guide to Orlando, offers discount Disney World tickets, discount Universal Orlando tickets and discount Sea World Orlando tickets, as well as discount Orlando hotels and individually tailored Orlando vacation packages.


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Florida Fishing-the Treasure Coast

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 18:38:00 +0000

Florida Fishing-the Treasure Coast

Author: Rick Noble

The treasure Coast is on the the east coast of Florida.Roughly south to Stuart and North to Vero Beach. The intercoastal waterway,Wich includes all of the Indian River Lagoon,runs north from Stuart Florida,approximately 150 miles.Hutchison Island is the barrier island that separates The ocean from the intercoastal waterway. The Fort Pierce Inlet divides the Island into north and south.
Some of the best fishing sites in Florida are on the treasure coast. The reason is that there are so many types of Fishing you can enjoy here. Because of the barrier islands,it"s unique ecosystem makes the Indian River Lagoon the most ecological diverse waterway in all of North America. No where else can you find more spcies of fish,crustations,mammals,and plant life than on Floridas Treasure Coast.

Enjoy the following types of fishing at any given time.

1.Offshore-Stuart is the Sailfish capitol of the world.If you like big game fish this is the place. also dolphin,king fish,wahoo,and barracuda,the list goes on and on for great offshore sport fishing.

2.Inshore fishing-The Indian River Lagoon-Known for it"s wide variety of fish. You will want to target just one or two,depending on the time of day and season.I can"t list them all but here"s a few. Snook,mangrove snapper,jacks,sea trout,sea bass,flounder,pompano,sheepshead,redfish,that should be enough to make you hungry!

3.Bottom Fishing-party boats offer a great value for reef fishing.The six and 8 mile reefs off the treasure coast are the most visited.grouper,snapper,sea bass and a variety of others make for a great meal from these bottom feeders.

4. Surf Fishing-Miles of uncrowded beaches make for fishermans paradise.Fish the first drop off only a few feet from the beach to catch whiting and the like or,go large and rig up for some shark fishing or,anything in between. Anything goes at the beaches.

5.Fresh Water Fishing-Fresh water is everywhere on the treasure coast. Pull of the side of the road and fish a small canal our lake or pond.large and smallmouth bass are exceptional here.Drive 30 miles west to lake okeechobee and you will find some of the best freshwater fishing in the country.

6.Spear Fishing-want even more excitement? Then gear up for a spear fishing charter from one of the three inlets along the treasure coast.(St. Lucie,Fort Pierce,and Sebastion)You must be certified to scuba dive of course.

This list doesn"t even come close to all the choices for florida fishing on the Treasure coast.This area is still a great place to plan a fishing trip.Why do I recommend The treasure coast? Well, maybe it"s because sometines You are the only one on the beach fishing,or the only voice you can hear is your own.Might be the great Surises over the water. Or it could be that I live here and want to share this wonderful place. Fishing in Florida has never been better.

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Looking forward to your next fishing adventure? Grab your free guide to "planning the fishing trip of your dreams".Go here www.bestfishingsite.com


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Take a Dive to See Florida History

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 18:33:00 +0000

Take a Dive to See Florida History

Author: santoo

Are you stressed out in your life? Are you over worked? Don't you even have sufficient time for eating or sleeping? Want to spend some quality time with your family? Need to get rejuvenated? There is only one solution to all of the above mentioned problems. Vacation is the only answer which rings our bells within our minds. Most people work 24x7 all through the week and throughout the year. They are put through a lot of work related complications which makes stress as their sole friend. Many people have even broken ties with their families because of the same reason and lack of quality time to nourish one's family. Also the way people work, will easily wear them out and affect their health both physically and mentally. If this is the case, it will also start showing signs in your work performance as it will inevitably fall way below par. You need to get rejuvenated to keep up with your performance and perform much better in the future. For all these, vacations only serve as an answer. It helps you to take off your mind, find happy moments and peace and gets you rejuvenated at the end of the trip.

Having problems with where to go for your vacation? Not a problem. Here is an option for you. Come to Florida. Florida is one of the most happening states of US. It is known for many things. It has many things to offer for its tourists and you will never go back empty hearted for certain. Florida villas are rated so high that they stand out to be one among the best villas around our world. It is the best place for your stay in Florida. It gives you a wonderful staying experience filled with joy, happiness and peaceful moments. The best part is that you can get to stay in these villas as a group not book separate rooms for the whole family consisting of many members.

When it comes to Florida, one thing you shouldn't miss is scuba diving. If not for the coral reef located in Florida Keys, US would have nothing to offer when it comes to scuba diving. Apart from the living coral reef which has already lasted for about 35 years, numerous dive able wrecks have been scattered throughout waters creating breathtaking and exquisite artificial reef habitats.

Some of the artificial coral reef habitats you can visit while you visit Florida are

Benwood: It is one of the oldest scuba diving wrecks around the region. WWII ship was sunk in 1942. It has a wide array of marine life. You can find pork fish, grunts, lobsters, moray eels, glassy sweepers etc.
Cayman Salvage Master: This wreck is a Cuban refugee vessel which was confiscated by the US government. She sank after the mishap to about 90 feet underwater and now after hurricane Katrina righted the ship the divers can swim along the hull and deck.
Duane: You ought to visit this wreck also. US Coast Guard Cutter was intentionally sunk in 1987. Only experienced and advanced divers are allowed to dive in this wreck area due to strong currents.

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About the Author

Florida is not famous for wrecks alone. With theme parks, clubs etc it's a traveller's dream destination. You can party hard in Florida for your vacation, What you are waiting for? Get your group of friends and choose one of the amazing Florida villas. Your Florida villa will make your vacation more beautiful. Book a Florida holiday rental for your Orlando, Florida tour .

Marketing Your Vacation Rental Home Part Two - Online Marketing

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 23:29:00 +0000

Marketing Your Vacation Rental Home Part Two - Online Marketing

By Fraser Hannah

This article, part two of a series, will help vacation rental home owners learn more about marketing a rental property online. It is important to understand that people who are looking for a vacation rental home are generally looking for more than they can get with a brand-name hotel. They typically want space, privacy, laundry facilities and - almost always - a cheaper rate than if they stayed in a hotel.

The one major difference between booking a private vacation rental home and a branded hotel chain is that you know ahead of time what you will be getting when you book with a hotel chain. Plus, if things are not quite right, you always have the manager on hand to sort things out for you. On the other hand, vacation rental homes are almost always privately owned and operated, and in the past you never could be sure just what you would be getting.

The Internet has changed everything about marketing a rental property. Now, prospective renters can visit a website to view pictures and read information about a vacation rental home before making a final decision - which means that online marketing of a rental property should be a major priority.

The Benefits of Marketing a Rental Property Online

By marketing your rental property online, you have the perfect low-cost way of showing that vacation rental home to the world. Online marketing can put you on an even footing with the big hotel chains; in fact, it actually gives you an advantage. While their sites will be practical and informative, you can take time and TLC to make your site warm and welcoming while reassuring prospective renters that your vacation rental home will more than fill their requirements.

Plus, establishing a website for your vacation rental home gives you a global presence. While the vacation rental market in the United States may still be in its infancy, it is the norm in many other countries for families to stay in vacation rental homes rather than hotels. Marketing a rental property on the Internet can help an owner in the U.S. reach families from abroad and draw them to the home.

Putting Your Vacation Rental Home Online

There are several ways in which you can use the Internet for marketing your rental property:

Create your own website
List your vacation rental home with a property rental agent or manager
List your vacation home on one of the many vacation rental sites

While all three options for marketing a rental property have their place, creating your own Internet site is essential. Having your own site gives you complete control of how your vacation rental home is displayed to potential renters. If someone contacts you wanting to rent your home, do you really want to send them to a site that contains other homes similar to your own? Remember, there are always other owners out there who are also involved in using the Internet for marketing their rental property and who will undercut you just to get the rental. Listing sites can help you reach more people, but in the end you want a renter to see your individual site.

Creating Your Own Site for Your Vacation Rental Home

Your website should consist of the following standard pages, which are all important for optimally marketing your rental property:

Home Page
Property Description
Photo Gallery
Visitor Information
Rates
Contact Information

The Home Page

The Home page is probably the most important part of your strategy for marketing your rental property, as this is a visitor's first point of contact with your home. Make sure the design of your home page is simple, clean and uncluttered. Consider adding two pictures instead of just one to make your site stand out from the competition. One picture can be the traditional front-of-the-home shot, while the other image can be of something that sets the rental property apart - a great view, a beautiful sunrise, a scene by the pool, and so on. You can also consider taking a picture of the house lit up at night, which will certainly make the image memorable.

The Text

You will also need to write text that helps you with marketing your rental property. This step does not have to be difficult, but you should take time and give some thought as to what you want to say. You want to sell your home, not just state the facts. The text should help prospective renters imagine kicking back by your pool with a cool drink while watching the kids splash around. Set the scene first, rather than starting with a list of the best things about your vacation rental home. Be descriptive and use your imagination so that you are marketing your rental property in a way that will make the reader want to find out more.
In order to get some ideas of what to focus on in the text, ask yourself the following questions:

What do you your family and friends love about the vacation rental home?
What do you enjoy doing when you are there?
Is there something you have found that you love but is not generally known about on or near your vacation rental home?
What special features does your home offer?
What would you want to know if you were going to rent this property?

General Picture Ideas

The use of good quality pictures of your home's exterior and interior cannot be overstated for successful marketing of a rental property. In a highly competitive area such as Florida, pictures could make the difference between securing a booking or missing out. Sometimes a potential guest will be considering several properties with the same features and at the same cost. In this case, guests will undoubtedly choose the vacation rental home they like the look of. This means that quality pictures are critical for successful marketing of your rental property. Common faults are images that are badly lit, that are taken from strange angles, that feature pool decks and porches devoid of furniture, or that have inappropriate things in view (wet towels, piles of papers, and so on).

Some additional things you may want to consider when marketing your rental property with photos are:

Consider using flowers. A fresh vase of flowers can be welcoming, but don't go overboard, and don't be tempted to move one vase of flowers around as you take pictures - it will look silly if the same vase keeps turning up in different rooms.
Set the tables. In the formal dining area, open a bottle of wine, fill wine glasses, light candles and use napkins. In the kitchen dining area, set it for dinner with the family, with more casual place settings, a pitcher of lemonade, and so on.
Make sure the kitchen of your vacation rental home sparkles. It should be spotless, with a bowl of fruit on the counter. Basically, you will want to make the home looked lived in and like you are just waiting for guests to arrive.
Make the bedrooms welcoming by turning down the sheets, fluffing up the pillows, and placing magazines and books on night tables.
Photograph the bathroom in the evening. Fill the tub, add lots of bubbles, light candles, have fluffy towels and perhaps a glass of red wine on hand to create an atmosphere.
Use a digital camera so that you can take hundreds of pictures of your vacation rental home. Even if you are not a photographer, you are sure to get some good ones that you can use for marketing your rental property.

Marketing a rental property with your own website can be a part of a strategy that uses many other techniques, from print ads to online listings on real estate marketing sites, allowing you to attract more renters to your property. Future articles in this series will explore additional avenues for marketing your vacation rental home and their benefits to you.

Fraser Hannah spent eight years working as a freelance television production manager and researcher before leaving to join his family's business working with the elderly.

He founded Traveling2Florida.com in 2003 after purchasing his own vacation home in Florida and being frustrated by the lack of vision shown by many of the existing vacation rental sites. Traveling2Florida.com, an online Florida vacation guide, now connects thousands of travelers directly with the owners of high-quality vacation rentals in Florida, from Orlando to the Florida Keys.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fraser_Hannah

http://EzineArticles.com/?Marketing-Your-Vacation-Rental-Home-Part-Two---Online-Marketing&id=921275


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Historical Places in Florida - History and Culture in the Sunshine State

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 23:10:00 +0000

Historical Places in Florida - History and Culture in the Sunshine State

By Fraser Hannah

Most tourists seem to gravitate towards the crowded, expensive theme parks or the teeming hot beaches, but if you're looking to get off the beaten path when traveling to Florida, history and some of the more cultural offerings of the Sunshine State should be considered. From northern Florida with the Southern hospitality of the Panhandle to the exciting cultural influences at the bottom tip of the state, a vacation in Florida offers endless possibilities of unusual places to visit.

Each coast, in fact, from the Atlantic to the Pacific with the Gulf Coast included, exudes history relating not only to America, but globally as well. From the Keys to Tallahassee, the importance of the dynamic story of Florida and the history of the state is immediately evident and the locals hope to share its countless cultural assets with you.

Where to Go and What to Do During Your Vacation in Florida:

Tropical Treasures in the Keys

Key West, slightly off the coast of Florida and connected by a bridge, is a continuously sunny destination that has entranced everyone from President Harry Truman and Tennessee Williams to Ernest Hemingway and the U. S. Navy. The famed author Hemingway, after a vacation to Florida, subsequently decided to live in Key West, and his home has now been turned into a museum with the descendants of his polydactyl cat still roaming the grounds.

With the close proximity of the ocean, the locals and tourists alike enjoy activities that incorporate the blue water of the sea, including ship salvaging and diving for ancient sunken treasures. Many U. S. presidents, including Harry Truman and Franklin Roosevelt, bolstered local lore and Florida history by calling Key West home in the winter months at the Southernmost House Grand Hotel and Museum.

Early Industrialists in Fort Myers

Both Thomas Edison and Henry Ford decided to call Fort Myers home in the winter months after taking a vacation to Florida. Edison's home, called "Seminole Lodge," has been accurately renovated to reflect the time period in which it was built and resided in, and includes one of the first modern swimming pools in Florida history and his laboratory much as he would have had it, remaining a fine example of one of the best historical places in Florida.
Located adjacent to Edison's graciously designed house is "The Mangoes," Henry Ford's recently refurbished winter home. After a vacation to Florida, Ford decided that Fort Myers would be better than the Michigan cold. A garage full of restored antique Ford automobiles rounds out the serene atmosphere. Both historical homes have lush gardens along the Caloosahatchee River.

The Contrasts of Palm Beach

From industrial influences to charming gardens, Palm Beach is a sun-lit city of contrasts. Henry Flagler linked the cities of Florida after realizing that a sophisticated system of transportation could help revitalize the state and bring more tourists to vacation in Florida. Starting in the late 1880s, Flagler began purchasing railroads, combining the routes, and installing more tracks up and down the coastlines and eventually well in between. The Henry Flagler Museum, located in his grand winter home called "Whitehall," heralds his accomplishments and his idea of bringing the first vacationers to the state for profit, a first in Florida history.
Located outside of the city limits in Delray Beach, the sweeping and serene Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens brings Japan to the coast of Florida. Exhibits include galleries highlighting ancient and modern Japanese art and culture, tea ceremonies, festival celebrations, tasting events, and special displays in the gardens. While on your vacation in Florida, the Morikami is a must see.

Family Fun in Sunny Sarasota

Sarasota is another hotbed of historical places in Florida. The city has a detailed cultural history complete with Native American and Spanish influences. Historic Spanish Point, highlighting 5,000 years of Florida history, features prehistoric Indian mounds, living history performances, archaeological tours, a butterfly garden, and pioneer-era buildings. Cruises in historically inspired vessels sail Sarasota Bay for an entertaining finale to your vacation in Florida.

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and the Ringling Museum of the American Circus are centered on the home of the museum's namesakes who designed their sprawling mansion to mimic European architecture, a fine example of one of the more elaborate historical places in Florida. Ca d'Zan, completed in 1926, saw the biggest and most expensive parties of the early 20th century in Sarasota. The art museum, from the Ringling's collection, displays both old and new American, European, and Asian works of art. The circus museum, which was opened to the public in 1948 and has since become a popular stop during a vacation to Florida, has a large collection of handbills, posters, costumes, and props from the early days of the circus. Also on the grounds is a miniature circus constructed by Howard Tibbals, who was integral to designing the tiny circus set that is now a part of Florida history.

Military Origins in Pensacola

Home of the Blue Angels, Pensacola, a must see on a vacation to Florida, is proud to be the home of naval aviation. More than 150 restored aircraft from the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard are displayed at the National Museum of Naval Aviation where visitors can experience the flight simulator or learn more about naval aviation in Florida history and the rest of world in the Memorial Theatre. In addition, the museum features an IMAX screen, a tour of the restoration hangar, cockpit trainers, and Blue Angels events on select days.

Located nearby is historic Fort Pickens, which was constructed in 1834 and used well into the 1940s. The Fort, significant in Florida history, had been influential during the Civil War, and in the mid-1880s, the famous Apache warrior, Geronimo, was incarcerated at the Fort, where he became a sideshow for the tourists on vacation in Florida. A Visitor Center showcases memorabilia, art, and books enhancing the history of the Fort.

The Panhandle's Gorgeous Gulf

Surprisingly, Apalachicola, the secluded, charming town on the Gulf Coast that is mired in Florida history, offers many options of things to see and do. The Camp Gordon Johnston Museum provides a glimpse into the life of World War II soldiers and their intensive training. Opened in 1942, the camp, a permanent reminder of the military's impact on Florida history, trained America's amphibious soldiers before they left for war, and remnants of the training grounds and camp still survive. Exhibits include photographs, articles, and knickknacks from the camp's heyday.

In the town's center, the historic old district features over 900 buildings, constructed as far back as the early 1800s, that are listed on the National Register. Walking tours allow visitors to explore each location in depth and include an old cotton warehouse, three parks, and rows of live oak trees and magnolias. A Visitors Center provides maps, ideas, and directions for experiencing Apalachicola's historic downtown while on your vacation in Florida.

History from Coast to Coast

When on a vacation in Florida, the Sunshine State offers much more than just beautiful beaches and warm weather. From coast to coast, Florida and the history of its people and culture still influence its society and lifestyle. You shouldn't be worried about the endless choices on where to go or what to do - if you're looking for history of any kind, Florida has it!

Fraser Hannah spent eight years working as a freelance television production manager and researcher before leaving to join his family's business working with the elderly.

He founded Traveling2Florida.com in 2003 after purchasing his own vacation home in Florida and being frustrated by the lack of vision shown by many of the existing vacation rental sites. Traveling2Florida.com now connects thousands of travelers directly with the owners of high-quality vacation rentals in Florida, from Orlando to the Florida Keys.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fraser_Hannah

http://EzineArticles.com/?Historical-Places-in-Florida---History-and-Culture-in-the-Sunshine-State&id=1097520

Wildfire expands in the Everglades near West Miami-Dade

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 12:55:00 +0000

A raging wildfire was expanding at the edge of the Everglades and West Miami-Dade Friday morning.
At about 6 a.m., the flames were extending west of Krome Avenue near Southwest Eighth Street. Smoke reduced visibility along sections of Tamiami Trail.

The fire could be seen from the Miccosukee Resort and Convention Center on Krome Avenue. Gusty conditions -- with east winds at 18 to 23 knots with gusts to around 35 knots -- were fueling the fire. According to forestry officials, at least 50 acres had been damaged by 6:30 a.m., WSVN-7 reported.
Firefighters have been battling wildfires in Brevard and Volusia counties this week. According to forestry officials about 16,715 acres have been damaged in Brevard and Volusia, Florida Today reported.
Meteorologist Robert Molleda said earlier this week that this fire season "could shape up to be a pretty bad" one.
A key index watched closely by the Florida Division of Forestry — soil moisture — has swung into the red danger zone across much of the landscape south of Lake Okeechobee, including the Everglades. A broader assessment that gauges humidity levels and fuel conditions ranked Broward County as the only county in the state at a “very high’’ risk for wildfire.
Fire season in Florida typically heats up in March and April, the last two months of the dry season. But an ongoing drought, which grew worse in February, has driven up the risk factors.
The National Weather Service recorded less than one-tenth of an inch of rain for the entire month in Miami-Dade and Broward. The South Florida Water Management District reported that average rainfall amounted to a third of an inch across a region stretching from south of Orlando to Key West.
Another factor heightens concerns. Freezes back in December killed or damaged cold-sensitive native plants that provide fire plenty of tinder, said Scott Peterich, wildfire mitigation specialist for the Everglades district of the forestry division.
“There are a lot of dead palm fronds out there to burn,’’ he said.

Wildfire expands in the Everglades near West Miami-Dade - Miami-Dade Breaking News - MiamiHerald.com

Rick Scott rejects high-speed rail

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 21:06:00 +0000

TALLAHASSEE — Republican Gov. Rick Scott rejected $2.4 billion in federal stimulus money to build a high-speed train between Orlando and Tampa Wednesday, baffling supporters who already had spent $66 million getting ready for the project.

Scott made the announcement in a hastily called news conference at which he denounced President Barack Obama's proposed federal budget.

"You don't have to be an economic expert to know when you spend more money than you take in, you will fail," Scott said.

Scott's decision likely means those dollars will be rerouted to California and other states investing in a high-speed rail network that Obama has likened to the national highway system. Washington state, in fact, sent out a press release asking for the money.

Scott had previously said he didn't want the state spending any money on the rail line, which required $280 million in matching funds. But backers of the project have said that the consortiums of companies set to bid on the line had indicated a willingness to put up their own money in return for a contract.

News of Scott's decision quickly rippled through Washington and Tallahassee, where lawmakers had approved the project during a special session in late 2009. Some lawmakers grumbled that Scott couldn't unilaterally overturn their decision.

In his brief press conference, Scott went into little detail about how he made his decision, referring only generally to his conclusions about the current and future cost of the train. The state has spent about $66 million on engineering for the 84-mile system and was about to issue contracts for another $170 million.
"My concern with this is if you look at ridership studies, I don't see any way anyone is going to get a return. And so I'm very concerned about the Florida taxpayers," Scott said.

The governor had said repeatedly he would await a ridership study being conducted by the Florida Department of Transportation before making a final decision on the project. Scott spokesman Brian Hughes said afterward that the study has not been completed but that Scott, before making his decision, received a telephone briefing on its findings.

Previous state studies of the train projected annual ridership of 1.9 million to 2.2 million passengers. That didn't include tourists who would ride it to Walt Disney World, which would have hosted a station, possibly near its Wide World of Sports attractions.

In a letter to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Scott said the federal dollars "are better invested in higher yield projects" such as widening Interstate 4 in Central Florida and I-95 through Martin, St. Lucie, Brevard and Volusia counties, and port-dredging projects in Jacksonville and Miami intended to accommodate larger container ships.

However, the federal dollars Florida would be forfeiting are designated specifically for rail projects, and "there is overwhelming demand for high-speed rail in other states that are enthusiastic to receive Florida's funding and the economic benefits it can deliver," LaHood said Wednesday.

Scott also said he was still reviewing the SunRail commuter train project linking downtown Orlando with Seminole, Volusia and Osceola counties later this decade, even though money has been set aside in the state budget he proposed last week.

U.S. Rep. John Mica, R-Winter Park, was among many upset by Scott derailing the train.
"I am deeply disappointed in the decision to not move forward with the Orlando to Tampa passenger rail project," Mica said in a statement. "This is a huge setback for the state of Florida, our transportation, economic development, and important tourism industry.''

He said he had already asked the governor to reconsider. His colleague on the House Transportation Committee, U.S. Rep. Corinne Brown, D-Jacksonville, called the decision "a nightmare."
And U.S .Sen. Bill Nelson said Wednesday he was exploring whether the federal government could press on with the project without the state's involvement.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said he had talked with LaHood and asked him not to reallocate the money, at least until train backers had a chance to ask Scott to reconsider. "This is a century-type decision that needs to be vetted. I don't think it was given a fair hearing," said Dyer, a Democrat.

Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio said she was taken by surprise. "It's a decision based on ideology," said Iorio, a Democrat. "It's not a decision based on facts."

Among the most dismayed was C.C. "Doc" Dockery, the retired Lakeland insurance magnate who has spent 30 years trying to get a high-speed train in Florida.

He congratulated California because he figures LaHood will move much of the money there, just as he previously sent additional funds to Florida after Republican governors in Wisconsin and Ohio pulled out of high-speed endeavors. California wants to build a train that eventually would link Los Angeles with San Francisco.

Dockery also questioned whether Scott really understood the way the train was supposed to operate in Florida. The company chosen to build the train would have been contractually bound to cover any cost overruns in construction, as well as any operating deficits for up to 20 years.

In all, eight consortiums made up of international companies representing 11 countries had lined up to bid on the train that would have run from Orlando International Airport to downtown Tampa, with stops at the Orange County Convention Center, Walt Disney World and Lakeland.

""The governor is saying to these teams that they must be lying when they agree to accept cost overruns and ridership risks," said Dockery, a longtime Republican fundraiser and husband of state Sen. Paula Dockery, R-Lakeland.
Other legislators expressed dismay that Scott didn't wait for the private consortiums to offer their bids, and questioned why the governor would turn down thousands of jobs the project would create after campaigning on a "jobs agenda."

Lawmakers appropriated $300 million for the project last year, and Scott cannot constitutionally scuttle that spending without legislative authority, said Senate budget chief J.D. Alexander.

Alexander, R-Lake Wales, said he was told about the decision via a text message minutes before Scott's press conference. But even though lawmakers approved the project last year, there were mixed feeling about it given the tea party-fueled outrage over federal spending.

If lawmakers were to simply continue funding the project, he would expect Scott to veto the move in the budget, and, "I don't believe there'd be the support to override the veto."

But Scott's seeming disregard for the Legislature's appropriating power – whether it's selling a state plane or killing rail projects – is alarming.

Sen. David Simmons, R-Maitland, said he planned to lobby lawmakers to fight the governor's move and didn't believe Scott could unilaterally kill the project.

"I disagree with what the governor has said, and I do hope this is not an irrevocable situation," Simmons said.
Sen. Thad Altman, R-Viera, was more critical, saying the decision was "tragic" and that Scott should not have prevented the private market from setting a value for high-speed rail.

"We haven't even received proposals. There's no benefit at all at this point in the game to say we won't fund it. Without letting the private sector come to the table, we really don't know how viable it is," he said.
"There's no rational reason at all not to allow that to happen -- unless you're afraid of what you might here. We might hear that this thing will work."

Scott did find support from Robert Poole, a member of his transition team and a rail expert employed by the Reason Foundation, a libertarian think tank.

Poole said he was skeptical that a business would be willing to cover possible construction overruns or operating deficits, meaning the state could have been forced to bear those expenses. "I think this is a responsible decision," Poole said.

Rick Scott rejects high-speed rail: Gov. Rick Scott says he's rejecting federal high-speed rail money - OrlandoSentinel.com