Insane Weather:
The weather from Mid-May through the end of October can be crazy. Don't get me wrong, the sunshine state will live up to its name, but once the rainy season starts, you can about guarantee that between 2:30 and 3:30PM, the drums of thunder will start thumping that all familiar beat.
If you’re lucky enough to be outside of the storm umbrella, it can be an incredible sight to see. Never have I witnessed such an stunning display of flashing skies filled with clouds erupting in consistent flashes of color.
When the rains do hit, they tend to start off with a few big drops here and there, and then suddenly the skies open up with an angry bombardment of water so intense, you’d swear someone was literally rushing millions of gallons of water through a multitude of high powered fire hoses.
It doesn't just rain in Florida, it is the most pissed off rain you've ever experienced. The water hits the ground so hard; you can swear you can hear the earth exhale as if it were punched. Because the volume of water is so intense, flash flooding is commonplace, and utmost caution should be used when traveling through these outbursts.
There is a saying in Florida (I’m sure a few other places as well) that if you don’t like the weather, just wait 10 minutes. It really does seem that way, because as quick and as angry as it begins, it’s gone, with the only remnant being a distance sound of thunder. The sun once again makes an appearance but is usually accompanied by a charming presence of humidity, which is almost as delightful as wading through a bog of split pea soup.
Of course, the worst of the weather events in Florida are not just bad, but plain ugly. Please check out this post to read about our experiences with Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne in 2004.
The Heat:
I won’t spend a lot of time here droning on about the heat. After all, it is the tropics. In Florida, heat is just an expected thing.
In all honesty, it’s not so much the heat as the humidity. The higher the humidity, the hotter and stickier it feels. That being said, there were many times prior to our move that it was hotter and more humid in our New Jersey home than it was in Florida.
I think the biggest reason the heat gets such a bad rap in Florida is that the season is so long. When we lived in New Jersey, we were lucky if summer weather lasted until the end of August, and most times, the last few weeks of summer were too cold for swimming. The pool was usually closed over Labor Day weekend, and summer was once again a memory of the past.
The Bugs:
If you live in the tropics, you’ll deal with bugs. The moderate climate and abundance of natural habitats make Florida a bug friendly zone, and inevitably, your paths will cross. Below are some of the common nasties.
Mosquitoes
There’s plenty of mosquitoes (they suck you know), but these aren’t just mosquitoes. They’re racing mosquitoes.
With as quickly as these things move, you’d swear they’d been tapping into a supply of caffeinated blood. Just when you think you’re quick enough to swat one, zoom, it’s gone, likely moving to another part of your body to top off its internal tank. The incessant itch it leaves behind is a constant reminder of why we loath these little suckers.
Word of advice, stock up on “Off” and anti-itch cream if you’re planning to stay outdoors any time after dusk.
Palmetto Bugs
Don't let the name fool you. Palmetto Bug is just a friendly term for gigantic cockroach. They're often found in the bark of palm trees, hence the name, but are just as gross as their smaller counterparts. Fortunately, they don't wander too often inside the house, but every now and again, we'll find a straggler. They are completely disgusting, and as a bonus, they fly.
No-see-ums
Yes, they are real. Also known as punkies, or sandflies, the correct name is the “Biting Midge”. These little ghost bugs can be awful, as they are generally too small to be seen, but can leave a cluster of little itchy bites that can drive you crazy. Not everyone seems to be prone to their attack, and the theory is that some people have tastier skin than others.
The No-see-um is something I’m grateful that my family and I haven’t come across, but they can be quite the nuisance for someone sensitive to their bite.
Again, bugs are just part of the environment in Florida, but there are a few additional nasties that go beyond the ick factor and can reap some very ugly results if encountered.
Check out this post to read about our arrival in Florida, and my first personal encounter with Fire Ants.
Alligators & other predators:
Best observed from a distance, alligators are one of the more dangerous natives to Florida. They are generally found near bodies of water, but during the rainy season, it's not unusual to find them roaming about the neighborhood. Just keep a safe distance, keep small pets & children away, and for heaven's, sake don't feed them.
Florida has its share of other predators as well, and depending upon the area, it’s not uncommon to see bobcats, coyotes, bear, and wild boar. None of these creatures will feel guilty about causing harm to a beloved pet or a small child, so be mindful and steer clear if you stumble across any of these beasts.
Snowbirds:
It generally begins in November.
Shortly after hurricane season ends, and the weather begins changing for the rest of the country, Florida sees an onslaught of “snowbirds” from all over the country looking to escape from the winter chill. Some stay a few weeks at a time, where others call Florida home until Spring.
This annual influx brings drivers and their habits from all over the country, and the impact on the locals is quite daunting. The roads are packed, stores are packed, and it really seems like everyone is following their own set of rules. Finding a parking space or getting a seat at a decent restaurant can be rather frustrating, and sadly, many of these seasonal invaders are just plain rude. The months of November through April in Florida is like living in paradise, until you add snowbirds into the equation.
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Look, I've got no beef with someone who wants to visit this remarkable place, we were visitors once too, but for heaven’s sake, be a respectable human being and remember your manners. Many residents still work for a living, still have to commute to work and still need to put dinner on the table. Have a little consideration for those who aren't on a 6-month vacation.
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Endless Construction:
I swear it seems as if the same stretches of road have been under construction since we first moved here more than 20 years ago. There's always some sort of resurfacing, widening, or highway extension project making the already congested highways more difficult to navigate.
I probably live about 15 minutes away from work as the crow flies, but it takes me more than 35 minutes to get home in the afternoon on a good day, usually due to traffic caused by a lane closure or detour.
The main highways are the worst of it. Both I95 and the Turnpike are prone to traffic jams and back-ups, and the dreaded orange barrels that line the highway are good indications that you’ll be dealing with it for a fair amount of time.
The above are just some of the annoyances of Florida life, but there is some ugly, next level stuff that nothing can prepare you for.
Of course, if you haven’t had a chance to read about some of the best things about Florida life, check out this post.