My Impressions of Florida: A Roller Coaster of Experiences

Been here seven months so …..

As a newcomer to the sunny state of Florida, I embarked on this journey with high hopes and an open mind. Little did I know that my experience would be a whirlwind of emotions, from awe to frustration, as I navigated through the cultural nuances and day-to-day encounters unique to the Sunshine State.

Upon my arrival, one of the first things struck me was the hurried pace of life that seemed to define the populace. Interactions with locals often left me feeling shortchanged, with many coming across as rude and perpetually in a rush.

The chaotic dance of drivers on the roads only added to this impression, where road signs and laws felt like mere suggestions to some, leading to a game of cat and mouse on the asphalt. people don’t understand what merge means here it means of year to merge you are to use caution not the person that has the right away. Also, when you hear an ambulance, firetruck or police car and you hear the sirens and see the lights you’re supposed to pull over and stock so you can give them the right of way that’s not like that here. Also school buses you’re supposed to stop when you see the stop for the school bus. People are often since such a hurry, if a kid with dart out in front of the street, they’re going to get run over which leads me to the news I see a lot of people get run down by hit-and-run drivers down here I mean really you hit somebody with your vehicle and you don’t even have the decency to call for help or to admit your fault .

Venturing out 45 minutes away for a simple lunch and a stroll along the beach revealed hidden costs that tarnished the idyllic image I had of Florida. 20.00 Parking fees seemed to loom at every turn, turning a casual outing into a costly day. , parking was more than lunch.

I understand that it’s a tourist state and people need to make money but you know when you’re not spending the entire day on the beach for $20 you would think they would have hourly parking or four hour parking for $10.

The promise of Southern hospitality and delectable cuisine felt elusive, as my quest for authentic, homemade meals remained unfulfilled in the places I had visited so far. All the pizza seems to taste the same and look the same and skinny is the box. It comes in and often places that I’ve been to like Tomasinos it actually probably would be better eating the box in the pizza I had. Of course I came from Northeast Ohio but we have great restaurants and amazing food note to all the restaurants in Youngstown Ohio move to Florida you’ll make a fortune especially places like Westgate Pizza and Boardman and Wedgewood Pizza and the Roadhouse.

Fla. does have a good quick restaurant called chicken salad chick. If you love chicken salad you’ll adore this place also the Metro diner is good and Culver’s is delicious Habaneros in Oviedo is also very good and Dragon city is amazing.

The Osteen diner in Osteen Florida is great. I just wish they were open longer because we often can’t get there cause they close so early.

I love the sun rises in the sunsets here. I love the fact that there’s more days sunny then gloomy like up north I love the fact that I can go for a walk and I don’t need to put on five layers of clothing, so Fla. has its perks.

Navigating the healthcare landscape presented its own set of challenges, with a botched leg shaving incident as I knicked a varicose vein leading me to the emergency room, where I was met with a waiting game that tested my patience, and nit much was done at Oviedo Medicsl Center ER , they came to collect my payment faster than they came to treat my injury .

The tangled web of insurance networks added a layer of complexity to finding reliable medical care, leaving me feeling like a pawn in a bureaucratic chess match. My primary care doctor was with Humana. Then I was told by my insurance company he was no longer with Humana and the doctors office said yes we’re with Humana and I get a letter from the insurance company saying no they’re not with Humana only for two weeks down the road I get another letter from the insurance company saying we’re sorry they are with Humana so when I called to make sure before I make an appointment, I’m told no they’re not with Humana.

Even routine visits to specialists, like the eye doctor, resulted in prolonged waits and eye glass prescription mishaps, painting a picture of inefficiency and disjointed care. The feeling of being passed from one provider to another without resolution only added to my growing sense of disillusionment with the state’s healthcare system.

Amidst these trials and tribulations, there were glimmers of light that kept me hopeful. The feeling of some relief from joint pain and the joy of being near my granddaughter were blessings that I held close, offering respite from the storm of frustrations that brewed around me.

Despite the challenges and setbacks, I remain optimistic that there are hidden gems waiting to be discovered in Florida. If you have recommendations for charming towns with authentic cuisine or tips on affordable parking near Daytona or NSB, I welcome your insights with open arms.

As I continue to navigate the very costly maze of life in Florida, I am reminded that every place has its quirks and challenges. While the state may feel like a costly puzzle at times, I am determined to uncover its treasures and make the most of this new chapter in my life.

Thank you for sharing in my reflections, and let’s embark on this adventure together, seeking out the best that Florida has to offer amidst the twists and turns of our journey.

If you live in Central Florida, Seminole County , Volusia county or Brevard county give me some tips on where to eat where to go and where to park when at the beach

Wishing you a great day ahead!