[nestorpr]

Originally Posted by Terry England

Jim, I don't think you would like it down here for a couple of reasons -
1) The Gulf Stream runs too close to shore in the Keys and Gold Coast - just a couple of miles out.
2) The West Florida Shelf extends out almost 100 miles along the Gulf Coast - just too much habitat to fish.
3) 150 miles of Intracoastal Waterway on the Gulf Coast with rivers feeding estuaries in the northern Gulf and Panhandle region
4) 440 miles plus of Intracoastal on the East coast with America's Spaceport on the upper 1/3.
5) A Governor who is too tall, bald headed and speaks in "bursts". (of course he has managed to get the state to have a budget surplus in 3 years, which is good if you plan on paying taxes - if not who cares!) (plus no state income tax)
6) We have 7 months of summer a mild spring and fall and a winter that lasts 7 or 10 days where you have to wear socks with your flip flops!
7) Think about the region within 80 miles or so of the Georgia line being the "Southern" part of the state, the Center "I-4 Corridor" as being the "Economic Engine" of the State and the southwest part being the "Wealthy Retirement Capital" and the southeast part being the "Caribbean" part of the state. Now that ain't exactly precise - it's like paint'in with an 18" roller with no cutt'in brush, but I gives you a "lay of the land"
The important thing for you to know is that my Mom moved down here from Cape May in 1946 so she could "watch the tide come and go". She will be celebrating her 101st birthday in July, line dances 3 days a week, just got her license renewed until shes 106, goes the Red Hatters meetings on Thursdays, belongs to the St. Pete/Clearwater Ski Club and just joined the Elks Club in Madeira Beach! The "Salt Air" appears to be good for you.

I agree with Trader Ter and Mike and told Gillie to look around at St. James down on Pine Island. Or better yet watch the Gathering Thread to see if we end up on Cabbage Key in November, which is right around the corner from St. James. It might be a good "scouting trip" plus you can go riding in all kinds of Seacrafts with us including Island Trader Ter's old 21 that probably has "fiberglass fatigue", so wear your life preserver!

I couldn't have said it better myself, ha!