Florida Arts and Culture

Florida Arts
Florida is a cultural society and embraces it’s writers, artists, photographers, musicians and actors. Just look at how many people from the Sunshine state, who excel in these areas. In short, Individualism is one of our best assets.
Why are the Arts important to us?

Economics:

• Florida’s arts and cultural industry is one of the fastest growing in the state. Its annual statewide economic impact has grown from $1.7 billion in 1997 to over $2.9 billion and now supports over 28,000 full-time equivalent jobs.
• Florida’s arts and cultural organizations, which constitute a small fraction of the state’s entire arts and entertainment industry, expended $1.2 billion in FY 2001.
• Attendees at the programs and events of not-for-profit cultural organizations exceeded 400 million in 2000-01. Audience participation is significant because attendance at these events generates related commerce for local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and shops.
• An estimated 7 million out-of-state tourists visited Florida’s cultural facilities or attended cultural events as a primary activity. These “cultural” tourists spent $4.5 billion, adding $9.3 billion to the state's gross regional product and creating 103,713 full-time equivalent jobs with a payroll of $2.6 billion.
  State of our Arts
• Due to the influx of people relocating here with varied tastes our facilities have grown to where they rank among the best in the world The Arts in Florida is a powerhouse business for both residents and tourists.
• From major Art museums, to world class Symphony orchestras to ballet and theatre companies, writer’s conferences, and outdoor festivals, we have it all.

A few quick facts about what we have.

• 7 professional Opera companies.
• 16 major symphony orchestras.
• 35 Theatre companies.
• 33 dance companies.
• 4 major film studios
• 16 major sports and entertainment arenas/stadiums
• 200 outdoor festivals per year.
• Hundreds of galleries, craft shops and small owner operated business that specializes in the Arts.
• Music-From Jazz to Blues to Art exhibits; there is definitely something for everyone.

Link to county Art agencies http://www.florida-arts.org/resources/FloridaLocalArtsAgencies.htm
Link to all Florida Art museums http://www.florida-arts.org/resources/museumsartcentersgalleries.htm
Link to Florida dance organizations http://www.florida-arts.org/resources/FloridaDanceOrganizations.htm
Link to Florida music organizations (symphonies, community orchestras, etc)
http://www.florida-arts.org/resources/FloridasMusicOrganizations.htm
Link to Florida Theatre venues (playhouse etc) http://www.florida-arts.org/resources/FloridaTheatres.htm
Links to Florida state organizations and associations
http://www.florida-arts.org/resources/StateOrganizations.htm

In conclusion:
If you love the arts and want Cultural opportunities, Florida definitely has a place for you.
So, if you’re creative or possibly want to pursue another career or lifestyle…this could be just the place for you.

Cost of Living

The cost of living index is based on the composite price of groceries, housing, utilities, transportation, health care, clothing and entertainment.

Cost of living indexes will generally be higher in areas that offer access to beaches, culture, arts and recreation. In addition areas, that offer a wider variety of services such as health and education will run higher due to higher wages, and increased quality of living.

Cost of living indexing explanation
A figure of 100 points is used as an average both for the USA and Florida. For example:
Boise Idaho is ranked at a 99
Boston Mass is rated at 127.60
San Francisco at 187.23
Statewide, Florida cities come in from a low of 90 and up.
One way to compare Florida areas to salary requirements
For example-If you were relocating from Portland Oregon (whose rate 1s 120) to Melbourne fl, and you currently make $50,000 per year, the formula is as follows
Take the destination index, in this case Melbourne-92.72 and divide by Portland’s index-120, then multiply by a salary of $50,000. This will give you a figure of $38,633.00 which would be required to make in Melbourne to have the same quality of life.

See comparable Florida statewide
* Re cost of living--in some areas Real Estate has went up dramatically however costs that factor in such as food, transportation, rents etc have not increased at the same rate-so in some areas, even though housing is expensive, the overall rating may still be low
2007 stats per Sperlings best Places http://www.bestplaces.net/

Bradenton-114
Cape Coral-Ft Myers-108.0
Ft Lauderdale-132.0
Fort Walton-Destin-120
Jacksonville metro-94.0
Key Largo-146.0
Key West-168.0
Miami metro-138.0
Melbourne-92.72
Orlando metro-94.0
Palm Bay-84.56
Palm Coast-Flagler-125.01
Panama City-86.35
Pensacola metro-82.0
Sarasota-108.75
Tampa 94.60
St Pete-Clearwater-91.58
Vero-Beach Indian River-122.87
West Palm Beach metro-112.05
(Population Weighted-State Average=100
See national comparisons
Cost of living (100 = nationwide average)

* New York, NY -164.50
* Long Beach, CA -135.71
* Palo Alto, CA -234.42
* Boston, MA -127.60
* Malibu, CA -492.80
* San Francisco, -187.23
* Greenwich, CT 215
* Chicago, IL -126.45
* Dallas Tx -92,94
* Atlanta Ga -112.21

For more information about cost of living go to either Sperlings best Places http://www.bestplaces.net/
or Accra's site at http://www.coli.org/

• In conclusion, given Florida’s climate and Job opportunities and the outdoor recreation prospects, Florida can really make sense.
  Why not live in a vacation spot?

.

Health

Florida Health

Living in a warm climate and being close to nature and enjoying the outdoors is good for your health. When you wake up and it's sunny out more than 300 days a year-you have to admit, you're going to feel better about life. So that's just one of the main benefits of living in Florida.

When you do need a Doctor or health facility, Florida has them. Why do we have some of the best Hospitals in the country and all that goes with it-nurses, doctors, etc?

The answer is: With a growing retirement community (Florida is the number 1 choice for retirement areas) as well as new residents, relocating here due to our great job creation, we have to have them! Another other factor is that people like it here. Job transfers to Florida are usually looked at as a positive step in life. When the snow is flying-who doesn't look at the travel guides.

Some serious information:
Based on a recent survey by The Winter Park Health Foundation

• The majority of Florida voters (63%) rank health care as one of the top three most important functions of state government. Twenty eight percent said it was "the most important function."
• When asked specifically about Medicaid, 82% of Florida voters feel it is important for Florida state government to provide health care coverage to uninsured children and uninsured low-income working adults, with 58% feeling it is "very important."
• When advised that Florida's Medicaid insurance program accounts for one quarter of the state budget and knowing that will increase due to population growth among those who qualify, 73% of Florida voters still feel that the state of Florida has a "responsibility to assist in providing health coverage for uninsured children and uninsured working low-income families."
• The survey focused on issues such as voter concern about cost and accessibility of health care and insurance coverage; levels of support available for low-income and needy disabled, the elderly, children and working families without health care coverage; levels of concern about the cost of Medicaid to the state of Florida, and the roles of federal, state and local government.
  The conclusion is unmistakable. Floridians care about Health care and demand the best.

As with Education, due to its rapid population growth Florida has had to adjust for new and existing residents. The results are a success story.

• There are over 275 hospitals located throughout the state.
• There are 47 VA hospitals and Clinics
• There are over 2000 assisted living facilities
• There are over 2300 Health care clinics

To see all facilities in the state of Florida by city go to http://facilitylocator.floridahealthstat.com/
For a general list see www.myflorida.com or go to the specific areas link on this site and see the Specific Health information page.
Another excelent resource for Hospital location can be found at www.hospitallink.com

Due to the influx of new people and the attraction of the area (Doctors like nice weather too) Florida is on top of breaking technologies in Specialized care.

Schools

Due to the incredible growth rate, Florida has had to adjust its Education systems to meet the needs of it’s new and existing residents. The result is a success story.
In Fact, 9 Florida Colleges rank among the Top 100 Entrepreneurial Colleges and Universities for 2004. 825 entrepreneurship programs and curricula were researched and ranked on more than 70 separate criteria. Florida universities among Top 50 Regional Programs: Florida Atlantic University, Florida State University, University of Florida. Florida universities among Top Entrepreneurship Emphasis Programs: University of South Florida, Nova Southeastern University, Stetson University. Top Florida colleges with Limited Curriculum programs are: Bethune-Cookman College, Rollins College, Eckerd College.
(Entrepreneur Magazine, May/2004)

• As it stands today (2005) Florida is one of the leading states in both private and public education.
• Regardless of your needs, be it for your children (public or private) higher education, adult education or trade/medical/law schools, there is a learning facility here for you.
  For stats on Florida education and accountability go to
  http://www.fldoe.org/arm/default.asp
  A few quick facts about our higher education facilities.

• Florida has 28 community colleges.
• Florida has 16 State universities.
• Florida has 120 plus private colleges and universities.
• Florida has 18 adult and community education locations.
• Florida has 18 health care schools.
• Florida has 13 Legal and criminal justice schools.
• Florida has 22 technical schools
• Florida has 19 business schools with over 56 locations.
• Florida has 10 Law schools
• Florida has 5 Art schools
• Florida has 2 (among the best in the country) Culinary schools
• Florida has 4 computer schools
• Florida has 70 Aviation schools
• Florida has 13 higher education facilities.
  In addition, the Community college system in Florida is one of the best in the world. Basically it has been set up so that wherever you reside, there’s a college within commuting distance.

Link to Florida state universities
http://www.flbog.org/univ_info/univlist.asp

Link to public and private law schools
http://www.flbog.org/univ_info/lawschools.asp

Link to independent colleges and universities
http://www.flbog.org/univ_info/icuflist.asp

Link to all Florida public schools by county
http://www.fldoe.org/schoolmap/flash/schoolmap_text.asp
In conclusion, regardless of where you live, Florida has education opportunities for you. Be it public or private, pre school or higher learning, including adult education.

Weather

The weather is Florida’s biggest asset next to the sand and surf. In short we have milder winter weather than anywhere else in the 48 states…think about that next time you look at your heating bill!
Also we have almost zero air pollution. (Winds from the Oceans disperse the air pollutants) You can see the stars at night.
Acid rain has not affected us like the rest of the country.
The temperature drop from day to night is on average never over 25°---compare that with Minnesota, which can vary as much as an 84°.
Some statistics:

• Average max temps in the Florida Panhandle range from 80° to a low of 56°
• Average max temps in Central Fl range from 84° to a low of 60°
• Average max temps in Southern Fl, range from 86° to a low of 66°
• With the exception of Hawaii, no other state extends further into the tropics than Florida. Key West for example is on the same 24° 30N, that Tampico Mexico and Sao Paulo Brazil are. This makes the angle of the sun higher or more perpendicular hence more warm weather.

To see average January temperatures across the United States go to http://www.mapsofworld.com/usa/thematic-maps/usa-temprature-january.html
Compare where you live or want to live in Florida. For more specific info, look at the area you are interested in and go to the weather page.
So what about the rainy season and humidity?
We are a tropical climate, so our rainy season comes in the summer. Generally it will rain hard for a half hour then subside. It does get humid then. Although not as bad as you’d think. Our water breezes really help cool us off.

Hurricanes
And, finally, hurricanes…..we have to talk about this, and you, our reader, have to think about it.  Florida lies in the tropics, or more exactly, pretty close to the tropics.  Much of the American Southeast is at risk for hurricanes, from Texas to the Carolina coasts, year in, year out.  But in the popular imagination, Florida is the bullseye.
 So what’s the reality, and what is the relevance?  The reality is, yes, it’s true; we are in the bull’s eye.  And the relevance?  A zillion people continue to relocate to Florida.  Why? Because, perhaps like you, they feel (rightly) that the percentages favor them, that they are not likely to encounter a hurricane.  Really.  In the grand scheme of things, not many hurricanes make landfall in Florida.  So their confidence is reasonable.

Anyway, before hurricanes do threaten Florida, there is plenty of warning; and except for people who live directly on the beaches (dangerous), you can prepare and defend pretty successfully in almost all cases.  When the Authorities say you must evacuate (chiefly from the beaches and adjacent areas), you should.  If you live in the Keys, that’s always critical, at an earlier stage, say, than the rest of Florida’s east or west or north coasts, because you’re very close to the action no matter where you live in the Keys.  So there’s less time for error.

I experienced a Category 3 major hurricane in the Keys.  In the future I would evacuate.  Every hurricane season in the Keys, you worry (Jimmy Buffet even wrote a song about sitting around waiting for hurricanes that never materialized).  The first serious  hurricane in fifty years was Georges in 1998 (my experience).  But there have been lots of worries, lots of close calls, and like this year (2005) a fair number of combinations of tropical storm force winds, higher tides with some flooding, and salt-blown browning of the vegetation.  So the reality is, you live in the Keys, you worry about it.

The other part of Florida that seems uniquely vulnerable, especially in the aftermath of recent northern Gulf of Mexico history, is Florida’s Panhandle.  It’s important to put this in perspective.  Yes,  Pensacola and its wider area have tended over the past 30 years to be hit more frequently than the rest of Florida by major hurricanes, but in the 30-40 years prior to that, the situation was exactly reversed: Pensacola was less frequently hit than peninsular Florida. Or to put it a different way, the Panhandle area of Florida has been “hit” by just 6 storms Category 3 or higher since 1940, while peninsular Florida suffered 10 such storms during that same period.
The dangers can be largely counted on fingers.  Hurricane Donna hit southwest Florida in 1960, Hurricane Charlie I about the same area in 2004. 
Hurricane Andrew hit Miami-Homestead in 1992, but you have to go back to the 1920’s for anything comparable.

I moved to Melbourne Florida (central east coast) partly because the area NEVER got hurricanes (and in fact the whole northeast and central Florida coast is in a geographical bight that in fact does not get hit, but Melbourne is on the cusp, a bit south).   My first year (2004) living there, the Central East Coast got two of them.  So much for expectations.  Still, the likelihood of that happening again remains very low.  Moreover, if you lived inland just a few miles that summer of 2004, because of the buffer of the long barrier island and the wide ICW/Indian River Lagoon, the net effects of the hurricanes were pretty mild. 

In any case, the likelihood per the historical record of that happening again remains very low. The reality is that the weather on both Florida’s east and west coast is great, and you really don’t have to worry yourself through hurricane season, like folks perhaps do in some other parts of Florida (the Keys, the north coast of the Gulf of Mexico).
Bottom line?  I would be remiss if I did not tell you that hurricanes are a potential fact of life.   But what I’ve outlined above underscores the reality that the very occasional occurrence is the exception, absolutely not the summertime rule.

More about Hurricanes and Observations..
If you live on the coast you stand the greatest chance of having one affect you. Some areas of Florida have gone fifty years plus without one but you never know.

In my opinion, the best thing you can do is buy a home that was built after Andrew-August 92 that was built to stricter building codes. Have window protection and a backup generator and make sure your insurance is up to date. If they ask you to leave, do it!

Realize-If you live in an older home that was not built up to the stricter building codes (After Hurricane Andrew-August 1992) or you live in a mobile home you stand the best chance of having major structural damage.

Living on the beach in a mobile home is asking for it. Although, you may never have a problem, you’re still definitely taking your chances. Barrier islands and open-water Ocean or Gulf front are the most prone to damage.
Having lived in California, I prefer the threat of a hurricane however as opposed to an earthquake. At least you have a warning.

• For current information about hurricanes go to http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
• For 2005 climate info by areas go to http://www.coaps.fsu.edu/climate_center/LCD/2005LCD.html
• For current weather forecasts by cities go to http://iwin.nws.noaa.gov/iwin/fl/fl.html

*Living in a waterfront home typically means that you will pay a higher Insurance premium. The insurance is higher due to flood and wind concerns.
Part of this is also because the pricing on these homes is higher so there is more value to insure against.
*Despite four hurricanes in 2004, the number of Florida visitors rose 7% to an all-time high of 79.8 million last year and is on target to hit 80 million this year.

Having said all this, I can’t imagine living elsewhere. It is really great to wake up and it’s sunny out.
We spend over half our lives indoors…so when you do go outside, wouldn’t it be nice if it was warm and sunny?