Native Floridians?

Hi!

Just wondering if there are any other native Floridians here on this BB. I was born and raised in Florida. It is a rare occasion to meet other people, especially my age (over 35), who are born here. Lots of transplants and people claiming to be Floridians but when you talk to them you find out they were born elsewhere.

I hear so many people putting Florida down for so many reasons, and then I think, the ones who complain, are NOT really from here but from up north somewhere. They are the ones who have made the laws, made the state the way it is, raised home prices beyond what most natives could ever afford, clogged the roads, etc. So why all the complaining? Geesh.

I remember the REAL Florida, abundant wildlife and sea life, no traffic, inexpensive housing, NICE, FRIENDLY southern folks --- where did they all go?

I was born in Pinellas county, raised on St. Pete. Beach, my Great Grand Parents owned the first motel on that beach, my Gma and Mom always lived on the waterfront, we could go fishing anytime and bring home dinner. Boy, are those days gone. The motel we owned is still there, it's sale value is over 2.5 million, our families waterfront homes in the half million range. WOW! But, the value of our homes is not worth what we have lost in quality of life. Our air quality is so bad that it's hard to breath all the exhaust, the noise levels of cars, sirens, etc is so bad that there is NEVER a moment of peace and quiet. The lights are so bright that you can't see the stars anymore. The beach so crowded, it's just not relaxing and enjoyable. The fish are depleated, no more fresh oysters, no more living from the sea. Going out in the boat is crazy! There are so many boats with crazy captains zooming in all directions that it's very dangerous to go out.

So my only recourse is to move away from the area I grew up to love and know so well b/c what I loved and knew, is no more.

Just venting.

I don't expect much response from natives b/c we are so few but just thought I'd give it a try. Anyone else with similar experiences in Florida?