Why Does Everyone Hate Florida So Much??

[natkoz82]

I live in Chicago and have visited almost every part of Florida, I am actually going to be visiting Ft.Lauderdale at the end on January. I ask anyone here that has ever lived in Florida and they have nothing but terrible things to say. They tell me the schools and education systems are bad and that the majority of the population have low Iq's and are poor. I don't know why this is, everyone seemed pretty normal to me?? I would like to move there one day and start a new life with my husband but I'm worried about salary and job placement for both himself and I. Why are some peoples experiences so bad, its so beautiful and the people are very nice. I just don't get it. Can someone help me understand why this is??

[csason]

See FL isn't so bad everyone. 10 is pretty good. It even beat out ritzy CT and CA. And, those other pesky NE states of NH, VT, and RI.

Plus, WE have this guy...

[Jiminocala]

As an RN in Florida since 1981, who raised my family here, I can answer some of your questions. First, the schools: There is a system of grading schools and monitoring improvement started by Gov. Jeb Bush which is effective and also hated by the teachers unions. They maintain a constant negative buzz about the schools. Our schools have generally improved since I have been here, even though we are faced with the challenges r/t a lot of non-English speaking immigrants and people moving from other states.

Now for the part about people thinking Florida has more than our share of poverty, rednecks, etc. I think that this comes from the dichotomy that is Florida. Part urban, part Old South. And black, white, Hispanic. I guess the urban folks think everybody else are ignorant rubes. Having been born in the Chicago area, lived part of my life in a small town in the midwest, moved to Florida and lived in the Tampa area, and now in smaller town Florida, I can tell you that every situation has it's advantages and disadvantages. I gave up the sophisticated city life of Tampa, plus the open streetcorner dope dealing and prostitution, congestion, go-go bars and the like for the unsophisticated, peaceful environment of north central Florida. I do not consider myself a redneck, but have an appreciation for the ingenuioty and toughness of the redneck culture. And I kind of like the music, too.

People who hate Florida are making judgments based on their own prejudice, politics and peculiarities. Pay them no mind and do what you want. Judge for yourself.

[Jiminocala]

And Tim Teboe. A guy who writes Bible verses on his face for all to see, wins National Championships and bypasses a certain NFL contract in order to finish college, does all kinds of charity work, etc. I LIKE Florida!

[csason]

And Tim Tebow. A guy who writes Bible verses on his face for all to see, wins National Championships and bypasses a certain NFL contract in order to finish college, does all kinds of charity work, etc. I LIKE Florida!

I guess he'd make a good scrub wench, too..

[miatap]

Well unless you have not lived any where else there is nothing to compare it to. I could not wait to live here growing up now I don't want to raise my children here. BTW mt husband was transfered here.

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

I have been to a place in Daytona where a white girl told me that they are not used to seeing blacks in the area. I was surprised as nearby there is a aviation university where a few blacks attend. I am truly fed-up of Florida.

Be aware there are several "compounds" in that area (around Melbourne/Daytona/Vero) for militia groups, "Christian Identity" groups, racial separatists and KKK related groups.

I personally prefer the Gulf Coast. Warmer water, nicer people, less attitude.

[csason]

Be aware there are several "compounds" in that area (around Melbourne/Daytona/Vero) for militia groups, "Christian Identity" groups, racial separatists and KKK related groups.

I personally prefer the Gulf Coast. Warmer water, nicer people, less attitude.

You know..This post is just sickening.

I can see folks bashing Florida, because people from other 'places' have been flocking here

for decades, bring their filth and corruption with them, then blaming it on the people who have been

here ALL their lives, living peacefully alongside people of all types of ethnic groups.

So, it boils down to some 'claim' about the defunct KKK, and compounds of hateful people.

Please leave Florida as fast as you can, if this is how you view the world..If what you do is

spread this kind of belief system to others, you really should review your own motives.

I makes me sad to think this is who is providing health care services to people here in this state.

Take a real long close look at this picture, and point out the Floridians, if you can.

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

Excuse me, but I am Jewish.

I was born in this state, as were my parents, their parents and their parents before them.

I did not say that these camps consist of native Floridians. I did not say that I was part of them or approve of them. As they would like to wipe me and mine off the face of the earth, I certainly do not approve of them.

But unfortunately the fact is...they still exist and they still hold the views that they do, and if you review established data, it is well known that there are several groups in that area. You do not have to like it....I certainly do not like it and I do not like to see ALL Floridians tarred with the "racist" label.

But I am not going to pretend that it doesn't exist here. Both the southern poverty law center, the JDL and various other organizations monitoring such activity are very aware that these groups are very active here.

The city next to me recently elected a former KKK (who has not repudiated that history) to high ranking office in 2008.

In the 1980's, my father a police officer worked for an elected Sheriff - the sheriff was a notorious racist, who after leaving office worked with both the KKK, and the NAAWP (National Assoc. for Advancement of White People - David Duke's organization). Said former Sheriff published a racist paper up into the 90's that was available Countywide, called "The Eagle". When my Dad had to serve as a witness against one of his buddies in a local organization, my sister and I received Klan cards on our cars as a threat.

When a local judge was "outed" as a homosexual (no criminal activity merely outed as gay) - the people in the White Hoods carrying signs and KKK insignia were out in front of the County courthouse in force to get him ousted. There were regular protests in front of the courthouse, one to several times a month, for over a year.

Members of the Klan out of Auburndale as well as footage show up on TV in a regular basis. I usually recognize the local landmarks.

When a black man was set on fire in Plant City, all the world berates the rednecks in Florida, even though the perpetrators were recently moved in from Ohio.

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You may like to cover up that such groups exist in Florida....I would like to forget that they exist. But unfortunately, the facts bear out that they exist, and it is for my personal safety that I do try to aware of areas that could be dangerous for me. Regardless of whether their participants are from Florida or elsewhere, they do pose a danger to me and mine, and thus I do not ignore their existance.

And I feel that people have a right to be informed about their environment, so that they can make a decision about their lives, how and where to live them.

I regret that you want me out of healthcare for acknowledging an ugly truth. But I feel that comment was unwarranted and inappropriate.

[ImNotWitty]

Go Gators!!!!!! We have Tim foe one more year!

Remember racism is EVERYWHERE! Unfortunetely. but life is what you make it. I see crime around me daily. I used to really hate it but then I hear about what is going on in the small town I came from. Most people I know in highschool are still there, most have a drug or alcohol problem and are going nowhere. There is still crime there too. So I just try to keep my family and I safe and treat people how I like to be treated and it is working out great. I will say though that after reading some of these posts I am thinking going a little west of Orlando towards the gulf coast might be in my future plans. But who knows!

[csason]

Well, I've been here all my life, as well as my parents and grandparents..and I have NEVER seen, either recently..or in the past, 'footage' of Klansmen on TV.

AND I am from Polk county, I have heard of the ADL, and the other groups you mention, but not the JDL..perhaps that is what you were referring to. Auburndale is in Polk county, and the people that I have known there for

decades are really nice, loving Christian, decent people..You make it sound like we are ALL walking around with

swastika tattoos and hearts filled with hate, when NOTHING but the opposite is true.

It is more than offensive, it is hurtful to me. I have many friends who are jewish..I am sorry you feel the way you do.

It just seems rather odd to me that a multi-generational Floridian posts such things in the "Hate Florida" thread, when the multi-generational Floridian's I know have nothing but love and admiration for their home.

And you know what, rather than hang around and wait for you or someone else to take another shot at this state, I am going to unsubscribe myself from this thread...and contact the admins and request my account be deleted.

Before I do that, maybe you would find the following information helpful.

The first jewish U.S. Senator was David Levy Yulee of Florida, and the second was Judah Benjamin, the latter was also the Secretary of State of the Confederacy. I know this, because I am a member of the SCV, the Jubal Early camp, which has many black members (before you go off about that) in good standing, who are also friends of mine.

You certainly do not want to engage me in a historical conversation about slavery, and the Morrill tarriffs, and the burning and looting of the South, because it would be too much for you. I will leave you to your slanted and obscured belief system.

I have enjoyed reading and sharing on this board, but if what I post, or post in, is going to be subject to

such rhetoric, defaming a person's homeland..and characterizing the citizens of that homeland as hate mongers

and such..I have better things to waste my time with.

Regards

[swirlynrs]

I can't believe how ignorant people can be. I am originally from New York myself. I moved here 13 years ago and I will admit that at first I hated the bugs and the humidity. However, like everything else I got used to it. I even got used to everyone saying hi to me when I didn't even know them. I started going to the beach and traveling within Florida and I fell in love. I have been back to New York to visit and can't take the winter months anymore. One day I just realized that this was now home.

Most of the people that claim they hate it aren't from here and, from my experience, I can understand it to some point. No one ever said change was easy. I have had my negative experiences, but that will happen anywhere and everywhere you go. I guess the point is...if you don't like your circumstance, change it.

[way_down_easter]

I am so wanting to leave Boston! Being a Bostonian is a source of pride for me, but the cold just really gets to me. My doctor's have checked me out and I am healthy but I feel cold all the time it seems. I have to fight with my crappy landlord to get the heat up to 68 degrees (mandated by law during the day!!)

I am taking my pre-req's for nursing school in the evenings and I am thinking of moving to the Orlando area and getting on the waiting list down there. The waiting lists up here are just as bad, so at least I would be warm and not so uncomfortable during the 1/2 the year! Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.