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The "Sunshine State" is one of the most popular destinations for retirees in America. Blessed with a warm climate and an almost dizzying number of recreational choices, Florida attracts so many seniors (and other new residents) that it is perennially one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S. As recently as 2005, one Florida county (Flagler) had the highest growth rate in the country, and 14 made the list of the hundred fastest-growing counties.
It's not hard to understand the appeal Florida exerts on newcomers: an extensive and varied coastline, featuring wide, sandy beachs, mangrove swamps, and the famous Keys; a tropical/subtropical climate that encourages gardening, sun-worship, and year-round golf; exciting urban areas such as Miami, Tampa, and Orlando, plus historical sites like St. Augustine and Cape Canaveral; a surprising amount of quiet, purely rural countryside in the central and northern parts of the state, not to mention the famous Everglades in the south, and extensive parks and preserves; and recreational opportunities from boating, fishing, and every kind of aquatic activity, to the myriad of theme parks, to sports and cultural activities—all these have helped transform Florida from a sleepy Southern backwater to a boom state in little more than a century.
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Finding Your Ideal Retirement Community Deciding which community is just right is a challenge. However, its a challenge that can be solved by simply doing your homework. The most important distinction to make is simply what type of retirement community you are seeking out. Some communities tout Read more... |
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Equity Lifestyle Properties Launches Feature Community Campaign Equity Lifestyle Properties and Retirenet.Com have launched a new marketing campaign to feature premier properties in Florida, California, Illinois, Arizona and Colorado. Read more... |
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The Retirement Net announces the launch of Manufactured Home Community Living on RetireNet.Com The Retirement Net (RetireNet.com) today announced the launch of The Manufactured Home Community Living lifestyle on the world’s largest and most complete directory of retirement living, RetireNet.com. Read more... |
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South Florida News from The Sun-Sentinel Sarah Palin resigns as Alaska governor; leaves any future presidential run shrouded in mystery Jul 4, 2009 7:23 am WASILLA, Alaska (AP) — Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin abruptly announced Friday she is resigning from office at the end of the month, a shocking move that rattled the Republican party but left open... Don King to stage South Florida celebration of Michael Jackson's life Jul 3, 2009 11:48 pm Don King, the world's most famous boxing promoter, has come up with a South Florida plan to memorialize his close friend: the soft-spoken, gentle, peace-espousing Michael Jackson. Authorities seize 200 pounds of illegal fireworks from W. Kendall duo Jul 3, 2009 11:39 pm Two men were selling the fireworks out of the back of an SUV Miami-Dade Fire Rescue inspectors confiscated ab... Broward program to link veterans facing charges with services Jul 3, 2009 11:06 pm In the spirit of patriotism, authorities in Broward County are drafting a program that would link veterans facing criminal charges with specialized veterans' services. More than 2,000 cited in South Florida patrol Jul 3, 2009 10:27 pm The 48-hour saturation patrols in South Florida cited over 2,085 motorists, the Dori Slosberg Foundation announced Friday. Crist picks Taylor for Palm Beach County commission seat Jul 3, 2009 10:21 pm Gov. Charlie Crist today crossed party lines and named Democratic state Rep. Priscilla Taylor of West Palm Beach to fill the minority-dominated Palm Beach County commission seat of retired Addie Green... Disappearance of Davie ex-Marine a mystery Jul 3, 2009 8:22 pm Facing dismissal from his job, Thomas Godwin vanished with his dog and car Living alone with his beloved dog,... Palm Beach County's health district expects tax hike Jul 3, 2009 4:00 am Keeping Palm Beach County's fraying health-care safety net together is growing costlier. |
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News from Jacksonville and Northern Florida from WLTV Independence Day Activities in Full Swing Downtown Jul 4, 2009 2:27 am JACKSONVILLE, FL -- It may be the 3rd of July, but 4th of July activities are already in full swing all over the First Coast. St. Augustine Foots Fireworks Bill and Says Its Worth It Jul 4, 2009 2:04 am ST. AUGUSTINE, FL -- While other cities have chopped the fireworks out of their budgets due to economic constraints, St. Augustine has not. Jul 4, 2009 1:34 am JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Drier air is again filtering into the area. Thus the 4th will have very little in the way of t-storms. Fireworks Prices Boosted by Beijing Olympics Jul 3, 2009 10:33 pm ST. AUGUSTINE, FL -- A fireworks shop in St. Augustine is serving 15,000 customers per day despite the higher prices indirectly caused by the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Teen Walking From Orlando To D.C. Stops In Jax Jul 3, 2009 9:16 pm JACKSONVILLE, FL -- His feet are numb and he's been walking for days through temperatures in the mid 90's, but 14-year-old David Ashby just keeps going. Veteran Promotes Independence Day Message Jul 3, 2009 9:10 pm CAMP BLANDING, FL -- Frank Towers is all about putting "liberty" and "freedom" in celebrating the Fourth of July. Freedom Festival Begins Today at 5 p.m. Jul 3, 2009 5:15 pm JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Trinity Baptist Church will host its annual Freedom Festival today at 5 p.m. First Coast News Anchors Changing Roles Jul 3, 2009 4:41 pm JACKSONVILLE, FL -- There is change is in the air, and on-the-air, at First Coast News. St. Augustine Hosts World's Largest Water Slide Jul 3, 2009 4:02 pm ST. AUGUSTINE, FL -- St. Augustine's Adventure Landing plans to open the world's largest inflatable water slide on the fourth of July. Driving and Parking in St. Augustine on July 4th Jul 3, 2009 3:06 pm ST. AUGUSTINE, FL -- Information on roads closings and parking in America's Oldest City on the Fourth of July. |
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Tallahassee and Panhandle News from The Tallahassee Democrat Tallahassee-based 779th battalion deploying to Iraq soon Jul 4, 2009 5:06 am Members of the Florida National Guard's 779th Engineer Battalion are leaving within the next two weeks for Kuwait, Jul 4, 2009 4:58 am LEON COUNTY Downtown GetDown kicks off holiday events Jul 4, 2009 4:55 am The first ever Downtown GetDown for Independence Day didn't draw overflowing crowds like other GetDown events. But a familiar sense of small-town community and family lingered throughout what many are... Expect a hot and sunny July 4th Jul 4, 2009 4:43 am After a rocky Thursday, chances for severe weather are lower for today's Fourth of July celebration. Jul 4, 2009 4:42 am Celebrate America: Featuring live music and performing arts, food vendors and a Naturalization Ceremony, with headliner Tinsley Ellis and guest appearance by Eric Durrance. 5:30 p.m. Fireworks at 9:45... Jul 4, 2009 4:42 am Celebrate America: Featuring live music and performing arts, food vendors and a Naturalization Ceremony, with headliner Tinsley Ellis and guest appearance by Eric Durrance. 5:30 p.m. Fireworks at 9:45... Godby students take top honors on race relations project Jul 4, 2009 4:39 am Godby High School students John Davis, Justin Cormier and Micah Keiser had help from a diverse group of friends in their public-service announcement, which recently won first place in a video competit... Jul 4, 2009 4:33 am GOVERNMENT Jul 4, 2009 4:33 am GOVERNMENT Boaters urged to strap on life jackets, leave the booze at home this weekend Jul 4, 2009 4:32 am Major thoroughfares and Interstate 10 aren't the only high-traffic areas being monitored by law enforcement this holiday weekend. Boaters need to be aware that local waterways are also being patrolled... |
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News from Tampa Bay from The Tampa Tribune Jul 4, 2009 4:38 am As a gaggle of reporters entered his office following Wednesday's loss at Toronto, Joe Maddon finished some typing on his phone and laid it down on his desk, looking proud. Lethargy does in Rays as they fall to the Rangers Jul 4, 2009 4:30 am The Rays just didn't seem themselves as they opened a series against the Rangers with a 3-1 setback. Machinist turns activist over tax Jul 4, 2009 4:00 am Ron Russell, a high-energy, outgoing machinist at Hav-A-Tampa cigar factory, isn't an activist, but every so often the outrage wells up. Local 'stud' will try for DIY stardom Jul 4, 2009 4:00 am The DIY Network is looking for a "stud," and New Port Richey's Mike Balestrieri is in the running. Carillo honored as woman of year Jul 4, 2009 4:00 am Each year, the board of directors for Tampa Hispanic Heritage pours through dozens of nominations to select the Hispanic Man and Woman of the Year. Tenants stuck in squalor; landlord still out of contact Jul 4, 2009 4:00 am This has been a week of mixed blessings for more than a dozen apartment tenants who had been living in sweltering heat and squalor without power or water for days. Report: N. Korea launches mid-range missiles Jul 4, 2009 3:29 am A news report says North Korea has fired two mid-range missiles off it eastern coast. Honduras rejects OAS appeal to restore president Jul 4, 2009 3:04 am Honduras' Supreme Court rebuffed a personal appeal from the Americas' top international diplomat today, refusing to restore ousted President Manuel Zelaya before a Saturday deadline. Palin stepping down as Alaska's governor Jul 4, 2009 2:06 am Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin says she will resign from office July 26. Coast Guard searching for missing diver Jul 4, 2009 2:00 am The U.S. Coast Guard is searching the Gulf for a diver who disappeared about 18 due miles due west of Anna Maria Island. |
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Local News from Gainesville Sun via Yahoo! News UF College of Medicine's failing grade temporarily changed Jul 3, 2009 10:32 pm By DIANE CHUN Sun staff writer The University of Florida College of Medicine has seen its failing grade on a recent ethics survey changed to "in progress." Palin resigning as Alaska governor Jul 3, 2009 8:17 pm The Associated Press Gov. Sarah Palin announced Friday that she will resign in a few weeks. Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell will take over at the Governor's Picnic in Fairbanks on July 26. SUV slams into rear of semi on I-75 Jul 3, 2009 7:02 pm By Austin L. Miller Staff writer A Georgia man who was seriously injured late Wednesday night when the sports utility vehicle he was driving slammed into the back of a semi on Interstate 75 remained i... Jackson memorial to be held Tuesday in LA Jul 3, 2009 5:47 pm The Associated Press Michael Jackson's family has agreed to hold a memorial for the singer at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Staples Center. Mississippi cold case has Gainesville connection Jul 3, 2009 5:02 pm The Associated Press A cab driver from Long Beach vanished nine years ago, leaving personal items in an abandoned taxi more than 400 miles from his home. Jul 3, 2009 4:47 pm Staff report Alachua County received heavy downpours today from a storm that entered from the Trenton and Newberry area, headed east and is leaving the county toward the southeast. This same storm als... Jul 3, 2009 1:17 pm By Edward Aschoff Correspondent Soon, watching Tim Tebow barrel through defenders will be crystal clear. After two years of discussion, UF has finally jumped on board with some of the elite football p... New Zealand airline issues nude safety video Jul 3, 2009 1:02 pm The Associated Press New Zealand's national airline has adopted a cheeky way to encourage passengers to watch its in-flight safety video: The cabin crew's uniforms are nothing but body paint. Multimedia: Know your Independence Day Facts Jul 3, 2009 12:32 pm As we approach the holiday weekend, here are some facts on the history of the Fourth. Jul 3, 2009 10:04 am By Ben Stearns Correspondent The absence of a formal fireworks show in Gainesville might help sales of fireworks for backyard celebrations on the Fourth of July. |
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Local News from FOX 30 Jacksonville via Yahoo! News Thousands enjoy Freedom Festival Jul 4, 2009 3:07 am JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A Westside church hosts its annual Freedom Festival to usher in the Independence Day Weekend. Suspect shoots friend after baseball game Jul 4, 2009 2:37 am JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Police say the suspect shot his friend after getting kicked out of a Jacksonville Suns game. Jul 4, 2009 2:07 am JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Folks are stocking up on 4th of July fireworks at bargain prices. Jul 3, 2009 10:37 pm JACKSONVILLE, Fla -- The First Alert Weather Center is tracking locally strong storms and weekend heat. July 4th is the deadliest day for teen drivers Jul 3, 2009 9:37 pm JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- With more cars on the road and more people celebrating the 4th of July, the driving conditions are even more dangerous for teens. Boat fire sends two to hospital Jul 3, 2009 9:22 pm NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. -- Two people are recovering after they were forced to jump from their burning boat in the Intracoastal Waterway. Palin resigning as Gov. of Alaska Jul 3, 2009 7:52 pm WASILLA, Alaska (AP) - Spokesman: Sarah Palin is resigning as Alaska governor on July 26. Jul 3, 2009 6:52 pm JACKSONVILLE, Fla.-- In Florida most fireworks aren't allowed. Fake calls for help cost taxpayers Jul 3, 2009 6:37 pm JACKSONVILLE, Fla.-- The Coast Guard says it is receiving more and more hoax calls. Tea party protests scheduled for this weekend Jul 3, 2009 6:37 pm JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Tea party protests are scheduled over the holiday weekend. |
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Local News from Bay News 9 Tampa Bay via Yahoo! News Teen's 911 hoax sends 9 agencies searching for her Jul 3, 2009 1:40 pm ORLANDO -- Police said a call from a 16-year-old girl saying she was kidnapped by six armed men turned out to be a hoax, all because she was going to be home late and did not want to get in trouble wi... To avoid state tax, Florida smokers head to Georgia Jul 2, 2009 9:25 pm TALLAHASSEE (Bay News 9) -- One day since the state's cigarette tax shot up by $1 per pack, many Floridians are making a run for the Georgia border. Jul 2, 2009 2:55 pm TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Floridians no longer will be able to fish for free. Jul 1, 2009 4:40 pm OXFORD, Fla. -- A two-year-old girl was strangled by a python at her family's home in Oxford. Jul 1, 2009 11:40 am (BAY NEWS 9) -- Several new laws go into effect today in Florida. Among the new laws are an increase in cigarette taxes, Rachel's Law dealing with police informants and zero tolerance in schools. Jun 30, 2009 5:55 pm In 2007, the PSC ordered Progress Energy to refund more than $13.8 million to its customers for excessive fuel costs paid from 2003 to 2005. The PSC said that refund was a result of the company burnin... Tallahassee hospital is model for health care reform Jun 28, 2009 3:10 pm TALLAHASSEE (Bay News 9) -- President Barack Obama is staking a big part of his health care plan on improving efficiency, and he is pointing to a Tallahassee hospital as a model for the rest of the na... Cigarette tax goes up $1 this week Jun 28, 2009 1:55 pm MELBOURNE -- More of your money will soon be going up in smoke -- if you're a smoker living in Florida, that is. Lawmakers working to revitalize Florida's film industry Jun 27, 2009 2:10 pm TALLAHASSEE (Bay News 9) -- Last year, Florida was ranked the nation's third-largest film producing state, but now state leaders say that is slipping. Now a new drive is in place to revitalize Florida... Jun 27, 2009 2:10 pm NORTH LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) - The Broward Sheriff's Office says the news of pop singer Michael Jackson's death led to a confrontation on a Broward County bus this week. |