I lived in Florida for Twenty Years, and I don’t want to go back, but There are Five Things I miss

Summary

The author reminisces about their twenty-year experience living in Florida, sharing a mix of nostalgia for the food and culture while affirming their decision not to return, despite missing certain aspects.

Abstract

After leaving Florida under less-than-ideal circumstances, the author reflects on the mixed emotions they have about the state. Despite not wanting to return, they fondly recall the weather, beaches, and especially the unique culinary offerings such as Cuban sandwiches, Grouper sandwiches, and Gyros. The author also highlights the vibrant music festival scene, particularly the Clearwater Jazz Holiday and the St. Pete Blues Festival, as memorable experiences for both the music and the diverse food options available. While they have settled in South Carolina and appreciate the local barbecue, the author expresses a desire to revisit Florida to enjoy its distinct food culture and share their past experiences with their wife.

Opinions

The author does not miss the humidity of Florida but cherishes the memories of the weather and beaches.
There is a strong appreciation for Florida's food scene, with a particular emphasis on Cuban sandwiches and Grouper sandwiches, which the author has yet to find in South Carolina.
The author enjoyed the prevalence of Gyros in Florida, influenced by the large Greek population in Tampa Bay.
Music festivals in Florida are remembered as great places to experience both music and local cuisine, with the Clearwater Jazz Holiday being a notable event for trying new foods like Conch Fritters and gator tails.
The author regrets missing the St. Pete Blues Festival and expresses an intention to visit it in the future.
The author encourages exploration and trying new things, suggesting that visitors to Florida should not miss out on local delicacies like gator tails, conch fritters, and Cuban Sandwiches.

I don’t miss the humidity

Seven years ago, I left a job site without notice after trying to sleep in my truck all day. I left the State of Florida in my rearview mirror. Twenty years of my life failed.

Florida will always be in my heart. I loved the weather and the beaches. I will never live there again, but I would love to visit again, not only for the beaches but for the food as well.

I have South Carolina Barbecue, so it’s all good

The first Florida food I tried was a Cuban Sandwich. There was a Cuban Restaurant on the corner by the house we were renting. I enjoyed the sandwich.

I don’t remember where I ate my first Grouper sandwich. Grouper sandwiches are popular in Florida. I wish I could find a Grouper and Cuban sandwich in South Carolina.

I was so happy to eat a Gryro again, there are Gyro places all over Florida

I and my wife went and had lunch the other day at a Restaurant close by the apartment the other day. Gyros were on the menu. There’s a large Greek population in Tampa Bay.

A hungry person can find Gyros everywhere in the area. It was nice to eat a Gyro again. When I was in Florida, I tried to go to the Clearwater Jazz Holiday every year in October.

Music Festivals in Florida are a great place to get good food

Work and other problems made me miss it the last few years I was there. I loved the music and the food vendors. The Jazz Holiday was where I tried Conch Fritters and gator tails.

There’s a lot to see and do in the Tampa Bay area. I never had a chance to go to the St. Pete Blues Festival, It’s not that far of a drive. If I ever have a car again, I will take my wife and show her around.

I lived in Florida for Twenty Years, and I don’t want to go back, but There are Five Things I miss

I don’t miss the humidity

I have South Carolina Barbecue, so it’s all good

I was so happy to eat a Gryro again, there are Gyro places all over Florida

Music Festivals in Florida are a great place to get good food

Final Thought: