[TNRyan23]

Originally Posted by RiWrites

To say if it wasn't for you Northerners that Florida would fall flat is pure bull. I am tired of snow birds, transplants or whatever saying if it wasn't for them we all wouldn't have anything. As one twerp told me if it wasn't for them coming down here we all would be picking cotton. I told him nope we would be picking oranges and if he wanted cotton he would have to go further north.

I have lived in both California and Florida. They are completely different. The attitudes are different etc.

I'm sorry but you're wrong. Florida would fall flat on its butt without Northerners. Florida is built on tourism and with the economy the way it is, No one is coming and look at the state Florida is in. You have millions working service jobs like fast food and retail that caters to tourists and when they stop coming, the Jobs are gone.

I know you don't think they were building all those half million dollar houses for the masses of people in Florida that makes $8/hr ?

[RiWrites]

And Northerners are ruining what was once a beautiful state with their McMansions. And FYI there are wealthy people here who are not Northerners. Contrary to what you believe there are Floridians who make more than $8 an hour and I am one of them.

[TNRyan23]

Originally Posted by RiWrites

And Northerners are ruining what was once a beautiful state with their McMansions. And FYI there are wealthy people here who are not Northerners. Contrary to what you believe there are Floridians who make more than $8 an hour and I am one of them.

Yes, There are many Floridians that make more than $8/hr. However, the majority of Floridians make under what is considered the poverty line.

As far as Northerners ruining anything, Would you rather have a ton of houses who's owners pay outrageous property taxes that go back into the community and pays for the roads you drive on and the police that protect you and the teachers that educate your children ? Or would you rather that land remain a mosquito infested swamp while the state is a backwards, poor, crime ridden state ?

Where do you think the state of Florida makes it's money to give you the life you live ? Do they get it from big industries that have relocated to the state ? Nope, Do they get it from all of the hot new I.T. jobs that have relocated to the state ? Nope. Those don't exist. The state of Florida makes money on produce and tourists. If not for those Northerners that build " McMansions " ( I've seen them, they aren't even close to the " McMansions " they build up here ) Florida would already be broke and poor. The ego of some people is really out of control.

[cuba libre]

Originally Posted by TNRyan23

Since 1964, Louisiana has elected a Democrat as Governor 6 out of 10 elections while Mississippi has elected a Democrat as Governor 8 out of 11 times in elections.

In Tennessee, It was 5 of 8 elections to Democrats
In Florida, It was 7 of 11 elections to Democrats
In Georgia, It was 7 of 8 elections to Democrats
In Alabama, It was 8 of 11 elections to Democrats
In South Carolina, It was 4 of 8 elections to Democrats
In North Carolina, It was 7 of 9 elections to Democrats

Oddly enough, The only two states people seem to be flocking to ( Tennessee, North Carolina ) are the only two states mentioned that currently have Democrats as Governors.

That's why I pointed out that Louisiana and Mississippi are sometimes anomolies in the usually Republican Southern voting belt, solely because of their large, active, black voting blocks.

[ACTS Mom]

Originally Posted by TNRyan23

Yes, There are many Floridians that make more than $8/hr. However, the majority of Floridians make under what is considered the poverty line.

As far as Northerners ruining anything, Would you rather have a ton of houses who's owners pay outrageous property taxes that go back into the community and pays for the roads you drive on and the police that protect you and the teachers that educate your children ? Or would you rather that land remain a mosquito infested swamp while the state is a backwards, poor, crime ridden state ?

Where do you think the state of Florida makes it's money to give you the life you live ? Do they get it from big industries that have relocated to the state ? Nope, Do they get it from all of the hot new I.T. jobs that have relocated to the state ? Nope. Those don't exist. The state of Florida makes money on produce and tourists. If not for those Northerners that build " McMansions " ( I've seen them, they aren't even close to the " McMansions " they build up here ) Florida would already be broke and poor. The ego of some people is really out of control.

I disagree with you on several fronts. First, 'most' of Florida is not below the poverty line. And yes, we have northerners here -- as well as midwesterners, westerners and our very own southerners; then there are the 'internationalers". And it takes all of us working together to make this great state --- now if only our leaders would get over themselves and do something better for the state.

But...have you done any poverty studies on Tennessee? I came to Florida after living my first 20 years in Tennessee...love it, but it is far from being the richest state in the union. And your sales tax is horrendous.

The poverty rate for 2005-2007, 3 year average, for Florida was: 11.7 (the 2nd lowest in the south); for Tennessee, 14.8. California was 12.7.

Poverty Rate by State

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by ACTS Mom

I disagree with you on several fronts. First, 'most' of Florida is not below the poverty line. And yes, we have northerners here -- as well as midwesterners, westerners and our very own southerners; then there are the 'internationalers". And it takes all of us working together to make this great state --- now if only our leaders would get over themselves and do something better for the state.

But...have you done any poverty studies on Tennessee? I came to Florida after living my first 20 years in Tennessee...love it, but it is far from being the richest state in the union. And your sales tax is horrendous.

The poverty rate for 2005-2007, 3 year average, for Florida was: 11.7 (the 2nd lowest in the south); for Tennessee, 14.8. California was 12.7.

Poverty Rate by State

Totally agree with you, Florida is a melting pot, and it takes all of us to make this place work.

[TNRyan23]

Originally Posted by ACTS Mom

I disagree with you on several fronts. First, 'most' of Florida is not below the poverty line. And yes, we have northerners here -- as well as midwesterners, westerners and our very own southerners; then there are the 'internationalers". And it takes all of us working together to make this great state --- now if only our leaders would get over themselves and do something better for the state.

But...have you done any poverty studies on Tennessee? I came to Florida after living my first 20 years in Tennessee...love it, but it is far from being the richest state in the union. And your sales tax is horrendous.

The poverty rate for 2005-2007, 3 year average, for Florida was: 11.7 (the 2nd lowest in the south); for Tennessee, 14.8. California was 12.7.

Poverty Rate by State

I wasn't comparing states. I'm glad you've had a good time leaving Tennessee after 20 years to relocate to Florida, Belive it or not, I relocated to Tennessee after 20 years of living in Florida. I guess we both left for bigger and better. I lived in a town outside of Tampa called Plant City. I knew ALOT of people in that town and none of them made over 25k a year. Obviously the professionals will make more then burger jockeys but the difference in pay between Florida and, lets say.. Tennessee.. My wife is soon to graduate with an A.S. in Nursing and will soon take the RN exam ( whatever it's called, I have no idea, I'm not a nurse ) Anyways, We were talking about moving back to Tampa. She talked with a recruiter from Brandon Hospital about coming to work and was told that based on her passing her exam and getting certified, She would have a job and would start at 38k a year.

My wife applied and did the same interview with Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville and they offered 60k to start.

I saw a woman from Orlando on TV a few months ago talking about how she works 3 different part time jobs as a paralegal and doesn't make enough money to even pay her rent.

If you're honestly going to tell me that you think Tennessee has more poverty then Florida you're insane. Until the economy tanked ANYONE could walk into Kroger and work 3rd shift making over $11/hr. a union job with free benefits. Where in Florida could you EVER do that ?

Anyways, I agree with the leaders. Florida hasn't had a competent Governor since Lawton Chiles was in office.

[TNRyan23]

Originally Posted by gypsychic

Totally agree with you, Florida is a melting pot, and it takes all of us to make this place work.

What's working ?

You know more then anyone the jacked up stuff that goes on in Florida in reguards to employment. The overall cost of living and how people can't even afford to pay rent. Tell me, honestly without anything getting hateful.. What other states forum gets as hostile and negative as Florida's ?

Oh, and ACTS Mom, I'd rather pay a 10% sales tax then have to pay close to $15,000 a year in combined auto insurance, homeowners insurance, and property tax.

[TANaples]

Yeah, my auto insurance almost doubled moving to Florida from NY. That is also with 2 drivers with no claims in over 15 years and taking my under 25 year old daughter off the policy. Personally, I think it is because there is no state inspection in Florida and people can be driving unsafe vehicles on the road causing accidents.

[TNRyan23]

Originally Posted by TANaples

Yeah, my auto insurance almost doubled moving to Florida from NY. That is also with 2 drivers with no claims in over 15 years and taking my under 25 year old daughter off the policy. Personally, I think it is because there is no state inspection in Florida and people can be driving unsafe vehicles on the road causing accidents.

We almost decided to relocate a few months ago ( I know, Stupid ) We were close enough that we were actually getting insurance quotes..

My wife and I have two newer cars, an 04 Corolla and an 04 Ranger. We pay $103 a month for both cars on the same policy, both have full coverage and both have leinholders.

Our lowest quote in Florida was with Progressive and it was $443 a month.

This was my series of reactions...