[bmurphy]

Will Florida EVER recover, in your opinion?

Will they get a handle on crime? It seems like they may be heading in the right direction (with some 25 criminals taken into custody last week, I read on here), but they've got a long way to go.

Will Americans in general be able to be smart enough to combat global warming? The reason I ask is because supposedly global warming is causing progressively worse hurricanes (I don't know if I believe it, but it's a good question to ask for discussion).

I know the cost of living is NOT going to go down. At least not in my opinion. Usually things don't get much cheaper after getting more expensive. At least not without a reason. Your thoughts?

Will Florida ever be nice? Will they get a handle on infrastructure, and put in things like light rails to better handle crowds? Or is it doomed?

I really like Florida and may want to move there in a few years, but all the issues just scare me.

[tallrick]

Honestly I doubt it. Florida residents are too spineless and brainwashed to make any difference in this state's future. Too many people want to come here at any cost, and are willing to suffer for a supposed "paradise". Americans in general want a "nanny" state and Florida has become that way. Global warming is overhyped, and even Dr Gray expects the earth to begin cooling again. As a hurricane enthusiast I see them as part of the solution, not the problem.

What do we need to fix Florida? Here's a few ideas
1) Home grown industry, manufacturing or energy development

2) Less real estate speculation - have to convince the suckers to stay away from Florida

3) A government that actually lets it's people prosper. Can we fix the unconstitutional taxation of the state?

4) More critical thinking citizens

5) Eliminate illegal immigration, we have to dump the uneducated, undocumented workers and bring in the desirable immigrants willing to be Americans.

What would force Florida to change?

1) Cat 4 or 5 hurricane hits Miami/Ft lauderdale

2) Nationwide great depression II

3) Nuclear attack or plague epidemic.

At the rate we are going it will take a mass tragedy to clear the mess Florida is in.

[dreamofmonterey]

Originally Posted by bmurphy

Will Florida EVER recover, in your opinion?

Will they get a handle on crime? It seems like they may be heading in the right direction (with some 25 criminals taken into custody last week, I read on here), but they've got a long way to go.

Will Americans in general be able to be smart enough to combat global warming? The reason I ask is because supposedly global warming is causing progressively worse hurricanes (I don't know if I believe it, but it's a good question to ask for discussion).

I know the cost of living is NOT going to go down. At least not in my opinion. Usually things don't get much cheaper after getting more expensive. At least not without a reason. Your thoughts?

Will Florida ever be nice? Will they get a handle on infrastructure, and put in things like light rails to better handle crowds? Or is it doomed?

I really like Florida and may want to move there in a few years, but all the issues just scare me.

You cannot control crime. It will happen. For some reason it happens alot more in Florida. It depends on the people- it is random. I will say this is not exclusive to Florida, or anyplace.

Global warming- lol- not while Bush is in office . forget it.

Cost of living ALL OVER the US will never get cheaper.

Theer are certainly beautiful sections of Florida if you are retired. If I remember correctly, you are a young person?

Tallrick mentioned Fl economy is based on construction. I tend to agree. So unless you are an architect, a developer or living on trust funds, you may want to look elsewhere.

[Jammie]

Yes, I believe that Fla. will recover. It is now one of the most popular destinations for people who are relocating. That wasn't always the case and I don't believe that it will continue staying near the top of the list. (I believe Fla. is number 2 or 3)

Rick has a very good point when he says that Fla. needs industry to move in.

As far as cost of living, that always increases no matter where you live. It's just jumped way ahead of wages and that's the main problem. I'm not sure what the solution or the answer is to that one.

As for global warming~that's pretty much a sham and a hoax. IMHO

[Nirvana-Guy]

They are starting a crackdown in downtown Orlando, but it is a drop in the bucket.

I am usually optimistic, but granted the situation right now and the problems we have with drugs, illegal aliens, and Katrina criminals... no, it will not recover or get better. Crime will get more violent until cops really crack down on crime (that means stopping hooded kids walking in MetroWest abd asking them where they are going to show police presence) or people will have to arm themselves and fight back and shoot the carjackers and rapists until they get the message.

Orlando, in particular, is heading for the same demise as Miami or Tampa. Growing out of control with no planning!! 0 planning in this area, so the growth creates overly urbanized problems that many cities experience! It is a bleak picture, but a more real one we face daily.

I think Orlando is headed further south down the drain. Really a shame, as Orlanso is a cute city... was so nice before.

[macguy]

Originally Posted by bmurphy

Will Florida EVER recover, in your opinion?

Will they get a handle on crime? It seems like they may be heading in the right direction (with some 25 criminals taken into custody last week, I read on here), but they've got a long way to go.

Will Americans in general be able to be smart enough to combat global warming? The reason I ask is because supposedly global warming is causing progressively worse hurricanes (I don't know if I believe it, but it's a good question to ask for discussion).

I know the cost of living is NOT going to go down. At least not in my opinion. Usually things don't get much cheaper after getting more expensive. At least not without a reason. Your thoughts?

Will Florida ever be nice? Will they get a handle on infrastructure, and put in things like light rails to better handle crowds? Or is it doomed?

I really like Florida and may want to move there in a few years, but all the issues just scare me.

Not a chance.

[sunrico90]

I do believe that a behavioral change can take place and the state can be in a better position. But is to everyone to take a personal interest to make changes and become part of the solution rather than the problem.

Leaders within the small communities can become active and voice their views, opinions and make changes. Our political infrastructure must also evaluate what is our future. Do we depend on tourism or we look into other industries to grow and set a stable economic foundation. Leaders must make tactical decision to change what is under our control or realm.

Mother Nature issues are just that, we can’t do anything about it, just know that we have a risk and accept to live with it and be prepared.

[pianogal]

Didn't Juiliani make a difference in crime in NYC? If so, why can't it be done in Florida?

[riverviewnative]

The crime rate goes up the population. And as Rick says since everybody and their brother wants to come here it will just get worse. I am a rivervirewnative and four years ago the crime section in the paper for our zip was basically non existed. Now it takes several columns each week to list it. Florida is being overrun. And the bad come with the good. And people wonder why we who have lived here all our lives hate to see it. They call us mean and hateful because we hate to see what has been done and is still to come. And as we are told every day. "Anyone can move to Florida" very true. Sad but true.

Originally Posted by tallrick

Honestly I doubt it. Florida residents are too spineless and brainwashed to make any difference in this state's future. Too many people want to come here at any cost, and are willing to suffer for a supposed "paradise". Americans in general want a "nanny" state and Florida has become that way. Global warming is overhyped, and even Dr Gray expects the earth to begin cooling again. As a hurricane enthusiast I see them as part of the solution, not the problem.

What do we need to fix Florida? Here's a few ideas
1) Home grown industry, manufacturing or energy development

2) Less real estate speculation - have to convince the suckers to stay away from Florida

3) A government that actually lets it's people prosper. Can we fix the unconstitutional taxation of the state?

4) More critical thinking citizens

5) Eliminate illegal immigration, we have to dump the uneducated, undocumented workers and bring in the desirable immigrants willing to be Americans.

What would force Florida to change?

1) Cat 4 or 5 hurricane hits Miami/Ft lauderdale

2) Nationwide great depression II

3) Nuclear attack or plague epidemic.

At the rate we are going it will take a mass tragedy to clear the mess Florida is in.

[sunrico90]

Visit the Collins Centers, read four scenarios that south Florida might experience.

http://www.collinscenter.org/usr_doc/SFlaReg2010.pdf