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Unread 09-03-2010, 06:41 PM
 
19 posts, read 13,383 times
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Default Contemplating a move, want resident's opinion/info

Okay, like so many other people in this forum, we are contemplating moving to SW Florida. We currently live in NW Arkansas, specifically Bentonville. We've vacationed there at Christmas and in late July and love the area and weather. My wife is a forecast analyst for a supplier to Wal Mart. My background is in industrial & facilities maintenance, HVAC (air conditioning), and I have an associates degree in Environmental Science. I'm also an OSHA outreach trainer. I know the economy is slow everywhere. My question is:is there much in the way of manufacturing down there? We have a high school aged son. We would like to rent a house in a nearby town and commute if we have to. Schools are important as we have a high school aged son. I'm about 9 months away from finishing my Bachelor's degree in Environmental Management and would like to find a job in that field, but I'd be happy with any type of gainful employment. The heat, huricanes and gators aren't a deterrent, and I know it's not gonna be a day at the beach every day. There will be negatives there just as here. So, give me all of your comments, questions and observations. I welcome them all.
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Unread 09-04-2010, 07:53 AM
 
Location: Tampa, FL
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If you want to live in SW Florida, you should probably check out the Naples forum, not the Tampa one. Although I do personally think that that the Tampa metro has a lot more to offer.
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Unread 09-04-2010, 08:51 AM
Status: "Don't get tide down; make waves" (set 21 days ago)
 
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Honestly, there's very little manufacturing. You might find some resources and search the business directory on the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce's website here --> The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce.

Hillsborough County (Tampa) is the 3rd largest school district in Florida and the 11th largest school district in the US. The district also received the largest grant ever received by a public school system from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation last year. With enough research you should be able to find a school appropriate for your high school student.

Last edited by TampaKaren; 09-04-2010 at 09:02 AM..
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Unread 09-04-2010, 02:37 PM
 
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I thought Tampa was included in the region of SW Florida, sorry for that. I've been to Naples and don't really care for the area. Too many snooty people who are way too impressed with themselves. Of all the areas in Florida I like the area from Tampa down to about Sarasota the best. I will check with the Chamber of Commerce. Maybe they can give me a list of manufacturing companies in the area. What parts of Tampa are the most family orientd and "safe"? I need at least 2 bedrooms and someone who accpts a dog. I'd like to spend $1000 a month or maybe a little less.
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Unread 09-04-2010, 02:40 PM
 
8,659 posts, read 11,204,248 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sunluver63 View Post
I thought Tampa was included in the region of SW Florida, sorry for that. I've been to Naples and don't really care for the area. Too many snooty people who are way too impressed with themselves. Of all the areas in Florida I like the area from Tampa down to about Sarasota the best. I will check with the Chamber of Commerce. Maybe they can give me a list of manufacturing companies in the area. What parts of Tampa are the most family orientd and "safe"? I need at least 2 bedrooms and someone who accpts a dog. I'd like to spend $1000 a month or maybe a little less.
Sunluver, I am a Florida native, born in Tampa, and I agree with you - love the Tampa/St. Pete area down through Sarasota/Venice the best. IMO, best place in Florida to live. Naples is definitely too snooty for me, too!

ETA: Found this website - maybe it will help you? (Bay Area Manufacturers Association)

http://www.bama-fl.org/bama/home.html (broken link)
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Unread 09-04-2010, 03:35 PM
 
8,127 posts, read 5,860,562 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sunluver63 View Post
Okay, like so many other people in this forum, we are contemplating moving to SW Florida. We currently live in NW Arkansas, specifically Bentonville. We've vacationed there at Christmas and in late July and love the area and weather. My wife is a forecast analyst for a supplier to Wal Mart. My background is in industrial & facilities maintenance, HVAC (air conditioning), and I have an associates degree in Environmental Science. I'm also an OSHA outreach trainer. I know the economy is slow everywhere. My question is:is there much in the way of manufacturing down there? We have a high school aged son. We would like to rent a house in a nearby town and commute if we have to. Schools are important as we have a high school aged son. I'm about 9 months away from finishing my Bachelor's degree in Environmental Management and would like to find a job in that field, but I'd be happy with any type of gainful employment. The heat, huricanes and gators aren't a deterrent, and I know it's not gonna be a day at the beach every day. There will be negatives there just as here. So, give me all of your comments, questions and observations. I welcome them all.
Welcome to FL!

You might also check out Pinellas County, which is the beach side of Tampa Bay on the peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Gulf. The schools are excellent (Seminole, NE Clearwater, Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs). Seminole especially is quite convenient to most of the Bay area and very family friendly. Its central location will provide you easiest access to all of Pinellas and opportunities across the Bay in Tampa, as well as the great schools and reasonable housing costs.
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Unread 09-04-2010, 04:19 PM
 
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I love Pinellas County. I am such a fickle gypsy - I love Sarasota/Bradenton where we currently live, but I am in love with St. Petersburg and also Safety Harbor. I just love ALL of this area (Gulf coast, St Pete through Venice), I wouldn't trade it for anywhere else, honestly! I am glad it is all close together so it is easy to go to the places where that I love but don't currently live!
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Unread 09-04-2010, 08:05 PM
 
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does anyone know of any good employment agencies (recruiters) for the Tampa/ St. Pete area? I'm looking on job boards but I know some jobs don't make to the internet boards. I like the Pinellas county area too, I just thought it would be too expensive to live there. Is Largo a decent town? I don't need fancy, just safe and family friendly. If it's close to fishing, that's a bonus.
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