My observations on Orlando after 18 months being gone (Kissimmee, Pine Hills: home, job market)

[OrlFlaUsa]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

I too have similar experiences and though I don't love Orlando I don't hate it either. It's not for everyone and moving here out of necessity versus choice makes it difficult for many, just like anywhere else that wasn't a choice in terms of moving. One has to try to make the best of it until opportunity comes along to make a change. Until then I suggest those who are disenfranchised from what they're used to work in a positive fashion to make this a better place to live. Example, I personally really miss locally-produced vegetables, cheese and free-range/pastured meats. Unfortunately farmers markets here are largely a fraud and not what one would find elsewhere in the country so grocery stores and specialty stores are the only viable option most of the time. I've made it a mission to be a consumer who asks for locally-produced items repeatedly at stores in hopes that sooner or later it'll start to happen. The larger Publix near me has expanded their Greenmarket meat offerings since I've been such a pain in the arse about it, so I'm assuming I'm at least partly responsible. If others like myself don't like it here because one of those quality of life factors is missing, one can ultimately influence change.

Orlando has a booming local food scene and even a homegrown Co-Op where obviously only local foods are sold. Might be an idea for you based on what you said in this post.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by OrlFlaUsa

Orlando has a booming local food scene and even a homegrown Co-Op where obviously only local foods are sold. Might be an idea for you based on what you said in this post.

Thanks! I'll check out the Co-op though can you elaborate on the local food scene? As mentioned farmers markets here are largely a fraud with fake farmers and very little local produce.

[coolieandre]

I don't know why people say FL Mall is "ghetto". It's a really big 1story mall and has pretty much every retail name. I found it better than Millenia. Millenia looks better to the eye on the outside but FL mall has better stores. They do need to re-do the outside of FL mall though and not just one side like they did where Zara and H&M are and change those weird speedbumps...

[OrlFlaUsa]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

Thanks! I'll check out the Co-op though can you elaborate on the local food scene? As mentioned farmers markets here are largely a fraud with fake farmers and very little local produce.

I totally agree, MOST of the farmer's markets are scams. Here's a link to the Co-op and some other sources of info on the local food movement in Orlando. Also I believe the Monday night Audubon Park Market is the only true local farmer's market.

Edible Orlando
eatlocalweek.com
Untitled Document
Homegrown | Central Florida's Local Food Cooperative
Lake Meadow Naturals | No growth hormones or antibiotics and vegeterian fed
Home Page
About us
Green Flamingo Organics | sustainable farming in oak hill, fl
Heart Of Christmas Farms
Orlando Brewing
Wild Ocean Seafood Market

Plus many more...Hope this helps Kyle!!!

[Crane's Rooster]

Originally Posted by coolieandre

I don't know why people say FL Mall is "ghetto". It's a really big 1story mall and has pretty much every retail name. I found it better than Millenia. Millenia looks better to the eye on the outside but FL mall has better stores. They do need to re-do the outside of FL mall though and not just one side like they did where Zara and H&M are and change those weird speedbumps...

Probably because you have to drive down OBT to get to FL Mall whereas Millenia, although neighboring some rough areas, is right off of I-4. Also, FL Mall is not nearly as new and sparkling as Millenia, but I agree, FL Mall is still very impressive. I don't go as often myself though because I can find most of the stores I shop at in Altamonte Mall and FL Mall is just always packed.

[Rabflmom]

Originally Posted by Crane's Rooster

Probably because you have to drive down OBT to get to FL Mall whereas Millenia, although neighboring some rough areas, is right off of I-4. Also, FL Mall is not nearly as new and sparkling as Millenia, but I agree, FL Mall is still very impressive. I don't go as often myself though because I can find most of the stores I shop at in Altamonte Mall and FL Mall is just always packed.

Have only been to Milenia Mall once and think of it more as a place to walk through and see overpriced stuff that I would never buy. I am not one to pay $300 for a blouse or a pair of jeans. LOL But it is impressive.

[FloridaKash]

Originally Posted by duttygal86

I think the blatant discrimination of black, whites and non spanish speakers as it relates to jobs and just plain ole' customer service has gotten way worse since the first time i lived there in 2006. My brother and mother have been unemployed for two years! Because they don't speak spanish.

If I wasn't able to get a job for two years because I do not speak Spanish I would consider purchasing Rosetta Stone and learning Spanish immediately.

[Soup Not See]

Originally Posted by FloridaKash

If I wasn't able to get a job for two years because I do not speak Spanish I would consider purchasing Rosetta Stone and learning Spanish immediately.

I would move to another area or state ... you should not have to learn Spanish to get a job in the US. If I was trying to get a job in Madrid, I would learn Spanish.

[FloridaKash]

Originally Posted by leftee

I would move to another area or state ... you should not have to learn Spanish to get a job in the US. If I was trying to get a job in Madrid, I would learn Spanish.

There are some jobs where you need to learn Spanish. That's the way it is. Construction, Welfare Offices, House Keeping, Certain Customer Service jobs. You don't HAVE to know how to speak Spanish to do these jobs. But being able to speak Spanish is an extra skill you have over another applicant.

In this job market and all job markets... those with the most skills win.

[StreetSmarts]

As far as more Hispanics... please don't tell me that other areas like Oviedo, Winter Springs, Lake Mary and Maitland are like South Orlando now. Say it aint so. Not trying to sound racist, and it may come off that way, so I will go ahead and apologize in advance.