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We used to live on the coast, then after moving back north, continued to snowbird on the ocean side. We always snubbed our noses at the Gulf Coast until now. We now own a 2nd home in Pinellas County and we wish we moved here way back when. It's friendlier, cleaner, more fun things to do, and it just plain suits us.
I like the Gulf - few scary waves and shark attacks. Volusia County (Daytona Beach) was on a list just the other day for the beach with the most shark attacks. Fort Myers Beach was touted as the "World's Safest Beach" for years because there was no undertow or rip currents and the beach had a gentle slope instead of going from your knee to over your head.
However I went to the beach at Boca Raton on the Atlantic about 10 years ago and it was beautiful. I can't remember ever seeing such clear water and we do seem to be protected from Hurricanes. Fort Myers hasn't had a direct hit since Donna in 1960 although Charlie hit just north of us in 2004 and caused some damage in Lee County. I saw more hurricanes in the 9 years we lived in eastern NC.
Are there areas of the gulf (Florida west coast or panhandle) with consistently decent surf? I know some areas of the coast -- such as around Tybee Island, GA, have relatively calm water due to the continental shelf, etc.
Depends on what you rate as "decent" surf. This video of Holmes Beach is pretty typical for the beaches near me. You can see the surf action around the 2 minute mark. We are going to drive out to this beach tonight for dinner and drinks.
Are there areas of the gulf (Florida west coast or panhandle) with consistently decent surf? I know some areas of the coast -- such as around Tybee Island, GA, have relatively calm water due to the continental shelf, etc.
No consistent surf in our area around the Venice area. The water is usually calm with gentle waves, especially with no rain or little wind for days, and then the water is a pretty aqua. There are always waves, I seldom see it totally calm, but there isn't a pounding surf unless it's been stormy.
Manasota Beach:
Manasota Key:
After storms or days of strong onshore winds or a tropical storm/hurricane tracking out in the Gulf, the waves build and surfers come out. The water loses the aqua color and becomes a darker color.
Caspersen Beach:
South Jetty, can be closed when the waves are too much, which isn't often
One thing you should be aware of is the red tide (harmful algae bloom) on the Gulf side. Its an issue up and down the Gulf to Mexico but SWFL seems to be affected more often. It's not all the time, but we had more of it this year than usual. It causes respiratory problems, coughing and throat irritation in most people and those with asthma or other respiratory problems are advised or avoid the beach during those times. Red Tide FAQ
I used to visit the Texas Gulf frequently, but not anymore. The dirty, oily water is not for us any longer. With more than 27,000 abandoned oil and gas wells that have been ignored and many of them leaking, no thank you.
And what are the best, sophisticated big cites on the coast? Not Miami (too crime-ridden).
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