Performing a search for Osceola County Florida Public Records is becoming easier with the availability of online resources where you can simply perform your search right at the comfort of your own home or office. You can simply log on to the internet and visit one of the official websites of this County at osceola.org where you can gain access to some public records.

The information you will get includes arrest reports which lists down the names and photos of person arrested for the past two weeks, Sheriff office and Federal law enforcers’ listing of sexual offenders and predators, as well as inmates information on the County’s correctional facility.

Another option for you is to visit the office of Osceola County Circuit Court office located at the Courthouse along 2 Courthouse Square Suite 2000, Kissimmee, of Florida. Personally make your request on your desired information and you can get quicker results. You may also call in your request using their hotline number 407-343-3500 or fax your applicaion at 407-343-3699.

Another better alternative solution for your search is to use the facilities of third party companies whose online services allow you to gain access to their huge database of public records. In this option, the results that you shall get are more detailed information about the person you are investigating and you can even gain access to other public documents of people outside of this State.

However, there is minimal investment required to use their facilities in order to cover the cost of updating the files and maintenance of the system; but the benefits that you will get from using their sites are worth much more than the amount you invested on it, considering the fact that you can perform your search anytime you want and regardless of your location. This option offers one of the best and most convenient ways to gain access to Osceola County Florida public records; and you can enjoy the numerous advantages of performing unlimited search with more detailed data gathered.

Miami is a city known for many things: culture, nightlife, and music. It is also known for history, a history rich in color and flavor. Some of Miami’s past is well known – such as the legacy of the undefeated 1972 Dolphins – and some of its past can only be found in the crevices of Miami history books. Take our quiz and see if Miami is a city you know a lot about or a city you need to visit…and soon.

1.Miami became a city officially on what date?

a. October 30, 1902

b. July 28, 1896

c. December 25, 1913

d. April 2, 2005

2. Miami is the second largest city in Florida, what is the first?

a. Jacksonville

b. Orlando

c. Tampa Bay

d. They are all the same size

3. Miami is regarded by many as what?

a. The surfing capitol of the south

b. The music capitol of the World

c. A Melting Pot

d. A great place for skiing

4. The average temperature per month in Miami has never been recorded lower that what?

a. 80 degrees

b. 75 degrees

c. 65 degrees

d. 32 degrees

5. On Febrary 15, 1933, what happened in Miami’s Bayfront Park?

a. A hurricane hit

b. An assassination attempt was made on Franklin Delano Roosevelt, president elect

c. An earthquake was recorded

d. Cupid came a day late

6. Miami International Aiport is one of the world’s busiest airports. How many passengers go through it each year?

a. 35 million

b. 120 million

c. 900,000

d. one or two

7. In the 1970’s, Miami disco hit the scene with the help of what band?

a. Electric Light Orchestra

b. KC and the Sunshine Band

c. Rick Dees

d. New Kids on the Block

8. What actor was born in Cuba and moved to Miami at the age of five?

a. Andy Garcia

b. Al Pacino

c. Robert Dinero

d. RuPaul

9. What television sitcom was set in Miami?

a. Friends

b. Will and Grace

c. The Golden Girls

d. Leave it to Beaver

10. Because of Miami’s global corporate service organizations, Miami is considered to be what?

a. The Southern New York

b. The Gamma World City

c. The Center for International Tourism

d. A very busy place

Answers: 1. b. July 28, 1896; 2. a. Jacksonville; 3. c. a Melting Pot; 4. c. 65 degrees; 5. b. An assassination attempt was made on Franklin Delano Roosevelt, president elect; 6. a. 35 million; 7. b. KC and the Sunshine Band; 8. a. Andy Garcia; 9. c. The Golden Girls; 10. b. The Gamma World City.

See how you did:

9-10 Correct: You are a master of Miami history. Feel free to call Miami, My-ami.

6-8 Correct: You know a lot about Miami history. It’s fair to say Miami hearts you.

3-5 Correct: You should probably book a trip to Miami and take notes…lots of them.

Less than 3 Correct: Uh, not very good at all. Your punishment is season tickets to the Miami Dolphins.

Sarasota, Florida is full of great dining spots and continues to blossom as the years go by. To name all of the great restaurants in Sarasota would take up an entire book. But no matter how many hot new menus appear on the city’s hot list, no matter what venues are the latest award winners in atmosphere, cuisine and service, there will always be a few of those city’s best kept secrets that only the natives are keen to. A few of the best, in order of price, are illustrated below.

$ Super Cheap. Patellini’s Pizza.

Patellini’s is located on Main Street, right in the center of the city’s small downtown center. You can buy pizza by the slice or the pie, along with an array of other fast Italian meals. Patellini’s has always been an unspoken hot spot for the areas artists and traveling hippy crews, as well as the well-informed Sarasota’s elite class. This is probably because of the open-minded friendly personality that the owner, who seems to be always working, exudes. You can tell that he truly wants to hear the what the people of the town are up to and he is the kind of guy that would give any wandering homeless person a free soda. Patellini’s is a great option for those visiting the downtown area’s musical attractions, or for those who find themselves venturing out to gaze at the boats in the marina (just a short walk from the joint). Additionally, Patellini’s is open later than the other quick serve restaurants in the downtown area, which is always a huge selling point. Oh, and not to mention, fantastic, one of a kind pizza.

$$ Moderately Cheap: El Greco

Also on Main Street, but in a more easterly direction than Patellini’s. Especially famous for its gyros, El Greco is a classic Greek restaurant that has been around for ages and is known for its exceptional Greek cuisine. Though the atmosphere is fairly undesirable (it is very cheap looking, almost cafeteria-like, and no music) the food far outweighs the awkwardness. It is so indescribably fantastic that one forgets the fact that they can hear the conversations of every other patron the very instant the warm complimentary bread is placed upon the table. All of the recipes are true to the classic Greek style and served accordingly. You can get anything from a shot of Greek coffee to Avgo Lemono (chicken lemon), their infamous soup. A great fulfilling combination is a Greek salad with a cheese Stromboli. The Strombolis are extremely filling so best to share a large with your dining partner. And when you order the salad, it would greatly dampen the experience if you opted out of the salad dressing. El Greco’s house salad dressing, which is a sort of raspberry flavored vinaigrette type style with spices that go perfectly with the feta cheese and Calamata Olives, is a must-have accessory. Even if you generally don’t like salad dressing, give it a try. Chances are, after the second bite, you’re a new fan.

$$$ A Little More Pricey: Fandango

Fandango is a Middle Eastern style restaurant on Siesta Key. It used to be in the heart of the Siesta Key shopping area, known as “The Village” to natives, but it moved to a very obscure location. This says a lot about the loyalty of true customers and also the size of the customer database, because at the end of a dirt road for the most part, Fandango would never be discovered, by tourist nor native, unless specifically referred to. The fact that it stays in business at this location is a true test of its quality. If you take the South Bridge/Stickney Point from Sarasota to the island, make a left on the main road and then take your immediate left to drive toward the boating docks you just passed on the bridge. Halfway to the docks, you will see Fandango’s hidden colorful building on the right. The restaurant is painted so brightly that it should stand out to you and in a strange way, the spirit of the color combination seems to fit the aura of the whole menu in general. For the meals do indeed seem colorful. One thing is for certain, each entrée is unique to itself and there is no risk of the foods ingredients overlapping each other to the point of creating what one might think is a boring menu. This restaurant features all different kinds of Middle Eastern cuisines and they all are well worth every penny. Not to say that the restaurant is expensive, but it does seem to mimic the price of a fine dining place and it is most certainly the opposite. The interior is equally as colorful and very casual, with a bar and a stage for the occasional musician to showcase his or her local talents. The restaurant’s dish that seems the most popular to natives is the falafel. One can order the falafel appetizer, which is simply pieces of dry falafel (be sure to order tzatziki sauce or another dressing) or the entrée, falafel sandwich, which is the same order of falafel, but wrapped in a warmed pita with tzatziki and basic salad fresh vegetables. Hint: If you make it for the lunch schedule, the exact same falafel sandwich is about half the price of the entrée, dinner menu equivalent.

As the temperature climbs, the mind drifts to thoughts of relaxing days spent by the ocean – white sand between your toes, a soothing lullaby created by the gentle surf, and the tranquil azure-blue water that seems to stretch infinitely before you. The appeal of the ocean is universal and beach vacations have been a favorite of travelers for generations. As pristine beaches become harder to find, St. Augustine remains absolutely beloved by travelers for one very simple reason – here you feel a sense of renewal and peace that can’t be found anywhere else.

St. Augustine was discovered in 1513 when Juan Ponce de Leon, sailing along the Atlantic coast in search of the fabled fountain of youth, came ashore somewhere in the vicinity and claimed the continent for Spain. Nicknamed “The Old City,” it is the oldest continually inhabited settlement in America – that’s right, it was settled before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock – and remains one of the most charming and quaint beach towns in America. In addition to its historical ties to the Spanish Empire, the town also boasts many remnants from the Flagler Era, when Henry Flagler’s vision of a luxury resort community added marinas, golf courses, and luxury hotels to the landscape in the late 19th century.

Each day, the area’s delightful historic district, with its cobblestone streets and its quaint cafes, bars, unique shops, and bed-and-breakfast inns, comes alive with locals and tourists setting out on foot to explore the multiple landmarks located in St. Augustine. Five you won’t want to miss are:

* The Castillo De San Marcos, a national monument with an elaborate double draw-bridge entrance, has been both a mighty fort and a fearsome prison. An outstanding reminder of the power and might of the early Spanish empire in the New World, it is commonly referred to as “The Fort.” The Castillo de San Marcos is entirely made of coquina, a virtually indestructible limestone comprised of seashells and coral, and took more than 23 years to complete. Since its completion in 1695, the monument has remained impenetrable to both enemy fire and violent pounding by hurricanes.

* The Casa Monica is once again a luxurious landmark hotel, blending contemporary pleasures with a legendary past. Built in 1888 and restored in 1999, the hotel offers visitors an inspired Spanish décor. Both elegant and opulent, the hotel surrounds guests with jewel-toned velvet, elaborate tapestries, and luminous chandeliers.

* Colonial Spanish Quarter, a living museum where costumed interpreters relive a time when St. Augustine was a remote outpost in the Spanish Empire, will interest both young and old. Visitors experience how families lived, how they grew and cooked their food, and how they tended their livestock in 1740 St. Augustine.

* The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum, built in 1874 and still in use by the U.S. Coast Guard, preserves the history of the St. Augustine Light Station and its associated maritime, coastal, and social history. Those daring to climb the 219 steps to the top of the lighthouse are rewarded was a spectacular 360-degree view of downtown St. Augustine and the beach areas.

* The Fountain of Youth, where Ponce de Leon used stone markers to draw out a cross whose center marked what he believed to be its exact location. The spring still flows and, whether seeking relief from the Florida heat or the secret to eternal youth, visitors are invited to sample to cool waters. The grounds also include a village that was home to the Timucua Indians for more than 1500 years, a planetarium where visitors journey through the night sky, and pathways that visitors can stroll idly while examining the native plants and historical artifacts along the way.

In addition to the charming waterfront reflecting the glories of Imperial Spain, St. Augustine has something for every member of your family. Children will enjoy the St. Augustine Alligator Farm, the only place in the world where 23 species of crocodile can be observed. Historic tours of the Old City are available in a myriad of forms. Visitors can choose to watch the world go by from a helicopter, open trolley, or horse-drawn carriage. If you’re looking for something unique, those with an interest in the paranormal can even take a ghost tour of the city’s historic attractions and cemeteries in an authentic hearse.

For help in planning a vacation to the St. Augustine area, contact the St. Augustine Visitors and Convention Bureau at (800) 653-2489 or visit them on the web at http://www.visitoldcity.com.

Thomasville, known as the city of Rose’s is the second largest city in Southeast Georgia and is full of rich history, specialty shops, with Southern natural beauty surrounding the town. Next to the Thomasville Rose Garden is Cherokee Park, one of the most scenic parks Thomasville has to offer. The parks one-mile paved walking path winds its way around the lake across boardwalks and underneath an old railroad bridge providing close up encounters with ducks and geese. Along the path are pavilions which are ideal for an afternoon picnic.

Just Northeast of Thomasville is the Reed Bingham State Park which boast an adventurous lake, the Little River, and seven miles of hiking trails where one can marvel at natures beauty and quiet tranquility. The five main trails which covers just over 5.5 miles leads right through the heart of the park’s natural beauty and ecosystem. The Little River trail crosses boardwalks through the bottom lands flooded by the Little River through bald cypress, tupelos, and spruce pine. This trail Connects to the Yearling Trail which climbs steadily from the bottom lands to the forested bluff overlooking the river through pines and palmettos and ends at the Northern most part of the park where the Red Roberts Loop starts which features several boardwalks across drainage streams flowing into the Little River. Taking the Bird walk Trail back traverses through five natural communities of southern hardwoods, hickory, magnolias, and American hollies.

The Northern portion of Leon County is where Elinor Klapp-Phipps park is located which encompasses 670 acres along the shores of Lake Jackson. The park is known as Tallahassee’s most expansive and wild urban park where sinuous streams, massive tulip poplars, and ancient magnolias can be found all through the dense forest. The park’s 7.5-mile trail system is made up of three stacked loops showcasing spectacular trees of enormous sizes where each loop becomes longer in length and more difficult. The easiest and shortest is the 1.5-mile loop Coon Bottom trail. Stacked on this loop is the 1.8-mile Swamp Forest Loop which leads around the perimeter of a forested wetland where the terrain becomes hilly and through bogs over wooden boardwalks passing through a Beech-Magnolia forest. From this trail the.8-mile Creek Trail leads to the 2.5-mile Oak Hammock Loop.

On the Northern side of Tallahassee is Alfred B MaClay Gardens State Park. In 1923 Alfred bought this property for his family’s winter retreat and commenced to build a masterpiece of floral architecture, which is now on the national register of historical places. The gardens overlook Lake Hall and is the place his family entertained many prominent people over the years including the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. A.75-mile stroll through the gardens along the picturesque brick walkway displays hundreds of camellias, azaleas, a walled garden, secret garden, and a reflection pool. Also, the park has about 5.5-miles of shared hiking trails in the shape of a figure eight passing through a hardwood forest of short leaf pines, loblolly’s, magnolias, dogwoods, and live oaks. The Lake Over-street Trail is the easiest which wraps around the lake which is one of Leon counties last undeveloped shorelines where native vegetation, such as water lily and pickerel weed thrive providing a natural habitat for fish, otters, alligators, and bald eagles. Whereas, the Forest Meadows Trail is a little more difficult with its gently sloping hills and ravines which are an uncommon natural feature in the Tallahassee area.

Leon County is home to two significant cultural resources, artifacts from the sites span back some 12,000 years. The earthen temple mounds are believed to have been built by the Swift Creek people and used by the surrounding communities for ceremonies. The mound at the Letchworth-Love Mounds Archaeological State Park stands at 51 feet and a short-paved walkway leads to the viewing platform. Adjacent to the mound is a short half-mile nature trail for wildlife viewing. A large plantation owned by Colonel Robert Butler is now the site of the Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park where six of the seven known earthen temple mounds are located. The two mounds which are intact and available for public viewing are situated in an open area known as a central plaza. In addition, the park has two trails, where the 1.5-mile Old Orchard loop winds through forested hills where giant trees still stand. The shorter Butler Mill Loop traverses the old plantation’s water works crossing an earthen dam used for irrigation and the site of the old grist mill.

A recent trip took my companions and myself to Gainesville, Florida. Not being familiar with the restaurant scene in this Sunshine State city, we first consulted Google Maps to see what choices we might have close to our hotel. I narrowed down a few dining options and read reviews penned by past diners. This can often be a tricky situation as it seems many people seem to base their reviews on whether or not they are having a good or bad day. But when you run across an establishment with a few good reviews to one rant that has nothing to do with food or service, then you can feel a little secure in the fact that the restaurant is probably a good one.

So after reading a few positive reviews, I clicked over to Mr. Han’s Restaurant and Nightclub website to review the menu.

The home page of this Gainesville, Florida Chinese restaurant boasts that they have won numerous awards from local publications and local diners. They also boast a few celebrity patrons including George Burns, Robin Williams, Rodney Dangerfield, Bob Hope and Billy Crystal. We later discovered that Mister Han’s is in close proximity to a comedy club.

The menu looked good. The prices were reasonable. The promise of exotic drinks and cocktails was intriguing. The location was within walking distance. We decided to give it a shot.

The atmosphere when we entered Mister Han’s was nice. The dining area was open but the light-level was dark enough to give the space a more intimate feel. There was a nice-sized crowd for a Sunday evening but even with a crowded room the volume level was low enough for us to speak at normal conversation levels.

The service was fast, responsive and attentive all evening. In fact, our waiter, who also happened to be an owner, spent time with us after we finished eating and chatted about China and the tours he directs to Beijing, China and beyond. It was a nice way to wrap up a meal.

The cocktail list was quite extensive and you could choose from three different strength-levels for your drinks. I went went with one of the strongest cocktails – the “Suffering Bastard” I believe it was called – and after two was glad we only had to walk across the street to return to our hotel.

The food did not disappoint. We each tried a different entree and each of us went away full and happy. While I can not recall what my traveling partners chose from the menu. I will never forget my meal. If you try Mister Han’s Chinese restaurant and enjoy beef, then I highly-recommend you try the “Prime Steak, Chinese Style.”

Here is the description from the menu. “Prime New York sirloin, cooked as you like it and served with a dark and delightful soy-based sauce. Some say that this dish is just perfect, others claim it is a religious experience, but most customers just say, “Bring on the steak.” No Chinese restaurant has ever had anything like it. Try it, and you’ll see what we mean.”

I would not say it was a religious experience but I would say I have never had any steak dinner as good at any Chinese restaurant. The cubes of beef were so tender that they melted in my mouth like butter. The sauce was a perfect match. It did not overwhelm or underwhelm the steak.

The total experience that evening at Mister Han’s Restaurant and Nightclub in Gainesville Florida was a very rewarding one. The atmosphere was inviting. The food was delicious. The service was perfect. The discussion and historical education about China, its people and its history was a wonderful bonus.

The next time you are on a golf vacation, family getaway, business trip or any other reason you find yourself in Gainesville, Florida; make sure to take the time to enjoy a meal at Mister Han’s.

Anna Maria Island, on Florida’s west coast near the mouth of Tampa Bay, has been a popular beach vacation destination for more than 100 years. More than 100,000 visitors annually bask on the island’s beaches and enjoy its old-Florida, corporate free attitude. If you are planning a trip to AMI, or if you’ve already been there you might want to learn some things that make the island unique.

Here are five little-known facts about Anna Maria Island:

1. The island has quartz beaches: Many first-time visitors are amazed by the powdery white sand covering Anna Maria Island beaches. There are two very different ways white sand can form. The first is via crushed seashells gathering and washing ashore over hundreds of thousands of years. The second is a rare phenomenon in which quartz rock is eroded by streams in high mountain chains and swept out to sea. AMI’s sand comes from a combination of erosion in the Appalachian Mountains washing to the Gulf of Mexico and seashell. In addition to soft white sand, the quartz is also a poor conductor of heat, meaning Anna Maria Island beaches don’t get as hot as other beaches.
2. Beaches stretch 8 miles: Although AMI is approximately 7 miles long; the beach stretches around the north and south edges of the island to create more than 8 miles of uninterrupted beach. Northwest beaches face into Tampa Bay, while southwest beaches face Sarasota Bay.
3. AMI is 3,000 years old: It’s impossible to predict exactly how old Anna Maria Island is. However, carbon dating and soil samples taken by the University of Florida suggest the formation of the land mass dates back approximately 3,000 years. AMI is a barrier island formed by the sediments carried to the shore of the mainland. Anna Maria Island’s northern portions are the oldest and the island continues to expand to south. Some southern portions of the island are less than 200 years old.
4. Bean Point named for settler: Anna Maria Island’s first beach travelers arrived near the end of the 19th century. George Bean settled on the northern most point of the island. He and his partners used steam ships to transport tourists from St. Petersburg to enjoy the then secluded island. Bean Point still offers nearly 270 degrees view of the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay.
5. Sea turtle nesting ground: Millions of green and loggerhead sea turtles made their great journey from next to sea on Anna Maria Island beaches. On a given year, as many as 200 turtles will build nests on AMI beaches. A typical nest contains 60 to 100 eggs.

Click here to find even more information on Anna Maria Island as well as great deals on booking lodging, shopping, restaurants and more.

Many individuals might not know that if they are arrested for a driving under the influence offense (DUI) that they have the right to refuse a blood alcohol test. However, Florida is a complied consent state. Under Florida Statute § 316.1932 (1), any person who operates a motor vehicle in Florida has given their implied consent to chemical testing of their blood, breath or urine at the request of a law enforcement officer after a lawful stop for arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.

When an individual is pulled over for suspicion of drunk driving they might be asked to take a breath alcohol test or as it is commonly referred, a breathalyzer. If the breath test registers under 0.08, the officer may request a chemical urine or blood test to determine if there are drugs in the drivers system. A chemical BAC test usually consists of a blood or urine test administered by a medical professional.

The Basics of Refusal to Submit to BAC Testing in Florida

A person’s refusal to do something usually consists of them saying “no”. However, in the state of Florida, there are other ways that can be considered as refusal called constructive refusal. Constructive refusal may be interpreted as:

· The driver being unable to provide two sufficient samples of their breath within the statutory time period following the arrest

· If the driver does not specifically state yes or no to taking a chemical test of their blood, breath or urine

· If the driver becomes confrontational

· If the driver provides breath samples that are not within.02 of each other and then refuses to take a third test or

· If the driver blows a breath test once but does not blow a second or subsequent time when requested

In Florida, an arresting officer must inform the driver of the Implied Consent Warnings, which advise the driver of the consequences as a result of refusing to submit to testing.

Penalties for Refusal in Florida

Though an individual can refuse testing, they can also face stiff penalties as a result of refusal to submit to chemical BAC testing. These penalties can include the suspension of their driver’s license and driving privileges for up to one year. According to Florida Statute § 316.1939, if the driver has previously refused to submit to chemical testing and their driver’s license was already suspended, they can be charged with a first degree misdemeanor.

If the driver of a commercial vehicle is charge with refusing to submit to chemical testing while driving a commercial vehicle, they may have their commercial driver’s license suspended for up to one year. During their suspension they are not allowed to apply for a hardship license, which would allow them to drive for work purposes.

What does this mean for a criminal case?

A criminal case for a DUI offense in Orlando relies heavily on the results of chemical BAC testing to prove that a driver was in fact under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of arrest. If there is no chemical testing as the result of refusal, there will be no test results. This will force the prosecution to use the evidence of the refusal to chemical testing and field sobriety testing as evidence to prove that a driver was definitely intoxicated at the time of arrest, which can be difficult.

1. Siesta Key – Saratosa Florida: This place is better to go skimboarding during the cooler seasons. If you’re looking to catch big waves the best time to hit this place is when there’s a storm coming up from the coast. Certain parts of this area can be crowded depending on where you decide to go.

2. North Fort Lauderdale: The commercial pier at “anglans” there’s a good flat beach and it’s easy to get to the water (even for beginners). The swells at this beach can reach 3 feet and other skimboarders have made a break here so at low tide it gets up to about 6 feet high. This beach does tend to get crowded so keep that in mind when you’re heading out to find a spot.

3. St Augustine, Vilano Beach: This skimboarding hot spot is only a few minutes from the oldest known city in America, this spot is famous among skimboarders in Florida. This beach has got the typical Florida break combined with a very generous slope. The waves at this beach break right on the shore and are decent sized for most of the year. The biggest waves tend to be in the 4 foot range. There’s a jetty at the south end of the beach near the Vilano inlet and the waves peel best at this area. Try to stay away from the fishermen in this area. The best time to skimboard at this beach is definitely high tide.

If you’ve ever sat there during the last few days of your Florida vacation, gazing at the clear blue waters of your own private swimming pool at your rented Florida villa, wondering how you could possibly live a life like this permanently, then please read on. What we’re about to tell you is a history of our personal journey from dream to realization of what it takes to move and live in Florida as an immigrant.

We probably started out like thousands of other immigrants to Florida; came here frequently on vacation and enjoyed it immensely. We loved the space, the laid back attitude, the wonderful weather (except for the hurricane bit!), the friendly people and the cost of living. Our home country currency was always strong against the Dollar so everything we spent our money on was effectively half the price of back home. The way we saw it, people’s quality of life in every aspect was so much better in Florida than where we came from.

The more we visited, the more we fell in love with the way of life and the location. After many trips and fantasizing about living full time in Florida we decided we wanted to make our future there. We just didn’t know how or legal aspects of such a move. That was the pivotal moment when we both agreed that on returning home we would put all our efforts into finding out as much information as possible about the correct way to emigrate to Florida.

The one piece of key advice we would offer to anyone thinking about emigrating anywhere is do your homework and do it thoroughly! Knowledge is power! It’s one thing to dream about moving to an exotic location and changing your life for the better but sometimes not everything is as it seems. Immigration rules and local laws can be very detailed and difficult to navigate without prior knowledge of the system or expert help.

Cultural divides can be much bigger than you first imagined. Staying somewhere for a short time as a visiting tourist versus immigrant status, living a normal 9-5 life, is massively different. The other thing to consider is not everyone along the way may be looking out for your best interests. Thousands of people arrive in Florida every year looking to start a new life. This large wave of ‘fresh’ residents can sometimes prove rich pickings for more unscrupulous people. However if you know your facts before you start the process, then becoming a potential victim of these types of people can be reduced to a minimum.

In the next installment, we’ll tell you how we went from half-baked daydreams to our first startling discovery of how difficult it was going to be to realize our goal.