Have you been planning on vacationing in Florida? Perhaps Disney World, Miami Beach or anywhere else in this beautiful state. Without a doubt you must be transported somehow to be able to get around to all the places you want to visit.

Even think about when you arrive either at the Miami International Airport, Orlando International Airport or FT Lauder dale Airport which are the most common for tourists here in Florida. There are definitely many options that you can take into consideration. Here are some options for transportation; we will explain which one will suit you and your pocket in a better way.

One of the options could be taking a taxi. If you are planning to take a taxi if you have ever done so you know is a waste of time and a hassle. Not even mentioning about how many people are running behind one so they actually stop to pick you up and even more so at the airport where there are so many people trying to get transportation. Not only the hassle of getting one but the price is extremely high for the kind of service they provide. Many people complain about the cab drivers being rude and not helpful, also the driving is crazy they drive so fast that you really don’t feel all the way safe. The last thing is if you have a group of people is hard to fit in the tiny cabs, plus the luggage. So this one can really be discarded unless you are willing to go through all that hassle.

Now we can look at the option of contracting the services of a limousine. Wow you would say, of course is elegant, luxurious, you would have your own private chauffeur definitely one of a kind. But have you thought about the prices that limousine services cost now a days? They are over the roof and in reality you are not going to a red carpet event. You just want excellent, reliable and affordable service. So that you can enjoy your vacations without having to stress about driving, paying exorbitant gas prices and tolls.

The the best option for last, shuttle transportation services. With this type of transportation you actually have a couple of choices as well like: Private shuttle which accommodates to your itinerary. Is your own shuttle at your own time, wherever you choose to be picked up and dropped off at very affordable prices, mostly recommended when traveling in a group so that the fare could be split among the group.

Shared scheduled shuttle transportation. Has a variety of departure times and stations which gives the opportunity to the passengers to choose the one that best suits their itinerary at very affordable prices.

Last but not least, door to door service. Is as well shared transportation but offers the flexibility of picking up and dropping off at the address you specify which is other than the shuttle station for a low cost in addition to the fare.

With Florida shuttle transportation you can reserve your transportation in advance and is highly recommended so that when you arrive the shuttle is waiting for you as well as guaranteeing the transportation service.

Torreya State Park is located in sunny Florida and plays a crucial role in maintaining the unique plants and animal’s species. Two other critical roles the park is known for are; the essential communities that are of regional importance, and the water quality of the Apalachicola River, which flows into the productive Apalachicola Bay. Torreya State Park and the Apalachicola River are both historic and rich in history.

To find the beginning history of Torreya Park you must go back to the civil war. This is the time when the high bluffs were called home by two hundred Confederate Soldiers. As you hike through this park you can still see where the cannons were placed. It was in the 1840’s where the plantation owner, Jason Gregory and his family, called home. The estate of Jason Gregory was three thousand square feet and originally set on the west banks of the Apalachicola River. However, in the late 1930’s Gregory’s home was given to the Civilian Conservation Corp. On the other hand this donation came with a stipulation which was that the home be dismantled and moved. The workers of the Civilian Conservation Corp began taking apart the home brick by brick and board by board. These boards and bricks were then loaded on a barge which carried these items to the east bank. It is here that the re-building of this old home began and where it stands and can still be seen today.

One of the most populated sites in Florida was located at the Apalachicola Region. Along the lower part of the Apalachicola River Valley you will find an abundance of the earliest places along former and present banks. Along the waterways and river swamps you can find scattered about a mound of clam and oyster shells which are remnants of the early inhabitants. In the 1700’s the Creek Indians from Georgia and Alabama began to settle along the Apalachicola River. The word Apalachicola comes from the Indian word which means “people on the other side.” In 1816 one or more fights happened between the Americans Forces and the Creek Indians and their black allies. It is possible that “Bloody Bluff” is the site of these skirmishes. The Black allies of the Creek Indians occupied the “Negro Fort” which today is known as Fort Gadsden and located at nearby Prospect Bluff. During this time cotton was shipped by steamboat from the interior plantations to Apalachicola for export. However, during the Civil War the Union Forces formed a barrier at Apalachicola Bay which prevented the steamboats from traveling. When the war concluded lumber became the new product for shipping. Along the Apalachicola River saw mills began to spring up. Passing through the port of Apalachicola were millions of board feet of lumber. This timber came from the long leaf pine and cypress trees. The pine trees served a secondary purpose, its sap. The sap was distilled into resin and turpentine, which collectively became known as naval stores.

Torreya State Park was opened to the public in 1935 and is one of Florida’s original state parks. Credit to the creation of this park goes to the Florida Board of Parks and the Civilian Conservation Corp. No matter what you love about Torreya State Park whether it’s for the proficient craftsmanship by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the rebuilding of the original Jason Gregory home or stepping into one of its barracks, or by the fascinating stone bridge. Today the Torreya State Park has become one of Florida’s scenic places because of its high bluffs that overlook the Apalachicola River. The name of the park, Torreya, comes from one of the oldest and rarest trees. These trees grow only in the ravines and on the bluffs of Torreya State Park. The Torreya Tree became so popular that it almost caused its destruction. In the 1800’s there were approximately six hundred thousand of these trees living in the Apalachicola Valley, but today there is only about two hundred left. About 1835 the Florida Torreya was identified by botanist Hardy Bryan Croom. Croom gave it this name in honor of a well-known scientist, Dr. John Torrey. The tree was well-known by the locals as the “stinking cedar” because when cut or bruised it gives off a strong odor. The park is well-known for its hiking, camping, picnicking, and bird watching. More than one hundred species of birds have been seen here. The hardwood trees of this forest display some of the finest fall colors in Florida. You can also find the park giving daily tours of the rebuilt home of Jason Gregory.

In regards to the Apalachicola River it now separates the Eastern and Central time zones. During mid-April or May if you paddle down the quiet creeks and bayous you will see a variety of trees and shrubs, including the Tupelo, Black Gum, and the Titi. Another of your senses that will be activated is your ears as you listen to loud and steady hum of honey Bees. The only place on earth that Tupelo Honey is made is right along the Apalachicola River Valley. In Conclusion you can now see why Torreya State Parks and Apalachicola River is historic and rich in history.

Fishing in Florida is probably one of the main pastimes that this state has to offer. There are many places to do this throughout the state. From the crystal clear freshwater lakes to the brackish waters of the coastal areas and to the Atlantic Ocean itself, the opportunities are endless. But, for a real adventure, the Key West Florida fishing charters offers something more.

When it comes to fishing in the Key West, this is nowhere near your typical fishing trip. These are fishing trips that are clearly after the bigger fish and many times record breaking fish are caught in this specific location.

Fish such as marlin, grouper, dolphin, tuna, flounder, barracuda, spearfish, swordfish, shark, snapper, tarpon, and many others inhabit these waters and all are of substantial size and extremely good eating. There is nothing like a two hour fight with a seventy five pound tarpon or a one hundred and fifty pound marlin that can literally keep adrenalin continuously flowing through one’s body. Of course, afterward, one will certainly realize how exhausted they actually are. But, during the excitement of the chase and catch, nothing can match it.

And, many of the fishing charters at Key West Florida offer this exact feeling and excitement. They want you to catch the thrill of a lifetime and do everything in their part to assist. The Key West Florida Fishing charter will include any poles or tackle that a person would need, as well as the bait. Cleaning a catch can be an added price however, many times, it is simply the photograph or video that a tourist would want to both show family and friends back home as well as save for posterity.

There are many locations that can be fished in the area whether it be offshore in the Gulf or bottom fishing at the only reef in North America. Many wrecks are under these waters too and offer excellent fishing spots.

Tournaments in Key West Florida are readily available to join up with too and this can enable a simple tourist the ability to win a cash prize for their catch thus, allowing their entire trip to be funded by one fishing win.

Whether it be trolling or deep water fishing, there is certainly something for everyone. Key West Florida fishing charter captains know the waters quite well and know where to find the fish. This will ensure your chances tremendously at catching that trophy fish that many anglers dream of catching.

An essential factor in predicting any state’s economic achievement is its capacity to expand major industry sectors. In view of that, Florida clearly stands on top of the rest.

The state’s skilled labor force, business-friendly commercial sector and first-rate research facilities allow industries and companies of varying sizes to dig a niche in the business arena. In conjunction with the influx of trade and commerce, the Florida commercial real estate scene is also afforded with a chance to flourish even more.

The Thriving Business Industry

The state’s tradition of modernization is actually deep-seated in its colorful history. With its appealing blend of global connectivity, business-friendly regulations, remarkably skilled workforce and low tax deductions, the Florida commercial real estate industry surely benefits greatly from its economic success.

The Pros Of Doing Business In Florida

Aside from the perennial warm climate and fine-looking coastlines, there are other reasons why entrepreneurs from varying fields choose to put up their business in the state of Florida.

1) Global Entryway

The advantageous geographic position, political stability and economic pull allow Florida to function as the Western hemisphere’s center of trade and commerce.

2) Technological Innovations

With the state’s numerous modern companies, Florida definitely stands above the rest of its technologically driven competition particularly in the Southeast region. On top of that, it represents an emerging presence in the various revolutionary sectors of the economy — including information technology, telecommunications and life sciences.

3) Commercial Environment

The United States Small Business Administration places Florida in the list of highly competent states in promoting the conception of novel businesses. In addition to the National Entrepreneur Center of Disney/SBA, the state houses a variety of technologically advanced accelerators and incubators, and university-funded research facilities. Accordingly, the Florida commercial real estate scene thrives to accommodate the growth of its booming trade and industry.

4) Business Atmosphere

Time and again, Florida ranks among the top business-friendly states in the country because of its affable tax codes and dedication to supplying enticements for job establishments, training, and investments in selected urban and rural enterprise sectors. The speedy business permit processing and assistance in gaining access to micro-loans, venture capital and enterprise bonds further add to the state’s standing as an excellent area for business.

The plethora of options offered by the Florida commercial real estate industry allows prospective businessmen to pick out the best possible choice for their new-fangled companies. Potential entrepreneurs will surely find it easy to establish their businesses in this sunny part of the United States.

5) Quality of Living

The combination of economic opportunities, exceptional leisure facilities and year-round sunshine has helped Florida grab one of the top spots in the Harris Poll’s “most desired places to live in” ever since its inception. And since the state is a favorite pick for permanent residence, the Florida commercial real estate industry blooms alongside the residential realty scene in an effort to provide both dwellers and tourists with high quality business establishments and services.

The Florida commercial real estate industry is certainly on the rise, thanks to the influx of innovative companies. And so long as the businesses keep on coming, the realty scene will also keep on growing.

Naples, Florida is the “golf capital of the world.” How can it make that claim? Well, it has 80 championship golf courses, either within the city or within spitting distance. Naples residents claim that there are more golf holes than any other place in the world, per capita.

Being such a golf place, Naples is a great place to get golf instruction. The town is full of golf academies, golf schools, and resorts that are all about golfing. Here is a sampling of some of the great golf instruction programs in Naples, Florida.

Dennis Meyer’s Golf School

Dennis Meyer, who won the 1999 PGA Teacher of the Year award, has schools in Minnesota, Tennessee, and Florida. While the other two close during the winter season, the one in Naples stays open all year round, making it the most popular. The school is connected to a luxury hotel that is just minutes walk from the beach, or from Naples’ downtown shopping area. Dennis Meyer’s school has a 3 students to 1 professional ratio, making it easier for students to get one-on-one, individualized golf instruction. Rates start at $195 per half day, but package deals, which include food and hotel also, start at about $700 for two full days. You can call them toll-free at 1-800-445-4554 for more information.

Paradise Golf Academy

Paradise has schools all over Florida, and they couldn’t pass up having one in the Golf Capital of the World. They also have a 3-1 ratio of students to teachers, and offer small group golf lessons as well as those for individuals. They also have video review so that students can see how what they’re doing and improve their swings. Paradise students play at the Hibiscus Golf Club, one of the oldest and most respected courses in the city. Paradise offers many programs, including the Masters Program and corporate classes. You can get more info or make a reservation at 1-800-624-3543

Naples Golf Academy

Naples also uses the Hibiscus course, and offers half-hour and quarter-hour private lessons. They pride themselves on tailoring their instruction to individuals, to work with their particular golfing style and help them improve. There are a variety of courses for all different levels of golfers. Half day programs start at $225 and private half-hour lessons start at $60 a lesson. You can reach them at (239) 732-9944 to get more info.

VIP Naples Golf School

VIP uses the Twin Eagles course which has courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player. They emphasize the traditional approach to golf, and specialize in one-on-one instruction. They have package deals where you can stay at the Ritz for a discounted rate while you attend the school. They offer a golf vacation with 5 days of instruction and 5 nights of accommodation. Their toll free number is 1-800-679-2916.

This short article is just the tip of the iceberg. If you’re serious about sharpening your golf skills, or a beginner who wants to start on the right foot, you can find the golf instruction you need in Naples, Florida, the Golf Capital of the World.

Increase your deductible!

Increasing your deductible can make a huge difference to your homeowner’s insurance premium. We have seen premiums halved by taking the maximum deductibles for both wind and other events.

It means that the policy is only good in catastrophic circumstances, but people are using the following reasoning: if a hurricane hits, the damage will be catastrophic anyway.

Some are confiding that in the event of evacuating for a storm, that they will leave all their windows and doors open, so that they can actually cash in on the homeowner’s insurance policy!

Change the policy on your goods from Replacement value to Actual Cash Value (ACV)

Citizens calculates the replacement value of your goods by halving the value of your home. So if you have a $600,000 home, they assume you have $300,000 worth of goods inside it. What I did to reduce my premium was to specify I wanted actual cash value rather than replacement value in the event of a loss and subsequent claim. A gamble, but in this Florida insurance monopoly it was one of the ways to get the premium down, in addition to specifying an outrageous deductible on your homeowner’s (HO) policy.

Shop around for insurance brokers

You will want to shop around agents. Sometimes the quote that one Citizens agent provides will be different to the quote from another. Some insureds have saved hundreds of dollars by doing this.

For example:

I don’t know which (if any) carriers are writing non-owner occupied insurance policies in that area, but I did find that shopping Citizens rates can make a big difference. The best Citizens quote I got for my son’s Pasco home was $3,900 here in town, but an insurance broker in Orlando got me the same policy for $2,900 by using the $134,000 purchase price versus the $179,000 value local brokers were using, and charging lower fees.

The broker’s name is Colleen Pacheco with Florida Insurance Planners at (407) 767-1634. She may even be able to insure homes with knob and tube wiring! She uses Lloyds of London in the quotes I have gotten.

Lloyds is a surplus lines carrier not regulated by the state of Florida. The rates they are charging are not regulated. If a surplus lines carrier were to go insolvent then the state would not take over paying any claims. That protection for consumers under the Florida Insurance Guaranty Act does not apply to surplus lines carriers.

Get separate Liability Insurance

I have heard anecdotally that State Farm Insurance will do liability cheaper than Citizens, so you should waive it with CPIC and then go to State Farm.

If liability is a concern for you, for example if you have a lot of assets, then you need an Umbrella policy. It will only cost a minimal amount but will only cover you if other liability policies are in effect.

Driving a car is your biggest vulnerability in your asset protection strategy. Due to a split second of inattention on the road, you can lose everything you own in the consequent law suit.

Are you over insured?

The insurance company may sometimes overvalue a home which forces up your premium. You may be able to use an appraisal to demonstrate to them the appropriate value and thus reduce your homeowner’s quote and thus your insurance premium. Remember that an appraisal will include land value so subtract that out in order to come up with the figure that you are going to use to persuade the insurance company how much your building is worth.

Insurance companies are usually happy to accept inflated premiums on your coverage, but are then reluctant to pay out the amount insured in the event of a claim. Why pay high premiums for no gain?

Have An Insurance Inspection Of Your Home

An inspector can certify that your roof is up to code, and can give you a discount for having plywood shutters. Apparently there was very little difference in the the discount you receive for having hurricane shutters versus plywood.

Sea World is a unique theme park which enhances the importance of Florida as the most attractive place in the world. This theme park offers entertainment as well as education to its visitors. It attractions and entertainments include thrilling rides, world class shows, and close encounter with marine life.

Buy Sea World Tickets in discount rates and start exploring the water adventures. Don’t miss the chance to experience the longest, tallest and fastest coaster. The shows like Shamu Killer Whale show and Believe are the shows where music plays an original score and a dazzling display which will include more than 80 feet of screens is poised to amaze guests of all ages and backgrounds.

The wonders of the sea come to life with a breathtaking, mystical show at Sea World’s Nautilus Theater. Odyssea is a non-traditional circus that combines high-flying acrobatic performances, delightful comedy, whimsical costumes, dramatic music and fantastic special effects within a spectacular set themed as an underwater fantasy world.

Sea World Orlando is a place where you can take a fascinating glimpse into world of beauty and mystery beneath the sea through the unforgettable Sea World Orlando shows, up-close Sea World animal encounters and the exhilarating rides at Sea World Orland take a fascinating glimpse into world of beauty and mystery beneath the sea through the unforgettable Sea World Orlando shows, up-close Sea World animal encounters and the exhilarating rides at Sea World Orlando, the world’s most popular marine adventure park.

Disney Flex Tickets are the combination of some of the multi-day theme park tickets offering 14 days uninterrupted continuous per day visit. Flex tickets get expired after its first 14 days use. The theme park may include Sea World of Florida, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Universal Studios Florida, Aquatica and Wet’n Wild. All these attractions are included in the lists of Florida Attractions Tickets which can be booked through on line.

Naples, Florida has everything on your wish list for the perfect vacation – sun, sea and sand, plus plenty of golf courses, amazing shopping and fine dining.

There’s so much to see and do here, so if you’re considering Naples for your next vacation, here are some of the things which you really shouldn’t miss.

Naples Zoo is a fantastic place to visit. This nationally accredited zoo is home to all your favourite animals, from alligators to zebras. There are fun wildlife presentations for children and a cruise past islands of monkeys.

Shopping in Naples is first class, with a variety of shopping malls and boutiques to choose from. Try Fifth Avenue South and Venetian Village for smaller shops and Coastland Center Mall and Waterside Shops for larger chains.

Naples was recently named the number one Small Art Town in America. And it’s easy to see why. Naples Museum of Art, the von Liebig Art Center and the Marco Island Center for the Arts, will keep art lovers more than satisfied.

There are so many amazing beaches to choose from in Naples. A popular hot spot is Tigertail beach on Marco Island.

You simply cannot visit Naples without taking an air boat ride across the Everglades.

A number of tour companies specialise in showing you the natural beauty of Naples. History enthusiasts will also enjoy learning about the cities strong Indian background in the museums around Naples.

Naples is the golf capital of the world, with close to 100 championship golf courses. Try Tiburon Golf Club or Naples Beach Hotel and Golf.

Whether you’re looking for a casual afternoon snack or a sophisticated dinner, you’ll find it at one of the many restaurants in Naples. For a real treat, take afternoon tea at the Ritz Carlton.

Beautiful natural parks seem to be on every corner in Naples. Why not pack a picnic and enjoy the views for a fun afternoon with your family.

Take an early evening walk along iconic waterfront and pier. You might even see dolphins playing in the water.

And what better way to spend your Naples vacation, than in a luxury villa rental. Your villa will be a joy to come home to after a hard day on the golf course or shopping mall. Luxury villas have all the facilities you would expect, and a little bit more. From spacious family kitchens and BBQ areas to hot tubs and impressive waterfall swimming pools, each vacation rental is unique and custom-designed.

The city of Naples, in Florida, has something for everyone. If your dream holiday is a laid back, but sophisticated city, with the luxury of a private villa, then a Naples villa vacation is for you.

Starting a check cashing business in Florida is a process that requires several steps that must be planned before filing for the license, and risking a loss of money and time.

The check cashing business in Florida is profitable but at the same time it is a risky business which must be minimized through the adoption of special measures and procedures.

It is important to obtain proper advice from experienced and qualified professionals to avoid expenses and delays to obtain a check cashing license.

Obtaining a check cashing license in Florida, known also as an FT3 license, requires several steps:

The first step is to register with the federal government as a Money Service Business (MSB). This process is done electronically, and in order to file said registration any new applicant must set up an account with the U.S. Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, commonly known as FinCEN. The registration is done through form FinCEN 107.

Registration with FinCEN places the company under the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) laws and regulations. Those regulations impose several requirements on the company. One of those requirements is to develop and implement an Anti-Money Laundering (AML) program which must contain policies and procedures that the company will implement as part of their check cashing operation. Some companies tend to use AML programs devised for other type of financial services such as money order sales or money transfer services. However those programs are inadequate for check cashing and they do not meet the requirement of the BSA for a check cashing operation. Another requirement is to designate a compliance officer. This person is responsable to ensure that the AML program is being thoroughly implemented. There are other BSA requirements which must be met, and therefore the compliance officer and employees of the company must be aware of said regulations.

After the FinCEN registration has been confirmed, an application with the Florida Department of Financial Services, Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) must be filed. This application contains several parts, and must be filed electronically. As with the FinCEN registration, the applicant must set up an account with the OFR’s Real System for thie purpose. It is extremely important that all information requested be provided in a complete and accurate manner to avoid delays in the process. In our experience the vast majority of delays in obtaining such a license come from errors in the original application form. Several documents must be attached to the application, among those is the anti-money laundering program which must be previously drafted. Another form that must be submitted is a fingerprint card for each of the individuals included in the application, which will be used for a background check conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Once the license is obtained it is important to keep present that the State of Florida has multiple requirements that must be met by check cashers. Also the check casher is subject to audit examinations to verify that the company is operating with the parameters of Chapter 560 of Florida Statutes.

There are other important aspects that must be planned for, and executed timely. Some of those are obtaining the proper county and city permits to operate the business, ensuring that the location has all the necessary security measures to protect the employees and customers, obtaining adequate software for the check cashing operation, as well as obtaining a qualified bank account to be able to operate the business. The process of applying for an MSB-qualified bank account has a number of elements that must be considered before applying for the account. Also the check casher must be aware that not every bank offers accounts for check cashers, and some of the banks that offer these types of accounts have additional costs and even collateral requirements. It is very important to demonstrate to the bank you are applying for that your check cashing business operates in a safe and sound manner.

Florida Gulf Coast University, or FGCU, is one of the newest universities to make its debut in academe, opening its doors in August 1996.  Much of the impetus behind its incorporation was the overwhelming desire of Southwest Florida residents to host a world-class university in their midst. Not surprisingly, the allure of a mild climate, lots of sunshine and nearby beaches has helped FGCU more than double its student enrollments every year since inception to more than 10,000 students for 2008-09.  In an era of college educations that cost upwards of $40,000 a year in tuition, FGCU is a relative bargain with out-of-state annual tuition averaging $17K.

Located on 760 acres in the heart of Southwest Florida, FGCU has carefully mapped out its location to maximize the surrounding wildlife and nature preserves and offer a “living laboratory” to students, faculty, and alumnae.  True to this mission, FGCU is heralded as one of the most ecologically sound campuses in North America.  The University recently purchased waterfront property in Bonita Springs with the intention of developing a marine research laboratory to further capitalize on its coastal location and the abundance of marine and bird life.

A co-ed institution, FGCU is four-year with accreditation to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.  As of the fall of 2008, the University offers 51 undergraduate and 31 graduate degree programs in Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, and Health Professions. With the plethora of resorts and restaurants in the region, the Resort and Hospitality Management program is one of the more popular majors.  Students can participate in an active internship program at some of the world’s premier resorts located just minutes from campus.  Biology and criminal justice are also growing programs.  The Division of Justice Studies is in its first year of offering a Master of Science in Criminal Forensic Studies, paving the way for future CSI investigators.

Students praise the small class sizes and individual attention with an 18:1 teacher/student ratio at the undergraduate level. FGCU is also one of the most technologically advanced campuses in the world with a campus-wide high-speed Internet network.  Classrooms all feature fully equipped multimedia instructional systems that include Internet access, cameras and audio and video presentation capabilities.   Capitalizing on its expertise, FGCU has hosted an Informational Technology (IT) forum for the past eight years, connecting area experts with MBA students in Germany.

While many students barely tolerate dorm or off-campus living during their college years, the 2,400 students who live in FGCU campus housing enjoy a comparatively luxurious existence.  Residences are apartment-style, completely furnished and wired for high-speed Internet access.  Full-size kitchens, spacious living rooms overlooking the lake, and automated laundry facilities are additional touches that give new meaning to the college experience.  Other amenities include a swimming pool, barbecue areas, beach volleyball, and easy access to lake water sports.

Athletics are an increasingly large part of the FGCU program and encompass baseball, men’s basketball, men’s golf, men’s soccer, men’s tennis, softball, volleyball, women’s basketball, women’s cross country, women’s golf, women’s soccer, women’s swimming and diving, and women’s tennis, among others. The women’s teams have performed especially well, despite the newness of the programs with the women’s basketball team ending their 35-1 season with a loss in the Division II National Championship.  As of the 2007-2008 academic year, FGCU moved to Division I sports.

Despite its sunny climate and laid-back atmosphere, FGCU offers a solid classroom experience.  While students can take courses in paradise, graduates are well prepared to excel in today’s tech-savvy and increasingly green environment.