Expensive Hot Garbage
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2/24/2024
I've lived here for most of my 30 years. I'm moving my family away in a few months. Here are the reasons:
Climate- it's hot. Unbearably hot. And it's going to get worse. The local politicians don't think climate change exists so they won't address it until it's far too late. It's only pleasant outside for a few weeks out of the year. The beach is the main draw but Ft Myers Beach is among the worst in the state. The water is always murky due to the sand that is imported to combat erosion. Much of the area is still in shambles from hurricane Ian except for Jimmy Buffett-land, which has a charge at the door to enter. Developers have snatched up any property they can from the lower income retirees so they can build another gated, HOA hellhole. The water is being ruined by runoff from Lake Okeechobee's fertilizer choked waters, creating toxic bacterial blooms all around the SWFL coast.
Economy- I've been pretty successful here. Learning a trade and establishing a business. I make what should be really good money and while we don't want for much, it's become clear our goal of saving enough to buy a home outright here is unattainable. The home prices are 150% higher than the rest of the country, and those who do have mortgages have seen their payments balloon out of control due to the abuse of the insurance industry after the natural disasters. Auto insurance is the highest in the nation and groceries are high competitively. We are going to buy in a state where our children will have a chance of independence before 30.
Politics- Florida is the laughingstock of the nation and Fort Myers is at the forefront. You will hear a lot about how godly these people are, meanwhile our local rep has a criminal record, the sheriff is embroiled in corruption, the school board is being taken over by folks who have no experience in education. They could care less about fixing the insurance prices or making sure our kids are taken care of, they only push their divisive agendas. And because it's at the forefront of the extreme right there is a mass influx of bad actors who think it's a Utopia for conservatives, only to find out there's little opportunity here and no protections for the working class.
It's a shame. I love Florida and would stay if I thought it was fixable in a generation, but I have a daughter to raise and I won't subject her to the kind of extremism that is breeding here.
Ethan | San Carlos Park, FL