Return To Paradise

Southwest Florida promotes itself by calling this area Paradise. With five years without a hurricane and weather that can only be described as perfect it deserves this title. Looking at the seven day forecast and every day the temperature is above 85 and reaching the 90 mark helps to satisfy the thousands of people coming here for spring break.

For a few years with falling the  economy and devastation caused by damaging storms the beaches looked like anything like Paradise.Our roads are crowded, lineups for seating at restaurants and baseball fever is all good for the business of tourism. Some locals complain about the people who flock to our shores and attractions but I hear the tinkling of cash registers and happy faces on business owners.

Years ago when I used to visit here for a week or two the population of Florida was about 5 million and Cape Coral was less than 10,000. Florida is now the fourth largest state by population coming in at 18,500,000 people. Our little city is now about 175,000. These changes can be seen all over the sun belt from California to Florida. The baby boomers are coming in droves to seek a warm refuge to retire. This does not come without problems.

The environment is being attacked by development in the once pristine everglades, wetlands are being drained for housing and wildlife is fighting for it's place in the sun. Big decisions are being sought to make sure that we are getting it right the first time but I can see mistakes being overlooked in the name of progress.

My mind always goes back to the Arctic where a few years ago there was a pristine wilderness and places that man left untouched. With global and climate change there will be impacts to our true north and I hope we get it right.

For now I love my place here in the sunny south and will always call home here Paradise.