Winter Break in Florida

Our area is a destination for those college and school kids who can afford to come here for their winter break. With perfect weather , around 85 degrees every day and not a cloud, the beaches were filled to capacity. we often criticize our youth but this year they deserve an a plus for their behaviour.

Besides making money for various charities and being environmentally conscious they caused little action on the part of the policing authorities with a handful of misdemeanor's and only a few arrests. Underage drinking accounted for most of the few problems. The Fort Myers Beach association planned many activities and entertainment venues for the students. The exact number of students was not given but an estimation put it at many thousands

The local students also joined in and everyone had a good time. There was not one driving incident and this is rare. Overall this year the area saw a drop in all levels of crime and our city of Cape Coral was named as the safest city in Florida. We had a drop of nearly 20 percent in all levels of crime.

As a candid observer of the youth who came our way I would say we should be proud of them. It was a far cry to the rowdiness of past years where many communities banned students during the spring break. The economic benefit of this spring activity is enormous and weeks like we had here this year will help heal the wounds of the past. Well done Florida and students of the north.

Rain, Rain Pour Down - Chase the Tourists Out of Town

The tourist industry in Florida is second only to agriculture in economic terms. This year we have had the coldest weather on record from Xmas and the tourists are staying away in droves. This week we had two days when the mercury reached 80 and the beaches were crowded and everyone sang, happy days are here again.

On Thursday we heard of a rain storm coming. It is now Friday and we received more rain already than we would have in the first four months of a normal year. Over five inches have fallen so far and we expect that much or more in the next two days.

Baseball camps for the pros are cancelled, golf courses closed, beaches deserted and restaurants and movie theatres full. People from the north who come for a week of fun in the sun are shocked.

Personally I love the rain as it fills our wells, lakes, ponds and wetlands. Our gardens like the rain but not a flood. My pool will be filled to capacity as it has already risen 5 inches. Climate change or a fluke? You be the judge.

This year the hurricane center is predicting an active year with 15 storms, 6 of which will be major and reaching the USA mainland. Mother Nature is expressing unhappiness with our stewardship of mother earth - and she is revolting.

Weather Change

With all the talk about climate change I am concerned this year with weather change. Before Xmas we had the hottest weather experienced for many years. Since Xmas we are experiencing the coldest weather since records were kept. January and February are traditionally the driest months of the year but this year we have plenty of rain.

Just observing the level of the lakes and ponds brings you to the realization that our weather has been goofy. The results of these changes had nature in transition as well. After four years of drought Florida is returning to the lush grasslands and wetlands so vital for the fish and bird populations. One sure sign is the wood stork population and their breeding habits.

If the water level is low and fish stocks are unable to reproduce in the wetlands, the storks will not even build a nest. This year the storks are everywhere. I counted over a hundred on our golf course alone and birdwatchers are having a field day with sightings not seen for years.

With the revitalization of the abundant wetlands also comes the dreaded mosquito with its ability to spread west Nile and other diseases, not to say the pesky insects bites are welcomed. We now hear the helicopters flying over the wetlands and ponds spraying to control these little beasts.

Traffic is down almost half in the tourists areas because of the lack of heat and sunshine. Economics play a big role in all peoples lives but when it comes to the tourist trade weather is the number one factor. If weather can have such an impact on our lives just imagine how much impact climate change will make in our lives.