Florida - East Coast vs. Gulf Coast - opinion asap
Jun 29th, 2016, 02:59 PM
#41
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I read this before going on my trip to Florida. What I got after reading this was the Gulf side is better as far as Ocean. NOT true. The Ocean side is WAYYYY better. Here is why. The water on the ocean side was really clean and clear (I went to Miami Beach). The water on the Gulf side was murky and dirty, hardly anyone was swimming but most people only fished in these waters (just north of Fort Meyers area). There was also many bugs on this beach including an army of red ants that bit us to death. Also there was no parking spots. You would think a tourist area like this would have parking lots so you could go and swim but there were none. We parked in an apartment complex risking getting towed. Not good. There were signs by the beach claiming a $50 fine if you try to park there. Anyways, in Miami it had lots of parking. So if you are vacationing go to the ocean side for a good experience. The gulf side was better as far as land goes - meaning it was less city and more rural and peaceful. So if you are not going to the beach, gulf side might be better depending on your motives for being there.
Jun 29th, 2016, 04:04 PM
#42
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 36,842
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Coolistic, was your post meant to be that funny, or did t hat just happen? My favorite part was about lack of parking on the Gulf coast, but lots of parking in Miami. Seriously?
But since you are now dead, due to those ants, I'm unclear how you even wrote this.
But since you are now dead, due to those ants, I'm unclear how you even wrote this.
Jun 29th, 2016, 04:21 PM
#43
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 11,983
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think cool meant the ants "literally" bit them to death...
Clearly NeoPatrick, you do agree with the overall gist of the cool-one's post dont you? there is no clean water, nobody swimming, and no parking anywhere on the entire gulf coast of florida.
It's not like you're a neopolitan at heart or have ever been to a nice beach, say in Naples, correct?
Clearly NeoPatrick, you do agree with the overall gist of the cool-one's post dont you? there is no clean water, nobody swimming, and no parking anywhere on the entire gulf coast of florida.
It's not like you're a neopolitan at heart or have ever been to a nice beach, say in Naples, correct?
Jul 1st, 2016, 10:31 AM
#46
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 36,842
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"I think cool meant the ants "literally" bit them to death..."
OK, call me pedantic, but we do know, don't we what "literally" means? If the ants LITERALLY bit them to death, then they are dead, gone, kuput, kicked the bucket. This is almost as funny as "the steak literally melted in my mouth". I don't know about you, but if I put a piece of steak in my mouth and it melted, I think I'd throw up. Liquid steak is not a pretty sight.
But yes, J62, that's right. There is no swimming, no parking, no clear water (even in the town called Clearwater), and most of all no sand or sun on the Gulf Coast. dwdvagamundo has it right. Stay away from the Gulf Coast.
OK, call me pedantic, but we do know, don't we what "literally" means? If the ants LITERALLY bit them to death, then they are dead, gone, kuput, kicked the bucket. This is almost as funny as "the steak literally melted in my mouth". I don't know about you, but if I put a piece of steak in my mouth and it melted, I think I'd throw up. Liquid steak is not a pretty sight.
But yes, J62, that's right. There is no swimming, no parking, no clear water (even in the town called Clearwater), and most of all no sand or sun on the Gulf Coast. dwdvagamundo has it right. Stay away from the Gulf Coast.
Jul 1st, 2016, 04:53 PM
#51
Yes, algae is on the east coast...
"A green and blue algae bloom has overtaken a small neighborhood marina and other parts of the St. Lucie River in Stuart, Fla., just inside the Atlantic coastline.
This week, Gov. Rick Scott declared states of emergency in Martin, St. Lucie, Palm Beach and Lee Counties"
"A green and blue algae bloom has overtaken a small neighborhood marina and other parts of the St. Lucie River in Stuart, Fla., just inside the Atlantic coastline.
This week, Gov. Rick Scott declared states of emergency in Martin, St. Lucie, Palm Beach and Lee Counties"
Jul 2nd, 2016, 06:38 AM
#53
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/a...algae-40271392
People are totally ruining our water, run off is destroying the Indian and Banana rivers which are inlets to the Ocean. Fish floating is the worst. HGTV gave away that million dollar house and the water was horrible from their docks. All the homes along the water use so many chemicals plus the county and towns kill everything along the edges. We have Florida power and light spewing crap and two Brevard county towns had broken sewer lines that went directly into the water. I don't know anyone that wants to eat fish from there now.
Sea lice is bad on the gulf right now. That creeps me out.
People are totally ruining our water, run off is destroying the Indian and Banana rivers which are inlets to the Ocean. Fish floating is the worst. HGTV gave away that million dollar house and the water was horrible from their docks. All the homes along the water use so many chemicals plus the county and towns kill everything along the edges. We have Florida power and light spewing crap and two Brevard county towns had broken sewer lines that went directly into the water. I don't know anyone that wants to eat fish from there now.
Sea lice is bad on the gulf right now. That creeps me out.
Jul 11th, 2016, 08:54 PM
#55
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I grew up and have lived on both Florida coasts and still visit both coasts every year since. In this discussion, I believe the gorgeous white sand beaches of the west coast merits have been noted nicely and I feel many of the posts seem blinded to the bigger picture of comparison of the two. So please allow me to elaborate on this discussion in a more factual and detailed way.
So while I love the West coast for it's slightly more gentile white sand, and often lighter water colors, most other factors favor the East coast IMO, so here is my experience and facts which make me prefer the East overall.
The Gulf side is suffering in the last decade from major runoff and Fecal bacteria issues -that's right Poop. Haven't heard much? well that's because it affects tourism and is largely muted in the media. One Google will horrify you. Currently as I write this 11 beaches are under Fecal Bacteria warning. The Gulf water is much dirtier than the Atlantic side -due to direct major metropolitan runoff and oh yeah the worlds most productive agricultural and second most manufacturing basin emptying it's fertilizers and chemical waste in to the gulf. To be fair runoff affects the middle and southern portion of east coast from municipal and agricultural runoff as well but not anywhere to the degree of the Gulf side -and the state of Florida can mitigate and control this east coast issue inside their boarders whereas the Gulf side's issues are a matter of pollution that stems from 33 states and even Canada -that's how big the basin that feeds the Gulf is. The Gulf is basically the United States' giant agricultural sewer retention pond -and don't forget the the oil industry in the Gulf and their track record.
Next, the Gulf's humidity does not burn off as much in the afternoons like the east Coast -making for some painfully muggy afternoons but slightly more tolerable mornings. On a typical summer day the Atlantic side can be a few degrees hotter and still be much nicer than the west coast Gulf side. Don't forget that due to the Westerly trade winds crossing the state, Florida's beach town temperatures are inverted with reference to latitude -with Miami being the coolest portion of the state and Jacksonville and Pensecola being the hottest beach towns -Of course inland areas like Orlando and Gainesville break this rule due to 2-4 MPH less wind than coastal towns on average -Inland is always hotter and muggier by several degrees over the closest east or west coast.
Next, in the Gulf you have to contend with much more Stingrays which UNLIKE sharks -are an actual danger and problem -especially for children. And unless you live on the East coast near Cocoa Beach/Sebastian Inlet where the continental shelf abnormally dips close to the beach, sharks are not a real concern on the east coast. But trust me -the giant Stingray populations and such on the Gulf side are a MUCH MUCH greater hazard than any shark scare tactic you hear on the east coast.
As for Jellyfish -with the increased agricultural runoff north of Miami on the East and in the Panhandle on the Gulf -they Jellyfish populations are thriving and increasing on both sides from the Algae blooms -but in my personal experience the Pensecola/Gulf Shores area has the worst swarms I've seen. Also I see less Jellyfish swarms north of Cape Canaveral on the East and haven't seen many south of Bradenton either -so without scientific data, I would tell you experience says the Gulf Panhandle to Tampa and South Atlantic side beaches are the areas where this is more often an issue.
Next -I love the East coast waves, love to surf and play with my kids in the waves and understand rip tides, have taught my children (just like I was growing up) and have no trouble with my kids in waves and rips on the East coast -people who are primarily concerned about this about should just set up near one of the thousands of lifeguard chairs on the east coast if their kids are the overly adventurous type who they can't keep their eyes on all of the time . Plus with East coast waves brings a 10-20 yard area of undulating ebbing ankle deep water that younger kids typically prefer to play in with sand anyways versus the depth where rip tides become a serious concern for them. I just don't see the waves as a negative thing -it's something that kids should learn to understand and enjoy.
I don't really understand the water temperature argument for the Gulf -The Gulf feels like a tepid bath water to me in the summer -averaging in the very high 80s and low 90s in the summer! Whereas the Atlantic only reaches the mid 80s on most of the coast and at it's coolest is is in the very high 60s and low 70s in WINTER -which is basically the similar to the Gulf in Winter. For comparison, I surf in California in summer without a wetsuit in much much colder water than Florida winter water temps -it's just not that cold ever -If anything the water temp argument favors the East coast with more refreshing water temps in the hot Summer -when it counts. If you are concerned with Winter water temps -going south of Lake Okeechobee on either coast will net you water temps in the mid 70s in January.
Lastly, this is a preference thing but the Gulf towns tend to get insanely overrun with car commuters from around the US -especially on the pan handle and attract a crowd that isn't exactly enjoyable if you are looking for family friendly or relaxing environment -you have this in Daytona and Miami on the East coast too -but it's less of the car travelers there -and more planned air travelers -who in my experience are less obnoxious. But if you want to chug beers with high schoolers and dropouts -it may be your thing to hit the Gulf Panhandle. Cocoa, Daytona and Tampa/Clearwater get a lot of the large Disney Crowds at times which can overrun a beach population at times.
I was at Little Talbots beach, Ponte Vedra and Crescent Beach this last weekend -they are exceptionally beautiful places on the East Coast to visit which I can say you will not be disappointed -whereas I love Caladesi Island/Tarpon Springs and Naples on the West Side. If you want a different kind of jaw dropping beach experience with wild horses, pristine maritime forest/jungle and miles of beach solitude -take the ferry to the Cumberland Island National Seashore at the Florida border in St Marys Georgia -to me it's the best natural and beautiful beach experience going -East or West.
In summary -I feel the east coast hate on here is a bit ridiculous uneducated, and unfounded. Either way -please be a good steward of whatever beach you choose and know that likely whatever reasons you choose a beach -you likely will not be disappointed.
I invite you to research everything I've written on here -as I speak directly from scientific facts and a lifetime of experience.
Either way have fun.
So while I love the West coast for it's slightly more gentile white sand, and often lighter water colors, most other factors favor the East coast IMO, so here is my experience and facts which make me prefer the East overall.
The Gulf side is suffering in the last decade from major runoff and Fecal bacteria issues -that's right Poop. Haven't heard much? well that's because it affects tourism and is largely muted in the media. One Google will horrify you. Currently as I write this 11 beaches are under Fecal Bacteria warning. The Gulf water is much dirtier than the Atlantic side -due to direct major metropolitan runoff and oh yeah the worlds most productive agricultural and second most manufacturing basin emptying it's fertilizers and chemical waste in to the gulf. To be fair runoff affects the middle and southern portion of east coast from municipal and agricultural runoff as well but not anywhere to the degree of the Gulf side -and the state of Florida can mitigate and control this east coast issue inside their boarders whereas the Gulf side's issues are a matter of pollution that stems from 33 states and even Canada -that's how big the basin that feeds the Gulf is. The Gulf is basically the United States' giant agricultural sewer retention pond -and don't forget the the oil industry in the Gulf and their track record.
Next, the Gulf's humidity does not burn off as much in the afternoons like the east Coast -making for some painfully muggy afternoons but slightly more tolerable mornings. On a typical summer day the Atlantic side can be a few degrees hotter and still be much nicer than the west coast Gulf side. Don't forget that due to the Westerly trade winds crossing the state, Florida's beach town temperatures are inverted with reference to latitude -with Miami being the coolest portion of the state and Jacksonville and Pensecola being the hottest beach towns -Of course inland areas like Orlando and Gainesville break this rule due to 2-4 MPH less wind than coastal towns on average -Inland is always hotter and muggier by several degrees over the closest east or west coast.
Next, in the Gulf you have to contend with much more Stingrays which UNLIKE sharks -are an actual danger and problem -especially for children. And unless you live on the East coast near Cocoa Beach/Sebastian Inlet where the continental shelf abnormally dips close to the beach, sharks are not a real concern on the east coast. But trust me -the giant Stingray populations and such on the Gulf side are a MUCH MUCH greater hazard than any shark scare tactic you hear on the east coast.
As for Jellyfish -with the increased agricultural runoff north of Miami on the East and in the Panhandle on the Gulf -they Jellyfish populations are thriving and increasing on both sides from the Algae blooms -but in my personal experience the Pensecola/Gulf Shores area has the worst swarms I've seen. Also I see less Jellyfish swarms north of Cape Canaveral on the East and haven't seen many south of Bradenton either -so without scientific data, I would tell you experience says the Gulf Panhandle to Tampa and South Atlantic side beaches are the areas where this is more often an issue.
Next -I love the East coast waves, love to surf and play with my kids in the waves and understand rip tides, have taught my children (just like I was growing up) and have no trouble with my kids in waves and rips on the East coast -people who are primarily concerned about this about should just set up near one of the thousands of lifeguard chairs on the east coast if their kids are the overly adventurous type who they can't keep their eyes on all of the time . Plus with East coast waves brings a 10-20 yard area of undulating ebbing ankle deep water that younger kids typically prefer to play in with sand anyways versus the depth where rip tides become a serious concern for them. I just don't see the waves as a negative thing -it's something that kids should learn to understand and enjoy.
I don't really understand the water temperature argument for the Gulf -The Gulf feels like a tepid bath water to me in the summer -averaging in the very high 80s and low 90s in the summer! Whereas the Atlantic only reaches the mid 80s on most of the coast and at it's coolest is is in the very high 60s and low 70s in WINTER -which is basically the similar to the Gulf in Winter. For comparison, I surf in California in summer without a wetsuit in much much colder water than Florida winter water temps -it's just not that cold ever -If anything the water temp argument favors the East coast with more refreshing water temps in the hot Summer -when it counts. If you are concerned with Winter water temps -going south of Lake Okeechobee on either coast will net you water temps in the mid 70s in January.
Lastly, this is a preference thing but the Gulf towns tend to get insanely overrun with car commuters from around the US -especially on the pan handle and attract a crowd that isn't exactly enjoyable if you are looking for family friendly or relaxing environment -you have this in Daytona and Miami on the East coast too -but it's less of the car travelers there -and more planned air travelers -who in my experience are less obnoxious. But if you want to chug beers with high schoolers and dropouts -it may be your thing to hit the Gulf Panhandle. Cocoa, Daytona and Tampa/Clearwater get a lot of the large Disney Crowds at times which can overrun a beach population at times.
I was at Little Talbots beach, Ponte Vedra and Crescent Beach this last weekend -they are exceptionally beautiful places on the East Coast to visit which I can say you will not be disappointed -whereas I love Caladesi Island/Tarpon Springs and Naples on the West Side. If you want a different kind of jaw dropping beach experience with wild horses, pristine maritime forest/jungle and miles of beach solitude -take the ferry to the Cumberland Island National Seashore at the Florida border in St Marys Georgia -to me it's the best natural and beautiful beach experience going -East or West.
In summary -I feel the east coast hate on here is a bit ridiculous uneducated, and unfounded. Either way -please be a good steward of whatever beach you choose and know that likely whatever reasons you choose a beach -you likely will not be disappointed.
I invite you to research everything I've written on here -as I speak directly from scientific facts and a lifetime of experience.
Either way have fun.
