Can any of you helpful folks tell me how far south we would need to go to find water warm enough to swim in late Oct. or early Nov? We are thinking about Siesta Key but wondered if we should look further south. Thanks for any advice.

You can go anywhere in FL at that time of year and swim. It's still hot.

As far as the panhandle is concerned, you might not want to risk it. The average high (air) temp in Oct. is 80 and in Nov. is 70. Average water temp in Oct. is 74 and in Nov. 65. August, by way of comparison, is 86.

It is usually quite comfortable to swim most of Oct. but the end of Oct. and first of Nov. might be pushing it...depending, of course, on how "thick" your blood is! I am a bit of a wimp when it comes to cold.

Try this link:http://www.weather.com/activities/re.../boatandbeach/

Or the NOAA site.

Siesta should still be fine that time of year. In fact, if you are a New Englander, it might just be cooling down into a range you prefer!