Looking for an unspoiled, "old-fashioned" Florida town.
 

I have recently “semi-retired” and would like to spend a week in March in Florida. I vacationed near Panama City last year and was surprised to see the "development" that was taking place in that area. In many ways it reminded me more of Las Vegas than the Florida I remember. (Admittedly, it has been some time since I visited Florida.) I found this to be true of other areas we drove through along the panhandle coast. We would like to get farther south this year where it will be a little warmer in March. Are there any affordable, unspoiled more old-fashioned type cities/towns/areas that still exist along the Florida coast? My wife and I enjoy mom and pop type places, local owners, local color, perhaps a beach bar or two. We also like places that aren’t too crowded but have enough human activity to make the area interesting without being suffocating, as well as accommodations that are nice and reasonable. We have stayed in private rentals in the past and really enjoyed them. Am I asking for too much? Do these type of places still exist in Florida? Any input will be helpful. Thanks.

Cedar Key may be just what you're looking for.

Thanks. I'll look it over.

Sadly, development has hit some parts of Florida badly in the past few years. There are still some wonderful old towns in the area of the St. John's River in east central Florida such as Deland (http://volusia.com/deland/), which are about 20 miles from the ocean. On the gulf coast, Anna Maria Island/Holmes beach area is still relatively undeveloped.

www.flaglerbeach.com

Maybe a little more quiet than you're looking for but St. Augustine and Ormond Beach are short drives away when you're in the mood for some action.

Check out Cocoa Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Flagler Beach and Vero Beach.

Bradenton Beach near Tampa.

check out Fernandina beach on Amelia island.

Thanks much for the leads. I will get to work and start doing some research on the places you all have recommended thus far. I really am fond of the "old Florida". I have been visiting the state off and on ever since the 1950's!! Lots of memories. Any other ideas will also be appreciated. Thanks.

Anna Maria Island and Gasparilla (sp?) Island are both older in style and very laid back.

The 'Old Town' on Amelia Island have done their best to keep out unwanted development. It may not be as far south as you would like, but we had great weather there, just last week.

Does Cedar Key still have its annual seafood festival? I had a crawfish pie there once..

Petepat,
I'm glad to hear that there are people who appreciate "old Florida." It's unique and special when you find it!

I haven't been there in about 5 years, but Neptune Beach near Jacksonsville might fit what you're looking for. Many years ago I spent every Easter there as a child at the Sea Horse Motel. I visited it 5 years ago, and while there have been some changes to the area, it sounds like what you are describing. It's a mom and pop type motel, right on the ocean.

petepat,
Tarpon Springs is a cool Greek fishing community near St. Petersburg. Relax awhile and still close to nice resort areas like St. Pete's Beach and right there is Innisbrook Golf Course. This is also near Bradenton (mentioned prior) which family friends have a year round home and they just love the area.