17 November 16  |  Living   |  

What’s So Great About Central Florida?

Mild winds roll gently – as if by some mystic whisper – over tropic green hills, beckoning you forward, inviting you to breathe deep the secret air. You arrive every moment in Central Florida, even if you’ve been here for decades. It is always new, it is always brilliant, at least in a coy sort of way.

This is, after all, the Sunshine State where even low winter temperatures rarely ever even dip into numerical adolescence. The average low is 49. The skies are clear and bright, the clouds brilliant and erudite. This is always the best place to live.

Imagine Central Florida in November. Nothing in all the world can compete. The average high temperature is 79 and the average low is 59. The average rainfall is 2.2 inches.

So what’s so great about Central Florida again? It’s not just the temperatures – although you can count on nearly year-round wonderful weather, the best conditions for outdoor folks.

This region – extending from Gainesville to Orlando – rests in the heart of Florida, a peninsula state surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico on the west and the Atlantic Ocean on the east.

The Best Beaches

For beach lovers, here is where it gets interesting: Florida ranks No. 2 in the nation for the longest coastlines. Florida has 1,350 miles compared to Alaska’s 6,640. Of course, you’re welcome to lounge on The Last Frontier’s icy tundra in sub-zero temperatures as polar bears rudely invade your personal space. But we at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club prefer the balmy comforts of the Atlantic and the Gulf.

As the 22nd largest state, Florida covers 65,758 square miles but recently became the nation’s third most populous state, and there’s little wonder why.

Its population rose above 20 million in late 2015, according to Florida Today, making it the second fastest growing state behind Texas.  Florida’s growth “had been a significant driver in economic growth for many, many years,” said Sean Snaith, the director of the University of Central Florida’s Center for Economic Competitiveness. “It’s the most basic form of economic development.”

Florida’s geographic center is 12 miles north-northwest of Brooksville. That’s about 50 miles south of Golden Ocala.

Let’s Talk Golf

best place to live in Florida

Since you come to Florida to spend time outdoors, you might want to ask which state has the most golf courses. We knew you’d ask. The winner is Florida at 1,261. California is second with 1,007 and chilly Michigan lands in third with 971. Big Texas has 906.

And since you’re thinking about Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club, we’ll talk about more about golf. Players can take to our Ron Garl-designed 18-hole championship course that has tribute holes from some of the world’s finest courses, including Augusta, Royal Troon, Baltusrol, Muirfield and St. Andrews.

A 10-acre short game with two practice holes and a driving range is available for players to improve their skills. The Golf Shop offers clubs, clothing and golf accessories.

PGA professionals John Elliot Jr, Nick Montanaro and Daren Robinson offer private lessons for golfers looking to improve.

Come and experience splendid Central Florida. Keep up with all of the latest news from Golden Ocala by following us on Facebook and Twitter.

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