Moving to Florida

[Fred Brown]

I wonder if anyone can help.

We're moving from England to set up home in Sarasota, Florida in January. All three of us are divers: my wife was certified in the summer and has 20 dives, my 13 yr old son is a junior AOW with just over 100 dives and I'm AOW with 160 dives. I go most weekends here, weather permitting (which it hasn't since early October). We all like shore diving and 6-pack boat diving (as opposed to the crowded catle boats).

Here's the question: can you recommend sites and operators, initially in the Sarasota area and then must-do dives within a day's drive. We already have our eyes on the keys (the middle islands seem to be the most attractive) and we will get over to Ft Lauderdale.

Any suggestions will be truly appreciated.

Fred

 

[The Chairman]

I don't know the Sarasota area, but welcome to Florida anyway! It is a wonderful state with tons of diving all over. Live and let dive!

 

[Fred Brown]

Thanks for your welcome netDoc

 

[Walter]

Actually Pete, you've been diving with me in Sarasota County. Venice is just south of Sarasota and is in the Sarasota County.

Fred,

When will you be arriving?

 

[Fred Brown]

Walter

Probably the weekend of Jan 4th and 5th. Assuming we don't have any problems with the visas . . .

 

[Walter]

Let me know when you're settled in. We can get together for some dives. We'll plan something shallow, so you son can participate.

 

[Fred Brown]

That would be great Walter. Actually my son is an excellent diver. After a year of diving in the cold English Channel in all sorts of conditions (especially poor viz) he's got his 'wanna go deeper' phase over with and is quite happy accompanying me around 10 to 20m looking at the smaller critters and generally being a good buddy. It's my wife who needs the gentle touch!!!

 

[Walter]

You can take him as deep as you feel is appropriate. Personally, I do not schedule deep dives with children. I am concerned about the effects on their bone development. I can also find calm easy dives which will allow your wife to build her confidence level.

 

[Justme7628]

Well Fred,

If interested in doing some east Florida diving, send me a PM. Although I just moved to FL myself in November, I have been diving in Deerfield Beach and Pompano Beach for quite a while, I just got tired of paying airfare from NJ. There a couple of operations which would be appropriate for your needs.

Justme7628

 

[Bomber]

Hey Fred

When you get ready for that Keys trip, drop me a line. We're in Islamorada, middle keys.

Bomber