We have been coming to St. Augustine for years (from Orlando) and always parked in the lot behind the Columbia restaurant. The fee was always fair and the guy running the lot always did a great job directing people in and out. Well, we went back there about two weeks ago to see the lot had been bought out and now had hourly parking rates. First, the rates were astronomical, second we overstayed by 30 minutes and received a $75 fee in the mail. We did reach out to discuss the egregious price to which they reiterated we overstayed our time by 30 minutes and would be liable for the fee.

Safe to say, we will absolutely not be returning to this lot and I hope those reading this also know there are way better non-predatory options should you decide to enjoy St. George street.

For me, the whole situation has deterred me from even wanting to go back to one of my favorite places to make a day trip.

We have been looking on and off for a year or more and every time we think we find a house, we quickly realize there's some reason it's in our price range..

Looking now at a home in Ocala area, backs up to marshland . It is in flood zone A. But I've been reading that flooding and marshland also lead to greater chance of sink hole development. Is this a house we should just pass on?

accidentally dropped a flat auto flashlight like this in my residential apt dumpster https://www.outdoorlife.com.sg/nitecore-edc17-1500-lumens-uvgreen-laser.html

I tried to get it out for awhile, but I cannot get to the bottom of the dumpster and now it’s dark and I’m scared of getting bitten by raccoons. The trash pickup will come in the middle of the night while it’s still dark, and I’m worried that it could cause a fire when the trash company picks it up.

what should I do?

Also curious about any other aspects of living in the St Augustine area, or recommendations for other FL beaches we should look into.

Thanks!

I’m (41F) looking to move to Broward or Palm Beach County with my husband (43M) and two young boys (1 & 3). Feeling overwhelmed by how large an area it is. Can you fine folks help guide our search? We have 2 weeks to pick a spot.

We want a new or newish single family home and have a $2-2.5M budget. I want a nice/clean/manicured area. Schools (especially elementary) are important but it doesn’t have to be good zoned public schools; can be charter, magnet or private options. We don’t need to be by the beach but also would rather not feel isolated (“things” within 15ish minutes is ideal).

The main thing I need help with is people. I want diversity (in the sense that I don’t want an area where there a noticeable majority clique or group). I also prefer a “nerdy” or at least somewhat intellectual/professional vibe. Don’t want it to be stuffy or grungy. Don’t want it to be all retired boomers; need young families, ideally transplants ready to mingle.

Where should we go?