🎙️ Episode Title: Florida’s Water Lifestyle: Boating, Fishing & Diving – Living the Salt Life 🛥️ Becoming Floridian – Episode 17 🌴 Episode Description: In this episode of Becoming Floridian , we dive deep into what makes Florida’s water lifestyle so magnetic. From cruising the Gulf at sunset to battling monster snook on the flats or exploring sunken wrecks off Key West— living near the water isn’t just a perk, it’s a way of life . Join Don & Debbie Henderson as they chat about: 🌊 The...
Apr 10, 2025•28 min•Ep. 17
Are you thinking about selling your condo in Florida? 🏡🌴 The market is shifting, and smart sellers need to stay ahead of the game. In Episode #16 of Becoming Floridian , Don & Debbie Henderson break down everything you need to know to sell successfully in 2025. ✅ Current Condo Market Trends & Stats 📊 ✅ New Florida Condo Laws & How They Affect Sellers ⚖️ ✅ How to Prep Your Condo for Maximum Appeal 🛠️ ✅ Pricing Strategies to Stand Out in a Cooling Market 💰 ✅ The Power of Amenities...
Feb 22, 2025•28 min•Ep. 16
Episode #15 Advent Financial, led by President Keely Maglaughlin , specializes in Reverse Mortgage lending , helping Florida buy the home of their dreams and helping homeowners unlock the equity in their homes for a more secure retirement. With a commitment to education and personalized service, Keely and her team guide clients through the reverse mortgage process, ensuring they make informed financial decisions. As a trusted expert in the field, Keely brings years of experience to help seniors ...
Feb 10, 2025•27 min•Ep. 15
Join us as we sit down with a homeowner who has faced the unimaginable—enduring two hurricanes that forever changed her life. Her story is raw, heartfelt, and unfolds as we record in the echoing emptiness of what was once her cherished family room. In this episode, she walks us through the timeline of the storms: the warnings, the devastation, and the aftermath. You'll hear how FEMA and her insurance company responded and learn where she’s living now after losing the home she loved for over 25 y...
Jan 31, 2025•17 min•Ep. 14
Welcome to "Rent vs. Buy: Tampa Bay Edition," the ultimate podcast for navigating the housing market in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties! 🏡 Whether you’re debating between the flexibility of renting or the long-term benefits of buying, we break it all down with real-world examples and expert insights tailored to the Tampa Bay area. Join us as we explore: Upfront costs: What to expect when renting versus saving for a down payment 💸 Monthly expenses, tax benefits, and hidden costs homeowners n...
Jan 28, 2025•29 min•Ep. 13
In this episode of "Becoming Floridian," titled "Why Move to Florida," we delve into the multifaceted aspects of relocating to the Sunshine State.We explore the year-round warm climate, stunning beaches, and diverse cultural experiences that make Florida an attractive destination. Conversely, we also discuss challenges such as the high humidity, the risk of hurricanes, and the influx of tourists that can impact daily life. Join us as we provide a balanced perspective to help you decide if Florid...
Jan 17, 2025•19 min•Ep. 11
Loan Originator, Jessica Bordner , with VanDyk Mortgage was not only informative but a great person to speak with about living in Florida. Being a true Floridian, Jessica was born in St Petersburg, but raised in a rural part of Pasco County. Now living in Pinellas County, she brings a great perspective of family life and “Salt Life.” Her well rounded experience gives her a unique insight to qualify borrowers before issuing the “Preapproval Letter” which is required for 95% of all purchases today...
Sep 14, 2018•27 min•Ep. 10
This episode we talk with Jessica Watkins a Park Ranger for Ybor City Museum State Park . Ybor City is a small suburb of Tampa Florida, and is one of only two National Historic Landmark Districts in Florida, with some of the richest history you will surely want to learn about and visit. The name Ybor came from one of the founders Vicente Martinez-Ybor. He immigrated from Spain in 1887 to start a cigar company which eventually grew into one of the largest cigar manufactures in the world making Ta...
Jul 29, 2016•15 min
Leah Forhnerath is a Director and Trainer for Horses for the Handicap located in Seminole FL. This is a recreational riding program for those with many types of handicaps and It’s offered free of charge. Horses for Handicapped was founded by the late Gene Harris in 1981 as a Kiwanis project when he approached Girl Scout/4-H leader Mary Urquhart with his idea. Mary who is 83, is found daily at the stables doing any work that is necessary. I asked Leah why there is no charge to the riders, she sta...
Jun 27, 2016•24 min
Episode 7 we talk with Troy Hayes about the importance of Branding in today’s e-commerce. Troy has over thirty years of experience in marketing and branding and has influenced many of you with his advertisements. You drank Bud Light because “Spuds Mackenzie” and ate Wheaties because Michael Jordan said “You Better Eat Your Wheaties” and cruised on Carnival because it became the “Fun Ship.” Troy was the creator of these iconic slogans and has helped many companies launch their new product or serv...
Jun 09, 2016•31 min
Mike, a native Floridian, grew up in Ybor City, where his Grandfather worked as a Master Cigar Roller. Then he worked in Alaska for a couple of years before moving back to Florida settling down in Pinellas County. Mike loves the “kickback” lifestyle that’s associated with Florida. “It’s the only place you can go to work in a casual shirt and flip-flops and that’s considered normal” Mike says. He recently made a trip to Cuba where his wife was born. “It’s like stepping back in time” stated Mike, ...
Jun 03, 2016•24 min
This podcast with Louis LaMaccia general manager took place in the main dining area at SeaBreeze Island Grill & Raw Bar, the sound in the background is live from the patrons and staff. Moving from Wisconsin at an early age and graduating from St Pete High, he went into the restaurant business at the age of 18 and became a restaurant owner also at the age of 18. He definitely knows and understands what the customers in this area are looking for. After attempting to become an upscale five star...
May 27, 2016•16 min
In this episode I talked with Jason Delacruz owner and operator of Don’s Dock located on world’s famous John’s Pass Boardwalk. Jason is a key figure in the commercial fishing industry. He also owns Wild Seafood Company a wholesaler of fresh fish in Madeira Beach Florida. Jason, a native Floridian shares with us how at a very early age he was introduced to fishing through the encouragement of his Aunt. “She was a first mate on a commercial fishing boat” Jason said. “I was able to do a fishing tri...
May 23, 2016•21 min
Sonny Flynn, is one of the busiest ladies I have had the privilege to speak with. She is a three time cancer survivor who never lets her past interfere with her bright busy future. She’s involved with many events throughout Pinellas County, from small events like the Christmas fishing tournament for kids in Madeira Beach to the Seafood Festival at John’s Pass. Sonny is a Promoter of Tourism, Event Coordinator and an Alligator Wrestler. Each year she gives a demonstration with very large gators t...
May 18, 2016•24 min
In this episode I visit with Greg Sweeney Sales Manager for Freedom Boat Club at his Treasure Island location. Greg talks about how at the age of 9 his father wanted to start a boat rental company in Indian Shores, prior to the creation of Freedom Boat Club. “I have always been involved in boating” Greg states, so it’s no wonder he speaks so passionately about the boating and the lifestyle. Greg will share testimonies from members and some experiences that is only possible when you motor out on ...
May 05, 2016•30 min
In this first episode, we spend just over 30 minutes talking about our experiences of moving to Florida. We share about some concerns we had prior to the move and what we did to prepare to make the move. It wasn't as easy as it could have been but well worth the trip and now we call Florida home. The lifestyle of boating, fishing, walks on the beach and watching beautiful sunsets are but a few added benefits. We have much to learn and are willing to share our experiences with you. If Florida is ...
Apr 28, 2016•32 min
