Florida Living

Chamblin Bookmine Book Store

July 23, 2024 By Anne

Chamblin Bookmine is a new/used bookstore in Jacksonville, Florida. I’ve been there a handful of times in the past. Every time I go, I am amazed at how many books there are to choose from. There are aisles and aisles of books. Books in every corner. Books in every available space. Check out these pics we took on our most recent visit.

At Chamblin Bookmine you can Buy, sell or trade books.

Chamblin opened in 1976 as just a small store and has grown into the largest bookstore in the Southeast, nearly 10 times the size as the original. They have 2 stores now as well.

Chamblin Book mine and Chamblin’s Uptown & Cafe
Chamblinbookmine.com

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

The Secrets Of Enjoying Miami Like A Local

October 24, 2022 By Anne

Heading to Miami with the family is undeniably one of the most exciting trips you can enjoy with the kids, thanks to its range of beaches, theme parks, and other family-friendly attractions. However, Miami is a city rich in local culture and flavor that can really get lost when you’re hitting up all those family-friendly tourist attractions. It can be all too easy to lose sight of the real city in the process. As such, here are a few tips on how to see Miami like a local.

Image – CC0 License

Hit up the cultural hub of the city

Miami is a city of beach lovers and high-life enjoyers, it’s true. However, it’s also a city of artists, creatives, and sheer inspiration. One of the areas that are most often missed during those first visits is Wynwood. It’s not just the beating cultural heart of the city, it’s one of the most thriving creative hubs in the whole country, and the best way to see it is with one of the local beer and graffiti art tours. There’s always something new going on here so be sure to ask at your hotel about what the latest happening is in Wynwood. Festivals, gallery openings, and new street art exhibitions happen all year long.

Get your boots on

The city of Miami offers plenty of attractions, eateries, and activities to keep you plenty busy for however long you are there. However, the local landscape is just as much a part of the city’s soul, and, for that reason, you should take a look at some of the hiking routes you can enjoy throughout Miami. This can include the famous Everglades trail, but there are also great coastal hiking routes through Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, as well as some unique views like a historic lighthouse standing tall over the city’s coast. A little adventure can help you see that there’s a lot more to Miami than just the city alone, so go looking for it.

Get a real mix of culinary experiences

Miami is a huge blend of different cultures, which, amongst many things, means a huge mixture of cuisines, as well. There are over five thousand restaurants in the city, and some of them can seem particularly expensive, indeed. However, there are budget-friendly meals to be found. Get out of South Beach or the other high-flying touristy areas for some of the more authentic local dining experiences. There’s nothing more authentic to the city than hitting up a food truck or a stall so be sure to check out some of the best street food in Miami, as well. There are a lot of stall vendors in the city, but these recommendations can help you find the best of the best.

Check out some of the other beaches

South Beach is one of the most popular hotspots in Miami by far, and it is a truly gorgeous beach, even if it can get pretty crowded. However, it should never be the only beach you visit, by any stretch of the imagination. Spending the day at North Beach, you can enjoy a much less stressful afternoon at the beach, with soft sands overlooked by nice vintage rows of houses. Although it’s popular with the locals, it’s not as widely visited by tourists, so you can enjoy a more laid-back and authentic experience relaxing on a Miami beach, with plenty of eateries around so you can get a taste of the local flavor, as well.

Get around a little more smartly

Like many of the great cities of the country, trying to get around by car can be a real hassle. That said, Miami is quite a walkable city, especially if you’re near South Beach or Downtown Miami. However, if you’re not too excited at the prospect of walking just about everywhere, you can take advantage of the decent cycling infrastructure throughout the city, as well. Renting a bike to get through the city gives you access to hundreds of stops and biking lanes, and it’s not very expensive to rent a bike for the entire day, either. Definitely a lot less expensive than renting a car, not to mention a lot less likely to come with the hassles of city traffic and parking.

A great trip to Miami should balance the big touristy hotspots with some of the lesser-known delights and experiences that the city has to offer. Hopefully, the tips above help you see one of the greatest cities in the country like a local would.

Anne

How To Make Sure Your Home Is Ready For Storm Season

June 5, 2022 By Anne

Keeping your house safe from natural catastrophes is likely to be one of your most important responsibilities.

If a hurricane is on its way, here are a few things you can do to ensure that your house is safe and secure.

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Review your insurance policy.

Your insurance coverage should cover the whole cost of rebuilding if your house is destroyed by a storm. The cost of reconstructing a house may be greater than what individuals think when they insure their home. Building costs are always on the rise, so you want to make sure you’ll have enough to rebuild.

Consider a flood insurance policy.

Many homeowners’ insurance plans cover damage from a hurricane, but not the subsequent floods that commonly follow the storm.

People’s houses were ruined by floods during Hurricane Sandy in 2012, and many of them did not have insurance to cover the damage. Hurricanes are known for causing a lot of flooding.

Determine the value of your belongings

Every year, do a thorough inventory of your belongings and make a list of what has to be replaced and how much it is worth in the event of their being destroyed.

Seal and secure the roof.

The roof is where it all begins. Wind and water can do horrible things to a house if they come in via the roof, which is the largest possible aperture.

Make sure all of your roof’s shingles or tiles are in place and that none are missing or broken. Sealing the roof deck can cost an additional $500 or more if you are reroofing. This normally entails either applying waterproof tape to the roof’s seam or coating the entire roof with a waterproof membrane.

Clean the gutters

During storm season, clogged gutters may be a real nuisance. Leaves and other debris can accumulate in your gutters and cause rainwater to back up and run down the side of the house or even under the roof. Most homeowners know what gutters and downspouts are, but when it comes to other gutter-related terms, they may be at a loss. This handy gutter glossary will provide you with all you need to know about gutter terms and their definitions.

Taking a few minutes to check your gutters may go a long way toward preventing water damage.

Check your windows

Ideally, in a storm prone area, you will have impact windows for full protection, but if you have not, check the seals on the windows to ensure they will not let water or air in. It is important to keep in mind that seals might lose their strength over time, especially if the temperature warms up. When a storm comes, you may avoid costly damage to your house by taking the time to reseal your doors and windows.

Prepare a kit for emergencies.

This is a critical piece of advice that you must keep in mind. Make sure you always have an emergency supply kit on hand. Are you unsure of what to include in an emergency supply kit? Among the items you may want to consider are a radio with additional batteries, flashlights, dried food and water, bottled water, money, clothes, and important toiletries.

We have compiled a collection of important storm-season advice for you and your family. In the event of an emergency, keep this list handy and do not hesitate to call the appropriate hotlines.

Anne

Why more families are moving to Florida than ever before

April 29, 2021 By Anne

When we think of Florida, it’s not difficult to imagine the sun-drenched sands of Palm Beach, the prestigious Golf and Polo Clubs of the Gulf Coast, the water-front lifestyle of Fort Lauderdale, the glamour of the Miami nightlife and of course the world-famous theme parks at your fingertips throughout Orlando. It’s some of these factors alone that see almost 1,000 people moving to Florida every day. But, aside from the glitz and glamour of the sunshine state, it’s famous oranges and its food scene, NASCAR history and the enchanting Everglades – what else is bringing families from across the country, and even the world, to the state of Florida to live permanently?

More families than ever before are heading to the sunshine state, let’s explore some reasons why, below.

There are numerous regions and areas to choose from

Whether you’re looking for distinct residences in the Boca Raton area, or you’re looking for a community with a more relaxed lifestyle such as Lighthouse Point, Florida has a region to suit any and every lifestyle. As Florida is an incredibly diverse state, with contrasting landscapes, communities, and styles, you’ll have no trouble matching your criteria to your dream home and region. Whether it’s schools and education that’s important to you right now, or you want to live in an area that has leisure and entertainment at its heart, the volume of choice means families and individuals alike are more likely to find their dream home in the Sunshine State.

Florida properties are family-friendly

Did you know that you can get a lot more for your money in Florida? You may be impressed with what your savings can get you here. Properties in the sunshine state are also incredibly spacious, and designed with families and entertainment in mind – what’s more, your dream home could be within walking distance of one of Florida’s glorious beaches or boast its very own swimming pool. Pools are considered mandatory for many residents! So, if you’ve always wanted to teach your children to swim, there’s no better way to learn.

Perpetual Sunshine

Of course, the climate in Florida is perhaps its biggest draw. And the heat isn’t just great for those wanting to top up their tan, health benefits of persistent sunshine and heat can ensure a higher quality of life and an improved mental state. The tropical climate in Florida is occasionally punctured throughout its rainy season, May-October, however, these sudden downpours are short-lived, offering relief before sunshine reigns supreme once again.

And finally, it’s a paradise for growing families

You could be forgiven for thinking that Florida was founded with families in mind, and it’s easy to see why. From its revered education system to its iconic ice cream parlours, Disney World discounts for locals, outdoor pursuits and pro-sports, entertainment everywhere you turn, cultural diversity, water sports that get the whole family in the water, and its friendly, laid back culture make Florida the perfect home for growing families.

Will you be making the move?

Anne

What Is the Bodily Injury Threshold in Florida?

June 7, 2020 By Anne

According to reports from the CDC, over 32,000 individuals die from accidents in Florida roadways each year. The Highway Patrol in Florida also reported more than 198,000 injuries and 2,400 fatalities each year between 2013 and 2017. Due to the high number of bodily injury litigations, Florida has devised ways of handling these cases.

Most personal injury lawsuits settle before proceeding to trial, but they remain in the court’s schedule and back-up the courts. Because of this, Florida has an injury “threshold” regulation that you have to meet or exceed before suing for bodily injury.

About the Florida Bodily Injury Threshold

Although you might get bodily injuries from a Florida car accident, the person at fault will not be liable to your damages if they do not meet or exceed the medical threshold. When you fail to meet the limit, you will not be able to file for suffering, pain, mental distress, or any inconvenience from the crash.

Florida drivers have to carry a $10,000 insurance policy that covers personal injuries since it is a no-fault state. Your no-fault insurance policy will cover your medical expenses as well as lost income in tandem with the driver’s policy. It will also cover travel expenses and other expenses, like childcare and physician appointments.

The state of Florida has adopted a unique approach in a dog attack or bite cases. The one-bite rule prevents the owner from lawsuits due to his or her dog’s first-time bites. However, if you prove negligence by the owner in the dog attack that resulted in a bodily injury, you can get compensation.

Categories of Severe Injuries in Florida

Florida has four types of injuries that comply with the threshold standards for acquiring compensation that goes beyond the amount covered by the no-fault insurer. These types of damages include:

• Permanent and significant loss of crucial bodily functions

• Permanent and significant disfigurement or scarring

• Permanent injury

• Fatal injury

If you meet the above criteria for the injury threshold, you may want to consult a lawyer for guidance and about filing a claim.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Case?

Florida has regulations that limit the amount of time you have to file a personal injury case. Florida civil laws require you to present your case within the four-year statute of limitations. Submitting your claim after the four-year deadline will be rendering it null and void.

How to File for Personal Injury Compensation

Contact a lawyer near you and discuss the details of your case. The lawyer will begin an investigation on the incident that caused your injury. He will talk to the witnesses, analyze medical paperwork, review footage, and acquire evidence to create a strong claim.

The attorney will then draft your claim. The claim will have details of your injuries, how these injuries are affecting your life, and why you need compensation. Next, you will negotiate with the entity at fault or insurance firm.

Most defendants settle their injury claims at this stage, but if they refuse to offer you fair compensation, your lawyer will file a lawsuit in the Florida courts. The trial process is the final stage where the jury and judge will hear the details of your issue and pass a verdict on the settlement.

Your attorney will handle all of the issues involved in your case, including consultation, negotiation, and settlement as you focus on your recovery.