Ah, February in Florida. The month that’s a perfect mix of sunshine, sea breezes, and just enough winter chill to make you feel like you’re living in a tropical paradise and experiencing “winter” at the same time. While the rest of the country shovels snow and counts the days until spring, Floridians are basking in mild temperatures, clear skies, and the occasional reminder that, yes, there are seasons here – just, you know, the kind you can enjoy in flip-flops.
And while the rest of the country may be trudging through grey skies and icy sidewalks, February in Florida has us throwing on a light sweater in the mornings, only to toss it aside by noon in favor of a sunny patio. It’s that glorious time of year when it’s easy to feel like we are living our best lives, enjoying perfect days that are warm enough for the beach, but cool enough to escape the summer humidity. People are biking along coastal paths, cruising with the windows down, and realizing that maybe – just maybe – we’ve got the whole “winter” thing figured out.
The best part about February in Florida is that, as the month progresses, you start to feel the stirrings of spring, without the relentless heat and humidity that’s just around the corner. A few early blooms, like the bright yellow tabebuia trees, pop up to remind you that spring is on the way, even if it’s still a little while off. But hey, that’s what makes Florida February so sweet. Oh, and then, of course – the candy – AGAIN! We no sooner get rid of the Halloween candy, only to usher in the holiday season… now after a month of our attempts at our best behavior, bring on the sweets!
Valentine’s Day. Yes, it can be a bit of a whirlwind of heart-shaped everything, but let’s embrace it for what it is: a holiday that celebrates love in all its forms. Whether you’re in a relationship or happily single, Valentine’s Day offers a chance to spread a little extra kindness, and maybe eat some really good chocolate along the way. And then, of course, there’s the post-Valentine’s Day sales. For those of us who don’t mind waiting for the 50% off chocolate, February is a prime time to stock up. After all, it’s not just February 14th that deserves a little extra sweetness, it’s the entire month.
So here’s to February in Florida. A month full of love, sunshine, and a whole lot of good food. Whether you’re out exploring the coastline, enjoying a quiet afternoon on your porch, or simply indulging in a slice of pie (key lime, of course), there’s no denying that February in the Sunshine State is something special.