Stop Telling Me I Shouldn’t Be Cold: I’m From Florida!

Image Courtesy: WeekendBroward.com / Mizner Park, Boca Raton

Tis’ the season for the overflow of northerners telling us Floridians, “It’s not that cold.” Ah, yes, my favorite time of the year. 

I’m sure we were all aware of the cold front that happened the past few weeks and the extreme weather warnings blaring across our weather apps that, at least in Florida, we don’t have to check often. And no, that extreme weather warning is not unnecessary because just because it isn’t a blizzard, it doesn’t mean it’s not extreme for a state that has an average temperature of 85 degrees year-round. 

From summer weather 10 months out of the year to a random week in the 40s and 50s is a… well, it feels like kind of a culture shock. Is this what the rest of the country suffers with on a nice day? My sympathy goes out to them. 

However, when I’m shivering, covered in layers of random clothes I found in my closet because I don’t own a winter coat and trying not to cry at the way my nose burns in the wind (because the ocean breeze is still there of course)-- the last thing I want to hear from the person who moved to Florida from Buffalo, New York is that it is really not that cold. Or that I am dramatic. 

Something that I think needs to be talked about more is the phenomenon of making fun of people who have never experienced real winters for being cold in 50 degree weather. 

Now, this is not to diss those that moved to Florida from up north, because trust me, I get it. Clearly, I do not do well with the cold. But for those who choose to make comments about it, it makes me wonder: why exactly did you move here in the first place? Because if you can handle the cold, what was it about Florida that caught your attention? Just something I like to think about sometimes. 

By all means, take advantage of the paradise that Florida offers from the harsh, dark winters across the world. But don’t be surprised when January and February come around, and you start seeing us Floridians wearing scarves and hats in the 50s. This is just who we are. 

Strike Out, 

Madi Denizard 

Boca Raton 

Madi Denizard is a content writer for Strike Magazine Boca. In typical Leo fashion, she is a social butterfly and loves self-expression of all kinds. When she’s not writing, you can find her with her nose stuck in a book, mermaiding in the ocean or crocheting her newest masterpiece. You can reach her by email at madison.denizard@gmail.com or on Instagram @mpaigee_