A South Florida Native’s Journey Away from Home

Growing up as a third-generation Floridian, Tiffany Nieslanik always felt a deep connection to her roots in South Florida. Her parents and grandparents on both sides were born and raised in the Sunshine State, and so was she. However, Tiffany’s life took a different path when she left Florida just three weeks after turning 18. This decision set her apart from her family, who remained in Florida, and marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life. After joining the Army in 1995, Tiffany lived in several states before settling in Colorado, where she now resides with her spouse and three children. Though Florida will always hold a special place in her heart, Tiffany has never looked back. The reasons for her decision to leave—and stay away—are deeply personal, rooted in her values, lifestyle preferences, and concerns about the state’s future.

Why Florida No Longer Feels Like Home

One of the primary reasons Tiffany doesn’t see herself returning to Florida is its climate. South Florida’s near-constant summer, with over 240 days of sunshine annually, became overwhelming for her. She recalls classifying the seasons as “almost hot,” “hot and muggy,” “hot and rainy,” and “unbearably hot.” In Fort Lauderdale, where she grew up, temperatures often exceeded 87 degrees for months at a time. This relentless heat, combined with the humidity and rain, made her long for a place with distinct seasonal changes. Colorado, with its snowy winters, vibrant fall colors, and blossoming springs, offered her the variety she craved. Tiffany finds joy in experiencing the cold of winter, which makes her appreciate the warmth of summer even more. She also cherishes how holidays like Christmas feel uniquely different from summer break, a contrast she never experienced in Florida.

Embracing a Different Lifestyle in Colorado

Tiffany’s decision to leave Florida was also influenced by her desire for a lifestyle that aligns with her personal values and preferences. Colorado’s seasonal weather not only brought her closer to nature but also allowed her to connect with the changing world around her. She loves how the falling leaves in autumn signal the arrival of winter and how the first blooms of spring bring new life to the landscape. These experiences, which were absent in her Florida upbringing, have enriched her life and given her a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Additionally, Tiffany’s move to Colorado has allowed her to create a lifestyle that reflects her priorities—spending time with her family, enjoying the outdoors, and building a home in a place that feels more aligned with her identity.

Disagreement with Florida’s Education System

Another significant factor in Tiffany’s decision to leave Florida is her disagreement with the state’s approach to education. While Florida is often praised for its education system, recent policies have left Tiffany at odds with the state’s values. For instance, Florida’s expansion of its universal school voucher system has raised concerns for her. This program allows state funds to be redirected from public schools to private schools, a move that Tiffany believes risks underfunding public education and harming students who rely on it. She also takes issue with the state’s emphasis on banning books, particularly those that include LGBTQ+ characters and themes. In 2023, Florida led the nation in book challenges and bans, a trend that contradicts Tiffany’s belief in the importance of fostering curiosity and inclusivity in education. As a mother of three school-age children, Tiffany wants her kids to have access to a wide range of books and ideas, and she believes that restricting such access undermines the principles of a well-rounded education.

The Ongoing Threat of Hurricanes

Hurricanes are another major concern that keeps Tiffany from considering a return to Florida. The climate crisis has made hurricanes stronger, more unpredictable, and more destructive, posing a constant threat to the state. Tiffany has firsthand experience with the devastation hurricanes can cause. She survived Hurricane Andrew in 1992, a catastrophic storm that left a lasting impact on her community. More recently, her father’s home in the Florida Keys was severely damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017, and he is still repairing the damage five years later. The thought of living under the annual threat of hurricanes, which can upend lives and livelihoods, is unbearable for Tiffany. She does not want her children to grow up with the same fear she experienced, nor does she want to risk losing everything she has worked for to a natural disaster.

A Bittersweet Decision to Stay Away

Despite her strong ties to Florida and the memories she holds dear, Tiffany knows that leaving the state was the right decision for her. She misses the beautiful beaches and the opportunity to live close to her family, but the trade-offs—Florida’s oppressive climate, its problematic education policies, and the looming threat of hurricanes—make her certain that she made the best choice for herself and her children. Tiffany’s decision to build a life in Colorado has allowed her to create a home where her values are reflected in the way she raises her family, engages with her community, and connects with the world around her. Though she may always cherish the Florida of her childhood, the Florida of today no longer aligns with the life she wants to lead. And so, for now, she is content to enjoy her visits to the Sunshine State while calling Colorado home.