In an attempt to shake off the bad press...Allstate Floridian Insurance has decided to change it's name to Castle Key.  The whole Allstate Home Insurance drama started way back when Hurricane Andrew slammed into South Florida.  That was the most costly hurricane at the time and the corporate Allstate entity squawked at the massive claims.  They soon dropped thousands of policies of 'high risk' homes and created 'Allstate Floridian' Insurance.  While this was still an Allstate branch...it would separate it from the rest of the country financially.  So if another storm hit...only 'Allstate Floridian' would be impacted...and Allstate the company would remain financially separate. 



Allstate is claiming that the name change is only to better separate the company from it's parent.  Ha!  Allstate has had a tarnished reputation in Florida and this change is definitely to try and erase the bad press.  New customers may not know they are actually dealing with Allstate when they take out a Castle Key policy.  Sneaky. 

Bottom line is to SHOP AROUND for your insurance.  Also, remember that Allstate has taken some very unethical steps that should make you second guess going with them...or Castle Key.

(C.C.'s Fish Camp restaurant...soon to be Diner 24 in Ft. Lauderdale)

It seems that C.C's Fish Camp in Ft. Lauderdale (on Oakland Park Blvd. between Andrews and Powerline) is closed.  We did a review of the place a while back and it was good.  The only items that we felt needed some improvement were the prices and the decor.  They did a great job on the inside of the place...but it was a bit too 'stiff'.  It almost seemed like there was an identity crisis...did it want to be a bar/place to catch the game on one side...and an upscale diner on the other? 



I'm not sure if the owners of C.C.'s decided to 're brand' the location or if it has new owners...but it looks like Ft. Lauderdale will be getting a new Diner.  Diner 24 is 'Opening Soon' and they are also hiring.  The did some interesting work to the outside of the place too...really catches your eye.  And if the '24' means 24-hours..that's pretty cool too.  Of course we will post a review as soon as it opens.

There are so many cruise lines that dock in Florida, you can definitely find a trip that you would enjoy.  Sales are still strong, despite the current economy, but it's still one of the best times to take that cruise.  Low rates, new ships and great packages can help make a vacation less stressful too.  Disney even has their own cruse line. 

I still have yet to plan my first cruise, but I'm thinking that next year is it. I asked a few friends about how their first cruses went and they all said the same thing. Do your HOMEWORK. While there are people on the ship to help, you need to be an informed guest on the ship. There are so many little 'tips and secrets' that you don't know when you first set foot on a ship. Sure...you will be an expert by your last day of the cruise...but why not know everything from day one?

A friend of mine told me about an on line guide that tells you how to save money, get upgrades, get special perks and freebies from a couple with over 65 years of cruise experience. Not a bad deal. I checked into it and found a lot of positive feedback on the guide. The whole package includes ORIGINAL material...including a money saving guide, 17 Videos and a 58 Minute MP3 Audio file (you can listen to it on your iPod!). It's not a bad price either...only $37 and you save hundreds. The friend that used this guide told me that they made it a game to see how much they could save while on their last cruise with the items in the guide. The total saved? $450. Pretty cool huh?

Even if you are a seasoned cruiser...give it a try. It's a great money saver and can add a fun spin on your next trip. Click on the text  below for the jump and have fun:
INSIDER CRUISE TIPS AND SECRETS

I've had Allstate Auto Insurance for over 20 years now.  I basically stayed with them due to the 'multiple policy' discount they offered.  Well...as you can imagine..like so many Florida residents...they passed my Condo policy off to Citizens.  Poof....the discount was gone.  I stayed with them for another couple of years...thinking that some of the other discounts they were giving me made a difference.  (Safe driver, home owner...yadda...yadda...yadda.)  Boy was I DEAD WRONG!!  I checked my rates with 3 other auto insurance agencies that I see on TV a lot.  EACH ONE OF THOSE companies would save me about $300 every six months!  I was shocked.  I ended up going with esurance and after a few minutes of filling out some information online, I was all set.  I immediately called Allstate and canceled my policy.  HA!

Bottom line?  Dump Allstate and make the switch.  Why keep an overpriced insurance agency that won't even sell you a home owner policy in the state of Florida?  They are more than happy to overcharge you on auto and the other insurances they offer...but feel Florida home policies are too high risk. 

Click below and find your esurance low rate now.  I'm sure they can save everyone some money...we all need it in today's economy.

      (The Sea Watch Restaurant)

 
(The Sea Watch Restaurant building as seen from the beach.)

The Sea Watch restaurant has been a Ft. Lauderdale fixture since 1974.  It is located right on the beach a little north of Commercial Blvd on A1A.  I think it has some of the best views of the ocean of any Ft. Lauderdale restaurant.  The building itself has two floors and a patio. We took a seat on the patio and with the sea breeze and fans it was actually very comfortable.  The view is relaxing and a great addition to the food.


(The view from our table on the patio at Sea Watch)

The decor of Sea Watch is very 'old Florida'.  Old wood and a nautical theme let you know the house specialty is seafood.  They also offer burgers, chicken and steak options if you are more of a land lover.  The prices at Sea Watch were quite reasonable for lunch.  They had a 'light lunch' menu, where everything was $8.  It included seafood, salads and sandwiches.  Not a bad deal.  You can also order from their regular lunch menu (which is what we did). 


(The patio at Sea Watch)

I ordered the Broiled Red Snapper with roasted cashews and a lime butter, wine sauce.  Jeff went for the Broiled Combo Special with an herb butter, wine sauce (it included Scallops, Shrimp and Mahi Mahi).  A bread basket with a hunk of butter was brought out right away...along with ice cold water.  Our server (Brittney) was very friendly and took great care of us as well.  Always made sure our sodas were full and made sure we had everything we needed.  Also, they serve a small bowl of cole slaw prior to your entrée.  It was the perfect size and wasn't 'swimming' in dressing. 

The lunch entrées didn't take long at all.  Along with the seafood, we got baby carrots and thin string beans and two small 'new' potatoes.  The fish was fresh and light and the sauce was the perfect fit.  Not overpowering at all and the portions were just right. 

(Broiled Florida Red Snapper - lunch portion)


(Broiled Seafood Combo - lunch portion.)
The total bill without tip came to about $34.00.  I think it was worth every cent too.  Added with the nice relaxing view of the beach (it's a more secluded part of the beach) and some wild-life roaming the trees...it's the perfect spot for lunch.  Dinner entrées were a little higher in price...so if you are looking to save some money...hit the Sea Watch for lunch.  The customers tend to be on the more 'senior' side...but sometimes they know the best places to eat.  You won't find a loud happy-hour scene here...rather a nice relaxing place to kick back and enjoy good food and great drinks while watching the ocean.


(The beach in back of Sea Watch Restaurant)

Sea Watch on the Ocean is located at:
6002 North Ocean Blvd. (on A1A, north of Commercial Blvd.)
Ft. Lauderdale, FL

FTLToday's restaurant grade: A

Happy Father's Day to all the 'Dads' (and to my Dad!). If you plan to celebrate with a great meal...consider these options and discounts around Broward County-<< MORE >>

The Ft. Lauderdale Parks & Recreation hot line (954) 828-5363 is now saying that there will be a fireworks display on Ft. Lauderdale Beach at 9 PM, Saturday, July 4th 2009.  The message says that the main area to view the show is at Las Olas and A1A, 



Keep the number above handy and make sure you double check for date, place and time.

The 4th of July falls on a Saturday this year, which means that many of us will get a three day weekend.  While some of the beach communities are still unsure if they will be having firework displays (due to the nesting Sea Turtles and Federal Law), remember that there are lots of fun things to do around Florida.


Here are some great events going on around the state that I got from the Sun-Sentinel.  If you are a Florida resident, you might be able to find some great residnet rates for hotels and attractions.  If you are from out of state, try www.florida-hotel-deals.com for some deals.

Cape Coral: The Red, White and Boom Celebration on Cape Coral Bridge and Cape Coral Parkway (shut down between the bridge and Del Prado Boulevard beginning the afternoon of July 4) offers entertainment on two stages. It's a street party expected to draw more than 50,000 people. Four bands will entertain and a children's carnival will keep youngsters happy. Vendors will sell food and beer. Watch fireworks over the river from land or boat. Info: 239-549-6900. For information on Cape Coral and the surrounding area, visit www.fortmyers-sanibel.com.

Cocoa: Historic Cocoa Village puts on a free celebration at Cocoa Village Riverfront Park Amphitheatre at 8 p.m. on July 4. The Brevard Symphony Orchestra will perform a patriotic concert and fireworks will begin at 9:15 p.m. as the orchestra continues to play. Children's activities and food court will be available (nominal charge). Bring your lawn chair. Cocoa Village is in the restored downtown of Cocoa between U.S. 1 and the Indian River adjacent to State Road 520. Info: cocoavillage.com.

Daytona Beach: On and off the track there are fireworks during the Coke Zero 400 (formerly known as the Pepsi 400 and the Firecracker 400) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series on July 4. And this year it's a doubleheader, with the Brumos Porsche 250 in addition to the Coke Zero 400. A variety of packages and tickets are available for purchase. Info: daytonainternationalspeedway.com.

Kissimmee: The July 4 Celebration is a free event at Kissimmee Lakefront Park. The patriotic event includes a fireworks display starting at 9 p.m. Kids' activities will be available. Kissimmee Lakefront Park is at 101 Lakeshore Blvd. Entertainment and activities are held at various locations throughout the park. Info: kissimmeeparksandrec.com.

Orlando: Orlando's theme parks are always ready to celebrate and Independence Day is no exception. All four Walt Disney World theme parks present special shows to mark July 4. Most notable, perhaps, are the celebrations at the Magic Kingdom presenting SpectroMagic (lighted parade) and Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert In The Sky. Incidentally, the park's Audio-Animatronics figure of President Barack Obama is currently slated to be in place at the park's Hall of Presidents "in early July," according to Disney. For its part, Epcot presents a special holiday fireworks display along with its laser/music/fireworks spectacular, IllumiNations. The festivities are included in park admission: $75 for adults; $63 for children. Info: disneyworld.com.
At Universal Orlando, visitors may take in a special version of Universal 360: A Cinesphere Spectacular, complete with patriotic finale and fireworks display. The show is included in regular park admission: $75 for adults; $63 for children. Info: universalorlando.com.
And in Orlando itself, festivities include Fireworks At The Fountain, a free fireworks display and laser show on July 4. Visitors may pack a picnic basket and blanket and head out to Lake Eola for the celebration. Info: cityoforlando.net.

Port St. Joe: Independence on the Coast features a Pirate Invasion, Feasts with Pirates, a costume contest, games, a bikes parade, golf cart parade, a concert in the park and fireworks July 3-4. The events are at Frank Pate Park on St. Joseph's Bay in downtown Port St. Joe. Admission is free. Info: gulfchamber.org.

Sebring: For those who want to mark Independence Day actively and celebrate in good shape, Sebring offers the Firecracker 5K Race at Highlands Hammock State Park on July 4. The race starts at 7:30 a.m. — wear your red, white and blue gear and look out for Uncle Sam. Entry fee is $20. And it's all for a good cause: proceeds benefit the Avon Park High School Cross Country program. Info: floridastateparks.org/highlandshammock.

St. Augustine: The July Fourth Fireworks at the Old City are one of the largest displays on Florida's East Coast, lighting up the skies over the ancient Castillo de San Marcos and reflecting in the waters of Matanzas Bay, beginning at 9:30 p.m. on July 4. Best viewing vantage points are along the bay shore between the Castillo de San Marcos and the Bridge of Lions. The spectacle is free. Info: visitoldcity.com.

Tampa: '70s & '80s Rockers Revisited is a pair of Independence Day weekend concerts July 3-4 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. On July 3, legendary teen heartthrob David Cassidy from The Partridge Family performs; on July 4, former Starship lead singer Mickey Thomas rocks the gardens, followed by fireworks. Park admission is $69.95 for adults; $59.95 for children. Info: buschgardens.com.

Ft. Lauderdale recently approved plans to build a new and improved International Swimming Hall of Fame Museum and with that would come a new Water Park with slides and<< MORE >>

The Florida Turnpike officials have awarded a contract to Areas USA to demolish and rebuild all eight Service Plazas along the turnpike. The 30-year contract will not only bring new buildings, but some of the vendors will also be changing.<< MORE >>

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The Trump Condo-Hotel project on Ft. Lauderdale Beach has been moving along....slowly. It's had numerous delays and the new 'opening' date is supposed to be<< MORE >>

Here is the final post of my walk through of the new W Hotel on Ft. Lauderdale Beach. This property took years to complete and from what I saw...it was well worth the wait. It's what the beach<< MORE >>

The W Hotel Ft. Lauderdale Beach. There are four floors to the 'public' hotel space. The first floor contains the restaurants and a small << MORE >>

This is post two of four.. The W Hotel Ft. Lauderdale Beach opened on April 30, 2009. << MORE >>

The W Hotel Ft. Lauderdale Beach (Florida's first W Hotel) opened two days ago, April 30, 2009. I made it to the property this morning and took some pictures<< MORE >>

Well, this June...those analog TVs will be useless without a digital converter. When a hurricane strikes (or any other disaster) and your electricity is gone, the digital converter will not work<< MORE >>

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It's that time of year. Dry conditions mixed with low rain amounts make for perfect brush fires here in Florida. Lightening caused a brush fire in the Everglades yesterday, which has caused the closing of I-75 (Alligator Alley)<< MORE >>

Here's a short video clip taken during lunch at 15th Street Fisheries Restaurant - Dockside. << MORE >>

It was the perfect time to finally try the 15th Street Fisheries Restaurant off of SE 15th Street and Cordova Road (off of 17th Street). It's located right on the fishing docks in the marina at the end of<< MORE >>

Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport is thinking about dropping it's remote parking fees from $9 a day to $7.50 << MORE >>

This morning at around 4:30 AM, a small fire in a room a the Harbor Beach Marriott forced 250 guests and workers<< MORE >>

While the Villages at Gulfstream have not signed 100% of the retail/dining/entertainment spots...they are well on their way. So far the lineup looks pretty cool. Glad to see<< MORE >>

Of course Ford and GM mean it's time to buy one of theirs. Starting today each company has rolled out a new guarantee program. If you buy a<< MORE >>

According to W Hotel officials, it took a few more weeks than anticipated to get all of the occupancy licenses in order. The hotel will be opening on<< MORE >>

I've been to Rendez-Vous Bakery for breakfast about a year ago, but just recently made it in for lunch. It's located on E. Oakland Park<< MORE >>