You never really realize just how small your town is until you move away to a much larger, more prominent one and you have to describe where you're from. For me, this moment was when I moved into college about three years ago and had to introduce myself to people. I soon learned that almost everyone I came into contact with had no idea my cute little hometown even existed. This came as a shock to me at first, but eventually, I began to grow accustomed to it. Now, I when meeting people I automatically assume that no one knows where it is. That's okay though, because it gives me the opportunity to give everyone a little glimpse into the town that is Florida, New York. If you're from Florida (or really any small town), I'm sure you can relate to some of these things!
1. Whenever you tell people where you live, you almost always hear, "Wait, there's a Florida in New York? Really?!?!!"
It may not be Orlando or Miami, but yes, there is a Florida in New York and it has a lot to offer!
2. Describing where you live to people who live in NYC, Staten Island, Long Island, Jersey, or pretty much anywhere outside of Orange County generally results in saying something along the lines of, "Well, do you know where the Woodbury Commons are? I live around there."
Because no matter where you come from, everyone loves a good shopping plaza, and for all it's popularity, Woodbury is always jam packed no matter what time of year it is.
3. Bethel season is an actual thing and it is most likely one of your favorite parts of summer.
4. Central Deli saves lives
Regardless of what your preference may be, everyone knows that Central is the place to be. Walk in at any given time on any given day, and you're probably waiting on line for at least 10 minutes wondering if the food is worth the wait - one bite into that hero or salad though, and you know it definitely was.
5. You have probably had more guy friends who drive a lifted truck and chew tobacco than you have fingers and toes.
6. You played soccer when you were younger
Whether your played in the FYSL in the 2nd grade or you picked it up during your senior year at the Institute, chances are your foot has probably touched a soccer ball more times than you can count.
7. You can name everyone in your graduating class
8. You've been late to more than one occasion because you got stuck by a tractor
Be it school, work or a party, arriving late to an event because you got stuck behind a tractor in front of you is completely normal, and probably the most relatable excuse because we've all been there. We know the struggle.
9. Parking lots galore - when you actually have to parallel park, it's like you're taking your road test all over again
Almost everywhere you go, there is a parking lot. This comes in handy if you're like me and couldn't parallel park to save your life, but not when you have to go visit your roommate in Yonkers.
10. Whether you grew up listening to it or you just learned to love it, Country music holds a special place in your heart.
If you're like me, you've probably had many debates with your non-country-loving friends which probably started with someone telling you that "all country music sounds the same".
11. Everybody knows everybody
12. You're at QuickChek 3-5 times a day - and that's the minimum
Whether you work there or not, you just can't help yourself; theres always something you need to go get.
13. It's at least a 20-minute drive to the nearest mall, diner or movie theater
Which is the perfect opportunity to break out that fire new playlist you created on Spotify!
14. You know the frustration of arguing that you're nowhere close to living upstate all too well.
If you had a dollar for every time you had to explain this to someone while away at school, you could afford to pay for college. Twice.
