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Your Florida Vacation Directory / Votre répertoire de vacances pour la Floride

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The East Coast of Florida: Why Get a Babysitter?

Romantic holidays on the gorgeous beach of Jupiter Island, a student “Fiesta

Romantic holidays on the gorgeous beach of Jupiter Island, a student “Fiesta” trip during US Spring Break, an annual holiday for Canadian “Snow Birds”; Florida suits all types of travelers. Though it is sometimes difficult to organize a trip with children, Florida’s east coast will appeal to all youngsters and teens! Below are 10 activities that will spice up your family holidays. Your little ones will be in heaven…while you head back to childhood! ...READ MORE

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Quelles folles dépenses feriez-vous si vous gagnez le gros lot du Powerball ?

Ce mercredi, tous les Américains seront rivés devant leurs écrans pour découvrir s’ils deviendront la personne la plus riche de leur entourage. Pourquoi ? Parce que le Powerball Lottery fera tirer à Tallahassee en Floride, le plus gros lot de toute l’histoire des États-Unis, soit un lot de 1,5 milliard de dollars américains ! Et le plus beau dans tout ça, c’est que les Canadiens peuvent participer ! Si un Canadien emporte le gros lot, on parle d’un montant qui s’élève à 2,1 milliard de dollars canadiens, en plus de ne pas être taxé au Canada pour le montant gagné, ce serait plus d’argent directement dans ses poches si un Canadien l’emporte face à un Américain. Rappelons que le plus gros montant jamais gagné aux États-Unis est de 590,5 millions et qu’il fût gagné par une retraitée dans la banlieue de Tampa en Floride ! Maintenant, pour rêver un peu, Maintenant, pour rêver un peu ! Voici quelques « simples » items que vous pourriez acheter si vous gagnez le gros lot de mercredi… En gagnant le gros lot de 1,5 milliard, une vie sans obligation sera évidemment à votre portée, donc pourquoi ne pas s’offrir un luxueux yacht et faire le tour du monde en bateau? Un bien fortuné de Miami vend son yacht, élaboré par les meilleurs constructeurs au monde et conçu avec les marbres et bois les plus fins de la planète pour la modique somme de 25,9 millions de dollars américains. Question de garder un pied-à-terre en Floride, vous pouvez vous acheter le « Château de Versailles », une maison de 4.4 acres à Hillsboro Beach. La maison est située sur la plage, entre l’Océan et l’Intracoastal. Pour 159 millions de dollars américains, vous vivrez dans ce palais de 70 775 pieds carrés, qui contient 19 chambres et 20 salles de bain, 6 fontaines de 6 pieds, ainsi que le premier « IMAX Home Theater » dans le monde, une piste de Go-Cart et une patinoire… Rien de moins ! Pour un pied-à-terre plus privé, vous pouvez vous acheter une île de 26 acres dans les Keys! Pour 110 millions américains, vous aurez une île juste pour vous, avec une maison de 3 chambres et 3 salles de bain, ainsi qu’une gigantesque marina pour accueillir votre nouveau yacht ! Les amateurs de voitures pourraient s’offrir le modèle le plus cher au monde, soit la Lamborghini Venero Roadster, pour la bagatelle de 3,96 millions d’euros ! Pour de plus folles dépenses, vous pourriez acheter une équipe de sport. Considérant que les Maple Leafs de Toronto est l’équipe de hockey la plus riche (estimée à 1 milliard de dollars) vous pourriez être propriétaire de n’importe quelle concession de la Ligue nationale de hockey! Aussi, ceux pour qui faire un voyage dans l’espace est un rêve d’enfance, un voyage aller-retour sur la lune vous serait possible pour la somme de 750 millions de dollars ! Et vous, quelles folles dépenses feriez-vous si vous gagnez le gros lot ?

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What if you were to win the Powerball Jackpot?

It’s actually happening, this coming Wednesday, in Tallahassee Florida, with probably every American glued to their screen to see if he or she will become the richest person in Powerball history. How rich? The Powerball Lottery is offering the biggest draw in the history of the United States, with over 1.5 Billion US dollars! That’s not all, the best part is, if you are a Canadian, you are actually eligible to participate! What happens if you’re a Canadian and you actually win the jackpot? You will grab the amount of 2.1 Billion Canadian dollars. In addition, you will not be taxed in Canada for your winnings, which will represent more money in your pocket. Technically, you’ll actually win more money if you are a Canadian versus an American citizen. The largest Powerball Jackpot ever won in the United States was on May 18, 2013 by a retiree in the suburbs of Tampa Florida. He won just about 590.5 Million dollars. Lucky guy, right? Let’s dream a little more… Here are some

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Alligators & Crocodiles; A Florida Experience

Besides heat and cocktails, Florida has a lot to offer tourists. Of course, it has hazards such as dangerous hurricanes that regularly batter the state, but the environment of Florida offers an experience very different from the one in Canada. In Florida, you will find jellyfish, scorpions and even pythons, but the state’s most iconic animals are undoubtedly its alligators and crocodiles. The three most important species of crocodilians in Florida are the American alligator, the American crocodile, and the spectacled caiman (a subspecies of alligator).

What are the differences between the three species?

These reptiles are found mostly in the south of Florida. Crocodiles prefer saltwater to freshwater and thus live only in this area. Alligators, on the other hand, prefer freshwater and are found in the south-east corner of the state. Caimans adapt more readily to different environments and thus are found near the sea as much as near freshwater sources.  READ MORE

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Ladies and Gentlemen, Place your bets!

A casino visit while on vacation is not unheard of but, as a Canadian, what are the rules on gambling in the state of Florida? Whether you’ve been lucky at the blackjack tables, or picked the winning Powerball numbers, the impact of this good fortune will be different depending on your resident status. To begin with, what does “gambling” mean? Legal gambling in Florida includes casinos and the lotteries; it also includes horse and greyhound racing bets and bingo. Note that betting on online casino games is clearly illegal. Online poker games are thus also illegal, despite appearances—there is a notable lack of police enforcement. This behavior may be the result of the fact that online poker is legal in most American states. Make no mistake, online poker is officially illegal in the State of Florida. If you gamble by taking part in a valid game in a legitimate fashion (without cheating, and adhering to the age requirements) and win afterwards, your “jackpot” is a perfectly legal payment. There is no rule restricting Canadians from gambling in Florida; there is nothing stopping you from claiming your winnings. The amount, however, is taxable under certain conditions. First of all, the winnings of American residents are taxable. The relevant rate for this group is 25% on race winnings exceeding $600, slot machine and bingo winnings exceeding $1200, lottery winnings exceeding $1500, and finally poker winnings that exceed $5000. This is federal law and applies to the entire United States. If you are not an American resident, the tax rate is higher. The Internal Revenue Service demands 30% of your winnings (of whatever origin) if they exceed $1200. Once again, this is federal law and applies all over the United States (including casinos on Native American reserves). Because of the close economic relationship between the United States and Canada, you can recover a portion of the 30% deducted from your winnings. The threshold amount of $1200 refers to your “jackpot”, that is, your total winnings, which is different from your net winnings. For example, in a poker game, let us suppose you win a jackpot of $2000 (taxation applies since the amount exceeds $1200). To win this $2000, you had to bet $1000. Consequently, your net winnings come to only $1000 ($2000-$1000). Nevertheless, the casino will keep $600 (30% of $2000); since your net winnings were $1000, you should only have been deducted $300 (30% of $1000). The good news is that you can claim the difference between these two amounts ($600 - $300 = $300) from the IRS. To be entitled to this refund, you must be a Canadian resident; American residents (or dual citizens) do not have this option. The refund request is made through the 1040NR form. If this is the first time that you’ve ever sent a form to the IRS, you must also submit a W-7 form. To ensure the efficiency of this process, keep all your receipts and documents from the casino in question. In general, it takes the IRS three to four months to respond. Upon your return to Canada, there are two institutions whose rules you must consider. First, Canadian (and American) customs will ask that you declare any amount in excess of C$10,000. There is no particular rule about gambling winnings. So, even if your winnings were taxed at the casino, you are only obligated to declare your winnings if they exceed $10,000. In this case, present a receipt or document from the casino when you cross the border. Second, generally, you will not have to deal with Revenue Canada. Gambling winnings are capital gains. They are not taxable by Canadian tax law. However, if you are a professional poker player, your winnings will be subject to taxation (this does not apply to lottery winnings, since these rely solely on chance as opposed to poker, where a significant degree of player skill is involved). If you are a professional poker player, you will be working in a business context, much like a contractual worker. So, in reality, your poker winnings are your income. As a poker player, you obviously try to win as much money as possible. This objective is no different in a business where the primary goal is profit and revenues. So, just as in business, gambling winnings (revenue) are taxable just as any form of income. It is for these reasons that Jonathan Duhamel, from Quebec, only took home $4.5 million post-tax following his $9 million winnings after his victory at the 2010 World Series of Poker. Gambling in Florida is accessible to all Canadian tourists. It is not necessary to be an American resident to claim your winnings. This is understandable since casino owners increase the size of their jackpots by increasing the number of players. Although it is true that non-residents must pay taxes when winning large sums of money, they only pay 5% more than Americans. However, the tax imposed on non-residents may be recovered, and this increases the gambling winnings you bring home.

Have you bought a ticket yet for this Wednesday's Powerball? Find out what you'll have to declare to the US & Canadian government if you were to win.. Is it all worth it?.. ‪#‎Powerball‬ ‪#‎Florida‬ ‪#‎Lotttery‬ ‪#‎Gamble‬ ‪#‎Casino‬

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Winter in Florida ! #lovefl zipOrange.com the Ultimate Florida Vacation Directory #florida #floridalife

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Activités du temps des fêtes à ne pas manquer – Hollywood – Fort Lauderdale

Avec le temps des fêtes qui frappe à nos portes, c’est le moment de vous présenter quelques activités des fêtes et du jour de l’an à faire dans les régions d’Hollywood et de Fort Lauderdale !

À Hallandale Beach, tout près d’Hollywood, le village du Gulfstream Park propose un spectacle de lumière tous les soirs jusqu’au 31 décembre. Beau temps comme mauvais temps, le spectacle a lieu à l’extérieur et est gratuit ! Le montage dynamique « danse » sur des airs des fêtes pour un plaisir visuel et musical qui saura impressionner les plus petits, comme les grands ! Le spectacle de lumière prend place toutes les heures, entre 18h et 23h. Aussi, les 23 et 24 décembre, Père Noël et Mère Noël seront sur place pour prendre des photos avec les enfants !

Le fameux Carrie B vous propose un tour de bateau d’une durée de 2 heures à travers la Venise d’Amérique ! Vous pourrez vivre l’esprit de Noël en faisait une visite guidée des maisons, hôtels et yachts les plus richement décorés de la région de Fort Lauderdale tout en profitant de la musique festive des fêtes ! La croisière commence au centre-ville de Fort Lauderdale sur le sinueux New River et se poursuit sur l’Intercostal Waterway dans l’Antlantique pour vous offrir la meilleure vue sur les sites les plus magnifiquement décorés de la région. Les départs se font tous les soirs à 19h du 17 au 28 décembre au coût de 29,95$ par personne.

Et pour commencer la nouvelle année sur l’eau, le Carrie B offre une croisière de 4 heures le 31 décembre. Le départ se fait à 21h et, pour 119,95$ par personne, vous aurez droit à plusieurs bouchées et desserts, ainsi qu’à un verre de champagne pour le décompte de minuit ! Un bar payant est disponible sur le bateau et un DJ sera présent pour vous faire danser !

La ville de Fort Lauderdale et l’Orange Bowl sont associés depuis 2011 pour offrir aux citoyens un splendide Réveillon ! L’évènement est l’une des plus grandes célébrations de la veille du Nouvel An de tout le sud de la Floride. Prenant place dans le centre-ville de Fort Lauderdale, les festivités commencent à 16h, et offrent une foule d’activités gratuites pour toute la famille ! Plus de 100 000 personnes se rassemblent chaque année pour venir assister à cet évènement qui comprend ... lire la suite sur ziporange.com/fr/activites-fort-lauderdale-floride/

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Did you know that Canadians are not obligated to have an international license to drive in Florida? Since auto insurance provided by Canadian companies is valid in the United States, a Canadian license and the appropriate insurance are all Canadians need to drive in Florida. Read More...

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“La Paloma”: Sun, Bingo and a Crush

For many years, Florida was synonymous with ‘La Paloma’ for the child that I was.  This name with its Latin feel is written in white letters on the pink walls that surround one of the 35,000 mobile home parks in the United States. Every winter my sisters and I would spend a couple of weeks with my grandmother in her mobile home in Boynton Beach, a few kilometres south of West Palm Beach. More than beaches and big name restaurants, it is the welcoming atmosphere of ‘La Paloma’ that today lights up my fondest childhood memories. If the TV show ‘Trailer Park Boys’ feeds the stereotype of a seedy place where residents breed crime, I will convince you that a mobile home park can also be a small paradise!

A tightly-knit community

Every year close to 450 Canadians escape the snow and cold, to find the haven of peace and sun offered by ‘La Paloma’.  Reuniting each year, residents of the park grow to be friends more than neighbours. Tuesday bingo games, monthly BBQs, aquafit classes, pool tournaments… are all great occasions to come together! Every year, we were greeted by dozens of caring ‘hellos’! By setting foot in the festive village of ‘La Paloma’, this large family is immediately expanded. Very quickly, you get to know Gail, the park gossip; Stanley, the old grouch with the soft heart; Bonnie, who eyes all the bachelors; and Cynthia, the snob who walks her three teeny dogs every night. The neighbourly community seems to keep one foot in the United States and the other in Canada…only palm trees remind us of where we are. The people of ‘La Paloma’ are all characters worth knowing; people who still leave their doors, and their arms, wide open.

At night, the homes are empty; everyone takes advantage of the warm evening to eat out on their porch. The streets smell of grills, hibiscus and sunscreen. The air is filled with the sounds of lively family dinner discussions and crickets announcing tomorrow’s good weather. Later in the evening, many of the ‘snowbirds’ go out to walk, do some cycling (almost everyone has a tricycle!) or drive their golf carts. The highlight of my stays was when the neighbour let me drive his ‘hot rod’! It was the high point of my nine years, I was the Queen of ‘La Paloma’, cruising at full speed (at least, that was my impression!) on the main street, which cuts through the length of the park following the Boynton Beach canal. This little red car excited me so much that at the end of the week, I boldly went to ring Mr. Allard’s bell to borrow his car.

This main street, where all other streets meet, is lively around 9:00 pm when everyone goes out to do their thing before heading off to bed. Jocelyne, the park joker, one day renamed this street where people go to digest their night’s dinner ‘Break Wind Boulevard’! Year after year, the nickname continued; now, no one remembers the real name of the main road.

Olympic level physical training!

Several sports are featured in ‘La Paloma’! (Although the park infrastructures are more places to talk than to win…). The pool has a few swimmers, but mainly women who are more sun worshippers than competitors. The “shuffleboard” courts are filled with men talking about their cars and last night’s Canadiens-Lightnings game. The cycling club welcomes members with one, two, three, and four-wheeled bikes. The surrounding golf courses (incredible!) are often the excuse visitors have for spending a day under the Florida sun.

A young, not so sporty girl, I filled my days with all these activities, and with pleasure, meeting seniors and kids in a friendly setting. I would get up at six in the morning, eager to be in the early morning aquafit group. I loved wading in the pool, surrounded by giggling grandmothers swaying their hips to the rhythm of Ricky Martin songs. I had to defend myself every day: I wasn’t laughing at them but ‘with’ them!

A tropical paradise for Golden Agers…but not just them!

The residents of ‘La Paloma’ might be of a ‘certain age’ but you can find all generations there. During the holidays, visiting families rejuvenate the park community. These visitors enjoy the many golf courses on the outskirts of the park, and shop in the impressive, American-sized shopping centres. You can also find them on the beaches of Florida’s east coast and in the endless number of steak houses that surround the park.

Every year, my two sisters and I would build relationships with the kids of the neighbouring houses. By the end of our stay, we had formed a gang of about fifteen children and teens, which certainly disturbed the peaceful silence demanded by the pool…We walked safely late at night, protected by the gatehouses that enclosed the park. It was also during one of these moonlight walks that my sister, then 13 years old, met her first love. The two teenagers lived a roller coaster romance around the pool and the pool tables. The relationship lasted a whole two weeks… It just goes to show you that anything can happen in the heavenly setting of ‘La Paloma’!

My trips to Florida will always remain etched in my memory. I will always remember ‘La Paloma’ as a welcoming, friendly place where life is good. While it may not host the ‘Jetsetters’ of Miami, ‘La Paloma’ offers a much more pleasant community life. When are you planning your next vacation in a mobile home park?

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