She Wants It Her Way

Submission by: Brendan Marmolejos from New York, NY

As a full-time Communications student, working 40+ hours a week during the dreaded graveyard shift in the city that never sleeps, I would assume it’s safe to say I’m in dire need of a damn vacation! Twenty years old, and I just might be the busiest person I know within my age range. Scratch that–without a doubt, I am the busiest person I know!

After consistently being denied time off, my boss eventually accommodated my need for leisure. Either that or a nervous breakdown would have subsequently ensued. Well, maybe not–but I sure as hell would have been pissed! Call me dramatic, but a little drama never hurt!

Long story short, I quickly booked my flight to the Sunshine State where my family resides. As much as I would love to travel to the Caribbean, the South Pacific, or anywhere tropical; it’s far out of my budget, and there is always room for compromise. South Florida will suffice. After all, it is in the Tropic of Cancer, right?

First stop: Siesta Key Beach–one of the few places I can go where my thoughts are as free as the coastal breeze. It’s the single habitat where my inhibitions are flushed with the crashing of each turquoise wave and replenished with the scent of the flowing sea air. The caressing warmth of the Sun combined with the cool, pristine water gives one that nurturing sense of comfort and complacency, maneuvering life’s many demands into a realm of temporal non-existence. This is what I call bliss–supreme happiness without regard to reality!

To say the least, I have become completely enamored with the beauty that encompasses the beach, and nature in general. Perhaps I was Pagan in another life, and my naturalistic customs were transferred to my present. I suppose living in New York City has allowed me to notice the alluring essence of the ocean.

That being said, the beach is my mother, and I am her son. I am the son of a beach...

Florida Beach Recommendations:

• Siesta Key Beach- Sarasota, FL
• Located on the Gulf coast of southwest Florida, Siesta Key Beach is recognized for its sugary white sand which resembles that of baby powder. It is said the sand is so fine due to the fact it is made of pure quartz. Siesta has held the title of #1 Beach in the United States for eleven consecutive years. The calm, shallow waters and quick access to delicious food vendors make this vacation spot perfect for families.

• Jensen Beach- Hutchinson Island, FL
• Located on the Atlantic coast of southeast Florida, Jensen is far less popular than most of the beaches on this list; however, it is just as tasteful as the rest. Considering the “Gulf Stream” current runs just off the coast of this sleepy coastal town, Jensen is ideal for adrenaline pumping water sports such as surfing and wind sailing.

• Miami Beach- Miami, FL
• One of my favorite beaches has to be Lummus Park in the international city of Miami. I travel frequently from New York City to Miami for work, and when I’m off the clock; my first trip is usually this particular beach. Located in the world renowned South Beach, where the most beautiful people on Earth roam, and where a plethora of nightclubs can be found in every direction; this diverse city is excellent for people watchers, party goers, spring breakers, and even the young at heart. Please note Lummus Park is a nude beach; thus, I would not recommend it for families with young children.

• Panama City Beach - Panama City, FL
• Not to be confused with Panama City, Panama; the Panama City Beach I am referring to is located in the panhandle of northwest Florida. This young, eclectic beach haven has been widely chosen by various groups of people and social crowds. If you like to drink, party, swim, and tan, then this beach is most definitely where you want to be. If you fancy the party scene, Panama City is home to the largest night club in the United States, Club La Vela, with Miami’s Club Mansion ranking in second. Seeing that PCB is mostly occupied by binge drinking college students on term breaks, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it to the average, conservative American family.

• Key West Beach - Key West, FL
• Just 90 miles north of Cuba is the southernmost point of the continental United States--Key West, Florida. The beaches of this barrier island are full of breathtaking coral reefs, in which a countless number of tropical sea life habitats, allowing for perfect snorkeling and scuba diving conditions. Key West is for everyone under the sun, from couples who would prefer to lie in a hammock under a palm tree and appreciate its grandeur, or an energetic child whose felicity is brought out by splashing around in the ocean. Local government should consider changing the name from Key West to Key BEST!

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