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Forbes
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The 15 Best Family Resorts In Florida 2025
The best family resorts in Florida capitalize on the sunshine state's breezy beaches, offering everything from oceanside lounging to thrilling waterslides that will keep the kids entertained all day. The best part? 'Many of Florida's resorts will make you feel like you've been transported to the Caribbean—without needing a passport,' says Anna Fader, founder of family travel website Mommy Poppins and author of The Young Traveler's Journal and Activity Book. Our top recommendation is The Breakers Palm Beach, a classic retreat that has catered to guests young and old for over 100 years. For those heading to Orlando, the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek is an all-in-one getaway close to Walt Disney World, while in the Florida Keys, Cheeca Lodge & Spa, a tropical island resort with activities for all ages, is not to be missed. Ahead, the best family resorts in Florida in 2025. The resort's stretch of private beachfront is a big draw, and four pools sit oceanfront, including a zero-entry family pool. The Breakers Since 1896, The Breakers has been one of Florida's best addresses, blending modern amenities with architecture modeled after the Italian Renaissance. From endless activities (including bike riding, junior golf and tennis) to childproofed suites decked out with cribs, strollers and bottle warmers, every inch of this beachfront getaway caters to guests young and old. Plenty of sun-soaked adventures await at its four, ocean-facing pools and private beach—but on the small off-chance that boredom strikes, head to the Family Entertainment Center to top the leaderboards at an array of arcade games, shoot hoops on the basketball court or score a hole-in-one on the nine-hole mini-golf course. Once you're all worn out, stop by for family dinner at The Italian Restaurant, an authentic eatery serving fresh pasta and brick-oven pizzas; here, parents can sip on fine wines while children play nearby. Book a family bunk room and the kids will have an area for themselves with their own TV. Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek Looking to stick close to Walt Disney World? The Wyndham Grand Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort is just a few miles from theme parks, so close that you can view their nightly fireworks shows from the property. Shuttles to and from the parks can also be booked at the front desk. On-site, families can enjoy an 18-hole putt-putt course and playground, plus additional perks from the nearby Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek (think: two lazy rivers, five pools and a pirate-themed water slide). For the ultimate kid-friendly suite, reserve a family bunk room with a separate bunk bed area for the kiddos and a private TV. Restaurants, bars and a buffet are all available throughout the premises to satiate any cravings, and when you're ready for a bit of R&R away from your tribe, check out the Blue Harmony Spa for holistic body treatments and massage therapies. A private beach offers opportunities for sandcastle building and other family fun; beach games are included in the resort fee. Pelican Grand Beach Resort Home to the only lazy river in Fort Lauderdale, activities at the Pelican Grand Beach Resort promise plenty of all-day splash action, which Fader praises: 'Families need to be flexible to work around the different needs and moods of everyone in the group, and this is one of the best resorts allowing them to create the experiences they want or need day to day,' she says. The resort's rotating list of activities includes sandcastle contests and coconut races down the lazy river, while at the Funky Fish Ocean Camp, marine biologists walk kids through tailored snorkeling lessons at the pool and beachfront. Its award-winning children's program also includes tie-dyeing, boogie boarding, and arts and crafts. After spending all day in the sun, spacious suites that evoke a charming, coastal aesthetic await; grab a cone from the resort's old-fashioned ice cream parlor, The Emporium, on your way in. Accommodations are condo- and penthouse-style suites ideal for larger tribes. Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa Fader is a fan of this Palm Beach retreat's kids' club. 'If I'm looking more for a chill location on a beautiful beach,' she says, 'I'm going to pick a place like this one, which has an amazing kids' club that will keep them busy while I enjoy the gorgeous beaches.' Indeed, the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa's Kid's Zone hosts supervised games and arts and crafts lessons for kids ages four to 12, and even partners with the Loggerhead Marinelife Center for educational sessions on sea turtle conservation. This gives grownups plenty of time to enjoy beach cabanas by day, or a coveted parents' night out by evening (babysitting services are available Thursday through Sunday from 6 to 10 p.m.). If that wasn't enough, accommodations here are condo- and penthouse-style suites ideal for larger broods, complete with full kitchens, washer/dryers and living and dining areas. At the SoBe Kids Club, kids can take part in arts and crafts, STEM activities and other experiences curated by the Miami Children's Museum. Loews Miami Beach Hotel At this iconic hotel in the middle of Miami's Art Deco district, the Miami Children's Museum and Frost Museum of Science have teamed up to deliver a jam-packed assortment of activities (like STEM experiments, crafts, cooking classes and more) at the SoBe Kids Club. Elsewhere, you and the kiddos can spend hours lounging or playing games in an air-conditioned cabana at the pool or beach; a personalized butler will be available to provide snacks and small bites. Other kid-sized dining delicacies can be enjoyed at the Italian restaurant Rao's (which serves favorites like rigatoni bolognese and linguini carbonara) or at Miami Joe Coffee Co., where you can scoop up locally crafted ice cream. Complimentary swim diapers, floaties and sunscreen are also provided on request. Accommodations include private villas ideal for family travel, with one or two bedrooms, full kitchens and plenty of room to spread out. Cheeca Lodge & Spa Located in the 'Sportsfishing Capital of the World,' the Cheeca Lodge & Spa is a hub for a wide variety of watersports that the whole family can enjoy, from fishing and paddleboarding to sailing far into the Atlantic Ocean sunset. Snorkeling tours—both private and large group excursions—regularly depart from the resort, and equipment rentals are offered should you need any. Camp Cheeca is also on-site to entertain children ages five to twelve with crafts, sports and scavenger hunts; drop the kids off at the program before heading to the spa to experience the tropical body wraps, facials and massage treatments of your dreams. When booking your stay, you can choose between 243 elegant suites (several of which have stunning ocean views and free-standing soaking tubs) or 11 fully furnished private villas, outfitted with washing machines and enough room to sleep six. Kids will probably be big fans of the resort's three-acre waterpark, with five waterslides, multiple pools and a palm tree–lined lazy river. Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa The crown jewel of the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa is its massive, three-acre waterpark—a.k.a., the largest resort poolscape in southwest Florida. Between its multiple pools, winding lazy river, and five waterslides (including an inner tube slide and a twisty pair of dueling ones), children will never want to leave; adults are welcome to observe the fun from the comfort of a sleek, poolside lounger. Another highlight is the resort's excursions: Families can hop on a private ferry to the nearby Big Hickory Island to mingle with dolphins up-close and lounge on calm, white sand shores, embark on the high-speed Key West Express for a day of shopping and touring the Conch Republic or join a guided kayak excursion, sunset cruise or fishing trip to make unforgettable memories. At the beach, families can rent standup paddleboards and kayaks for exploring the emerald-green waters. Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa After extensive, $35-million renovations, this full-service beach resort stuns with stylish, upgraded suites, a beachfront deck and a revamped spa (now complete with updated treatment services and lounge amenities, as well as a couples' suite). Outside, expect hours of fun in the sun with a variety of watersports, beach volleyball and three pools (including a dedicated toddler swimming area). Inside, cribs, pack-and-plays and bunk bed suites make your stay all the more convenient when your family needs room to spread out. The resort also partners with a trusted, local babysitting service—perfect for those days when you can use a little extra 'me' time, or for evenings when you long to indulge in the premium wines, expertly aged USDA prime steaks and sophisticated atmosphere at Seagar's, Northwest Florida's first AAA Four Diamond steakhouse. There's a family-friendly pool, nautical-themed splash pad and adults-only pool all surrounded by the largest pool deck in northeast Florida. Omni Amelia Island Resort For those seeking a more isolated stretch of sand, Omni Amelia Island Resort checks all the boxes. It's located on a barrier island off the coast of Florida, where beaches can be relatively uncluttered and offer sweeping, picturesque views of the Atlantic. 'There are so many activities at this resort to keep the whole family busy,' says Fader, who cites this as one of her top family-friendly Florida destinations. Days can be filled with water-wading, lounging and sandcastle-building, and away from the beach, there's plenty of other family fun to be had at the resort's golf experiences: the 18-hole Heron's Cove Adventure Golf mini-course and the beginner-friendly 10-hole Little Sandy Course. Bike rentals are also offered if you want to explore around the island. If guided experiences are preferred, head to the Amelia Island Nature Center to join nature-focused discovery tours led by naturalists, who walk families through everything from sea turtle sightings to shark tooth hunting. Three miles of Gulf Coast beach are at your leisure, as are multiple pools and a water slide. JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort Having visited this property many times as a kid, Florida-based family content creator Brie Mazin loves taking her kids to the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort. 'It's one of those resorts where you never need to leave the property,' she says. 'They have it all: So many dining options, a game room, bowling alley, an indoor shopping mall and more.' Families will never be bored with the vast array of indoor and outdoor activities here: Three miles of Gulf Coast beach are at your leisure, as are multiple pools and a water slide. Each of the resort's twelve restaurants spans global cuisines, but our favorite kid-friendly options are at Mosaico, an al fresco Mediterranean dining experience serving brick-oven pizzas and handcrafted gelato. When your long day of adventure ends, Mazin recommends heading back to the beach to watch a Balinese-inspired fire dancer light up the night sky. This AAA Five Diamond Award-winning property also offers a spa, golf course and multiple restaurants to keep grownups busy. Four Seasons Resort Orlando At Walt Disney World Resort After a day full of magical experiences at the Walt Disney World Resort, families can take a complimentary shuttle back to the nearby Four Seasons Resort Orlando, where the action-packed excitement continues. The luxury getaway is home to a five-acre water park with plenty of slides, pools and a lazy river. Suites on the property—which include deluxe accommodations with direct views of the parks—are elegant and modern, outfitted with luxe linens to ensure a comfy night's rest. In the morning, kids can meet-and-greet with their favorite characters while chowing down on waffles and omelets at Ravello, the on-site Italian eatery that holds Good Morning Breakfasts with Goofy & Pals every Thursday and Saturday. While admission to Disney World isn't required to stay at this resort, its proximity to and affiliation with the parks make tickets highly recommended. There's also an oceanfront pool ideal for cooling down after a family bike ride or workout at the fitness center. Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa With nightly rates as low as $200, Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa offers great value for its family-friendly amenities and experiences. On the beach, you'll find complimentary chairs and umbrellas, tours, cabanas and watersports rentals; in your suite, you'll have access to complimentary infant equipment like baby tubs, playards, bassinets and infant seats (limited quantities available upon request). Some rooms feature full kitchens, while others captivate with terraces that center you right in front of the turquoise waters. Every season, a rotating schedule of activities keeps the whole family entertained: Guests can join the new Turtle Talk series for a complimentary educational program from sea turtle experts or reserve the Stargazing on The Sea package to join a private river cruise led by a local astronomer. At the Falls Pool Oasis, the swimming pool and splash zone are ideal for younger kids, while two waterslides offer thrills for older kids. Orlando World Center Marriott If pool time is a priority, look no further than a stay at the 200-acre Orlando World Center Marriott, a premier destination known for its sprawling water park and pool oasis. Despite the resort's proximity to popular Orlando attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld, you'll have difficulty tearing the kids away from its River Falls Water Park: a vibrant aqua playground with three adrenaline-pumping waterslides. Whether you're grabbing an inner tube to conquer the Boomerango slide—which propels riders 20 feet in the air towards a plunge pool—or floating down the winding, 575-foot River Falls Lazy River, you're guaranteed an epic afternoon of soaking in the sun. The whole family can experience additional aquatic escapades at the resort's lagoon-style swimming pool, which features two additional body slides and a splash zone for the little ones. You'll need a vacation from your vacation after enjoying everything that's included with a stay. Raif Fluker With all that's included in your stay at Island Grand At Tradewinds, you'll never want to leave the resort. There's something for everyone: thrill seekers will go crazy for the beach zipline and inflatable surf simulator; sporty folks will appreciate the volleyball, beach games, mini-golf experiences; watersports fiends can try their hand at jet skiing or hop on a banana boat; small kids will be dazzled by the family pirate shows and floating waterpark. The diverse assortment of activities means you'll always be occupied. Still, when you're finally ready for a more laid-back afternoon, a complimentary beach cabana awaits for basking in the ocean breeze. The resort shares amenities and its beachfront with the neighboring RumFish Beach Resort, so you'll get double the experiences for the price of one stay. Wildlife Field Guides are in each room to help you identify each critter you come across, and additional programs run by animal experts are on-site for even more educational fun. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Vacations don't get any more unique or memorable than a stay at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge: an expansive, premium getaway with its own savannas, where over 200 animals across 30-plus species roam free. 'The resort adds a whole level of fun to a Disney vacation,' says Fader, 'and perks like early admission at the Walt Disney World theme parks make the stay worth it.' Wildlife Field Guides are in each room to help you identify each critter you come across, and additional programs run by animal experts are on-site for even more educational fun. Once you've had your fill of animal-viewing for the day, spend time in the 11,000-square-foot Uzima pool, shaded by palm trees, or cruise down the waterslide to cool off in the sun. Suites and guest rooms are decked out with warm hues and African-inspired textiles. 'Plus, they also have two- and three- bedroom villas that are great for larger groups,' says Fader. The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and reported on a wide variety of hotels and resorts across the globe. We conducted extensive research on top-rated hotels across the state, factoring in testimonials, hotel rewards and family-friendly amenities. Florida family resorts vary widely in experiences and amenities, so your vacation may look very different depending on where you end up booking. Before reserving your room, here are some key things to consider: 'Multigenerational travel is hot and resorts are increasingly adding options for larger villas,' says Fader. For larger groups, seek out properties with spacious accommodations that have enough amenities to make you feel like you're staying at a home away from home. For instance, the Cheeca Lodge & Spa, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa all offer villa, penthouse and/or condo-style residences perfect for larger families. Most come equipped with full kitchens and washers and dryers for convenience. Mazin also recommends reserving accommodations during quieter months when planning a trip with many people. 'You can find the best rates when it's off-season,' she says, 'and sometimes Florida families are given special offerings.' Whether you book an all-inclusive package or choose to pay for individual meals depends on what you prioritize: value or convenience. For value, à la carte pricing is typically the way to go. 'Sometimes families have picky eaters or end up paying for things they don't use,' says Mazin. For those on the more budget-conscious side, à la carte options alleviate the stress of having to consume your money's worth. They're easier on your wallet so you won't have to, as Fader puts it, 'pay $25 per person for a breakfast buffet where your child will eat only one pancake.' On the other hand, all-inclusive experiences can be ideal for those who don't want to ruminate on costs while relaxing on their holiday. 'I hate having to nickel and dime on vacation and constantly worry about whether this or that activity is 'worth it,'' adds Fader. 'Sometimes, not worrying about money is a great investment.' A majority of resorts have a comfortable blend of adult and kid-oriented attractions, while others skew on the more kid-friendly side (such as themed getaways like Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.) 'We need lots of options for a family resort to be truly great,' says Mazin, 'like engaging kids' activities, wellness options for parents, spacious rooms and easy dining options.' For Mazin—and other wellness-focused adults—a spa is always a fantastic benefit. To ensure the whole family will have something to be entertained by, look for kids' clubs and waterparks: They'll unlock hours of fun for the kiddos, plus give extra parental relaxation time for when you need it. 'They're both mega-perks because it's nice to know our kids are safe while we have a bit of adult time,' says Mazin. Plus, if you're staying in a theme park haven like Orlando, 'On-site water parks always keep the fun going back at the resort,' says Fader. I am a New Jersey-based editorial assistant working across the beauty, fashion, travel and home & kitchen categories here at Forbes Vetted. As a Caribbean descendant, I've spent ample time lounging on the beach since I was young, including multiple trips to Florida. I graduated with bachelor's degrees in English and Psychology from Amherst College and attended the Columbia Publishing Course. In addition to Forbes Vetted, my work can also be found in Make Muse and The Common.
Fast Company
6 days ago
- Climate
- Fast Company
Hurricane season begins June 1. This Florida emergency official reveals what keeps him up at night
No place is more vulnerable to hurricanes in the 50 U.S. states than the Florida Keys. The chain of islands celebrated by singer Jimmy Buffett in his odes to tropical escapism is surrounded by water, jutting out 120 miles southwesterly from Florida's mainland to Key West with the Gulf and Atlantic Ocean on either side. The archipelago historically has been known for its quirky and libertarian inhabitants who revel in the islands' hedonistic, artistic and outdoorsy lifestyle. In recent years, it also has become a haven for the wealthy. Overseeing safety for the more than 80,000 inhabitants of the Conch Republic — the nickname for the islands after denizens declared a tongue-in-cheek secession from the United States in the early 1980s — is Shannon Weiner, director of emergency management for Monroe County, Florida. The Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1, and the county has some new weapons this season, including a brand-new emergency operations center and a new seawater desalination water treatment plant. The county also relies on surveillance flights from hurricane-hunting aircraft from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for information about how to prepare. But, the potential for a catastrophic storm like Hurricane Irma in 2017 is always at the back of residents' minds. The Category 4 storm made landfall in the Florida Keys with winds up to 132 mph (209.2 kph), destroying around 1,180 homes and seriously damaging another 3,000. Weiner recently talked to the Associated Press about the upcoming hurricane season. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
CBS News
24-05-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Florida Keys face highest hurricane risk, Monroe official warns: "Run from the water"
No place is more vulnerable to hurricanes in the 50 U.S. states than the Florida Keys. The chain of islands celebrated by singer Jimmy Buffett in his odes to tropical escapism is surrounded by water, jutting out 120 miles southwesterly from Florida's mainland to Key West with the Gulf and Atlantic Ocean on either side. The archipelago historically has been known for its quirky and libertarian inhabitants who revel in the islands' hedonistic, artistic and outdoorsy lifestyle. In recent years, it also has become a haven for the wealthy. Overseeing safety for the more than 80,000 inhabitants of the Conch Republic — the nickname for the islands after denizens declared a tongue-in-cheek secession from the U.S. in the early 1980s — is Shannon Weiner, director of emergency management for Monroe County. The Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1, and the county has some new weapons this season, including a brand-new emergency operations center and a new seawater desalination water treatment plant. The county also relies on surveillance flights from hurricane-hunting aircraft from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for information about how to prepare. But, the potential for a catastrophic storm like Hurricane Irma in 2017 is always at the back of residents' minds. The Category 4 storm made landfall in the Florida Keys with winds up to 132 mph, destroying around 1,180 homes and seriously damaging another 3,000. Weiner recently talked about the upcoming hurricane season. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. ___ Weiner: Our entire island chain is surrounded by water. We have more water than we do land mass. Being uniquely situated between the two large bodies of water makes us very vulnerable. We see storms early, sometimes in their formation — storms that come across the Atlantic and then storms that develop in the south, in the Caribbean Sea. We tend to be in their path, and so we get a lot of storm practice here in Monroe County. Weiner: The weather service is a good partner, and the field offices, from what they were telling us and what they're hearing here, everyone is secure. They are not expecting or anticipating any cuts to the (Florida Keys) field offices. So, of course, going into hurricane season, we're really happy to hear that. Weiner: The Keys had not had a storm of that magnitude or size since the early 20th century. People tend to get complacent. It's human nature, right? They're not as worried. They're not as prepared. We were very fortunate with Irma in that we had plenty of days' notice to evacuate. But when we came home and saw the devastation, it was an eye-opener. Being an island chain, we had unique challenges bringing logistics in to help us recover. Weiner: Usually, they tend to heed that advice. We are constantly reminding people to be prepared and how important it is in our county to evacuate because the Florida Keys, the entirety of the island chain, is a storm surge zone. People here tend to be pretty savvy when it comes to storms, and throughout the entire Keys, the bigger concern is storm surge rather than wind. We say, "Hide from the wind and run from the water." Weiner: The city of Key West is an incredibly resilient community. There's a lot of history there. But there is also a lot of older architecture there. There's a lot of wooden homes, and for them to receive a storm, a direct impact of a major magnitude, that would be devastating for them. That is what keeps me up at night – a Category 4 or 5 storm hitting Key West. Weiner: Because it's beautiful here. It really is an island paradise. Being surrounded by a national marine sanctuary is amazing. I think everyone that lives here, we all live here for that reason. Because we appreciate the environment and the marine life and love the water. And so it's worth it. You make sure that you're prepared, and you have a plan if you need to go. And you go somewhere safe, and you come back, and you just put it back together.
The Guardian
24-05-2025
- Science
- The Guardian
Scientists seek to save Florida's dying reefs with hardy nursery-grown coral
A taskforce of experts looking into the mass bleaching and decline of Florida's delicate coral reefs is planting more than 1,000 nursery-grown juveniles from the reef-building elkhorn species in a new effort to reverse the tide of destruction. Record ocean heat in 2023 hastened the death spiral for reefs in the Florida Keys, which have lost 90% of their healthy coral cover over the last 40 years, largely because of the climate emergency, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa). Marine biologists from the Keys Marine Laboratory of the University of South Florida (USF) partnered with scientists from Tampa's Florida Aquarium to develop a large-scale restoration project involving elkhorn coral, which is critically endangered but also one of the fastest-growing and most resilient species. Earlier this month, the USF facility in Long Key, halfway along the ecologically fragile Florida Keys island chain, took delivery of 1,050 young elkhorn corals spawned between 2022 and 2023 at the aquarium's conservation and research center in Apollo Beach. The corals are acclimatizing in temperature-regulated seawater beds in Long Key. They will be distributed to research partners including the Coral Restoration Foundation, the Mote Marine Laboratory, Reef Renewal USA, and Sustainable Oceans and Reefs for planting at seven designated offshore sites around the Keys during the next two months. Teams will monitor their progress over the following months and years. While project managers say not all will survive, they hope some of the juveniles will thrive and grow, and the knowledge gleaned will help better inform future recovery efforts. 'Maybe there will only be 100 out there a year from now, but even if it's only one out of a hundred that survives that's particularly tough, we can propagate that one,' said Cindy Lewis, director of the Keys Marine Laboratory. 'We hope there will be some resistant babies in that batch. What I do know is that if we do nothing, we'll have done nothing, and nothing will happen.' Noaa says elkhorn branches can grow up to almost 4in (10cm) a year, and the species is particularly resilient to high wave action. They grow on larger, foundation coral species such as boulder star coral and brain coral to provide what Lewis calls a 'jungle gym' for fish and other marine life. Their planting along the Keys will also represent the closing of a circle, because the parent corals from which they were spawned were 'rescued' from the ocean ahead of the 2023 mass bleaching event. Biologists at the Florida Aquarium served as de facto matchmakers for the elkhorn corals, which were spawned to be as genetically diverse as possible. 'The coral juveniles we just transferred are made up of many new mother and father combinations that we hope will be more resilient to future stressors,' Keri O'Neil, director of the aquarium's coral conservation program, said. Sign up to Down to Earth The planet's most important stories. Get all the week's environment news - the good, the bad and the essential after newsletter promotion 'Without human intervention, these parent corals would not be able to breed due to the extent of the loss. They're a sign that, even during a crisis, we can make a difference. By working together we're protecting a reef that's essential to our environment, our economy and the thousands of species that call it home.' Lewis said the elkhorn project was a small component of a vast wider effort by numerous universities, environmental groups, and state and federal partners to try to restore as much lost coral as possible. 'Elkhorn is just one species of coral. Our partners are doing this for staghorn coral and others – the brain corals, star corals and boulder corals, the massive corals that build the mountains of reefs that these elkhorn and staghorn live on,' she said. 'All these different organizations produced over 25,000 pieces of coral this winter to put out on the reef that are going to make a difference, along with our elkhorn. 'Even though it seems dismal and depressing, the ray of hope is that we can produce these corals, we can get these corals out there, and that everybody has banded together to work together. No one organization is going to do it all. We need everybody, and we need everybody's ideas.'
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
South Florida severe weather signals wet season is near
PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. – Severe thunderstorms swept across South Florida on Friday, bringing damaging winds, hail and localized flooding in what could be a signal that the state's rainy season is quickly approaching. The storms, which developed with the enhancement of an old frontal boundary, caused notable damage in several areas. At the North Perry Airport in Pembroke Pines, at least one plane was tossed by the gusty winds and trees and power lines were reported down in Broward County. On the Treasure Coast, hail the size of limes fell, which has only happened a few dozen times since the 1950s. Despite some residents believing a tornado had touched down, the National Weather Service said the damage was representative of gusty winds from a downburst. Downbursts are rapid columns of descending air that spread outward upon hitting the ground and can generate wind speeds that top 100 mph. Depending on their size and duration, these phenomena can be classified as either microbursts or macrobursts. While microbursts are smaller and more intense, macrobursts affect larger areas with slightly less concentrated winds. Further south in the Florida Keys, thunderstorm activity produced waterspouts and funnel clouds, but no damage was reported. New To Florida? Here's When The Sunshine State's Rainy Season Gets Underway The timing of the storms aligns with the onset of Florida's rainy season, which typically begins in mid to late May and lasts into September. The seasonal activity is primarily driven by high temperatures, bountiful moisture and converging sea breezes, which often is sufficient enough to trigger strong to severe storms. The duration and intensity of the rainy season can be influenced by global climate patterns such as El Niño and La Niña. During El Niño years, Florida's wet season may be delayed and less intense, while La Niña tends to accelerate the onset of daily thunderstorms and leads to increased rainfall. Current observations place the El Niño–Southern Oscillation, or what is known as the ENSO, in a neutral phase, with hints of La Niña stage. As a result, average to above-average rainfall is expected throughout much of the summer across Florida. The forecast comes as welcome news for drought-stricken regions across the state, particularly areas south of the Interstate 4 corridor. Although drought conditions still remain, consistent rainfall over the coming weeks may begin to alleviate the large deficits. Where You Can Ditch The Rain At Universal's Epic Universe Theme Park Historically, the first half of the rainy season tends to produce more intense thunderstorms, including frequent lightning, damaging winds and occasional large hail. The latter half often produces the highest rainfall totals, with fewer reports of damage. Florida's rainy season typically winds down by late September, at which point the focus shifts toward tropical systems and, eventually, cold fronts moving in from the north and article source: South Florida severe weather signals wet season is near
