25 Florida Psychics? Oh My!

My father and step-mother live just north of Orlando. Not living near their only granddaughter, they are always itching to see her. As a result, each winter my husband, daughter and I go down to Florida to visit. It’s the perfect time… it’s not overly hot there and it’s usually cold and snowy here. A win-win.
 
While visiting Orlando this year, I noticed something I hadn’t noticed before. There are A LOT of psychics down there. Perhaps I noticed because I have been pondering extending my business into the Florida market. Or, because it is my industry. But I’m not kidding when I say I saw AT LEAST 25 unique psychic storefronts in strip malls throughout our travels around Florida.
 
I was happy to see the profession so strongly represented. But it struck me as odd as well. Here is why:
 

1. Buffalo, a little more than an hour from Lily Dale, is considered a spiritual and metaphysical community. Conversely, Florida tends to be a more conservative state. Due to this, I made the assumption (shouldn’t do this, but I did) that individuals would not be as open to mediums and psychics.
2. These storefronts proudly announced “Psychic Readings” with BIG lighted signs and billboards. In Buffalo, while there are A LOT of readers. But, I can think of only three or four establishments that advertise so openly. Rather, most readers operate quietly out of home offices, offices in other establishments or gift shops bringing little attention to themselves.
3. All the shops I noticed in Florida only used the term psychic, not psychic medium. In Buffalo, most people go by psychic medium because the term psychic, by itself, carries a negative connotation. Additionally, with shows like the Long Island Medium, people are looking for mediums right now. Which left me wondering, why was this term left off?
4. Lastly, after a search I found many of the storefronts lacked websites. Being a business owner, I was surprised by this. How does a business operate without one??

 
Lots of questions for me to ponder. Especially after a visit from my mother who is spending the winter on the Gulf Coast of Florida near Clearwater who not only noticed, but mentioned the SAME thing.
 
After consideration and a little bit of research, I’ve come to the following conclusions:
 

1. Florida is probably not as conservative as I originally conceived. Many Floridians are transplants from up North and bring some northern values. This is especially true during the winter months while the snowbirds are there.
   
2. Western New York has Lily Dale. Florida has Cassadaga. Both are communities of psychics and mediums and attract people from throughout the country as well as the world. 
3. These storefronts cater to tourists. I know when I go out of town, I like to get readings. For me, it’s because I know the reader won’t have a preconceived notion as to who I am so I feel I will get a more objective reading. But let’s face it. Readings are fun. They are entertaining. A different experience to have while away. Perhaps readings are something many tourists get. Florida, being a tourist destination, would be a great location for readers. What better way to get the tourist’s attention than with a big sign?
   
4. Along the lines of attracting tourists… tourists are probably not looking to speak with their recently or long deceased loved ones. That can be emotional. Rather, they are more likely to want to be entertained and told about all the good things that are coming their way. This could explain the omission of the word medium. 
5. After reading many of the reviews, I am convinced some of these storefronts are scams. Which is unfortunate… but also a reality in this industry.

 
Overall, I’m torn over how I feel about all these shops. I love that individuals are operating so openly as it helps normalize intuition. I just hope and pray they are on the up and up to reinforce the positive nature of intuition and not leave a bad taste in a person’s mouth.
 
Additionally, if asked… I personally would not get a reading in one of these establishments, but that’s me. If I was to get a reading while visiting my folks in Orlando, I’d take the drive to Cassadaga or Elysian Fields or do a little research on the best medium in town. I tend to be fussy and look for the experience… I’m not sure these places would be that warm and fuzzy space I’d hope for. Then again, I could be surprised. <I’m not going to find out.>