Just starting out.

[ROBBIE]

Hi I'am new and a rookie to beekeeping too. I'am in Titusville Fl.( east coast near the space center) and am thinking about getting in to bees. My agriculture exemption was taken off my property and my taxs went up almost 4 times what it was in 2004. The guy I got the land from cut most of the trees down before I bought the property from him. They were in bad shape from the freeze we had and then the storms did not help much.Well I would like a to know if theres a book out there that will explain to me in very eazy to read text.On how to start into the keeping of bees. I want to start out as a hobby and maybe get larger.Once I get over the fear of getting stung. I have been stung before and I did not care for it.The book has to tell me the parts of the hive,build or buy the hive,pest,types of bees, ect.
Is there a bee keeping club here or list of stores I just need help. :confused:
Thank you:Robbie

[FordGuy]

Robbie, do you have a local beekeeper that could talk you through the basics, show you some things? You could certainly plant a field of bee forage, maybe that's a way to get the exemption back.

[tecumseh]

having been reared in central florida I would suspect that there must be a lot of bee keeper within easy commute. in the old days most of the commercial folks were centered up in the orange grove area slightly west of orlando. if you are snuggled up againist the east coast of florida you are not in the very best of locations, imho.

[Sundance]

Good Luck.

My parents lived in New Smyrna Beach for 20 years. I visited regularly and love the area.

Titusville is one of my favorite little cities and if I were to move there it would be up there on my list.

And of course there is "Dixie Crossroads"!!! The best shrimp joint I've ever been to.

It may not be the best of areas for beekeeping but I am sure that you can find several yards within 20 miles or so.

As FordGuy says there are probably many beekeepers in your area. Introduce yourself. Offer to help a day or two in exchange for advise and a visit or two to your bees.

[Sherpa1]

Robbie,
I think that the best book for you would be "Beekeeping for Dummies" by Howland Blackiston. It is available in most any bookstore or through Amazon.com. Also check out the Florida State Association of Beekeepers at http://home.earthlink.net/~beeactor/fsba/fsba_home.htm

[ROBBIE]

Thank you guys for the info. I wrote the bee ass. and I'll get the book at waldens books. I'll keep you informed. SUNDANCE look me up before you come down we'll meet for a vist.
Crobert@palmnet.net