Unlike Vic, I like New Smyrna Bch. Are there sharks ? Yup, plenty. I flew from NSB down the coast to Jupiter one time to play golf and it looked like there was a big bull shark sitting out there, every 100 yds the whole trip. Don't worry, they don't eat much ! As far as the cars, I can help you with that. From 95, take 44 to the beach, go S on A1A about 2 miles and there's no more cars and not many people on the beach. Need more seclusion ? Keep going S into the National Seashore. There's nobody around (except at the nude beach). Since the Gulf has turned into a giant oil can, your closest option would be Cocoa and I like that too. Lotsa great crystal clear springs around Orlando too. wj