I've lived directly on the ocean on a barriar island as well as Key Biscayne. The living was good but we became disillusioned after we were hit with 3 major hurricanes and lost a great deal of the beach and access for our home for a period of time. Also we were becoming bored with the lack of activities; you can only walk/watch the ocean for so long. We NEVER considered living in central Florida until we visited TV; we've never looked back. We feel priviledged to be living the good life in CF with some of the best people on the planet.
PS As you ride along the coasts of Florida you don't see open spaces, just high rise buildings, tons of concrete and few green spaces.