By 2 p.m. in June, a west-facing lanai in Orlando hits temperatures that make the space unusable until sunset. The right outdoor shades fix that, dropping surface temperatures by up to 15 degrees and blocking 95% to 99% of UV without giving up your view of the pool. If you are not using your lanai during the hottest months of the year, you are losing the best part of owning a Central Florida home.

New rides, free outdoor movies, glow nights at the water parks, ice cream trails, sunset sails, kayak tours through glowing water. There is more going on this summer than any one family, couple, or group of friends could get through in three months. So we put together a list.

Vertical blinds, roller shades, dual shades, plantation shutters. Here's what actually works on Florida sliding glass doors, and what fails fast.