Good flight school near Davenport (between Kissimmee and Lakeland)?

[acrim]

I'm yet another UK citizen taking time off work to go and learn to fly in sunny Florida (after i've jumped through the mountain of hoops and obstacles thrown in my way by the US Embassy and the TSA).

I have free accommodation in Davenport, so would like somewhere within easy daily driving distance (considering i haven't driven abroad before!) if possible.

Any recommendations?

I see these flight schools which appear to offer PPL courses (either FAA or FAA and JAA) are nearby:

• Kissimmee - Kissimmee Municipal(30mins drive)
  • American Flyers:
  • Orlando Flight Training (OFT):
  • Sunstate Aviation
• Auburndale - Winter Haven Municipal (30 mins drive)
  • Winter Haven Flight Academy:
  • Tailswheels Etc:
• Lake Wales - Lake Walkes Municipal (45mins drive)
  • None
• Bartow - Bartow Municipal Airport (45mins drive)
  • Bartow FBO Services:
• Lakeland - Lakeland Linder Regional Airport (50mins drive)
  • None

I wonder if anyone has any opinions on these training providers, or any experiences (good or bad) to share? Or any ones i may have missed?

I'm going to try and complete my training in 2 or 3 two week chunks - keeping up my proficiency by doing the occasional hour in the UK between visits.

I've been reading up, and everyone seems to agree that the best way to pick a training school is to ask people who might have used them.

Thanks for any info in advance people, look forward to joining the PPL club.