You're going to school in FL. It's what, a 24hr drive for you each way, to and from school? I guarantee you, you're not going to bring your car home other than maybe winter and spring break, and summer. Even if you decide to do the 24hr drive other than summer, you're only going to have snow 1, maybe 2 of those trips. Just have a set of snow tires + wheels for those few days you're visiting.

I agree with Jeff that manual trans is best...under all conditions. Not having to deal with a tq simply equates to more control, lower fuel consumption and more fun . In snow, you won't have the tq multiplication nonsense of the TC, engine braking is also more effective because you don't have to deal with non-lockup of the TC.