Experience Florida

Famed for its beaches, citrus, and sunshine, Florida is a beautiful and awe inspiring state. It is also very large, encompassing over 58,000 square miles - 633 of which are all beach! It is the fourth most populous state in the United States, with a population of nearly 16 million. Florida is also a rapidly growing state in terms of population. Its growth averages nearly twenty percent every two years. Its proximity to Latin and South America also encourages a highly diverse population. Florida features a huge variety of entertainments and attractions - not the least of which is Walt Disney World. Its offerings don't stop at beaches and theme parks, however. This state is wonderfully gifted with natural beauty. You can see dolphins jumping off the coast, or watch alligators in the swampy Everglades. Millions of tourists flock to Florida every year for these attractions.

Brief History

Archeological finds indicated that Florida has been settled by humans for over ten thousand years. The first European settlers of the region were the Spanish. Florida was the starting point in Ponce de Leon's quest for the fountain of youth. The Spanish first arrived in the region in 1513, and laid claim to a large area of land stretching as far north as Gainesville. The name Florida is Spanish for "flowery". Since the Spanish arrived that year shortly after Easter, the name is surely apt. Over the next 100 years, Spanish, French and British settlers built colonies in the region - with varying degrees of success. Spain ceded control of the area to the United State in 1819. The Adams-Onis Treaty gave the United States sole possession of Florida, and revoked the U.S.'s claims to Texas. On March 3, 1845 Florida became the 27th state, with Tallahassee as its capitol. The region continued its growth through the 20th century, and Florida is now the fourth most populous state in the nation.

Florida Fast Facts

Florida's nickname is the "Sunshine State".
Approximately 6,000 people move to Florida each week. The Florida real estate market is generally booming, with coastal property being in high demand no matter the state of the housing market. If you're looking at buying a home in Florida, be sure to consider a Florida FHA Loan from Mortgage Loan Place. FHA financing is quickly becoming a smart alternative for home financing, some 70 years after it was first introduced in 1934 through the HUD.
St. Augustine, colonized by the Spanish, is the oldest European settlement in the United States.
Florida houses Cape Canaveral, which is the launch pad for all of America's space flights.
In 1987, the Florida State Legislature adopted the American Alligator as the State Reptile. The alligator had long been a symbol for Florida's extensive untamed wilderness and swamps.
The Florida State Animal is the American Panther.
Florida is the birthplace of commercial airlines. The first passenger flights were flown by Tony Jannus. On January 1, 1914, this young aviator flew the first scheduled flight from St. Petersburg to Tampa.
Florida's swamps serve three major purposes. First, the vegetation serves as a filter that cleans the water as it makes its journey southward. Secondly, swamps are a major habitat for animals and plant life. Finally, swamps prevent flooding by slowing down the flow of water after torrential rains.
The Florida State Beverage is (you guessed it!) Orange Juice.
Plant City is the Winter Strawberry Capitol of the World. This town holds the Guinness World Record for largest strawberry shortcake ever constructed. The 6,000 pound 87 square foot cake was made on February 19, 1999 in McCall Park.

Events and Attractions

Whether you're up for a rocking roller coaster ride, a gentle stroll on the beach, or staring into the fang covered jaws of an American Alligator, you'll find it all in Florida. Florida houses the world's only museum (in Sanibel) dedicated solely to mollusks (they have over two million shells). The state also boasts museums dedicated to marine life, swamp life, civil war history, art, entertainment, alligators, and oranges. Orlando, Florida attracts more visitors per year than any other theme park area in the United States. Walt Disney World, Sea World, and Universal Studios are all located near Orlando. If you like music, Florida offers a variety of entertainment possibilities. Not only does the state have giant theatres in which to view world-class concerts, it also features a variety of music festivals. Try the Florida Old Time Music Championship, for instance. This festival showcases instruments like the harmonica, fiddle, banjo, guitar, and mandolin. It is dedicated to preserving the tradition of old time music for generations to come. Want something more modern? You can check out the Jazz Society of Pensacola, which has year round concerts and community activities. What about hip-hop? Check out the south Florida hip-hop scene for some of the hottest new acts. If music isn't quite your bag, Florida also offers a wide variety of arts and crafts fairs. Unique gifts are available at these events, along with tutorials, and historic tours. Try the Sunset Celebration in Key West to see some of the best arts in the state. Wildlife festivals are also available for the nature driven tourist. You can travel to the Everglades to check out the huge array of plants and wildlife, or take a boating tour on the ocean to see the manatees. If you like sporting events, Florida won't let you down. The Miami Dolphins are one of the great teams in NFL football history, and don't forget the Tampa Lightning - 2004 Stanley cup winners! You can also watch the Marlins play baseball, or the Miami Heat play basketball. If you want to engage in some sport yourself, try one of Florida's master-class golf courses. For more info on Florida Golf and Daytona Vacation Rentals, refer to PlayFloridaGolf.com. Walt Disney World itself features eight courses for your putting entertainment.

Florida isn't nicknamed the "Sunshine State" for no reason. The state features over 200 days a year of clear skies. Along with this wonderful sun, the state also has over 600 miles of beach area - from highly secluded to thriving with activity. Hiking and camping are popular activities throughout the state. In fact, it's estimated that over 600,000 people camp there every year. Florida's diversity of wildlife attracts thousands of visitors, from bird watchers to reptile enthusiasts.

Whether you want to dwell in the lap of luxury, or sleep in a hammock, Florida has it all. While Ponce de Leon never did find his fountain of youth, he certainly found a fountain of beauty. Florida is truly an American paradise.

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