When many people hear the word Florida they think of the state’s most famous resident, Mickey Mouse. Disney World, in the Orlando area, is certainly a big part of the Florida economy. The massive playground of make-believe attracts visitors from around the world. Some find they are equally attracted to the sun-washed beaches, the near-perfect Florida climate and fresh seafood being a short drive or a fishing boat away.
Florida Becomes a State
Florida history predates the magic of The Mouse by several centuries. The French, Spanish and the English all laid claim to the state at one time or another. Ponce de Leon arrived on what would become St Augustine back in 1513. The Spanish explorer named his discovery, what he thought was an island, Florida. Years later other Spanish explorers would indeed figure out that Florida was just a long finger of land attached to the mainland.
The entire land mass was promptly declared the property of Spain. But the country’s hold over this new territory was tenuous at best. The French were showing interest, even having the temerity to build a settlement, Fort Caroline on the St Johns River. Enter Pedro Menendez de Aviles, a Spaniard that promptly sent the French packing. But the English, who were looking to expand their hold on the Americas, proved more difficult to dislodge.
It took a fledgling United States to change Florida history yet again. Andrew Jackson would claim Florida during the War of 1812. With the exception of the Civil War years, when Florida was part of the Confederacy, the long thin finger of land has been part of the United States ever since. Throughout all of this change of ownership, the Seminole Indians fought to hang on to what was their ancestral land. Though most were eventually moved out of the state, some evaded capture and settled in the Everglades.
Tourism: Florida’s Economic Driver
Tourism is one of the biggest parts of the Florida economy. In addition to the Disney theme parks, visitors flock to the sands of Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach. They come to hear the roar of engines at Daytona Beach racetrack, and if they are lucky, catch a rocket launch from Cape Canaveral.
Fishermen flock to both the Atlantic and Gulf sides of the state, in search of the “big one.” Tiny islands, the Florida Keys, are connected to the southern tip of the state by a long causeway, and are a draw for those wanting to get away from it all.
The Florida climate is not only perfect for working on that tan, but a boon for citrus and other farmers. Hot to warm temperatures insure a year-round growing season for oranges, tangerines and grapefruits. Florida also produces vast amounts of sugar cane, corn, tomatoes and other vegetables for export. Shrimp, lobster and crab are also important exports.
Major Florida Cities
The State Capital, Tallahassee is in the north-western part of Florida, at the beginning of the Panhandle. It is actually inland, and a major manufacturing and agricultural center. The Pensacola Beach resort area and the massive Elgin Air Force Base are just west of the capital.
Jacksonville, on the Atlantic side, is actually Florida’s largest city and a major port of entry on the southern coast. Located on the St John’s River, Jacksonville is home to ship repair yards, an international airport, Jacksonville University, the University of North Florida, the Little Rock Air Force Base and the NFL’s Jaguars. The modern city skyline houses prime hotels, high-end firms, and enough restaurants to keep even the most jaded food critic content.
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