FLORIDA FROM A-Z

In God We Trust

Facts about Florida for each letter of the alphabet.
Click on highlighted word for more information.

• AGRICULTURE has been important to economic development in Florida. Citrus fruit is the most important agricultural product, and the state leads the world in grapefruit production. Florida has more than 40,000 farms that supply the country with fresh produce year round. Cattle ranches make the state a leading cattle producer. Florida is a top producer of sugar cane and ranks number one in the country in producing foliage plants. The State Soil is Myakka a fine sand. The State Fair is held in Tampa. Florida has 4-H Clubs and chapters of Future Farmers of America. The National Agriculture Statistic Service and AG in the Classroom provide information about agriculture.

• Florida has several organizations that are involved in Archaeology. The Lake Jackson mounds is an Archaeological State Park. The Underwater Archaeology Program includes historic shipwreck sites, and pre-Columbian sites that are among the oldest human sites in the world. There are several underwater Archeological Preserves. The Crystal River State Archeological site is an Indian Cermonial Site. The Florida Department of State is responsible for promoting the historical, archaeological, museum and folk cultures resources in Florida. The state celebrates Archaeology Month.

• Forida has many ART museums and galleries. The Cummer Gallery of Art in Jacksonville displays work dating back to 400 B.C. Miami's Art Deco district has the biggest collection of Art Deco-style buildings in the world and is a National Register Historic District. Most of the cities in Florida have their own architecture.

• Florida has 1,000 miles of BEACHES and 2 National Seashores. The beaches between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach are among the few on which licensed motorists can drive. The State Shell is the Florida Horse Conch. The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum is the only museum in the country dedicated entirely to shells. In 2002 a diver found a 40.2 carat emerald in a conch shell at the site where a Spanish Galleon sank 380 years ago.

• Florida has hundreds of species of BIRDS, and most of them are native to the state. The State Bird is the Mockingbird. Birdwatching is popular in Floria and there are Birding Hotsposts and birding events. The pelican is the most popular bird and the state has a large population of bald eagles. The wetlands are home to resident waterfowl species and migratory waterfowl. The Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island is home to 200 types of birds. Bird Emergency Aid and Kare Sanctuary in Jacksonville cares for injured wild birds. Suncoast Bird Sanctuary protects seabirds. Parrott Jungle Island has more than 1,000 birds and offers educational programs.

• Florida has over 6,000 BRIDGES. There are many Covered Bridges and 4 Suspension Bridges. There are 42 bridges connecting more than 100 islands in the Florida Keyes and 3 are historic sites. The Historic Bridge Foundation was successful in saving the Bridge of Lions.

• Florida has 9 Scenic BYWAYS. Long stretches of beaches are the theme of the drive along the eastern coast of the state. The state also has a variety of trails including Horse Trails and Birding Trails. Florida celebrates National Trails Day. Florida has many Roadside Attractions.

• Florida has thousands of miles of CANALS and levees. There are 3 types of canals - finger-fill, upland, and straight. The 6 major canals are North New River, Hillsboro, West Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Caloosahalchee, and Miami which is the longest.

• Tallahassee is the CAPITAL of Florida. The capitol building is one of only 4 states capitols that are skyscrapers. The old and new capitol buildings stand side by side. St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States. The Florida State Play, "Cross and Sword", tells the story of the Spanish colonization of this city. Wasau is the Possum Capital of the world and Venice is the Sharkstooth Capital of the world. The area southwest of Miami is the Winter Vegetable Capital of the country. Florida is sometimes called the Fishing Capital of the world because over 700 world-record fish catches have come from the waters of the state.

• Florida has all forms of COMMUNICATION including newspapers, radio, television, telephone, and internet. The state has many Telephone Area Codes. There are Internet Service Providers and Webcams throughout Florida.

• Florida has 67 COUNTIES. The largest county is Collier and Union is the smallest. Liberty has the smallest population. Miami-Date has the largest population and has a special Webpage for Kids. Hernando County is the geographic center of the state. Jacksonville is the largest city in the lower 48 states and the westernmost city on the East Coast. Key West is the southernmost city of the continental United States. The term "county" is used in 48 of the 50 states for the level of government below the state government.

• Florida has more than a thousand DAMS both large and small including Hdroelectic Dams. It also has many locks. Florida has a Dam Safety Program. The Central Florida Dam created the 9,000-acre Rodman Reservoir. The Lake Talquin Dam was built to provide hydroelectric power. The Suwanne River Sill is an earthen dam built to hold water in the Okefenokee Swamp. The largest reservoir in the state is in the Everglades. Tours are available at the C. H. Corn hydroelectric Plant and the Arvah Hopkins Plant. Other sources of power include Solar Power, gas, and coal. Wind Power is being investigated.

• There is not any evidence of DINOSAURS in Florida because at the time they lived, the state was under water. However, a large variety of other fossils have been found in Florida, and a mastodon skeleton is in the Museum of Florida History. Mulbery Phosphate Fossil Museum has dinosaur remains found in the area. Dinosaur World is an outdoor museum. Agatized Coral is the state fossil. The Thomas Farm Fossil Preserve has produced thousands of bones of extinct vertebrates. Plant fossils and petrified wood are found in the state.

Florida has experience several EARTHQUAKES in the past 200 years, but it is considered one of the most geologically stable regions in the country. The largest earthquakes were in 1780 and 1879. The most recent earthquake was in 1952. The famous South Carolina earthquake in 1886 was felt throughout northern Florida,
• EDUCATION in Florida is free and mandatory for ages 6 through 16. The Department of Education operates community colleges and vocational schools throughout the state. Florida also has a program for adult education and family literacy. Private education ranges from preschool to military academies to church-supported schools. The oldest wooden schoolhouse in the country is in St. Augustine. Information about schools is available at GreatSchools and SchoolBug.

• Florida has many EVENTS and festivals throughout the year including State and County Fairs. The Florida Folk Festival is one of the oldest official state festival in the country. Calle Ocho is an annual festival. The Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center in White Springs has a Folk Festival. April 2 was designated as State Day because Ponce de Leon first sighted Florida about that date in 1513. The Scottish American Society of South Florida promotes Scottish culture and has many events during the year. The Irish Cultural Institute of Florida has a festival. The state observes Fixed Public Holidays and celebrates many other holidays. Trade Shows are held during the year.

• The State FLAG has a red X on a white field with the state seal in the center. Florida has flown 5 national flags including the flag of Spain, France, and Great Britain. Some counties, islands, and cities have their own flag. There have been several versions of the State Seal. The present State Seal shows a Seminole Indian woman, a steamboat, and the State Tree. The Miccosoukee and the Seminole Tribes have a flag.

• The State Flower of Florida is the Orange Blossom, and Orange Juice is the State Beverage. Coreopsis is the State Wildflower. Fairchild Tropical Gardens claims to be the largest botanical garden in the country.

• Florida has many FOOD Festivals, Shows, & Events. The Florida Association of Food Banks serves all the counties in the state. The Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services is responsible for assuring the public of a safe, wholesome and properly represented food supply.

• Florida has many historic FORTS. Fort Castello de San Marcos is a National Park. Fort Pickens was the largest of a group of forts designed to fortify Pensecola Harbor. Fort Barracanas has been a harbor fortification since 1763. Castello de San Marcus is the oldest masonry fort in the country. Fort Mose was the first free black settlement in the country and is a National Historic Landmark.

• Florida has over 100 GHOST TOWNS. Many have been restored. Balm has its original postmaster's house, post office, and railroad station. Hague has a few residents, an 1880 school house, and a Methodist Church. Sun City has a few houses. Anona has an old house, barn, cemetery, church and school. Garfield has an abandoned cemetery. Picnic has a general store and school house. Torrey has a few houses.

• The GLOBAL POSITION of Florida is approximately 24-31 degrees north longitude and 80-87 degrees west latitude. Key Westzz is the farthest south of the contiguous United States. The highest point in Florida is only 345 feet above sea level. NOAA provides information about the topography of Florida. Geocaching is a high-tech sport using a Global Positioning System, and geocaches are located throughout the state.

• The GULF STREAM along the east coast of Florida is a fast, intense current. The Gulf of Mexico is south and west of Florida. The Port of Pensacola, located on the Gulf of Mexico, is the leading deep-water port in northwest Florida. Gulf Islands National Seashore is the largest seashore in the country.

• Florida has many HISTORIC SITES and Historical Markers. Historic places are located through the state. The National Trust helps to protect historic site in Florida.

• The HISTORY of Florida dates back 12,000 years ago. Florida participates in National History Day.

• Florida has more HURRICANES and thunder and lightnning than any other state in the country. Central Florida has the highest incidences of lightning strikes than anywhere in the world. The so-called Devils Triangle or Bermuda Triangle is southeast of Florida.

• Florida has a wide variety of INDUSTRIES. Major industries are TOURISM, agriculture, and technology. Disney World is the most popular attraction in the state. The Kennedy Space Center offers tours. Universal Studios has shows and exhibits. SeaWorld has tours and educational programs. The Gold Coast is the most famous resort area in the state. Weeki Wachee Springs has an underwater show with mermaids. A branch of the Mayo Clinic is located in Jacksonville.

• Florida has nearly 500 ISLANDS. Some are connected to the mainland by a bridge or causeway. Pine Island is the largest island on the west coast of Florida.

• Florida has a variety of INSECTS, spiders, butterflies, and moths. The State Insect is the Praying Mantis. The state has many species of butterflies. The State Butterfly is the Zebra Longwing. The rare Amethyst Hairstreak Butterfly has been found outside the Castellow Hammoch Preserve and Nature Center. Butterfly World in Coconut Creek has rare butterflies and insects from around the world. Native plants can be used to make a butterfly garden.

• JAI ALAI is called the fastest game in the world and is the most distinctive gambling sport in Florida. Miami Jai Aliai is the oldest jai alai arena in the country. Florida has more dog racetracks than any other state, and betting on dog racing is legal in North Florida. The state has several horse racetracks including Calder Race Course, Gulfstream Park, Hialeah Park, Pompano Park, and Tampa Bay Downs, and betting on horse racing is legal in South Florida.

• JAZZ is popular in Florida, and there are many Jazz Clubs. There is a variety of music Festivals including jazz festivals throughout the state. The Jazz Society of Pensacola promotes jazz music. The Florida Orchestra offers information about concerts and educational programs. The Sarasota Music Festival held every summer welcomes young musicians from all over the world to study and play. Florida has more than 30 professional dance troupes. The Florida Dance Festival offers dance companies, school groups, and independent choreographers and opportunity to perform. St. John's River City Band is the official band of the State of Florida and the city of Jacksonville. The state has several Opera Companies.

• Florida is considered a KARST region. The University of South Florida Geology Park in Tampa has karst characteristics. The state has a variety of caves, and more freshwater caves and caverns are found in Florida than anywhere else in the world. The highlight of Falling Waters Cave is the 80 ft. waterfall. South Florida has many underwater caves and sunken shipwrecks. The Florida Speleological Society offers tips and trips for cavers. The Karst Waters Institute provides information about karst water systems. The US Geological Survey provides information about carbonate-rock aquifers in Florida, and the National Park Service has a Cave and Karst Program.

• The Florida KEYES are made up of about 3,000 island and are the fossilized remains of an ancient coral reef. It is connected to the mainland by the Overseas Highway. Along the highway bridges connect more than 100 islands and 3 have been named National Historic Sites. Another 850 keys are connected by the road to Key West. The Florida Keyes National Marine Sanctuary has National Wildlife Refuges, Ecological Reserves, and Sanctuaries. The Aquarius is located near the Keys and is the only undersea laboratory dedicated to marine science in the world.

• Many aspects of life in Florida focus on KIDS, and the state provides information for kids. The Governor of Florida, The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and The Southwest Florida Management District each have information for kids. Information about the government and other facts about Florida is provided by Sunshine for kids. The Florida Citrus Land has information for kids about oranges plus games and recipies. The Farm Service Agency has coloring pages for kids.

• Florida has hundreds of LAKES. Lake Okeechobee is the largest lake in the state and the 2nd largest freshwater lake completely in the United States. A 100 mile long dike around the lake made the area one of the richest agricultural lands in the world.

• Public LIBRARIES and Academic Libraries are located throughout Florida. The State Library is in Tallahassee.

• Florida has many LIGHTHOUSES. Some of the them have keepers and some offer tours. The St. Augustine Lighthouse is one of the oldest on the East Coast. The towers of offshore lighthouses had skeleton iron construction to resists huricanes. The American Shoal lighthouse was honored on a series of postage stamps on American lighthouses. The most important aspect of a lighthouse is the light that comes from the tower.

• Florida had several MILITARY bases and aerospace industries. Cape Canaveral is the home of the country's Space Program. The Kennedy Space Center features a moon rock, and the State Gems is a Moonstone. The Pensacola Naval Air Station is known as the "Cradle of Naval Aviation". The National Museum of Naval Aviation is located here. The American Police Hall of Fame and Museum is in Miami. The Army Corps of Engineers has several projects in Florida. The state has Army and Air National Guard Units

• In certain areas of Florida, some MINERALS are of economic importance and are mined. The state produces most of the phosphate in the country. Florida has 3 major rock types - igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary, and much of the state is covered by sediment rocks. The U.S. Geological Survey has programs in Florida and maps of the geology of the state.

• Florida has many MUSEUMS. The Florida Department of State is responsible for promoting the historical, archaeological, museum, and folk cultures resources in Florida. The Museum of Florida History covers 12,000 years of the state's geology and history. It has Spanish, British, and Civil War exhibits, and native birds and animals roam the wilderness behind the museum. The Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum has treasures and historical objects.

N IS FOR NAME & NATIVE AMERICANS

• The Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon discovered Florida and gave it the NAME Pascua Florida honoring the Easter Festival of Flowers. The official nickname for Florida is Sunshine State and it is on some motor vehicle license plates. It is also called Peninsula State, Orange State, and Alligator State. No other state is nicknamed for a reptile. Fort Lauderdale is often called the Venice of America because of its lagoons, canals, and rivers. The Daytona International Speedway has professional auto races amd is known as the World Center of Racing and calls itself the home of speed. The 2 largest groups in Florida are known as Yankees, those who immigrated from the Midwest and Northeast, and Crackers, those born in Georgia or Florida. People who live in Florida during the winter and return north during the summer are called snowbirds.

• Thousands of years ago NATIVE AMERICANS lived in Florida. They are called Paleo Indians, and several Paleo Indian sites are scattered around the state. Several centuries after Ponce de Leon arrived, most of the native people were gone. A new group of Indians began to arrive early in the 18th century. Florida has 2 federally recognized tribes - The Seminole and the Miccosukee . They live on reservations in South Florida. There are also several non-recognized tribes in the state.

• Florida has 7 OBSERVATORIES. The Crosby Observatory at the Orlando Science Center is the largest public telescope in the state. The Robinson Observatory at the University of Central Florida has a 26" telescope and holds public observing sessions. Rosemary Hill Observatory is an optical research observatory for the University of Florida. The South Florida Amateur Astronomy Association provides information about the universe. The Southeastern Association for Research in Astronomy (SARA)" hosts astronomy research opportunites at Florida Institute of Technology and Florida International University. Florida has many Astronomy Organizations and Astronony Day is celebrated in the spring.

• The Atlantic OCEAN borders the east coast of Florida. The USGS provides information about why the ocean is Salty. Fishing is the second largest sports industry in the state. Coral reefs on the Atlantic coastline are the only natural reefs off the continental United States, and Agatized Coral is the state stone. A coral reef on Pulley Ridge is the deepest coral reef off the shores of the country. The Mineral Management Service has information about the ocean.

• Florida has a variety of PARKS including 3 National National Parks, over 100 State Parks, and Theme and Amusement Parks. Most of Biscayne National Park is under water. Dry Tortugas National Park is a 7 island archipelago and the site of a 19th century fort. The Everglades National Park is a chain of lakes, rivers and marshlands that spreads over much of south Florida. It is the largest subtropical wilderness in the country. The southern most place in the continental United States is at the very tip of the park. There are also dozens of national monuments and memorials. Wakulla Springs State Park has one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world. The state has a National Reserve.

• Florida has a population of over 16 million PEOPLE. Famous people from Florida include Chris Evert, champion tennis player; Janet Reno, former U.S. Attorney General; and Tiger Woods, professional golf champion. The International Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale showcases the greatest swimmers in the world. The Astronaut Hall of Fame is located at the Kennedy Space Center. Many older people have moved to Florida turning the state into a retirement haven.

• The United States Mint issued a QUARTER for each state in the order that it became part of the Union. Florida became a State on March 3, 1845, and a quarter was issued in 2004. The U.S. Mint has a special Kids Page.

• Quilting is popular in Florida, and there are many Quilting Organizations. Weaving is also popular and the Florida Weavers Guild offers opportunities to develop new interests in weaving.

• Take a QUIZ about Florida and quizzes about Disney World.

• Florida is made up of 6 regions - Northwest, Northeast, West Central, East Central, Southwest, and Southeast.

• Florida is home to many REPTILES and amphibians including crocodils, frogs,lizards, salamanders, toads, turtles, and 6 species of poisonous snakes. Many of the reptiles are protected. The Everglades is home to more than 1,000 alligators and the American Alligator is the State Reptile.

• Florida has nearly 2,000 RIVERS, streams, and creeks including 8 scenic rivers. The Loxahatchee and the Wekiva are wild and scenic rivers. The famous Suwanee River is the subject of the State Song. St. Johns River is the longest river in the state. The Perdide River marks Florida's western border with Alabama. The Army Corps of Engineers maintains locks along the rivers. The State Freshwater Fish is the Largemouth Bass. Florida has a variety of Fish Hatcheries

A large variety of SEA LIFE lives off the coast of Florida. The Atlantic Sailfish is the State Saltwater Fish, the Dolphin is the State Saltwater Mammal, and the Manatee is the State Marine Mammal. Florida has many aquariums, marine science centers, and aquatic life attractions.
• Florida has many SPORTS teams and several sports stadiums. Many major league baseball teams hold spring training in Florida. The state hosts more college football games than any other state. Recreational sports include tennis, boating, fishing, swimming, and scuba diving. Golfing is a popular activity, & there are about 1,500 Public & Private Golf Courses. The state hosts several major golf tournaments throughout the year. Racing is a popular spectator sport and there are a variety of Race Tracks including Motor Speedways and Horse Racing Tracks. The largest swimming pool in the continental U.S. is in Coral Gables.

Florida has all forms of TRANSPORTATION. The Florida Department of Transportation impacts nearly every form of transportation in the state. The first 511 Service in the country was launched in Florida. The state has a wide variety of Specialty License Plates including two tribes - Miccosukee Indian and Seminole Indian. To celebrate its 50th birthday in 2002 Matchbox cars issued a car for each state in the order in which it was admitted into the Union. The car for Florida was a Chevrolet Camaro SS. Florida has an Adopt-A-Highway Program.
• Florida has a variety of TREES. Forests cover about half of Florida, and the state has several National Forests. The State Tree is the Sabal Palm. Florida has more Champion Trees than any other state -- 175 of the oldest, tallest, most majestic trees in the world. The Champion live oak near Gainesville has a crown whose shade covers half a football field. A bald cypress outside Orlando stands 118 feet tall, and has been nicknamed The Senator.

• Florida has a large system of UNIVERSITIES and colleges. The University of Florida at Gainseville is the largest university in the state. One of the largest private institutes in Florida is the University of Miami which is noted for its marine biology program.

• At least 6 United States Navy ships have been named USS Florida The 1st ship was a sloop that served on survey duty between 1824 and 1831. The 2nd ship was a side-wheel steamer purchased in 1861 and sold after 1867. The 3rd ship was originally the screw frigate Wampanoag renamed in 1869, and sold in 1885. The 4th ship was a monitor commissioned in 1903, renamed to Tallahassee in 1908, and sold in 1922. The 5th ship was the USS Florida (BB-30) a battleship commissioned 1911 and scrapped in 1932. The 6th ship is the USS Florida (SSBN-728) an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine commissioned in 1983.

• Florida has a wide variety of VEGETATION. Many have evolved in relation to fire, and some plant communities depend on fire for their continued existence. Most of the rare vegetation of Florida is associated with scrubsscattered along the central ridges of the Florida peninsula. Florida has many native plants that provide food and shelter to wildlife. Many of the native plants are protected. in Florida. Orchids, azaleas and pointsettias grow wild in the state. The subtropical climate and abundant summer moisture supports rich vegetation in southern Florida. Fifty percent of the state is covered in swamp. The Nature Conversancy helps preserve the land in Florida.

• The WEATHER in Florida is generally warm and sunny and pleasant all year. Southern Florida is tropical with cycles of wet and dry months. The northern part of the state enjoys a temperate climate. The weather in the state promotes fires through seasonal dry periods and frequent thunderstorms. The Florida Climate Center and NOAA provide information about weather. The Environmental Protection Agency provides information about Global Warming in Florida.

• The WILDLIFE of Florida is rich and varied. Many animals are protected by the state and some are considered endangered. The panther is the State Animal. Florida has 28 Wildlife Refuges. More than 500 animal species live in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. More endangered species live here than in any other refuge in the country. Animals found in scrub ecosystems are adapted to high temperatures and droughty conditions. Monkey Jungle takes part in an international program to breed wild animals and then release them into protected habitats. Florida is part of the Wildlife Protection Program.

XMAS is the abbreviation for Christmas and it is celebrated in Florida much as it is in the rest of country and around the world. The first Christmas in America was observed in 1539 by Spaniards in what is now Florida.

• YMCA organizations are located throughout Florida. There are also several YMCA camps including Camp Cristina, Camp Immokale, Camp Indian Springs, and Camp Winona.

• YOUTH HOSTELS are located up and down the beaches of Florida. Florida also has Elder Hostels.

• The use of postal ZIP CODES began in 1963. Zip codes in Florida all start with a 32,33, or 34. The postal code for Florida is FL. The Post Office at Ochopee is the smallest in the country.

• Most of Florida is in the Eastern Time ZONE, but a small part is in the Central Time Zone. It ranges from zones 8 to 11 in the U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones. The geography of Florida is such that the entire state is considered to be within the coastal zone , and it is considered a peninsula because it is surrounded on 3 sides by water.

• Florida has many ZOOS and aquariums. The Miami Metro Zoo is a cageless zoo and the only zoo in the country in a subtropical climate. The Lowry Park Zoological Garden in Tampa has 1,600 animals, rides, waterplay areas, and restaurants.