Florida: Difference between revisions
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{{Header|Florida 2/25}} | |||
{{State | {{State | ||
| state = Florida | | state = Florida | ||
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| flag = Flag_of_Florida.png | | flag = Flag_of_Florida.png | ||
| flagof = Flag of Florida | | flagof = Flag of Florida | ||
| AdmittanceDate = March 3rd, {{age-yrs|1845}} | |||
| AdmittanceOrder = 27th | |||
| Governor = Ron DeSantis ([[Republican Party (United States)|R]]) | |||
| Lieutenant Governor = ''Vacant'' | |||
| Senators = Rick Scott (R){{break}}Ashley Moody (R) | |||
| Representative = 20 Republicans{{break}}8 [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrats]] | |||
| website = Florida.gov | |||
| largest = Jacksonville | | largest = Jacksonville | ||
| capital = Tallahassee | | capital = Tallahassee | ||
| rl = RL-FL | | rl = RL-FL | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Florida''' is a state located in the Southeastern region of the United States. Florida is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the northwest by Alabama, to the north by Georgia, to the east by the Bahamas and Atlantic Ocean, and to the south by the Straits of Florida and Cuba; it is the only state that borders both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Spanning 65,758 square miles (170,310 km2), Florida ranks 22nd in area among the 50 states, and with a population of over 21 million, is the third-most populous. The state capital is Tallahassee and the most populous city is Jacksonville. The Miami metropolitan area, with a population of almost 6.2 million, is the most populous urban area in Florida and the ninth-most populous in the United States; other urban conurbations with over one million people are Tampa Bay, Orlando, and Jacksonville. | {{State-25}} | ||
'''Florida''' is a state located in the Southeastern region of the United States. Florida is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the northwest by Alabama, to the north by [[Georgia]], to the east by the Bahamas and Atlantic Ocean, and to the south by the Straits of Florida and Cuba; it is the only state that borders both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Spanning 65,758 square miles (170,310 km2), Florida ranks 22nd in area among the 50 states, and with a population of over 21 million, is the third-most populous. The state capital is Tallahassee and the most populous city is Jacksonville. The Miami metropolitan area, with a population of almost 6.2 million, is the most populous urban area in Florida and the ninth-most populous in the United States; other urban conurbations with over one million people are Tampa Bay, Orlando, and Jacksonville. | |||
Various Native American groups have inhabited Florida for at least 14,000 years. In 1513, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León became the first known European to make landfall, calling the region La Florida ([la floˈɾiða] for its lush greenery and the Easter season (Pascua Florida in Spanish). Florida subsequently became the first area in the continental U.S. to be permanently settled by Europeans, with the Spanish colony of St. Augustine, founded in 1565, being the oldest continuously inhabited city. Florida was repeatedly contested by Spain and Great Britain, before being ceded to the U.S. in 1819; it was admitted as the 27th state on March 3, 1845. Florida was the principal location of the Seminole Wars (1816–1858), the longest and most extensive of the Indian Wars in U.S. history. The state seceded from the Union on January 10, 1861, becoming one of the seven original Confederate States. After the Civil War, Florida was restored to the Union on June 25, 1868. | Various Native American groups have inhabited Florida for at least 14,000 years. In 1513, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León became the first known European to make landfall, calling the region La Florida ([la floˈɾiða] for its lush greenery and the Easter season (Pascua Florida in Spanish). Florida subsequently became the first area in the continental U.S. to be permanently settled by Europeans, with the Spanish colony of St. Augustine, founded in 1565, being the oldest continuously inhabited city. Florida was repeatedly contested by Spain and Great Britain, before being ceded to the U.S. in 1819; it was admitted as the 27th state on March 3, 1845. Florida was the principal location of the Seminole Wars (1816–1858), the longest and most extensive of the Indian Wars in U.S. history. The state seceded from the Union on January 10, 1861, becoming one of the seven original Confederate States. After the Civil War, Florida was restored to the Union on June 25, 1868. | ||
Since the mid-20th century, Florida has experienced rapid demographic and economic growth. Its economy, with a gross state product (GSP) of $1.0 trillion, is the fourth-largest of any U.S. state and the 16th-largest in the world; the main sectors are tourism, hospitality, agriculture, real estate, and transportation. Florida is world-renowned for its beach resorts, amusement parks, warm and sunny climate, and nautical recreation; attractions such as Walt Disney World, the Kennedy Space Center, and Miami Beach draw tens of millions of visitors annually. Florida is a popular destination for retirees, seasonal vacationers, and both domestic and international migrants; it hosts nine out of the ten fastest-growing communities in the U.S. The state's close proximity to the ocean has shaped its culture, identity, and daily life; its colonial history and successive waves of migration are reflected in African, European, Indigenous, Latino, and Asian influences. Florida has attracted or inspired writers such as Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams, and continues to attract celebrities and athletes, particularly in golf, tennis, auto racing, and water sports. Florida is also heavily noted for being a battleground state in American presidential elections, notably those in 2000, 2016, and 2020. | Since the mid-20th century, Florida has experienced rapid demographic and economic growth. Its economy, with a gross state product (GSP) of $1.0 trillion, is the fourth-largest of any U.S. state and the 16th-largest in the world; the main sectors are tourism, hospitality, agriculture, real estate, and transportation. Florida is world-renowned for its beach resorts, amusement parks, warm and sunny climate, and nautical recreation; attractions such as Walt Disney World, the Kennedy Space Center, and Miami Beach draw tens of millions of visitors annually. Bradenton, Florida, is the home of [[Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus|Ringling Bros. Circus]]. <ref group="Memories">My parents worked for Ringling Brothers after Gerry mustered out of the Navy following World War II - {{sa2|Early Days|The Circus train}}</ref>. Florida is a popular destination for retirees, seasonal vacationers, and both domestic and international migrants; it hosts nine out of the ten fastest-growing communities in the U.S. The state's close proximity to the ocean has shaped its culture, identity, and daily life; its colonial history and successive waves of migration are reflected in African, European, Indigenous, Latino, and Asian influences. Florida has attracted or inspired writers such as Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams, and continues to attract celebrities and athletes, particularly in golf, tennis, auto racing, and water sports. Florida is also heavily noted for being a battleground state in American presidential elections, notably those in 2000, 2016, and 2020. | ||
About two-thirds of Florida occupies a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. It has the longest coastline in the contiguous United States, spanning approximately 1,350 miles (2,170 km), not including its many barrier islands. Florida has 4,510 islands that are ten acres (4 ha) or larger in area, the second highest number after Alaska. Much of the state is at or near sea level, and is characterized by sedimentary soil. Florida is the flattest state in the country, with the lowest high point of any U.S. state, at just 345 feet (105 meters). Lake Okeechobee is its largest freshwater lake, and the second-largest located entirely within the contiguous 48 states. Several beaches in Florida have turquoise and emerald-colored coastal waters. | About two-thirds of Florida occupies a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. It has the longest coastline in the contiguous United States, spanning approximately 1,350 miles (2,170 km), not including its many barrier islands. Florida has 4,510 islands that are ten acres (4 ha) or larger in area, the second highest number after Alaska. Much of the state is at or near sea level, and is characterized by sedimentary soil. Florida is the flattest state in the country, with the lowest high point of any U.S. state, at just 345 feet (105 meters). Lake Okeechobee is its largest freshwater lake, and the second-largest located entirely within the contiguous 48 states. Several beaches in Florida have turquoise and emerald-colored coastal waters. | ||
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Florida's climate varies from subtropical in the north to tropical in the south. It is the only state besides Hawaii to have a tropical climate, and is the only continental state with both a tropical climate (at the lower tip of the peninsula) and a coral reef. Consequently, Florida has several unique ecosystems, most notably Everglades National Park, the largest tropical wilderness in the U.S. and among the largest in the Americas. Unique wildlife include the American alligator, American crocodile, American flamingo, Roseate spoonbill, Florida panther, bottlenose dolphin, and manatee. The Florida Reef is the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States, and the third-largest coral barrier reef system in the world (after the Great Barrier Reef and Belize Barrier Reef). | Florida's climate varies from subtropical in the north to tropical in the south. It is the only state besides Hawaii to have a tropical climate, and is the only continental state with both a tropical climate (at the lower tip of the peninsula) and a coral reef. Consequently, Florida has several unique ecosystems, most notably Everglades National Park, the largest tropical wilderness in the U.S. and among the largest in the Americas. Unique wildlife include the American alligator, American crocodile, American flamingo, Roseate spoonbill, Florida panther, bottlenose dolphin, and manatee. The Florida Reef is the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States, and the third-largest coral barrier reef system in the world (after the Great Barrier Reef and Belize Barrier Reef). | ||
== Sexual Orientation == | |||
Florida is home to a significant LGBTQ+ population and exhibits a complex interplay between progressive public attitudes and restrictive state policies. | |||
* Population Share: Approximately 5.87% of Florida's adult population identifies as LGBTQ+, equating to around 1.4 million individuals . | |||
World Population Review | |||
* Workforce Representation: LGBTQ+ individuals constitute about 5% of Florida's workforce, totaling approximately 545,000 workers . | |||
* Family Dynamics: Among LGBTQ+ adults aged 25 and older, 24% are raising children . | |||
=== Regional Concentrations === | |||
* Florida's major metropolitan areas have notable LGBTQ+ populations: | |||
* Miami–Fort Lauderdale–Pompano Beach: Approximately 4.5% of residents identify as LGBTQ+, totaling around 214,000 individuals. | |||
* Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater: About 5.9% of the population, or roughly 119,000 people, identify as LGBTQ+ | |||
=== Public Attitudes Toward LGBTQ+ Rights === | |||
Surveys indicate strong support among Floridians for LGBTQ+ rights: | |||
* Anti-Discrimination Laws: In 2019, 72% of Florida residents supported laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations | |||
* Same-Sex Marriage: A 2017 poll found that 61% of Floridians supported | |||
* Service Refusals: A majority of Florida voters oppose allowing small business owners to refuse service to LGBTQ+ individuals based on religious beliefs | |||
=== Legal and Political Landscape === | |||
Despite public support, Florida has enacted several policies affecting the LGBTQ+ community: | |||
* "Don't Say Gay" Law (HB 1557): Enacted in March 2022, this law prohibits classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity from kindergarten through third grade and restricts such discussions in higher grades unless deemed age-appropriate. | |||
* Book Restrictions: Legislation has been passed to create a list of state-sanctioned reading materials, with penalties for educators who include unsanctioned books, some of which address LGBTQ+ topics . | |||
* Conversion Therapy: While several localities in Florida have banned conversion therapy for minors, a 2020 federal appeals court decision invalidated such bans in certain areas, citing First Amendment concerns . | |||
=== Community Responses and Initiatives === | |||
In response to state policies, some communities have taken steps to support LGBTQ+ residents: | |||
* LGBTQ+ Sanctuary City: In September 2023, Lake Worth Beach declared itself an "LGBTQ+ sanctuary city," aiming to protect and defend LGBTQ+ rights. | |||
* Local Non-Discrimination Policies: A growing number of Florida businesses and municipalities have adopted LGBTQ+-inclusive non-discrimination policies, reflecting more positive social attitudes over time. | |||
== History of the Florida Flag == | |||
The Florida State Flag features a white background with a red diagonal cross (saltire) covering its entire height and width. The Seal of Florida is emblazoned at the center of the cross. The red cross likely references the Confederate Flag, paying homage to the state's Confederate history; however, some have suggested that it may also allude to the Cross of Burgundy, a Spanish flag symbolizing the state's history under Spanish rule. | |||
The Great Seal of Florida depicts a Native American woman scattering flowers against a vibrant sunny day with a palm tree and a steamboat on the water. This scene is framed in a circular shape, surrounded by the words, "Great Seal of the State of Florida * In God We Trust." The flowers represent Florida's tropical climate, where many species of flowers thrive. The water signifies the lakes, rivers, and oceans found in the state. This basic design of the Florida State Flag has been in place since November 6, 1900; however, there have been several changes to the state seal over the years. The current flag and seal were last updated on May 21, 1985. Originally, the flag featured a cocoa tree, and the Native American woman wore a headdress. The headdress was removed for historical accuracy, as only Native American men wore headdresses, and the tree was changed to a palm tree when the palm tree was recognized as the state's official tree in 1953. | |||
Florida is a Southeastern state in the United States of America that shares borders with Alabama, Georgia, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Straits of Florida. Florida is the only state that is a "Peninsula," meaning it is surrounded by water on three sides. It is the fourth most populous state, following New York, Texas, and California. The capital of Florida is Tallahassee, and the largest city is Jacksonville. Florida is also referred to as "The Sunshine State," a reference to its beautiful tropical climate. | |||
Florida was first inhabited approximately 14,000 years ago by Native American tribes that included Timucua, Apalachee, Calusa, and Creek. The first European to arrive in Florida was the Spanish conqueror Ponce de Leon, who came in search of gold and silver. He was unsuccessful but did discover fertile farmland and coastline. Ponce de Leon named Florida "La Florida," which translates to "Place of Flowers," in honor of the various colorful and blooming flowers he encountered in the state. | |||
Following Ponce de Leon's arrival in Florida, the Spanish began to establish settlements, including St. Augustine in 1565, one of the oldest occupied European settlements in the Continental United States. The English arrived shortly after the Spanish settlements and began settling in the North, while the French settled in the West. In 1672, the English attacked the city of St. Augustine. The Spanish responded by building "Castillo de San Marcos," the oldest fort in the Continental USA, as well as "Fort Matanzas," which is now a national monument. In 1763, the British regained control of Florida from the Spanish. In exchange, Britain handed over control of Havana, Cuba, to Spain. In 1783, Spain regained control of Florida following Britain's defeat in the Revolutionary War until 1821, when Spain relinquished control of Florida to the United States of America. | |||
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<references group="Memories" /> | |||
== External links == | |||
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{{footer}} | {{footer}} | ||
{{Cats|{{PAGENAME}}|US States}} | |||
Latest revision as of 19:40, 17 May 2025
| Florida |
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Ashley Moody (R) |
8 Democrats |
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Florida is a state located in the Southeastern region of the United States. Florida is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the northwest by Alabama, to the north by Georgia, to the east by the Bahamas and Atlantic Ocean, and to the south by the Straits of Florida and Cuba; it is the only state that borders both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Spanning 65,758 square miles (170,310 km2), Florida ranks 22nd in area among the 50 states, and with a population of over 21 million, is the third-most populous. The state capital is Tallahassee and the most populous city is Jacksonville. The Miami metropolitan area, with a population of almost 6.2 million, is the most populous urban area in Florida and the ninth-most populous in the United States; other urban conurbations with over one million people are Tampa Bay, Orlando, and Jacksonville.
Various Native American groups have inhabited Florida for at least 14,000 years. In 1513, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León became the first known European to make landfall, calling the region La Florida ([la floˈɾiða] for its lush greenery and the Easter season (Pascua Florida in Spanish). Florida subsequently became the first area in the continental U.S. to be permanently settled by Europeans, with the Spanish colony of St. Augustine, founded in 1565, being the oldest continuously inhabited city. Florida was repeatedly contested by Spain and Great Britain, before being ceded to the U.S. in 1819; it was admitted as the 27th state on March 3, 1845. Florida was the principal location of the Seminole Wars (1816–1858), the longest and most extensive of the Indian Wars in U.S. history. The state seceded from the Union on January 10, 1861, becoming one of the seven original Confederate States. After the Civil War, Florida was restored to the Union on June 25, 1868.
Since the mid-20th century, Florida has experienced rapid demographic and economic growth. Its economy, with a gross state product (GSP) of $1.0 trillion, is the fourth-largest of any U.S. state and the 16th-largest in the world; the main sectors are tourism, hospitality, agriculture, real estate, and transportation. Florida is world-renowned for its beach resorts, amusement parks, warm and sunny climate, and nautical recreation; attractions such as Walt Disney World, the Kennedy Space Center, and Miami Beach draw tens of millions of visitors annually. Bradenton, Florida, is the home of Ringling Bros. Circus. [Memories 1]. Florida is a popular destination for retirees, seasonal vacationers, and both domestic and international migrants; it hosts nine out of the ten fastest-growing communities in the U.S. The state's close proximity to the ocean has shaped its culture, identity, and daily life; its colonial history and successive waves of migration are reflected in African, European, Indigenous, Latino, and Asian influences. Florida has attracted or inspired writers such as Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams, and continues to attract celebrities and athletes, particularly in golf, tennis, auto racing, and water sports. Florida is also heavily noted for being a battleground state in American presidential elections, notably those in 2000, 2016, and 2020.
About two-thirds of Florida occupies a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. It has the longest coastline in the contiguous United States, spanning approximately 1,350 miles (2,170 km), not including its many barrier islands. Florida has 4,510 islands that are ten acres (4 ha) or larger in area, the second highest number after Alaska. Much of the state is at or near sea level, and is characterized by sedimentary soil. Florida is the flattest state in the country, with the lowest high point of any U.S. state, at just 345 feet (105 meters). Lake Okeechobee is its largest freshwater lake, and the second-largest located entirely within the contiguous 48 states. Several beaches in Florida have turquoise and emerald-colored coastal waters.
Florida's climate varies from subtropical in the north to tropical in the south. It is the only state besides Hawaii to have a tropical climate, and is the only continental state with both a tropical climate (at the lower tip of the peninsula) and a coral reef. Consequently, Florida has several unique ecosystems, most notably Everglades National Park, the largest tropical wilderness in the U.S. and among the largest in the Americas. Unique wildlife include the American alligator, American crocodile, American flamingo, Roseate spoonbill, Florida panther, bottlenose dolphin, and manatee. The Florida Reef is the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States, and the third-largest coral barrier reef system in the world (after the Great Barrier Reef and Belize Barrier Reef).
Sexual Orientation
Florida is home to a significant LGBTQ+ population and exhibits a complex interplay between progressive public attitudes and restrictive state policies.
- Population Share: Approximately 5.87% of Florida's adult population identifies as LGBTQ+, equating to around 1.4 million individuals .
World Population Review
- Workforce Representation: LGBTQ+ individuals constitute about 5% of Florida's workforce, totaling approximately 545,000 workers .
- Family Dynamics: Among LGBTQ+ adults aged 25 and older, 24% are raising children .
Regional Concentrations
- Florida's major metropolitan areas have notable LGBTQ+ populations:
- Miami–Fort Lauderdale–Pompano Beach: Approximately 4.5% of residents identify as LGBTQ+, totaling around 214,000 individuals.
- Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater: About 5.9% of the population, or roughly 119,000 people, identify as LGBTQ+
Public Attitudes Toward LGBTQ+ Rights
Surveys indicate strong support among Floridians for LGBTQ+ rights:
- Anti-Discrimination Laws: In 2019, 72% of Florida residents supported laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations
- Same-Sex Marriage: A 2017 poll found that 61% of Floridians supported
- Service Refusals: A majority of Florida voters oppose allowing small business owners to refuse service to LGBTQ+ individuals based on religious beliefs
Legal and Political Landscape
Despite public support, Florida has enacted several policies affecting the LGBTQ+ community:
- "Don't Say Gay" Law (HB 1557): Enacted in March 2022, this law prohibits classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity from kindergarten through third grade and restricts such discussions in higher grades unless deemed age-appropriate.
- Book Restrictions: Legislation has been passed to create a list of state-sanctioned reading materials, with penalties for educators who include unsanctioned books, some of which address LGBTQ+ topics .
- Conversion Therapy: While several localities in Florida have banned conversion therapy for minors, a 2020 federal appeals court decision invalidated such bans in certain areas, citing First Amendment concerns .
Community Responses and Initiatives
In response to state policies, some communities have taken steps to support LGBTQ+ residents:
- LGBTQ+ Sanctuary City: In September 2023, Lake Worth Beach declared itself an "LGBTQ+ sanctuary city," aiming to protect and defend LGBTQ+ rights.
- Local Non-Discrimination Policies: A growing number of Florida businesses and municipalities have adopted LGBTQ+-inclusive non-discrimination policies, reflecting more positive social attitudes over time.
History of the Florida Flag
The Florida State Flag features a white background with a red diagonal cross (saltire) covering its entire height and width. The Seal of Florida is emblazoned at the center of the cross. The red cross likely references the Confederate Flag, paying homage to the state's Confederate history; however, some have suggested that it may also allude to the Cross of Burgundy, a Spanish flag symbolizing the state's history under Spanish rule.
The Great Seal of Florida depicts a Native American woman scattering flowers against a vibrant sunny day with a palm tree and a steamboat on the water. This scene is framed in a circular shape, surrounded by the words, "Great Seal of the State of Florida * In God We Trust." The flowers represent Florida's tropical climate, where many species of flowers thrive. The water signifies the lakes, rivers, and oceans found in the state. This basic design of the Florida State Flag has been in place since November 6, 1900; however, there have been several changes to the state seal over the years. The current flag and seal were last updated on May 21, 1985. Originally, the flag featured a cocoa tree, and the Native American woman wore a headdress. The headdress was removed for historical accuracy, as only Native American men wore headdresses, and the tree was changed to a palm tree when the palm tree was recognized as the state's official tree in 1953.
Florida is a Southeastern state in the United States of America that shares borders with Alabama, Georgia, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Straits of Florida. Florida is the only state that is a "Peninsula," meaning it is surrounded by water on three sides. It is the fourth most populous state, following New York, Texas, and California. The capital of Florida is Tallahassee, and the largest city is Jacksonville. Florida is also referred to as "The Sunshine State," a reference to its beautiful tropical climate.
Florida was first inhabited approximately 14,000 years ago by Native American tribes that included Timucua, Apalachee, Calusa, and Creek. The first European to arrive in Florida was the Spanish conqueror Ponce de Leon, who came in search of gold and silver. He was unsuccessful but did discover fertile farmland and coastline. Ponce de Leon named Florida "La Florida," which translates to "Place of Flowers," in honor of the various colorful and blooming flowers he encountered in the state.
Following Ponce de Leon's arrival in Florida, the Spanish began to establish settlements, including St. Augustine in 1565, one of the oldest occupied European settlements in the Continental United States. The English arrived shortly after the Spanish settlements and began settling in the North, while the French settled in the West. In 1672, the English attacked the city of St. Augustine. The Spanish responded by building "Castillo de San Marcos," the oldest fort in the Continental USA, as well as "Fort Matanzas," which is now a national monument. In 1763, the British regained control of Florida from the Spanish. In exchange, Britain handed over control of Havana, Cuba, to Spain. In 1783, Spain regained control of Florida following Britain's defeat in the Revolutionary War until 1821, when Spain relinquished control of Florida to the United States of America.
A Personal Note from Robin
- ↑ My parents worked for Ringling Brothers after Gerry mustered out of the Navy following World War II - See also Early Days and/or The Circus train
External links
- More information is available at [ Wikipedia:Florida ]
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