Known as the “Sunshine State,” Florida is located directly in the zone of tropical latitudes and rich of seaworthy heritage. It encompasses approximately 65,794 square miles in land area with 1,350 miles of coastline. The highest elevation is only 345 feet in Walton County in the Florida panhandle. The state capital is Tallahassee but the largest city is Jacksonville. The state’s current population stands at approximately 17.8 million, which ranks as the 4th highest populated state in the nation.
      Florida's climate is best described as sub-tropical with mild winters and warm summers. The state is essentially a long peninsula with no place more than 80 miles from either the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico. Florida skies are unusually sunny, except for a short spring rainy season and the daily thunderstorms that come and go quickly in summer. Temperatures are more moderate along the coasts, particularly on the Atlantic side, which has a decent sea breeze; the center of the state tends to be a bit colder in winter and hotter in the summer. Located at the most southern tip of the state, the Florida Keys are both a city and an island.

Did You Know...

State Nickname: The Sunshine State State Capital: Tallahassee State Flower: Orange Blossom State Bird: Mockingbird

Major cities include, Destin, Naples, Orlando, Miami, Tampa, Tallahassee, Ft. Lauderdale, Clearwater, Jacksonville, St. Augustine and Sarasota among others. Family adventures abound in these areas, with some of the best museums and interactive science centers as well as one-of-a-kind boutiques, shops, galleries and restaurants lining the streets.
      Disney World, Busch Gardens, Kennedy Space Center, Epcot Center, Universal Studios and MGM Studios are just a few of the well-known attractions. Additionally, numerous beaches, zoos, aquariums and theme parks are just minutes from Florida’s amenities. Daytona is the ultimate Florida oceanside park and one of the few Florida

beaches that allow vehicular traffic, radiating a party atmosphere on its broad, hard-packed sands. Restaurants, clubs, bumper cars and adrenaline rides make the beach a carnival. Florida’s racy reputation is known in Daytona for its speeding 75-mph dragsters across the street at the International Speedway.
      Florida is home to many professional teams in the sports: NFL’s Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers; MLB’s Florida Marlins and Tampa Bay Devil Rays; NHL’s Florida Panthers; NBA’s Miami Heat.
      The gross state product of Florida in 2005 was $596 billion and personal income averaged out at approximately $30,098 per capita, ranking 26th in the nation. Florida is the 9th largest producer of exported goods. Florida's economy relies heavily on tourism, bringing in at least 60 million visitors annually. Other major industries include banking, citrus fruit and juice production.
      Statewide, the existing-home median price rose 11 percent in 12 months to $256,400, in June 2006. The housing market will continue to adjust to provide a strong underlying base to the economy, while slower appreciation will help to preserve long-term affordability. Many home types are available, including condominiums, town homes, manufactured homes, custom housing, luxury homes, exquisite golf properties and local homes in retirement communities in the more populated areas.

Florida has over 67 community colleges, independent schools and universities. Among them, the University of Florida, which is ranked 4th highest in student enrollment in the U.S. It is home to the Gators, where Gatorade, the athletic sports drink was originally created.
      Cultures don’t dissolve into one another here in Florida, they remain whole, creating a collage of ethnic diversity that represents the global community. It has become a land of fiery foods, sizzling music, salty temperament, colorful accents, striking architecture and passionate arts. Popular jazz can trace its roots back to the Chitlin Circuit in the 1800s. This chain of establishments was named after the popular menu item, as it was often served during the shows. A number of well-known musicians have performed there, including Ray Charles, B.B. King, Louis Armstrong and Bo Didley – their contributions continuing to influence music today..
      Florida’s population is predominantly 65 percent White (non-Hispanic), 17 percent Hispanic (of any race), 15 percent African American and 2 percent Asian. Many Cuban Americans reside in the city of Miami, also known as “Little Havana” and Tampa is home to native Puerto Ricans.Fort Myers & Cape Coral are also popular.