It’s easy to overlook what lies beyond the Florida coast, where the beaches are diverse and plentiful enough to suit any tourist – whether you just want to rest in the sun or take use of the state’s excellent sports facilities. Those that set their suntan lotion and beach towels aside to investigate will be rewarded handsomely.
The lush woods, northern undulating hills, and springtime displays of bougainvillaea and azaleas debunk the misconception that Florida’s terrain is completely flat and boring.
Wherever you go, you are just a short distance from natural places like the Everglades, which have an incredible diversity of plant and animal life and are home to alligators and snakes, living memories of the inhospitable state that Florida was only a century ago. By international standards, Florida was a late developer (the majority of its historic districts date from the early 1900s), but it is home to the country’s oldest town: St. Augustine, where a remarkable richness of well-preserved structures offer a view of life in the 18th century.
Florida is a split state in terms of climate and culture, serving as a link between temperate North America and tropical Latin America and the Caribbean. Roads in the north are lined with towering live oak trees, and people speak with a southern drawl, but in the south, palm trees provide shelter from the subtropical sun, and residents of Miami are equally likely to speak Spanish as English.
Tourism And Economics
In comparison to other US states, Florida’s economy is not in horrible shape. Agriculture has been the state’s primary source of revenue for much of its history: citrus fruits, vegetables, sugar, and cattle. Citrus is mostly grown in central Florida, where fruit trees can spread for miles. Miami is also home to a thriving high-tech industry, and its proximity to Latin America and the Caribbean has made it a natural hub for US commerce with the area. The warm temperature of Florida has also attracted high-profile moneymakers: spring baseball training attracts teams and a large number of spectators, while the fashion industry brings hundreds of models and plenty of glitz to Miami. The state’s coffers are fueled by tourism.
Although the Walt Disney World Resort appears to dominate the tourism sector, Florida makes the most of all of its advantages, including its beautiful beaches, proximity to the Bahamas and Caribbean (where the state’s cruise industry is thriving), and natural environments. Florida has finally realised the necessity of protecting its natural heritage after decades of unfettered development. Vast swaths of land have already vanished beneath factories, condominiums, and cabbage fields, but business and agriculture are becoming more responsible, and water consumption is being closely regulated.