FLORIDA THE SUNSHINE STATE lorida has a long and colorful history The town of St Augustine was settled in 1565 decades before the English founded Jamestown in Virginia or the Puritans landed in Massachusetts Early Spanish settlers discovered what Native Americans already knew Florida is a land of tropical beauty with abundant natural resources and warm weather that lasts throughout the year Its pleasant climate is why it is today called The Sunshine State Florida remembers its historical roots but its modern cities bustle with activity The state attracts older people who want to relax but it is also a magnet for the young with its many amusement parks and sandy beaches Fiery space rockets compete for attention with the wildlife filled Everglades wilderness All this activity is tied together by the state's melting pot of diverse people who sway to a Latin American beat People enjoy the Calle Ocho Latin street festival held every year in Miami Florida FLORIDA
FLORIDA QUICK FACTS Name Explorer Juan Ponce de León named the land la Florida after the Spanish Easter celebration feast of the flowers State Capital Tallahassee population 188 107 Date of Statehood March 3 1845 27th state Population 19 893 297 3d most populous state Area Total Land and Water 65 758 square miles 170 312 sq km 22nd largest state Largest City Jacksonville population 853 382 Nickname The Sunshine State Motto In God We Trust State Bird Mockingbird FLORIDA
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA State Flower Orange Blossom State Rock Agatized Coral State Tree Sabal Palm State Song Old Folks at Home Highest Point Britton Hill 345 feet 105 m Agatized Coral Lowest Point Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico O feet 0 m Average July High Temperature 92°F 33°C Record High Temperature 109°F 43°C in Monticello on June 29 1931 sahalPalm Average January Low Temperature 46°F 8°C Record Low Temperature 2°F 19°C in Tallahassee on February 13 1899 Average Annual Precipitation 53 inches 135 cm Number of U S Senators 2 FLORI Number of U S Representatives 27 U S Postal Service Abbreviation FL QUICK FACTS
