Florida Fauna & Flora – Florida the 27th State
FLORIDA THE 27TH STATE
Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon landed near St. Augustine in Spring 1513. Amidst the blooming flowers, Ponce de Leon named the newly-discovered land “La Pascua Florida” or Festival of Flowers.
Florida became the 27th state on March 3, 1845. Long before Florida grew into a tourism hub, early industries included logging, fishing, cattle ranching, farming and citrus growing. These industries continue today. In the 1920s, the railroad spurred the land boom bringing business and residents to Florida’s southern tip. Florida became a popular spring break destination for college students starting in the early 1930s.
The state’s first theme parks were Cypress Gardens and Marineland. Tourism took off in Florida in 1971 when the Magic Kingdom opened in Orlando. Today, millions visit Universal Studios, Epcot, LEGOLAND, SeaWorld and Busch Gardens every year.
Florida visitors enjoy the state’s multi-faceted entertainment options. Flanked by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, Florida is a beach-lover’s dream. Crystal-clear natural springs, National Parks and Forests, unique wildlife and copious sunshine brand Florida a national treasure.
Read the full March 2019 SECO News online.
