Florida ( The Sunshine State / Peninsula State ) Florida was named by the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Le?n in 1513. He called the region "La Florida", roughly translated as Land of the Flowers. He probably chose this name because he was impressed by the many colorful flowers and because he sighted it on Easter, which is called "Pascua Florida" in Spanish. Ponce de Leon, in search of the elusive fountain of youth, was the first European to explore Florida. Statehood for Florida came in 1845 (27th state). St. Augustine, founded by the Spanish in 1565, is the oldest permanent European settlement in the continental United States. Florida is one of the leading tourist states in the United States. Great stretches of sandy beaches and a warm, sunny climate make Florida a year-round vacationland. People enjoy swimming, fishing and water skiing in the inland and coastal waters. Major attractions include Disney World, Miami Beach, the Everglades National Park and the Florida Keys. Tourists may also visit historic sites that date back to the Spanish explorers. Some of the famous celebrities that were born in Florida include: Wesley Snipes, Issac Bruce, Jim Morrison, Vince Carter, The Flag of Florida Entered the Union in 1845 as the 27th State; flag adopted in 1900, modified in 1985. The cross derives from the Confederate Battle Flag. The State seal shows a Seminole woman, a steamboat, and the State tree.   Largest Cities in the State (2000) Jacksonville, 735,617; Miami, 362,470; Tampa, 303,447; St. Petersburg, 248,232; Hialeah, 226,419; Orlando, 185,951; Fort Lauderdale, 152,397; Tallahassee, 150,624; Hollywood, 139,357; Pembroke Pines, 137,427   Business and Trade in Florida Agriculture: Citrus, vegetables, nursery stock, cattle, sugarcane, dairy products. Industries: Tourism, electric equipment, food processing, printing and publishing, transportation equipment, machinery. State Symbols and Emblems Bird: Mockingbird Flower: Orange blossom (citrus sinensis) Tree: Sabal Palmetto (cabbage palmetto) Song(s): Suwannee River Motto: In God We Trust Florida Travel - Vacation Destinations & Recreation National parks and historic locations suitable for family vacations or day trips. • Key West National Wildlife Refuge - Big Pine Key • National Key Deer Refuge National Wildlife Refuge - Big Pine Key • Welaka National Fish Hatchery - Welaka • Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge - Crystal River • Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge - Crystal River

Capital: Tallahassee     Local Weather  Statehood: 1845-03-03  Population: 15,982,378 (296.4 mi2)   Geographic Area (mi2)     Total 65,754.59     Water 11,827.77     Land 53,926.82     Rank 26th Largest   State Education:     Pub & Prv Schools     College & University     Libraries   Border States: Alabama, Georgia   Health Information:     Illicit Drug Use     Youth Risk Survey   Housing: In Florida, there are 7,302,947 housing units, averaging to 135.4 per sq mile.   Related Magazines:     Southern Boating     Orlando Magazine     Orlando Business Journal     Florida Monthly Magazine     Pensacola Today Magazine     Florida Sportsman     The AutoPilot (Florida)   Posters and Artwork Flock of Flamingos, J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel Island, Florida, USA Photographic Print 24" x 8" • Hotel Normandie, Miami Beach, Florida Art Print 17" x 11" • Chimp, Sarasota, Florida Art Print 11" x 17" • Hybrid Orchids, Selby Gardens, Sarasota, Florida, USA Photographic Print 16" x 12" • Casino, Pensacola, Florida Pre-Matted Print 11" x 14" • Colorful Street Life, South Beach, Miami, Florida, USA Photographic Print 16" x 12"