Information on Florida

	State Capital Tallahassee was selected as Florida's capital in 1824. The city was a compromise between two opposing groups; one faction rallied for Pensacola in the west, while another faction allied themselves with St. Augustine in the east. Florida became a U.S. territory in 1821, and remained so until 1845 when it was granted statehood.
	State Seal Described in the Resolution of Adoption, 1868: "A Seal the size of an American silver dollar having in the centre a view of the sun's rays over a highland in the distance, a Cocoa Tree (palm), a steamboat on water and an Indian female scattering flowers in the foreground encircled by the words: Great Seal of the State of Florida: In God We Trust. In 1985, the Great Seal was revised extensively. The Cocoa Palm was replaced by a Sabal Palm, as the Legislature had prescribed in 1970, and a Seminole Indian woman finally was represented on the Seal.
	State Flag Adopted in 1899, the state flag is white, with the Seal of the State in the centre. Red bars extend from each corner toward the centre rim of the Seal.
	State Bird The mockingbird was chosen as the official bird of Florida in 1927.
	State Reptile The alligator was chosen by the 1987 Legislature. Due to fluctuations in the alligator population, Florida has sanctioned "alligator season" for hunters state-wide.
	State Animal The Florida Panther, a beautiful, strong animal, was chosen as the State Animal in 1982.
	State Saltwater Mammal The state marine mammal, the manatee, is a grey, plant eating, gentle giant (most grow between eight and fourteen feet!) that can weigh up to a ton. The principal place the hulking manatee is found in the United States is Florida. Notably, Blue Springs of Orange City hosts migrating manatees each winter.
	State Drink Of course, orange juice was proclaimed as the official state liquid refreshment in 1967.
	State Tree The Sabal Palm was chosen in1953.
	State Flower The Orange Blossom was adopted by the 1909 Legislature.
	State Play Cross and Sword has been the official state play since 1973. The drama tells the story of the Spanish colonization of the nation's first city, St. Augustine on the East Coast of Florida.
	State Song "Old Folks at Home" ("Suwannee River") by Stephen Foster, was chosen by the 1935 Legislature. Despite recent controversy centred around "old south" or "racist" overtones in the historical tune, the song remains Florida's state song.
	State Shell The Horse Conch, also known as the Giant Band Shell has been Florida's official state shell since 1969. The shell is native to the marine waters around Florida, and can grow to a length of two feet.
	State Nickname "The Sunshine State," named by the 1970 Legislature.
	State Saltwater Fish The Sailfish was chosen as the official salt water fish in 1975. Sailfish migrate southward as the weather cools in the north. Florida Sail fishing is legendary, especially in the Ft. Pierce, Miami and Keys areas during colder months.
	State Freshwater Fish The 1975 Legislature adopted the Florida Largemouth Bass as the official state freshwater fish. One of America's prized game fish, the Largemouth Bass seems to grow to unusually large size in Florida waters. While concerns of "over fishing" have settled on certain lakes, the Largemouth Bass is still plentiful in all freshwater regions of Florida.
	State Stone Florida favours two stones. Agatized Coral is the first state stone, found in three main Florida locations: Tampa Bay, the Econfina River, and the Withlacoochee/Suwannee River beds. The Moonstone was named the official state gem on May 8, 1970, exactly ten months after Apollo 11 blasted off from Cape Kennedy in Brevard County although strangely enough, Moonstone is not found in either Florida or the Moon.

	The state of Florida is roughly the size of England and Wales covering an area of 58,000 square miles.
	Florida has over 1,300 miles of coastline with 800 miles of beaches.
	There are 30,000 lakes and over 1000 golf courses.
	Florida receives over 41 Million visitors each year.
	Car hire is essential as public transport is non-existent. Taxis tend to be expensive but gasoline is not.
	Eating out at Restaurants is good value with generous portions.
	Florida has a warm climate throughout the year although the summer months can be stormy.

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		Looking for more about Florida? Become a Sunshine State expert at www.myflorida.com, which includes links to state government, businesses, sports, news, communities and more.
		One of the best Florida sites, full of interesting details and information www.flausa.com