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Highways and Byways A brief Background to the state of Florida By: Mike Harvie Lets start with the basics. Elemental geography! What kind of landform is represented by our state? Why is I95 so long? The 1956 Federal Highway Act authorized the construction of interstates. What was one of the principal reasons behind it and why would it benefit Florida? The Cold War Who is this man and why was he a threat to national security? JFK- Can you make the connection between him and the picture opposite? Quick Facts Total Area - 58,560 square miles Total land area - 54,252 square miles Total water area - 4,308 square miles Rank among states in total area - 22nd Length north and south - 447 miles (St. Marys River to Key West) Width east and west - 361 miles (Atlantic Ocean to Perdido River) Distance from Pensacola to Key West - 792 miles (by road) Highest Natural Point - 345 feet near Lakewood in northeast Walton County Geographic Center - 12 miles northwest of Brooksville, Hernando County Coastline - 1,197 statute miles Tidal shoreline (general) - 2,276 statute miles Beaches - 663 miles Longest River - St. Johns, 273 miles Largest Lake - Lake Okeechobee, 700 square miles Some State Symbols Mockingbird Orange Blossom State Day Further Reading Florida Panther University Press of Florida - Disciplines / Florida History Principal Activities In 1999, the service sector was the largest contributor to Florida’s economy. Of the 7,764,000 of workers in 2001, 42% of them were employed in this sector. Agriculture In 2001 there were 44,000 farms in Florida, most were part time operations, just 35% had sales more than $10,000. One area of agriculture accounted for 80% of sales, what can it be? Tourism Tourism is a vital component to Florida’s economy, with the great climate, warm beaches and numerous attractions, tourism accounts for more than $53.6 billion per year! Emerging Sector Manufacturing is a major growth sector vital to the Florida economy, employing 6.9% of the workers in 2000 and growing. It is in the areas of electrical and electronic goods and processed foods. Where is Silicon alley? Historical Highlights Discovered by Juan Ponce de Leon in 1513 who whilst seeking the acclaimed Fountain of Youth, thought of Florida as an island and claimed it in the name of Spain Colonization The Spanish never really utilized this area until it was under threat from France, King Phillip the II had the settlers routed and established St. Augustine in 1565 English Colonization Trying to expand in their influence since 1607, the British laid St Augustine under siege in 1702, finally defeating the Spanish in 1742. Florida was returned to the Spanish as part of the Treaty of Paris in 1783. Statehood and Civil War Pensacola Soldiers Admitted to the Union in 1845, Florida a slave state seceded from the Union in 1861, supplying the Confederacy with vital supplies including salt and cattle. Under post war military rule, Florida was readmitted to the Union in 1868. The Story Continues! In memoriam to the crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia Questions? Contact Information: [email protected]