Between yesterday and today
In the past, almost the entire area was swampy and mosquito-infested, where alligators and other animals lived in peace. Today, thanks to the filling in of the land to fight against the silting up and the construction of hotels and houses, often luxurious, it has become a small privileged area. As a result, the influx of new inhabitants, the intensive cultivation of fruit trees (mainly lemons and grapefruits) and the raising of livestock have sometimes depleted the groundwater to the point that entire villages have disappeared, dragged down by land subsidence. Most of the lakes and water surfaces, which cover 10% of the state's territory, are the result of subsidence due to the action of underground rivers.
One state but very different regions
When we think of Florida, we usually have the same images in mind: the long white sandy beach of Miami, the swamps of the Everglades, and sometimes the multiplicity of islands that make up the Florida Keys. Thus often summarized as the southern side of the country, Florida has much more varied landscapes than one might imagine.
The Northwest, from Pensacola to Apalachicola, is also called the Panhandle. This region north of the Gulf of Mexico has dense nature and sparkling white beaches. It is Florida off the beaten track. It includes theEmerald Coast (from Pensacola to Panama City), named after the color of the water in the Gulf of Mexico, and the Forgotten Coast (from Mexico Beach to the east of Apalachicola) where you can discover the authentic Florida, calm and quiet.
The North Center, from Tallahassee to Gainesville, is wrongly the least known region of the tourists, however very interesting and original. This is certainly due to its dense coniferous forests, its hilly terrain (especially in the capital) and its countless freshwater rivers, where the water remains at 20°C throughout the year. Tallahassee, the capital of Florida, is also surrounded by numerous springs, these sublime turquoise water sources in which it is possible to swim or dive.
The Northeast, from Jacksonville to Saint Augustine, offers a cooler seaside climate than south of Daytona, with a little wind in winter and wilder landscapes of tall grass. This is the First Coast (also called Historic Coast), in reference to St. Augustine, which is said to be the oldest city in the United States.
The Center, from Orlando to Ocala, is hot and humid in summer, but can also be quite cool in winter, especially in the early morning. It has a green landscape with many forests and natural parks. The area around Orlando is characterized by the presence of many lakes: there are nearly a hundred of them!
The West Central and Southwest, from the Everglades to Tampa, marks the exit from the swampy landscapes of mangroves and tall grass, continuing with a region populated by islands, where tropical plants and dolphins are king, and the beaches never stop.
The East Central and Southeast, from Daytona to Key West, has its waters warmed by the Gulf Stream, a current of water that allows visitors to swim year-round. The majority of its coastline is coral reef where tropical fish and white sand beaches abound. From north to south, this part of Florida is composed of the Space Coast (from Daytona to Vero Beach), so named because of the presence of NASA at the Kennedy Space Center, south of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge; the Treasure Coast (from Fort Pierce to Boca Raton), where the treasures of shipwrecked Spanish galleons were found; and the Gold Coast (from Fort Lauderdale to Key Largo), named after the real estate value of the towns that make up the coast.
Discovering these natural treasures
If Florida can be widely described as a postcard destination, it is mainly because of its immense beaches, its palm trees by thousands and its turquoise waters. Less travelled and just as fabulous are its rivers, springs and wild green natural parks. Water is omnipresent, or almost, and what better way to explore Florida's natural landscapes than to take a dip in the water? The Florida Keys and their coral reefs are a paradise for snorkelers and divers who go deeper and deeper in search of forgotten wrecks. You'll always find a kayak or canoe for rent nearby to cruise the intimidating mangroves or the lively rivers. Finally, swimmers will appreciate being able to relax in the turquoise water all year round, or almost all year round (depending on how chilly you are, as let's face it, the water can be cool between December and February). If you prefer not to get wet, you can easily find companies offering boat cruises, some with transparent bottoms to observe the underwater life. Sunset cruises are the most popular. Hikers will not be outdone, especially in Florida's state parks, all of which have hiking trails, accessible to young and old alike, perfectly adapted to discover the fauna and flora in complete safety.
The omnipresence of water
After Alaska, Florida boasts the longest coastline in the U.S. (13,600 kilometers in total, including bays and capes!). The Sunshine State also has 4,500 islands, the most famous of which are the Florida Keys, at the southern end of the state (1,700 islands and islets). It is an eminently aquatic territory, since 18% of its surface is located under water. Some unsuspected figures give the impression that Florida is 44,500 km2 of swamps (most of which are concentrated in the Everglades), 700 springs or springs mainly located in the north and west of the state - the largest concentration in the world! -1,700 rivers and 7,800 freshwater lakes. It is easy to understand why marine environments, mangroves and wetlands are among the main natural environments of Florida! You will have understood: if there is one thing not to forget in your suitcase, it is a bathing suit!
