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Marla Martin, Communications Manager, or Jeff Zipper, Vice President of Communications
407/438-1400, ext. 2326 or 2314
What Do You Know About Florida? Fun Facts to Share from the Florida Association of Realtors ®
ORLANDO, Fla., July 1, 2009 – There’s a lot to love about living in Florida, including the reason behind the state’s well-deserved nickname – the Sunshine State. With a long and compelling history, many residents may not be aware of some fun and interesting facts about their home state, says 2009 Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR) President Cynthia Shelton.
“Whether you’re a native whose family has called Florida home for generations, you moved here so many years ago you forget the exact date, or you’re a newcomer to Florida, we can always learn more about our exciting state,” Shelton says. “The more we know about Florida, the more we can share that information with others, especially new residents. It’s a great way to build community and pass along a sense of pride in our home state. For instance, many people may not know the origin of the state’s name – it comes from the Spanish ‘Pascua Florida,’ which means ‘feast of flowers.’”
Other Florida facts:
Admitted to U.S. as a state on March 3, 1845 (27th State)
Nickname – Sunshine State
State flower – Orange blossom
State animal – Florida panther
State bird – Mockingbird
State beverage – Orange juice
State fruit – Orange
State marine mammal – Manatee
State reptile – American alligator
State pie – Key lime pie
State Stone – Agatized coral
State Tree – Sabal palmetto palm
State Butterfly – Zebra longwing
State wildflower – Coreopsis or Tickseed
State song – "The Swanee River" (Old Folks at Home) by Stephen C. Foster; Revised lyrics (2008)
Number of counties in Florida – 67
Total area – 58,560 square miles
Land area – 54,252 square miles
Total water area – 4,308 square miles
Geographic center – 12 miles northwest of Brooksville in Hernando County
Coastline – 1,197 statute miles |
