Florida

As if Ponce de León, who happened on the peninsula in 1513, returned today to demand a quick reckoning ("Tell me what happened after I was there, but leave out the boring parts!"), Michael Gannon recounts the longest recorded history of any state in the nation in twenty-seven brisk, fully illustrated chapters. From indigenous tribes who lived along spring-fed streams to environmentalists who labor to "Save Our Rivers," from the first conquistadors whose broad black ships astonished the natives to the 123,000 refugees whose unexpected immigration stunned South Floridians in 1980, the story of the state is as rich and distinctive as the story of America. And it’s older than most people think. As Gannon writes, "By the time the Pilgrims came ashore at Plymouth, St. Augustine was up for urban renewal. It was a town with fort, church, seminary, six-bed hospital, fish market, and about 120 shops and houses. Because La Florida stretched north from the Keys to Newfoundland and west to Texas, St. Augustine could claim to be the capital of much of what is now the United States." Gannon tells his fast-marching saga in chronological fashion. Starting with the wilderness of the ancient earth, he fills the landscape with Indians, colonists, pioneers, entrepreneurs, politicians, and the panorama of Florida today--"the broad superhighways that wind past horse farms, retirement communities, international airports, launch pads, futuristic attractions, and come to rest, finally, amidst the gleaming towers of Oz-like cities." This revised edition concludes with a look into the twenty-first century, including "in-migration," restoration of the Everglades, education, the work force, and the infamous 2000 presidential election.

Describes and analyzes nation-leading school reforms in Florida.

Whether you’re a visitor or a local looking for something different, Florida Off the Beaten Path shows you the Sunshine State with new perspectives on timeless destinations and introduces you to those you never knew existed––from the best in local dining to quirky cultural tidbits to hidden attractions, unique finds, and unusual locales.

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Away from the bustle of Miami Beach and the tourist extravaganza of Disney World, another Florida beckons to those looking for backroads adventure, quieter fare, or more discriminating fun. This is the Florida where backroads and secret splendors unfold in a landscape rich in the flavors and colors of ancient indigenous cultures, early European settlements, Civil War battles, and myriad Caribbean influences. Authors Paul Franklin and Nancy Mikula take you to every corner of the Sunshine State, from the Panhandle to the Florida Keys, with journeys along miles of spectacular coastline and forays into the wonders of lush interior forests, pristine lakes, and otherworldly swamplands. Florida is home to nearly a dozen national parks, forests, and seashores, and Backroads of Florida explores these attractions and many more, illustrated with breathtaking color photographs throughout. The book presents the background history and culture for Florida’s varied natural and human communities along with descriptions of the best destinations and sites to visit during your travels.