What role has racial diversity had in shaping the Florida experience?

It is not easy to stereotype Florida in terms of race. The city of Miami is one of the most racially diverse cities in Florida. One is able to focus on the Cuban population that Stofik talks about having flooded in especially in the 1950s. From there, one can see that Argentinians and Puerto Ricans and other hispanics are also highly prevalent in the city. Going down from calle ocho to South Beach, one discovers a huge Jewish population. Stofik talks about the Jews who came to Miami in the early 1900s, but today, their children and grandchildren are walking around South Beach on the Sabbath Day, in their modest dress holding the hands of their children.
Orlando also has a huge international population, enhanced by the Disney International Program and International College Program. People from all over the world can come work at Disney. Brazilians, Indians, Peruvians, and Moroccans fill the outlet malls buying gifts to take back home.
Tourists may not at first realize the vast racial diversity of Florida if they stay in the tourist areas, but one living in Florida quickly comes to notice the Latino, Middle Eastern, and Indian shops grouped together in shopping centers throughout Florida. It is also common that one will become close friends with an international, and thus that person shapes Florida's stereotype.

What role has racial diversity had in shaping the Florida experience?

Florida is one of the most diverse states in the United States. A key component of Florida's diversity is the city of Miami. There are several ethnic communities, from Jewish retirees to Latin American immigrants, that live in Miami and highlight that racial diversity has allowed the area to prosper. with any sort of diversity anywhere, a variety of opinions is also present and only serves to make society stronger and culture richer.

Florida's legacy as a tourist mecca and otherwise nice place to live also made possible Florida's diversity. immigrants from several countries chose to make Florida their home and thus created the diverse population of the state

What role has racial diversity had in shaping the Florida experience?

It is without a doubt that Florida is one of the most racially diverse states in the U.S. Almost everywhere people go, they will see whites, blacks, hispanic people, asians, etc. This diversity can also be centralized in particular areas of Florida. For example, Miami is extremely diverse, and simply reading the book, Saving South Beach, illustrates the history of this diversity and how it shaped the Miami experience. For example, Florida began as a swampland in the late 19th century, early 20th century. Shortly after WWI and then WWII, people started migrating to Florida, and in Miami, people from Europe started calling Miami their new home. In particular, the Jewish people started migrating to Miami. As a result, Miami was filled with Jewish folk, Jewish cafeterias, and a calm, Jewish sense of life. In the decades between the 50s and the 90s, Miami's diversity increased as the black and hispanic populations grew, restaurants with different cuisines were put up, and hotels highlighting different genres and styles illustrated the diverse backgrounds of the people living in Miami. This diversity definitely had its negatives, such as discrimination, violence, and crime, but without all the different factors playing out, Florida would not be where it is today.

What role has racial diversity had in shaping the Florida experience

Miami plays a major role in the racial diversity in Florida. With the Hispanic population in Miami-Dade, it is one of the most diverse counties in the state. Orange county is in the top 5 as the most diverse. The most diverse county is Broward county and it is projected to be the most divers county in the Nation in just a few short years. Though not all of Florida is as racially diverse, it leads the country in its statistics. One reason could be for the tourist industry. Between Disney, Busch Gardens and the numerous beaches, so many cultures from all over the world come together that it is difficult to have segregation. That is something very unique about Florida; its ability to maintain a semblance of southern culture but the ability to include all races.

What role has racial diversity had in shaping the Florida experience?

Florida is a melting pot of many different races and cultures. In southern Florida there is an enormous Latin American population. Cubans have been a part of the Florida experience since the beginning of the 1900s and their numbers in Florida further increased with the Mariel refugees that fled to Florida. There is also a huge Jewish population in Florida who came here after WWII as well a many other Eastern Europeans who fled from the rule of Communist Soviet Union. African Americans also play a role in Florida's racial diversity, and like the rest of the South, Florida enacted strict Jim Crow laws that oppressed African Americans for decades.
One who wishes to be a part of the Florida experience will be exposed to a variety of cultures, which have contributed to making Florida so attractive for tourism.

What Role has Racial Diversity had in Shaping the Florida Experience?

Due in large part to Florida’s tourist attractions, people from all over were drawn to these parts of Florida where they had heard much about. Especially once Disney opened, their advertising was tremendously well-broadcasted and reached people all over the world. Once people were drawn to Florida, they saw what all the advertising was about and realized what a beautiful place Florida is and how much it has to offer.

Although Florida is in the South, and has a part of their society that is segregated and against diversity, there is also the other part of Florida that is full of various people especially many Cubans who escaped to Southern Florida during the Revolution. The Cubans brought with them their culture as well as their language. Even today many places in Florida especially Southern Florida, Miami for example, is full of Spanish speakers. Florida is diverse and with the new citizens along came their culture and customs. This allows for Florida to be unique and seen as an eclectic state full of a wide-range of people.

Racial Diversity and the Florida Experience

Florida did have slaves just like the rest of the South. While Florida's inhabitable climate and winter only culture might have hampered this a little, Florida did still fight with the Confederacy in the Civil War and enact black codes, segregation, and other racial prejudices. Florida was slow to desegregate, although it did occur a bit quicker in Florida than in the main "Deep South" states such as Georgia.

Now Florida's racial diversity goes far beyond black and white. Florida's geographic location makes it a safe haven or immigration destination for many Hispanic people. South Florida in particular (and Miami especially) has been completely transformed by its Hispanic population. Spanish is the only language of many living there. Policy, culture, business, and society are all affected by this demographic. The Hispanic population holds a lot of weight (after all, the might up quite a chunk of the voting population). You can truly understand Florida without considering its Hispanic populations. The vibrant Hispanic culture, with its food, language, and music, transformed places like Miami and Ft Lauderdale and can't be ignored.

Of course, the original Floridian race, the Seminole Indians, can not be forgotten. They still have a rich and vibrant culture in South Florida. They make money from their casinos and hotels as well as their cultural attractions such as alligator wrestling and hand made crafts. While they might not be as widespread and visible a group as the Hispanic populations, they have deep and lasting roots in Florida.

What role has racial diversity had in shaping the Florida experience?

The racial issues that were faced in Florida during the mid 1900s are proof that Florida was part of the South. Heavily restricted by Jim Crow laws, special resorts of beaches were established in the1950s that were exclusively for black Americans. Attractions such as Paradise Springs, which was opened up on Emancipation Day, allowed Negroes to enjoy the wonders that Florida had to offer, while keeping them separate from the white vacationers. This led to the creation of many exclusively black entertainment facilities – including jazz centers, movie theatres, hairdressers/barbers, cafes, service stations, pharmacies and music stores.
While the black population was being segregated, the Native Indians were enjoying a better lifestyle. They flourished with the increase in capitalism, exchanging their pelts, plumes and hides for a considerable profit. They also featured in several popular tourist attractions, such as gator wrestling.
The black population and the Native Indians, combined with the different Latin American races, made Florida a very racially diverse state. The different cultural traditions impacted greatly on the typical Florida experience.

Discuss one finding from your topic for the Atlanta Project (Blog I missed)

My assigned topic was Atlanta City Planning from 1900-1950. One of the most interesting pieces of information I learned through my research was how well Atlanta utilized their environment. I feel most cities, especially in the North, fight against their environment and try to alter it as much as possible to create the city they desire. Atlanta, in comparison, strongly worked with their environment to create the best, most unique city they could. They took advantage of their natural resources and planned the city to intentionally integrate Atlanta's beauty. The fact that Atlanta was so beautiful, brought in tourists who wanted to see this city that was not just full of buildings and busy streets, but also had many parks. Atlanta also took advantage of other aspects of their environment, such as their crops, and integrated their agriculture effectively. Atlanta’s industries included Georgia Peaches, Georgia Crackers, and Cotton and Textile. Atlanta was able to be unique because it embraced what made it unique.

Does the popular view of Florida match Reality?

This a bit of an issue of perspective, which varies significantly whether one lives in Florida or not. As a Florida resident, and a Central Floridian in particular, I do not always see what is advertised as being "Floridian". For example, while Florida is indeed comparatively warm, there is also the colder season as well as hurricane season, two aspects of Florida that travel agents might neglect to elaborate upon. Yet the universal image of Florida broadcasted abroad (most likely involving palm trees and sandy beaches) is certainly not the most correct version; There are rural areas, there are urban areas; there are rich areas and disadvantaged areas; there are even warm places and cold places. Overall, while there is a hint of truth in the popular conception of Florida, it is important to realize the diversity of the states--one thing that Florida certainly has a lot of.

Does the popular view of Florida match the reality?

The popular view of Florida has changed so many times that to answer that question is difficult. According to the "Winter" escapes we discussed in class, Florida is a paradise on earth with the best qualities of the North in a perfect climate. Florida does have a tropical climate, but with that comes some natural disasters people are not so fond of. In the book Saving South Beach, the author clearly depicts in the preface how quickly things in Florida can change, and how many different versions of Miami South Beach, alone, there are. The view of South Beach is party city. While this stereotype is true, it excludes huge communities of people living in Florida. For example, in my stereotyped view of South Beach, I imagined white people and latinos drinking in fancy clubs by the beach, but I never knew about the huge Jewish community it is impossible to miss on the drive to those clubs, with there modest hair coverings, having their Sabbath day while most tourists are driving past them to the beach for some fun. Also I never imagined South Beach could be so filthy (sorry, Miamians), and I never knew street could be as clean as the streets of the Downtown Disney area. In reality, I think Florida varies too much to have an accurate stereotype of Florida.

Does the popular view of Florida match reality?

This is a difficult question to answer. However I would say overall the answer is yes. In the winter month Florida most of the time really is a paradise for New Englanders. Even though this past winter was too chilly for my liking. In most winters, Florida is heaven on earth and lives up to its popular view. However during the summer months florida can be downright brutal. Geographically Florida is beautiful and ugly at the same time. Miami, Winter Park, and other areas are gorgeous however but most of northern florida is uninhabitable swamps. Therefore from this we are not left with a solid answer to whether or not the popular view of florida matches reality instead we are left in a gray area.

Does the popular View of Florida match the reality?

In some ways yes. Depending on where you live in Florida, the reality does match what people think about it. I live in a tourist town on the beach and when people think of Florida and its beaches, Sarasota is one of the more popular places for vacation destinations. The majority of my family lives up north and they have always assumed that as Floridians we go to Disney and the beach all the time. This is not the case however, yes, I do go to the beach, and I have been to Disney, but it is not something that happens often. But not all of the views of Florida are positive; hurricanes are a large part of Florida and are a reality for many people. During hurricane season my family constantly worries about our safety when a hurricane hasn't hit Sarasota since 1921. People worry about going on vacation and a hurricane hitting their hotel or ruining their vacation with rain. While rain is a large part of Florida (especially in the summer), it is just like any other state where it rains.

Florida is a beautiful place to vacation, and for the very lucky, to live, but it is just another state. It has its idealized areas like Orlando, Miami, and Tampa and its places where tourists would never want to travel to like Myakka, Plant City and Tallahassee. These latter cities are not idolized and not what is promoted when the state markets to tourists.

Do the popular conceptions of Florida and the reality match up?

The danger of popular conceptions is that they tend to over generalize. While some of it is grounded in truth, a lot gets left out. Yes, Florida makes a lot of money on tourism. Yes, the Orlando area has been altered and redefined by Disney. Yes, Florida has beautiful beaches. And yes, South Florida has many Hispanic immigrants. If you closer though, these conceptions can be flawed.

Look at South Florida, for example. It is alternately viewed as the prime Spring Break spot and where old New Yorkers retire too. Clearly, if these ideas were taken separately they would paint two very different pictures of South Florida. Then, what happens when you take these together? Or when you add a third or fourth South Florida group, such as Hispanics or the Seminoles. Very quickly a black and white stereotyped identity is transformed into a dynamic and varied region with character and flavor.

Does the popular understanding of Florida match the reality?

I would have to say yes, the popular understanding does match the reality. A while back, the popular understanding was that Florida was just a swampland with really nothing exciting that would draw attention or visitors. That quickly evolved as Florida became more popular because people were at first drawn to the weather. Visitors traveled away from their homes in New England and stayed in Florida for the winters to escape the terrible weather. For me, since I am also from New England, I can definitely say that the weather is all that it is cracked up to be and is a good escape for snowing winters. After factoring in the nice weather, Florida is also known for its tourism. I guess that kind of depends on the region of Florida we are talking about. In Orlando, Florida has great tourist attractions and they are still incredibly popular today. People keep coming back to Florida and visiting again and again these fascinating family parks and other points of interest. Not only are there man-made attractions, there are also beautiful natural attractions in Florida that are worth visiting. So, basically, I believe that yes, Florida does match its popular understanding because while Florida has a great reputation of tourism to stand up to, a lot of Florida's culture and economy is based around tourism and the effort is put in to ensure that any visitors will have a delightful experience.

Does the popular understanding of Florida match the reality?

To me, the popular understanding of Florida is that it is all sunshine, happiness and holidays. This is due to the state being a very popular tourist destination for most of the 20th century. Many American families loaded their belongings into their cars, and used the new Interstate system to make their way to Florida.
During the 1950s, Florida was very well known for its natural wonders and family-run roadside attractions. ‘Monkey Jungle’ was a famous and poplar attraction, being the first park where it let its animals roam free. Cypress Gardens was another well-loved destination, with its famous water ski show.
In 1971, Disney World’s ‘Magic Kingdom’ was opened to the public. It quickly became a favorite of American families, bringing an end to the region-specific, roadside attractions. Disney provided a clean, well-organized, corporate experience based on traditional American values. Their every desire was catered for as a package deal by the “Happiest Place of Earth”.
However, the popular understanding of Florida is not necessarily the reality. The people who live in Florida do not spend the day relaxing on the beach or visiting Disney. The view that the rest of America about Florida, they have gained from advertisements and brief one week vacations. Anyone that has lived in the ‘Sunshine state’ will see that life goes on much the same as everywhere else in America. People have to work and go to school, with the beach and hot weather being something that is enjoyed mainly on the weekends.

Does the popular understanding of Florida match the reality?

When Florida started to become a popular vacation destination in the early 20th century, those who visited went back to their winter homes in New England and painted a fantasy of white sandy beaches and warm weather. This image became the postcard for Florida during most of the century and as more people came to Florida, more attractions were built such as Disney World, Weeki Wachee and real estate for people to retire and vacation on. This image of Florida is far from that of which I grew up in, I have lived in Florida most of my life and I can say from experience Florida is hot, humid and infested with mosquitoes. The "real" Florida is home to numerous people who call it home, and is no more different than any other state.

Does the popular understanding of Florida match the reality?

First of all, we need to understand what the "popular understanding" of Florida is. In my perspective, "popular understanding" would mean what Florida is most known for. In the present case, when one thinks of Florida, it's almost certain that the first thing that pops into that person's mind is Disney World, beaches, always warm weather, best place to retire and/or take a vacation, etc. Florida, in this understanding, embodies the type of American values that are only advertised by tourist corporations such as Disney, Universal Studios, etc. This "understanding" is more related to the tourism aspect of Florida. Being a Florida resident for 8 years now, I see that Florida is more than these tourist-y conceptions. The reality, at least for me, is that Florida is a very basic state outside of the attractions. If it weren't for the attractions, Florida would not be as unique. There are regular towns and regular cities with regular folk. Sure, the beaches are beautiful, but they are, for the most part, developed in such a way that lend themselves to a more "tourist" hot-spot. In reality, Florida is a swamp land with gators and other creeping things. Don't get me wrong, Florida is beautiful; people are able to make the most of it. However, if people would just step outside of the Mickey Mouse and beach bubble and get to know the rest of Florida (natural forests, natural springs, zoos, parks), they'd realize it's not quite the "fantasy land" or "beach paradise" that it is always advertised to be.

Does the popular understanding of Florida match the reality?

The popular understanding of Florida is that it is the land of dreams. Florida became an attractive place for tourists because vacationing in Florida was part of the American Dream. Families would drive down on the highway and vacation at the beaches and visit natural wonders. Since the building of Disney World in 1971 a lot of the region-specific tourism was lost. Disney introduced a controlled, pristine, family-oriented experience for tourists which packaged the American values. Today, the popular understanding of Florida, because of Disney and the other theme parks, is that it is a polished, corporate, packaged place to have a family-oriented vacation that is based on American values. The popular understanding of Florida is divorced from the regional experience. People who think of Central Florida will automatically think of Disney World, for instance, instead of thinking of natural wonders that the region has to offer so it does not quite match the reality of what Florida is. I also know a lot of people who envision Miami as a tropical paradise and are surprised when they visit and see that South Beach or the Keys are touristy and paradise-like but that the rest of Miami is a lot more complex than that.The popular understanding of Florida does not quite match the reality of Florida because its tourist attractions are divorced from the regional experience.

How does Florida's experience reflect post WWII expectations?

After the war, Florida, like most of the South, experienced a huge boom in population, except this boom was long awaited by the state of Florida. Florida had been lagging behind the rest of the South in terms of population. Also, most of Florida was still rural, and urban areas were very small. With the war, factories and forts came to the South, and naval bases came to Florida. The population grew. After the war, veterans returned to Florida, hoping to start a life and build a family. Men and women all over the United States had similar dreams of buying a house, settling down, and starting a family. This concept is still in place today. :)

How does Florida's experience reflect post WWIIxpectations?

There are three main factors in Florida's post-war development that best reflect the times. First, several soldiers who were stationed in FL during and before the war decided to make the state their home in post-war America. Second, the invention of air-conditioning made FL living much more attractive to these new migrants to the state. Third, the national highway system--a product of the Cold War--allowed for the transportation of more people throughout the state. These three factors combined to allow FL to benefit from the post-war times.

How does Florida’s experience reflect post WWII expectations?

The Second World War had a significant impact on Florida’s development. Many military bases were established during the war, which brought many new residents to the state. Many men who trained in Florida returned there after the war ended, most of them bringing their high school sweetheart and starting a family. With the invention of air-conditioning in the 1950s, the climate was made much more enjoyable.
The Cold War also had an effect on Florida with the creation on the National Highway system. This allowed many more families to come and visit as a holiday. Many of the unique natural features were the main attractions at the time, particularly in the northern parts of the state. These experiences of postwar Florida demonstrate how it developed according to tourism and economic expectations.

How does Florida’s experience reflect post World War 2 expectations

Florida after World War 2 began to experience tremendous growth. Many soldiers who were stationed in Florida during the war were drawn back because of its beauty. The invention of air conditioning also made living in Florida year round much more bearable even during the hot and humid summers. Florida's experience became very reflective of World War 2 expectations because after World War 2 America was booming in every sense of the word and Florida's dramatic growth represents this very well. One needs to look no further than the population and city growth within the state of Florida to see why Florida was reflective of post World War 2 expectations.

How does Florida’s experience reflect post World War II expectations?

After WWII, the 1950’s were a very important time regarding Florida’s demographic change. Many people gained knowledge of the state because of the many military training bases that were set up during the war. After, once soldiers were out of the war, they returned to Florida and made it their home bringing varying ages of citizens to the states because of families living there as their permanent home. The state was previously demographically mush older with a huge hispanic population, but was now beginning to become more diverse. Although Florida in the 1950's was still pretty agrarian, the Cattle industry was the biggest industry in the state and also drew attention. The invention of the air conditioning was very important to the growth of Florida because it made the hot summers livable causing Florida to seem more attractive. Also, Florida’s engagement in the space program brought tremendous growth for the state and Florida’s reputation began to change as the state became more and more desirable to live in. The space program was a great attribute of Florida because it showed increasing technology and that the state was part of greater improvement meant for the rest of the country.The ease of transportation allowed for Florida’s tourism industry to flourish. There was an explosition of urbanization which took place during the 1960's and most of this had to do with Eisenhower and his incredible power including his funding for the National Highway System which was a great accomplishment under the Eisenhower administration. The U.S. post WWII was all about growth and Florida is a good example of states modernizing and gaining attention.

How does Florida's experience reflect post WWII expectations?

WWII was great for Florida's development seeing as many military bases were built in Florida. Post World War II, Florida experiences growth in the same way that the rest of the country was expanding and urbanizing. Many men who had been posted at Florida's military bases moved to Florida after the war because they liked the climate and other aspects of the state. Furthermore, Florida experiences a shift in the economy towards tourism, so the state is growing due to the increase in tourists and the development of tourist attractions. The National highway system which is a Cold War artifact allows Americans from all over the country to come to Florida, and with the invention of air conditioning in the 1950s people can now tolerate Florida's high temperatures. Florida developed accordingly with post WWII expectations with its growing economy and urbanization.

How Does the Florida Experience Reflect Post WWII Expectation

In many ways Florida is seen as an indication of what is or will be going on in the rest of the United States (such as entering the Great Depression first and so on). So, understanding what occurred in Florida post WWII and how that compared to expectations is a pretty good indication of overall national trends.

During the war, industry was even more completely controlled and geared towards the war efforts that it had been during WWI. This led to rapid economic expansion during the war. This economic well being and growth was expected to carry over into the post-WWII American society. Americans should now be the "people of plenty."

The exposure of many military men of Florida (many bases and other military sites were located in Florida) caused an increase in population in Florida after the war as returning soldiers decided to move their families there. The interstate highway system started with the Highway Act of 1956 gave people increased access to Florida so now the middle class that epitomizes this post WWII growth (and not just the wealthy) could vacation in Florida. Increased population, access, and tourism in Florida are all indications of increased economic growth across the country.

How does Florida's experience reflect post World War II expectations?

Post WWII, Florida's experience was similar to that of other urbanizing states. Growth increased in various sectors especially in the economic and social sectors. Post WWII, soldiers came home and married their high school sweethearts and came down to start a life and then came the baby boom. Families increased, suburbanization increased, and people start seeing more growth in the middle class. In addition, men started back in the workforce which left the women to go back in the domestic sphere to raise the kids. Industries in Florida grew, especially in tourism. Florida's economy practically boomed as a result of an increase in tourism. Florida became a hot spot destination for families and such, especially after being coined as "the sunshine state." In effect, Florida's growth was significant since its economic and social sectors increased tremendously, changing its former reputation as the swamp land to the next dream vacation destination.

How does Florida's experience reflect post WWII expectations?

As the war became a large part of American spending and energy, Florida became the home to many army/navy related persons. Thus the population grew. At the wars conclusion, veterans returned back to Florida, starting a new life in nice weather. The invention of air-conditioning gave Americans a better reason to stay here and among other things, roads and new houses made Florida attractive to movers as well. As the population grew, job opps. and more resources became available. This only attracted more and more people.

Is Florida part of the South?

I have lived in Florida my entire life, and for the most part in Central Florida. In all that time, I have never identified with the Southern culture at any sort of level.

Two centuries ago, however, Florida was no doubt part of the rural south. evident by the state's secession from the Union in the Civil War, Florida clearly identified and sympathized with the south. However, as more people relocated to Florida in the twentieth century, the state became more cosmopolitan.

Yet Florida does have a few cultural zones within its borders. In the more rural areas in the north of the state, a Southern influence is present. However in the extreme south of the state, a Latin American influence has taken hold.

Ultimately, though, Florida is its own cultural region seperate from the South.

IS FLORIDA PART OF THE SOUTH?

Today: No
In the past: Yes

Before 1940, Florida could have been considered part of the south. It participated on the south end of the civil war and had southern characteristics (weather and the way of living.) After world war II, many people who experienced how great Florida was, came back with the rest of their family. Tourists made Florida their number one destination and upper class Northerners bought winter homes to enjoy the weather. This mixture of non-Florida born and non-southern born group of people all migrating and mixing together all over parts of central and southern florida made this state very unique, but also very un-southern like. Florida has no accent except in northern parts near Georgia. Florida also has a very diverse cultural aspects. Older people also move down here to live the rest of their lives in the warmth. This also gives Florida it's own way. Florida has a special way about driving. Between the elderly population and "slow heat way" about the rest of the inhabitants, it makes it very difficult to get anywhere quickly. There were many Hispanic and Caribbean Floridians too which mixes it up even more. All of these things make Florida very un-southern like. It's it's own little world; the people, food, culture, and diversity makes Florida a very attractive place to move to.

Is Florida part of the South?

As a Californian, I always had the impression that Florida was a more humid version of California. When I moved to Florida last year, it was to Miami, and I had a culture shock at the incredible urbanization that had occurred in the heart of Miami. I was lost in the city, finding it more confusing than L.A. I also enjoyed getting to put my Spanish minor to use! Coming to Orlando, it was a clean, tourist area, more like what I had envisioned. I do not think that it appears to be part of the South.
But as the reading says, there are many rural areas of Florida left, and dense forests and swamps leave some regions mostly unpopulated. I accept the argument that Florida was part of the South as of the 1800s, but today, it is its own area, detached from the South on three sides, and would be described as tropical before it would be described as Southern.
Florida benefited from WWII as the rest of the South did, but with the increase in population, the influx of Latin Americans and other tourists, Florida no longer can be identified as a Southern state.

Is Florida part of the South?

The northern part of Florida could definitely be considered a part of the South especially until the 1900s. In the early 1800s, this was basically the only part of the state that was inhabited. These northern cities, including Jacksonville, Tallahassee and Pensacola, are very close to other very Southern states such as Alabama and Georgia both in proximity and culture. As time progressed, a significant demographic shift can be seen. During the early part of the twentieth century, the central and southern parts of Florida began to see an increase in population. It was mainly viewed as a tourist destination, as it is still viewed today. WWII had a significant impact on Florida’s identity with the development of many military bases, as did the Cuban Revolution with the influx of many Latin Americans into Florida, particularly Miami and Tampa. Florida may be a part of the South geographically, but due to its demographic shift, it is no longer a part of the traditional Southern culture and society.

Is Florida Part of the South

In its initial stages, Florida was very much a part of the South. For example, they were definitely on the Confederate side during the Civil War. As Florida developed, however, and its population grew and spread further south, it gained characteristics unique to Florida--unshared by the rest of the South. Northern Florida still has many of its old Southern ties but the rest of Florida has diverged away from this identity quite a bit. Central and Southern Florida is dominated by an extreme tourist culture that creates a diversity and identity not typically seen elsewhere. The movement of North Easterners (particularly Jewish populations) as well as the many Hispanic immigrants into South Florida give it a demographic makeup nothing like the Southern "Bible Belt." This complex identity makes a uniform Florida identity difficult and has led to many questions. I grew up in South Florida and it was a common saying that South Florida is just an extension of New York City. The demographic makeup and even the voting patterns of my home county definitely does suggest that we don't quite fit in with all of Florida, let alone the entire South.

Is Florida part of the South?

I am from Florida and there is a joke that the more southern and coastal in Florida you get, the more northern you are. In some ways Florida is the bridge between the north and the south. Born and raised in southern Florida on the Gulf Coast, the heritage of the "south" was not a foreign concept, nor was it something that I identified with. Florida has always been very much dependent on the tourist economy. From people coming down for the winter, to coming for short vacations, the population fluctuates quite a bit. What makes Florida somewhat northern is that the majority of people who have homes or vacation are from the north. Therefore they bring with them the ideas and culture of the north. When thinking about the Civil War however, the average person thinks about Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee as some of the states that fought, what they don't realize is that Florida did fight and that they were involved in many battles. Overall Florida is a country unto itself, from the "northern" to "southern" to the most southern part of Florida which is predominately Hispanic.

If Florida part of the South?

The answer is somewhat complicated. However geographically Florida is part of the south. However at the same time, domestically and socially, Florida is not part of the south. Florida compared to the other southern states is very different. A few examples of this would be its large cities which are usually very scarce throughout the south. Another way that Florida is different from the south is that florida did not participate in the civil war . And because of this does not have the all important confederate pride which is a large part of the identity of the South.

Is Florida part of the South?

Florida is part of the South but its demographic shifts distinguish it from the rest of the South. In the Gilded Age, Florida was basically just the northern part of the state and the rest of the state was pretty much empty. Florida's racial composition in the late 19th century was also a lot simpler than most other states because its weather and swampy lands did not attract many immigrants. Shipping of resources such as lumber and turpentine was the main industry in Florida at that time, and it eventually became a tourist attraction for northerners. The Cuban Revolution, which culminated in the Spanish American War forced many Cubans to move to Florida and set up in areas such as Key West, Miami, and Tampa. The Cubans introduced the cigar industry. World War II was also great for Florida's development as many military bases and training bases were installed in Florida's cities. North Florida and South Florida had different cultures and Central Florida became a sort of middle-ground. By 1980, the population is older, more diverse, and the native-born population is smaller. Florida developed later than most other Southern states and early on it had a different immigrant population than other Southern states as well. Its demographic shifts show that Florida is not a typical Southern state.

Is Florida Part of the South?

Florida was very different from the rest of the South for many reasons. Florida was very empty at the beginning and was basically a series of small trading posts. There were much less immigrants in Florida than other Southern states because the land of central Florida was not particularly attractive for living and was known as a swamp area. Northern Florida had a little more of the "Southern feel" and was very much in favor of the Confederacy, while Southern Florida was still primarily empty. Racially Florida in the late 19th century was much simpler than its Southern neighbors because of this lack of immigration. There was some development for Florida in the late 80's and early 90's which was mostly related to vacation-type towns. Unfortunately, before the invention of air conditioning, Florida was unpleasantly hot during the summer; so much of its population was seasonal as opposed to permanent residents. Overtime, more developments gradually occurred mostly related to tourism. For example, Jacksonville was the home of Dixieland Park and other tourist attractions such as racetracks which developed greatly during this time and gained tremendous popularity. The main multicultural aspect of Florida was mostly Latin Americans. The long periods of instability in Cuba caused many Cubans to immigrate to Florida. Basically, overtime Florida slowly began to develop and big changes occurred mostly the result of railroad building, air conditioning, military bases, and National Highway System. Even though Florida was evolving, its changes still set them apart from their Southern neighbors. Even today, I feel that Florida is not your typical "Southern" state.