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Florida GOP Address 4/20/90 [OA 8311 ][ [2]
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26
20
5
3
Florida Chamber of Commerce
THIS IS FLORIDA'S STORY
At one time North America was known as the "Continent of Florida" for it was in Florida that
early adventurers first began the task of establishing settlements in the "New World."
Recorded history credits Juan Ponce de Leon with the discovery of Florida in 1513. Yet there is
reason to believe that others were here before him. There is indication that John Cabot might have sailed
along the Atlantic Seaboard as far South as Florida in 1498. And in 1502 the Cantino map was published
showing a body of land to the north of Cuba, with a peninsula resembling Florida.
DISCOVERY IN 1513
On April 2, 1513, the Spanish explorer, Ponce de Leon sighted the Florida coast and landed in the
vicinity of the present city of Saint Augustine. He named the new land "Florida" because of the "many
and cool woodlands" he saw and because the discovery was made during the season when the Spaniards
celebrated the Feast of the Flowers.
In 1521 Ponce de Leon returned to the land he had discovered. With the King's permission he was
to establish plantations and ranches and rule the settlers and the Indians for life. On this second voyage
Ponce de Leon landed on the southwestern coast of Florida. He brought with him "two hundred men
and fifty horses mares, heifers, swine, sheep, goats, and all kinds of domestic animals useful in the ser-
vice of mankind" and plants suitable to the climate. The livestock was taken ashore and coralled, plantings
were started and preparations were begun for quarters for the men when a raid by a party of Indians drove
the Spaniards to their ships. Those who escaped sailed immediately for Cuba where Ponce de Leon died
of the wound of a poisoned arrow.
This short-lived settlement, although a failure, was noteworthy. It marked the first attempt by
Europeans to plant a colony in North America, the first effort to Christianize the Indians in Florida and
the first agricultural and livestock raising enterprise on the continent. In this obscure beginning the
important cattle industry of Florida had its genesis.
With dreams of gold and glory, other servants of the Spanish crown came to the new land. The
best remembered of these explorers was Hernando de Soto. Like Ponce de Leon, he came to Florida to
settle and rule as governor for life. DeSoto found here Juan Ortiz, a Spanish soldier who had come over
previously with Narvaez. The story of Ortiz's rescue by an Indian princess from a fiery death was first
of its kind in American history.
Early Spanish explorers and would-be colonizers found no gold and their failures held no glory
yet their efforts were not entirely wasted. The importance of the geographical position of the Florida
peninsula in the scheme of the Spanish empire was realized. To the Spaniard, this position was of mil-
tary and political significance. But to us today, it means our climate and the agricultural crops which
that climate makes possible. In the long run, then, we have found the gold for which SO many Spaniards
lost their lives.
Spain's conquests in Central America paid off big dividends in gold and silver loot. The Spanish
plate fleet, loaded to the gills with gold for King Philip, sailed periodically from Mexico along the southern
and eastern Florida coasts, following the Gulf Stream. And in the Caribbean Islands lurked all the famous
pirates of the day, waiting to pounce upon the slow moving vessels. Sometimes these ships were wrecked
in the Florida straits. Some of the recovered treasure from these ships can be seen on display in the
Florida State Museum at the University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
11309
136 SOUTH BRONOUGH P. O. BOX
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA 32301
PH. 904-222-2831
Thinking to have a vantage point from which to prey on the Spanish fleet, as well as to establish
a colony for religious freedom in the New World, France sent Jean Ribault to Florida in 1562. In 1564
the French built Fort Caroline near the mouth of the St. Johns River. News of the trespassing French
threw the Spanish court into a dither. King Philip chose Pedro Menendez de Aviles, Captain-General of
the armed fleet and a man of courage, experience and deep religious fervor to drive out this French
menace and to found a haven for ship-wrecked sailors.
FOUNDING OF ST. AUGUSTINE
On September 8, 1565 Menendez founded Saint Augustine---the first permanent European settle-
ment in North America and today the nation's oldest city. Menendez then marched northward and
wiped out the French in a series of massacres typical of the day.
The traditional Spanish colonial pattern of forts and missions, was inaugurated in Florida. Missions
were established from the Rappahannock (Virginia) southward around the tip of Florida, up the west
coast to the vicinity of Tampa and in north Florida. (All were gone by 1702 principally as a result of
raids by British colonists.) Gradually the dwindling power of Spain fell back before the growth of other
nations. At the end of 250 years Florida's northern border was practically what it is today, except that
it extended west to the city of New Orleans. A small trade in lumber, naval stores, furs and oranges
marked the only profit that Spain derived from her costly investment. in men and money.
All down through the years of the first Spanish ownership Florida had been an international pawn.
During the course of the Seven Years' War, England captured the city of Havana, Cuba and traded it
back to Spain for Florida at the conclusion of that war in 1763. In an off-side play, France (an ally of
Spain) gave her the entire Louisiana territory to help compensate for the loss of Florida. Although
Spain had not developed Florida she was loath to relinquish this strategically located possession.
England had long coveted Florida in order to round out her seaboard colonies. Thus the geograph-
ical position of Florida again was given importance. Upon closer acquaintance with the new possession
it was found to be wonderfully rich in resources and every effort was made to settle the land. In order
to govern the vast territory, England divided Florida into two provinces -- East Florida with Saint
Augustine as the capital and West Florida with the capital at Pensacola. Timber, naval stores, furs,
oranges, rice and indigo began to trickle across the ocean in small quantities but never in amounts large
enough to realize a profit. The short twenty-year period of British ownership of Florida was an invest-
ment which paid no dividends. Had England possessed the region longer it undoubtedly would have
been more lucrative, but ensuing international events wrote another story.
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
After the Revolutionary War broke out in America, some 5,000 Tories found a haven in Florida.
Most of these, being people of substance, set out plantations and took a position of leadership in the
affairs of East Florida. Principally because the colonists of Florida had been so well treated by Britain,
the province did not break away from the Mother Country as did her sisters to the North. The spirit
of loyalty in East Florida resulted in the burning of effigies of John Adams and John Hancock in Saint
Augustine when news of the Declaration of Independence was heard.
In 1783 Florida was again swapped. Spain had captured the British Bahamas and Florida was
given back to Spain for the restoration of the islands to England.
The second period of Spanish ownership of Florida marked the beginning of the end of Spain's
struggle to hold her New World possessions. Her invitation to Americans to colonize Florida resulted
finally in its acquisition by the United States in 1819. To say that Florida was acquired rather than
purchased is correct for the so-called purchase price of $5,000,000 was only part of a complex agree-
ment dealing with properties on the Pacific coast as well as Florida.
In his inaugural address, March 5, 1821, President Monroe pointed to the importance of the new
acquisition in providing several excellent harbors, in furnishing other states free passage to the Gulf by
way of rivers, and, by its position, in guarding the Mississippi River and the Louisiana Territory.
-2-
In 1821 Florida could boast of only some 4,300 white inhabitants, clustered along the coasts
principally at Pensacola, Saint Marks, Key West, Saint Augustine, Fernandina Beach and vicinities of
each, and two or three hundred more scattered through North Florida. The Indians possessed the hinter-
land. Virtually all of the former Spanish settlers had left and Florida had become American in its cultural
patterns.
FLORIDA'S EARLY DEVELOPMENT
Andrew Jackson, as provisional governor of Florida immediately set about removing the Indians to
the central part of the peninsula. As this was accomplished, many new settlers answered the beckoning
hand and came in from other states and from the Bahamas. In 1828 there were thirty-two post offices
in the territory, some have become legendary; others we know: Marianna, Monticello, Palatka, Talla-
hassee, Quincy and Jacksonville, in addition to the older cities.
By 1830 the population had reached 35,000 and was amost twice that (66,500) by 1845 when
Florida became a state. At that time there were 68 post offices in the territory.
The new inhabitants of the region, being predominately Southern, brought with them, even to
this wilderness, the formal social graces, and the agricultural pattern of the plantation system. Obviously,
then, cotton was the money crop on the plantations located principally from the Suwannee Valley west-
ward. In 1822, 266 bales of cotton were produced from the first seed brought in by the Americans
for commercial purposes. By the 30's the cotton crop of the State was worth $1,000,000 annually.
However, the panic of 1837 brought the price of cotton so low there was little profit in growing it, and
planters sought a substitute staple. It was at this time and as a result of acute financial difficulties that
the lucrative tobacco industry of North Central Florida began. By 1845 some 155,000 pounds were
produced and brought an average 60 cents a pound in New York.
SUGAR
A Tallahassee newspaper of 1829 relates the suitability of Florida for the production of sugar cane
and discourses on the fortunes to be made therefrom. In East Florida several extensive sugar plantations
were set out. As a rule fortunes were lost, not made, in these large undertakings, but sugar cane became
a staple for every plantation. By 1845 a million and a half pounds of cane were grown in the state. One
writer asserts that cane was the principal product of East Florida for a decade until foreign imports cut
profits.
The field crops of farm and plantation were the usual corn, sweet potatoes, oats, hay, rice, peas
and beans, and surprisingly, wheat. In addition to these, cattle were counted in every man's wealth. The
range was free, hands were cheap and an old range COW cost 25 cents from birth to slaughter pen. Barring
rustlers white and red she was worth the cost.
CITRUS
Joseph M. White, Florida's territorial delegate to Congress introduced in 1828 a bill which appears
to be the first protective legislation for Florida citrus growers. The bill called for a tariff of 25 cents
a hundred on imported oranges, limes and lemons in order to protect the Florida products. Although the
bill failed to pass the Senate, it is significant in that it indicated the growing citrus industry. Orange
groves in Saint Augustine and along the St. Johns, planted first by the Spanish and augmented by the
English, had reached extensive proportions by the American period. A large percentage of the oranges
was bittersweet. In English days they were juiced and made into a beverage known as "shrub." Spirits
were added to the juice, as a preservative, and spices to flavor. Shipped in hogshead to far off English
ports, the beverage brought a good profit.
In 1835 over a million oranges (not boxes) were shipped North to Charleston and Savannah and
to the Bahamas. But in that year occurred a freeze SO severe that the groves were almost completely
ruined. The few remaining trees were attacked by purple scale and dishearted growers turned to mul-
berries, which also failed them. It was not until the turn of the century that the citrus industry developed
in Central and South Florida.
-3-
FORESTRY
From earliest days, one of Florida's chief assets has been her forests. A fine quality of oak was
plentiful, pine was SO abundent that the cost of the material figured little in that of the finished product.
A good grade of mahogany was also found. Thousands of cedar logs went from Florida to Northern
pencil factories, and cypress shingles and finishings were thought a necessity. The products of the forests:
Naval stores, furs, skins, and for a time, aigrette feathers, were produced in quantity.
In addition to these products, brick and lime, leather, carriages, wagons and boats in North and
West Florida, salt in Key West and starch from wild coontee on the lower East Coast comprised the list
of manufactured goods, leaving the territory and were valued at $1,000,000 annually shortly before
1845 when the territory became a state. Stemming from local raw materials, industrial activity in terri-
torial Florida was extremely limited in extent and variety, and carried on in the fashion of the day to
provide the farm and plantation needs. Staple raw products were shipped to the states to the North then
back again as finished goods, a practice only recently eliminated.
During the twenty-six year territorial period Florida grew in spite of many adversities.
The opening of the new region and the enormous task of building roads, and homes and towns,
clearing land, and settling down to live permanently took time and strength and heart. The freezes,
yellow fever and the Indians brought fear. And Texas and other western lands lured many who would
listen and dream.
THE SEMINOLE WAR
But the greatest hindrance to the development of the territory was the Seminole War. For seven
years (1835-42) this regrettable war was waged. The $40,000,000 spent to subdue the Indians might
well be considered the purchase price of the peninsula for it took the war to open up this region for
settlement.
After the war Florida felt that boom in internal improvements that swept the nation. Many plans
for canals, railroads and banks were made but few materialized in the years that followed. Subsequently,
hard times followed and the territory sought to improve its condition by admission into the Union.
There was much opposition to the movement for statehood but the argument that the state would bene-
fit through grants of lands for internal improvements prevailed.
STATEHOOD
On June 25th, Florida's first State Governor, William D. Moseley, was inaugurated before a large
and enthusiastic assemblage. The new governor was given the Seal of the State and duly authorized as
"Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy of the State". The ceremony was concluded
by the raising of the flags of the United States and of the State and by firing of cannon accompanied by
the strains of the patriotic tune "Yankee Doodle". Thus, in 1845, Florida became the 27th state to be
admitted into the Union.
The State's flag was made of five horizontal stripes of white, blue, orange, red and green with the
words "Let Us Alone" printed on its folds.
To view Florida today is to know how well her leaders over the years have guided her. Through
the struggles of the early days of Statehood, through the tragic War between the States and Reconstruc-
tion Days, through the long years of development and growth, the initiative, endeavor and persistence of
the leaders and the people of Florida have been justified and Florida has become a leader among the
States.
FLORIDA'S FOUR QUADRICENTENNIALS
No other state has a longer history than Florida. Beginning with its discovery in 1513, some half
dozen quadricentennial anniversaries of events in Florida during the 16th century have been duly marked
over the years. The value of history as a resource is widely recognized. Its tourist-attracting potential
-4-
inspired a statewide celebration of four quadricentennials during the 7 years 1959-1965. The celebration
began on May 13, 1959 at Pensacola. There in 1559 Tristan de Luna attempted to found a colony, the
first large-scale effort to settle Spanish Florida. In 1562 Spain's rule was threatened by France. In that
year Jean Ribault, the French Huguenot, landed at the mouth of the St. Johns River, planted a stone
column bearing the arms of France and claimed the land for France. In 1564 another Frenchman, Rene
de Laudonniere, established Fort Caroline on the river near the present site of Jacksonville. This was
Spanish territory and immediately that nation prepared to drive out the French. Consequently Pedro
Menendez de Aviles was sent over to assert Spain's claim to Florida and to drive out the French. This he
succeeded in doing by establishing the city of Saint Augustine and taking Fort Caroline in the fall of
1565.
The fourth quadricentennial commemorated the founding of Saint Augustine September 8, 1565.
Visitors to Florida are invited to see Saint Augustine's restoration and to enjoy its old-world flavor.
Florida's parks are scattered throughout the state. Many of them depict the state's more recent
history which is more closely related to life in Florida today. A round-the-state visit to all the parks
is a fascinating trip for tourist and Florida residents alike.
HISTORIC AREAS IN FLORIDA
1. Castillo de San Marcos, Saint Augustine
2. Fort Matanzas, near Saint Augustine
3. Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas Island, off Key West
4. De Soto National Memorial, Bradenton
5. Fort Caroline National Monument, Jacksonville
(Write the National Park Service, One Castillo Drive, Saint Augustine 32084, for full details.)
SOME OF THE HISTORIC AREAS AMONG THE FLORIDA STATE PARKS
1. Bulow Ruins, Southeast of Bunnell
10. Fort Pickens at Pensacola
2. Cape Florida lighthouse, off US 1 on Key
11. Gamble Mansion at Ellenton
Biscayne
12. Green Mound near Port Orange
3. Cedar Key Museum, Cedar Key
13. John Gorrie Memorial at Apalachicola
4. Constitution Convention Museum at Port St. Joe
14. Madira Bickel Mound on Terra Ceia Island
5. Crystal River Museum at Crystal River
15. McLarty Museum, Vero Beach
6. Dade Battlefield near Bushnell
16. Sugar Mill Ruins at New Smyrna Beach
7. Fort Clinch at Fernandina Beach
17. Olustee Battlefield at Olustee
8. Fort Gadsden southwest of Sumatra
18. Tomoka north of Ormond Beach
9. Fort George Island and Kingsley Plantation on
19. Turtle Mound south of New Smyrna Beach
A1A
20. Yulee Sugar Mill at Old Homosassa
For further details, maps and complete listing of Florida State Parks, write the Division of Parks and
Recreation, Department of Natural Resources, 200 East Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32301.
-5-
FLORIDA CHAMBER
of Commerce
April 3, 1990
Ms. Carolyn Cawley
The Old Executive Office Building
Room 111 1/2
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Carolyn:
At the risk of overloading you, here are several items
which I hope will be helpful in preparing the President's
Orlando speech.
I want to bring to your attention someone President Bush
may meet while in Orlando. Glenda Hood, a City Commissioner and
staunch Republican, is in line to be the Florida Chamber's first
woman Chairman in our 75-year history!
Please let me know if I can provide you with further
information.
Sincerely,
Lisa Lisa Bell
Vice President, Communications
Enclosures
tgb
Florida Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
136 S. Bronough St. P.O. Box 11309 Tallahassee, FL 32302-3309 (904) 222-2831 FAX (904) 222-5520
COVER STORY
BIG-CITY
MAYORS:
Florida's urban leaders have had it up
to here with Tallahassee's mandates
and political gamesmanship.
BY THOMAS J. BILLITTERI
O
rlando Mayor Bill Frederick remembers
the 1989 legislative session the way some
people remember a divorce - with feel-
ings of bitterness and betrayal.
For months, Frederick and the mayors of five
other major Florida cities - Miami, Hialeah,
Jacksonville, Tampa and St. Petersburg - had
been lobbying for broader taxing power to meet
the mandates of growth management. Their agen-
da: the right for counties to levy the one-cent local
option sales tax without first holding a public
referendum. Their argument: Without a swift and
guaranteed source of additional revenue, local
governments might have to impose service cut-
backs and building moratoriums.
As the session progressed, the mayors grew
hopeful that Tallahassee would remove the refer-
Orlando Mayor Bill Frederick says House Speaker Tom Gustafson "broke his word
endum requirement. Senate President Bob Craw-
to us." Seeking tax alternatives for cities has become "a fraud," says the mayor.
ford mustered enough votes in his chamber to kill
it, and Gov. Bob Martinez was willing to eliminate
it too. All that remained was the House. No
problem, the mayors thought. At a meeting in
February, the mayors say, Speaker Tom Gustaf-
son led them to believe he was on their side. The
mayors say Gustafson even expressed concern
that an additional one-cent sales tax may not be
enough for the cities.
48 FLORIDA TREND V NOVEMBER 1989
CHRIS COXWELL PHOTOGRAPH
'WE'VE HAD
ENOUGH'
On June 3, the mayors saw what they have seen
before - empty promises from Tallahassee.
When the referendum issue reached the floor of
the House, most of Gustafson's leadership team
voted against removal, and Gustafson himself
didn't bother to vote at all. Today, Gustafson says
he simply couldn't line up enough votes to kill the
referendum requirement. Besides, he says, he had
asked the mayors to document their need for the
sales tax revenue and they didn't do it. The
mayors say Gustafson is missing the point.
"He broke his word to us," Frederick says.
Adds Hialeah Mayor Raul Martinez, "He did not
keep his commitment. He misled us." And says
Jacksonville Mayor Tommy Hazouri, a former
legislator, "I have found that even with the tough-
est issues, if the House leadership is behind it, it
will pass."
The sales tax episode was only one skirmish in a
much bigger conflict between city governments
and Tallahassee. For years, acrimony has been
building over the way tax money is raised and
spent for the municipalities. Quite simply, the
mayors say cities do not have enough revenue to
meet the mandates of the Growth Management
House Speaker Tom Gustafson says he didn't deliver on the mayors' request
Act of 1985 and to maintain an adequate level of
because he couldn't muster the support of his fellow House leaders.
service for existing residents. What's more, they
say, the Legislature and governor exert too much
control over revenue matters, while the cities are
forced to take a back seat on funding. The squab-
bling has a particularly onerous effect on economic
development: It underscores the unstable nature
of Florida's tax structure and the divisiveness
within its political leadership.
MICHAEL PRICE PHOTOGRAPH
NOVEMBER 1989 V FLORIDA TREND 49
"This cat-and-mouse game in seeking equitable tax alter-
tightened the fiscal straitjacket. For starters, they note, the
natives for local government
has become a fraud that I
state and federal governments, as well as residents them-
no longer will encourage by my participation," Frederick
selves, simply expect more of local governments than they
wrote to Gustafson in a bruising letter after the 1989
used to. Says Sittig: "We're treating sewage to the point
session. Adds Mayor Sandy Freedman of Tampa: "When I
where you can just about drink it. That's expensive."
go to Tallahassee, it's not even as a second-class citizen, but
Not only is it expensive, but cities are taking on such work
as third class."
with less and less help from the federal government. A
Some of the bitterness has been heightened recently by
decade ago, federal funding accounted for about 9% of city
animosity toward Gustafson himself. The Speaker is viewed
budgets. Today, that share is nearly zero, as Washington has
by many as an arrogant know-it-all who would rather lecture
eliminated federal revenue sharing and slashed grants and
than listen. "If Tom's got a problem," says Ulrich of St.
aid to the states. "We're not only on the front lines dealing
Petersburg, "he wants to pontificate." Adds Frederick,
with drugs and infrastructure, we're doing it with fewer
"From the way we were treated (on the sales-tax issue),
sources of revenue," says Hazouri of Jacksonville.
you'd have thought we came in on a melon truck."
Like federal assistance, property taxes also have become
The ill will also stems partly from the normal frustration
a less viable means of funding. Some locales are up against
of dealing with a highly politicized Legislature. "Don't hose
the state-imposed 10-mill cap, while others face what Miami
me down and tell me it's rain-
Mayor Xavier Suarez calls a "po-
ing," Frederick says in a mo-
litical millage cap"- a threshold
ment of pique. "A handshake is
beyond which voters simply
pretty important to me. But that
'A handshake is pretty
won't tolerate higher taxes.
kind of assurance doesn't exist in
What's more, property taxes
the Legislature."
important to me,' says Mayor
typically cover only about 20%
Most of all, though, the may-
Bill Frederick. 'But that kind of
of a city's budget. For many
ors' anger grows out of substan-
cities, raising the tax to the full
tive differences over funding
assurance doesn't exist in the
limit would generate only a mod-
policy. During the 1980s, Flori-
est amount of additional reve-
da's population swelled 30%,
Legislature.'
nue.
with almost all the increase in
Impact fees, another impor-
the urban areas. The growth
tant revenue source, have
forced municipal governments
helped cities alleviate some of
into a Catch-22 situation: They must shoulder the cost of
the pressures of growth. But localities can use the fees only
new roads, street lights, police officers and sewers; but they
for infrastructure supporting new development. "What do
must do it on limited funds meted out largely by a state
you do if you've got a 40-year-old sewage treatment plant
government loathe to giving local governments the power to
that is crumbling?" asks Sittig.
raise taxes. "It's been a long decade," says Michael Sittig,
Besides wrestling with the limitations of property taxes
assistant executive director of the Florida League of Cities.
and impact fees, cities face several other frustrating circum-
Legislators tend to minimize the problem, pointing out,
stances:
for example, that cities benefited when lawmakers boosted
The formula for state revenue sharing - 1 cent on a
the state sales tax to 5 cents in 1982 and to 6 cents 1988.
gallon of gasoline, 11 cents on a pack of cigarettes - was
"When you start adding up the reality, local government is
set in 1972 and hasn't been changed since. Revenues have
getting a greater and greater share of every new tax
not kept pace with inflation because the formula is tied to
passed," says T.K. Wetherell, House appropriations chair-
unit sales rather than dollar sales; the decline in smoking
man and Speaker designate. Besides, Wetherell says, "The
also has held down the cigarette portion.
state is in exactly the same position the cities are in."
Utility taxes are a mainstay of city revenues, typically
Such statements do little to mollify city officials. Sittig
accounting for 10% to 15% of local budgets. But since the
says that between 1973 and 1988, the slice of the state
early 1970s, cities have been prohibited from taxing the one
budget shared with cities fell from 4.8% to 3.2%; mean-
portion of utility bills that have risen the most: fuel adjust-
while, city expenditures rose sevenfold, to $7.9 billion. And,
ment charges.
he contends, the recent sales tax hikes were no great boon
Occupational license taxes, a small but important
for the cities. While part of the fifth cent in sales tax was
component of city budgets, have been frozen since 1972. In
indeed earmarked for local government, there was a tra-
1980 the Legislature did allow cities to increase occupation-
deoff, Sittig notes: Cities had to roll back property taxes and
al license fees of less than $100 - but not by more than
limit increases to 8% annually for the next three years.
100%. In some locales there are great inequities in tax
When the Legislature hiked the sales tax to 6 cents in 1988,
levels, with one occupation paying $100 for a license, for
cities received none of the additional revenues. "Our people
example, and another $140. The League of Cities tried to
(city officials) have just about had enough," Sittig says.
get a bill through the Legislature this year to equalize the
Sittig and other advocates for the cities point to a
taxes. The measure died in committee.
combination of circumstances during the 1980s that have
The steady erosion of funding alternatives for the cities
50 FLORIDA TREND V NOVEMBER 1989
has left mayors frustrated. "They (legislators) haven't dealt
placed on the November 1990 ballot, that prohibits the state
honestly and openly with us," says Frederick. "There is a lot
from imposing new mandates on localities without generat-
of duplicity going on up there, and
the system is deeply
ing the corresponding funding.
burdened by vested interests."
Mayor Freedman of Tampa would like to see even more
Is there an end in sight to the discord between the state
- a fee on rental cars to fund infrastructure; more taxes
government and the cities? Probably not, though several
that are delivered directly to cities rather than being
recent developments could help ease tensions.
funneled first through county government; removal of the
One is the November special session on transportation. It
referendum requirement on the sales tax so city leaders "do
appears highly likely that lawmakers will approve additional
not have to go to the public every time we have to make a
funds for state roads and possibly for mass transit, perhaps
decision."
through a higher gas tax or some other funding mechanism.
That's a lot to expect, but then, the one thing that may be
The cities could be a prime beneficiary of any new highway
in shorter supply than money is patience. "The Legislature
funding. One of their most burdensome expenses is main-
and governor have beaten their chests on no new taxes,"
taining state highways that run through urban areas.
says Frederick. "But it's a travesty for Tallahassee politi-
Yet another positive step is a proposed constitutional
cians to suggest they have no culpability. The hypocrisy of it
amendment, approved in the last legislative session and
all is beginning to wear very thin on me."
property taxes by one mill brings in only $3.5 million in
HIALEAH: Vulnerable
additional revenue.
Martinez says that without more funding, Hialeah can't
To Moratorium
meet the mandates of the Growth Management Act. "I don't
believe in being a prophet of doom, but being realistic, we'll
probably have to have moratoriums" on new construction,
A
sk Hialeah Mayor Raul Martinez what he could buy
Martinez says. The result, he predicts: a scenario in which
with an extra $11 million in tax revenue, and he'll
rents and home prices climb dramatically and the local
give you a list of needs that doesn't quit: new roads,
economy takes a dive.
street lights, another fire station, a new police substation,
drainage improvements and more.
That $11 million is what Hialeah, Florida's fifth-largest
JACKSONVILLE: Things
city, would collect with a 1% local
option sales tax. It's a lot of mon-
Could Be A Lot Worse
ey, considering that Hialeah's en-
tire property tax collection
amounts to roughly $22 million
W
hen Florida's big-city mayors bellyache about the
only twice what the sales tax
burdens of local property taxes and the need for
would bring in.
alternative sources of revenue, Jacksonville's Tom-
Martinez thinks cities ought to
my Hazouri has the least to squawk about.
be able to levy the additional sales
For starters, Jacksonville doesn't have to deal with a
tax without a referendum; voters,
competing county government. With its unified form of
he says, typically reject higher
government, it is the county.
taxes, no matter how compelling
Jacksonville also has the lowest
MARTINEZ
the need.
property-tax rate of all the major
In Hialeah, that could be dan-
cities and has a long way to go
gerous. In its comprehensive plan, the city lists some $25
before its combined city-county
million in capital improvement needs over the next five
tax rate reaches the 20-mill cap.
years. Among them: $2.6 million to expand and improve the
But what seems to put Hazouri
water system, $1.7 million for sewers, $2.5 million for
in the best position of all Urban
drainage, $5.5 million for traffic improvements, $4.2 million
Partnership mayors is Jackson-
for a new fire station, fleet maintenance facility and other
ville's transportation system. Be-
buildings, $3.9 million for housing improvements, $4.3
cause the city created an express-
million for parks and recreation.
way authority some 30 years ago
Hialeah doesn't have many options to raise new revenue.
and established its once-infamous
HAZOURI
It already has a millage rate of 7.8, only 2.2 mills below the
network of toll roads and bridges,
statutory limit. And the city is composed mostly of small
the city has been able to use its toll money to stay abreast of
business and modest single-family homes - not the sort of
its transportation needs better than most Florida cities.
expensive real estate that boosts a city's tax base. Raising
(Late this summer, though, in keeping with one of
NOVEMBER 1989 V FLORIDA TREND 51
Hazouri's campaign promises, Jacksonville removed its toll
thinks the concept of growth management needs adjusting
gates, much to the pleasure of local residents. But there was
as it applies to urban areas - particularly an urban coastal
a tradeoff: In lieu of tolls, Jacksonville residents voted in a
area like Miami, which already has natural growth bound-
half-cent local-option sales tax, to be used for transporta-
aries in the form of the Atlantic Ocean and the Everglades.
tion.)
One concern Suarez voices is that strict controls in urban
Despite Jacksonville's relatively unstressed circum-
areas will slow growth, which is needed to sustain the
stances, the city nonetheless faces some growth manage-
economy. Miami already has invested heavily in infrastruc-
ment pressures. The most pressing is solid waste. Jackson-
ture, he notes. "Our main concern is operations, and this
ville desperately needs two new landfills. One, already in the
(growth management legislation) doesn't help at all," he
permitting stage, is expected to cost $50 million, a portion of
says.
which will be paid with a $10-per-residence fee that goes
Says Suarez: "What the urban areas need is not any kind
into effect late next year. Hazouri also says Jacksonville has
of constraint to our growth. What we need is economic help
its share of road problems, which carry high but yet-to-be-
in dealing with our growth."
determined price tags.
Knowing what costs lie ahead, Hazouri, like his fellow
mayors, clamors for additional revenue sources. Even
ORLANDO: End Of The Line
though he proposed a 1990 budget without a property tax
increase, the former legislator says his ex-colleagues in
On Property Taxes
Tallahassee must realize "these are different times." Says
Hazouri: "With state and federal sources drying up, we
should be given the flexibility of a choice. What the state is
A
fter nine years as mayor of Orlando, Bill Frederick
asking us to do (with growth management) is not unreason-
remains a rare species in the world of politics: He tells
able. But what is unreasonable is asking us to do it alone."
it like it is, and he means what he says.
Thus, know that Frederick was serious when, in July, he
promised Orlando residents that his proposed property-tax
MIAMI: Looking For A Few
increase for 1990 would be the last of his administration.
"This is the last time the city of
Good Revenue Sources
Orlando is going to allow our state
leaders to get away with telling
our residents that it has held the
iami Mayor Xavier Suarez would like to see new
line on taxes - when actually all
M
options for raising local-government revenues be-
they have done is passed that
yond the property tax. He has in mind taxes that
burden on to local government,"
weigh more heavily on visitors than existing residents and
Frederick said.
that are related to one of the region's most costly problems
For two consecutive years,
- transportation. Examples of what Suarez is referring to: a
Frederick has asked Orlando's
tax on rental cars, a tax on airport or seaport arrivals, a fee
City Council to increase property
for registering an additional car in
taxes to meet rising costs. But had
the county. Suarez also thinks the
the city been able to impose a $1
FREDERICK
gas tax is a good idea.
surcharge on car rentals, for in-
Like all of Florida's big cities,
stance, tax increases would have been unnecessary, Freder-
Miami is under financial pressure.
ick says.
City officials say Miami will spend
And that's the heart of Frederick's gripe with Tallahas-
an additional $22.4 million on cap-
see. Orlando is no different from other Florida cities when it
ital improvements in 1990. They
comes to meeting the strains of growth and the growth
project needs of $165.9 million
management law. City planners estimate, for instance, that
from 1991 through 1995. Trans-
it will take $310 million over 20 years to unclog its road
portation, storm water facilities,
network. Likewise with the city's storm water drainage
sanitary sewers and solid waste
system; the planner's office estimates it will take $44.5
SUAREZ
account for the biggest expenses.
million in the next 20 years to meet the city's needs. While
Dade County as a whole also
Orlando has imposed a new storm drainage utility fee and
has its problems. It has a $60 million operating shortfall for
has some of the highest transportation impact fees in the
the 1989-90 budget year. Voters are feeling the pinch as
state, Frederick says those measures won't cover the costs.
services have been trimmed to meet budget requirements.
Either taxes must go up, or services must be cut.
This fall, Dade commissioners were considering whether to
This year, Frederick says, "I have chosen not to cut
seek voter approval for a one-cent hike in the sales tax to
services. But next year we're going to start cutting -
raise $160 million for either mass transit or infrastructure.
police, whatever." As he vowed, he will not raise property
Besides wanting alternative revenue sources, Suarez
taxes.
52 FLORIDA TREND V NOVEMBER 1989
Frederick also believes the costs of growth management
Mayor Ulrich to make this admonishment about growth
will mean more than dollars in Orlando. He's predicting
management: "Pawning mandates onto the cities without
moratoriums. Orlando, for instance, has plans under way for
acting responsibly is the greatest fear I have of the Legisla-
a huge public and private City Hall complex downtown.
ture."
"When that gets cut off at the knees because of growth
management, all hell will break loose. The economic engine
won't shut down, but it will go into anomalies that no one can
forecast."
TAMPA: Big-City Woes
And A Tight Budget
ST. PETERSBURG: Property
Taxes Aren't Enough
W
hen Tampa city officials submitted their capital
improvements plan to Tallahassee this year, under
the growth management law, they laid out two
options. Option One lists $903 million in transportation
W
hen St. Petersburg Mayor Robert Ulrich thinks
projects to be undertaken by the year 2010 and is based on
ahead to the 1990s, he sees big problems -
realistic projections of tax revenues. Option Two lists all the
especially if the Legislature doesn't change.
transportation projects that planners believe should be
"We're going to be in deep weeds," Ulrich says of his city.
undertaken - if only they had the
Maybe not literally, but Ulrich's metaphor translates like
money.
this: St. Petersburg cannot rely on property taxes - as it
The cost difference between
does now - to maintain what it offers today in services. And
the two plans: $780 million.
it certainly can't meet the re-
America's Next Great City -
quirements of the Growth Man-
the nickname leaders in Tampa
agement Act if it doesn't get ac-
bestowed upon their town - is
cess to additional sources of tax
having to face up to all of the
revenue.
problems of urban maturity.
Like all Florida cities, St. Pe-
Despite having impact fees that
tersburg faces some big bills. It
are among the highest in the
needs $100 million just to bring
state, Tampa doesn't have enough
its storm drainage systems to
money to pay for needed capital
FREEDMAN
where residents' streets and
improvements. Its highway net-
homes don't flood in heavy down-
work is among the most congested in Florida. Its storm
pours. It needs nearly as much to
water drainage system dumps millions of gallons of polluted
ULRICH
pay for bridges, sidewalks and
runoff into Tampa Bay. Tampa's crime rate ranks second
street resurfacing and widening.
only to Miami's. The city increased its property tax rate
And it also is carrying a heavy debt burden with its
15% this year, to 6.5 mills. Nearly every penny of the
soon-to-be-completed $120 million domed stadium.
increase is being used to hire 101 additional police officers.
This month, Ulrich and other St. Petersburg officials are
The city is having to raise millions of dollars each year to
hoping to raise funds for some of the city's infrastructure
try to upgrade a deteriorating housing stock. A survey in
needs in a Pinellas County vote on an additional one-cent
1987 found that 22% (25,800 units) of the city's residences
sales tax. While the tax is expected to provide St. Peters-
were substandard.
burg with $185 million over 10 years, that money is only a
The city is saddled with a heavy debt load, incurred
partial answer to the city's needs. In January, the city also is
largely during the term of former Mayor Bob Martinez.
creating a new storm water utility that will charge residents
Bond payments for a new convention hall and performing
$4.25 a month - money to be used on storm drainage.
arts center, among other projects started during Martinez's
But even after that, St. Petersburg faces funding crises if
tenure, are consuming nearly 13% of this year's $180.6
it continues to rely on the property tax. After all, here is a
million in tax revenues.
city whose land is 90% developed, whose housing stock is
"I have legislators from rural districts telling me, 'I know
considered mostly average or below average (and deterio-
what your problems are,' says Mayor Sandra Freedman.
rating) and whose property values are rising at a slower rate
"They don't know what our problems are. Tampa is a big
than most areas in the Tampa Bay region. In fact, the value
city with urban problems in a state that only realized it's a
of homes is so low in one-fourth of the city that residents in
big state in the last decade."
those areas pay virtually no property taxes. Moreover, the
city's property tax rate will get closer to the 10-mill cap next
year, notching up from 8.5 mills to 8.6.
Matt Walsh wrote the Orlando, Jacksonville and St. Petersburg
Combine those elements and trends and you have what
segments. John Koenig wrote the Tampa segment. Thomas].
easily could become a shrinking tax base. All of which brings
Billitteri wrote the Miami and Hialeah segments.
NOVEMBER 1989 V FLORIDA TREND 53
FLORIDA
Facts and Figures
Everyone Uses
Living Costs
Laws/Housing
Climate/Politics
Population/Taxes
Education/Health
Jobs/Automobiles
Nineteenth Edition
COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR OFFICES
COUNTY
COUNTY SEAT
Alachua
Gainesville
(904) 374-5236
Baker
MacCleny
(904) 259-2321
N
Bay
Panama City
(904) 784-4090
Bradford
Starke
(904) 964-6280
Escamb
Santa
Brevard
Titusville
(407) 269-8173
Roso
Okalooso
Holmes
Broward
Fort Lauderdale
(305) 765-4600
PENSACOLA
Walton
Calhoun
Blounstown
(904) 674-5338
Washington
Jackson
Charlotte
Punta Gorda
(813) 637-2275
Citrus
Inverness
(904) 726-8500
Boy
alhoun
Godsden
GEORGIA
Clay
Green Cove Springs
(904) 284-6321
PANAMA CITY
Liberty
TALLAHA
Collier
East Naples
(813) 774-8171
Gulf
SEE
Madison
Columbia
Lake City
(904) 755-4100
Franklin
Hamilton
Dade
Miami
(305) 375-5447
Taylor
Nassau
DeSota
Arcadia
(813) 494-2121
Lafayette
Baker
Dixie
Cross City
(904) 498-3359
Union
Duval
Duval
Jacksonville
(904) 630-2000
Dixie
Bradford
Clay
JACKSONVILLE
Escambia
Pensacola
(904) 438-6500
GAINESVILLE
Putnom
Johns ST. AUGUSTINE
Flagler
Bunnell
(904) 437-3434
Franklin
Apalachicola
(904) 653-9323
Flagler
Gadsden
Quincy
(904) 627-7255
Morion
Volusia
DAYTONA BEACH
Gilchrist
Trenton
(904) 463-2495
Citrus
Glades
Moore Haven
(813) 946-0626
W
lake
Gulf
Wewahitchka
(904) 639-2655
CLEARWATER
Hernando
Hamilton
Jasper
(904) 792-1284
Pasco
Seminole
Hardee
Wauchula
(813) 773-9144
ST.
LAKELAND LANDO
Hendry
LaBelle
(813) 675-5280
PETERSBURG
Osceola
CAPE CANAVERAL
Hernando
Brooksville
(904) 754-4180
TAMPA
Polk
Highlands
Sebring
(813) 382-5239
Manatee
SARASOTA
Hardee
Brevard
Hillsborough
Tampa
(813) 272-6000
Indian
Holmes
Bonifay
(904) 547-3488
Sarasota
Highlands
RIVE
FT. PIERCE
Indian River
Vero Beach
(407) 567-8180
Desoro
Jackson
Marianna
(904) 482-4501
Charlotte
Lucie
Jefferson
Monticello
(904) 997-5551
Glades
FT.
Mo-tin
E
LaFayette
Mayo
(904) 294-1961
MYERS
Lee
Lake
Tavares
Hendry
(904) 343-9622
Lee
NAPLES
Palm Beach
Fort Myers
(813) 336-6100
Collier
WEST PALM
Leon
Tallahassee
(904) 488-4381
Levy
Bronson
(904) 486-4311
Broward FT. LAUDERDALE
Liberty
Bristol
(904) 643-2442
Madison
Madison
(904) 973-6136
Morroe
Manatee
Bradenton
(813) 748-8000
Dode
Marion
Ocala
(904) 622-0208
MIAMI
Martin
Stuart
(407) 288-5595
KEY WEST
Monroe
Key West
(407) 294-8403
Nassau
Fernandina Beach
(904) 261-5566
Okaloosa
Crestview
(904) 682-2711
Okeechobee
Okeechobee
(813) 763-3421
Orange
Orlando
(305) 244-2080
S
Osceola
Kissimmee
(305) 847-1525
Palm Beach
West Palm Beach
(407) 820-2264
Pasco
Dade City
(904) 521-4360
Pinellas
Clearwater
(813) 462-3383
Nineteenth Revised Edition, 1988
Polk
Bartow
(813) 533-9011
Putnam
Palatka
(904) 329-0274
St. Johns
St. Augustine
(904) 824-8131
Copyright © 1988 by Trend Magazines, Inc.
St. Lucie
Fort Pierce
(407) 466-1100
Library of Congress Catalog Card #66-13567
Santa Rosa
Milton
(904) 623-2421
ISBN #0-88251-079-8
Sarasota
Sarasota
(813) 951-5620
Printed in the United States of America
Seminole
Sanford
(407) 321-1130
Sumter
Bushnell
(904) 793-0260
Suwannee
Live Oak
(904) 362-2816
Research by Deborah L. Vetter
Taylor
Perry
(904) 584-2859
Additional research by Helen Jukes
Union
Lake Butler
(904) 496-3331
Volusia
DeLand
(904) 736-2700
Compiled by the editors of Florida Trend magazine
Wakulla
Crawfordville
(904) 926-3371
Walton
De Funiak Springs
(904) 892-3622
For information about other publications, write:
Washington
Chipley
(904) 638-1969
Trend Book Division
P.O. Box 611,
St. Petersburg, FL 33731
24
LIVING COSTS/JOBS
ti--./H- Iti.
What legal requirements must a business owner
Climate
meet?
If a business operates under a trade name, he must
file at the Clerk of the Circuit Courts, County Court
House, and publish the trade named business as a
How many tourists visit Florida each year?
notice in a local newspaper once a week for four
In 1987, 34 million people vacationed in Florida.
consecutive weeks. If a business is in the city limits, an
Tourism-related sales tax collections increased 12%
owner must have occupational licenses from both city
from 1986, to more than $1.1 billion. For 1988, 36.5
and county; if it is outside the city, the owner needs
million visitors are forecast.
only a county license. Also needed are a Retail Stamp
from the Department of Revenue and a tax number to
When is the tourist season?
be used in remitting Florida's 6% sales tax to the State.
For most of the state, the winter months from
All licenses expire September 30 of each year.
November through March (roughly Thanksgiving
In addition to licenses or permits, occupationsal
through Easter) draw the most visitors. Some areas of
licenses are required by various boards and commis-
Florida, like the Panhandle, have a more traditional
sions for regulation or qualification to practice a profes-
summer tourist season that runs Memorial Day
sion. Additional information on occupational licensing
through Labor Day.
may be obtained from county tax collectors, the city
clerk or the Department of Professional Regulation.
Where do most tourists come from?
Most visitors to Florida come from the United States
FLORIDA STATE AGENCIES
and Canada with the greatest numbers of domestic
(Note: all numbers have a 904 area code)
visitors coming from New York and Georgia. However,
the recent decline in the dollar has caused an increase
Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services 488-6336
in foreign visitors to Florida. An estimated 2.5 million
Dept. of Business Regulation
488-7114
foreign tourists vacationed in Florida in 1987, a num-
Dept. of Commerce
487-2303
ber that is expected to increase by 10% in 1988.
Economic Development
488-6300
Tourism
487-1462
How do most visitors get to Florida?
Dept. of Education
488-9968
More visitors come to Florida in automobiles than
Dept. of Environmental Regulation
488-9334
airplanes - 17.5 million versus 16.5 million.
Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission:
Fisheries
488-4066
How many hotels/motels can be found in
Wildlife
488-3831
Florida?
Dept. of Health & Rehabilitative Services
488-4854
Florida has 781 hotels with 102,332 rooms and
Dept. of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles:
4,296 motels with 198,251 units. Dade County (Miami)
Drivers Licenses
488-3144
alone has 359 hotels with 40,295 units and 270 motels
Motor Vehicles
488-6084
with 15,765 units.
Dept. of Insurance
488-6085
Dept. of Labor and Employment Security
488-4398
How does Florida rank in population?
Dept. of Military Affairs
824-8461
Florida overtook Pennsylvania in 1987 to become
Dept. of Natural Resources
488-7326
the fourth-most populous state in the nation. The 1980
Department of Professional Regulation
487-2252
census counted more than 9.7 million Floridians. Esti-
Consumer Complaints
488-6602
mates for 1987 show more than 12 million Floridians.
Department of Revenue:
Taxpayer Assistance
488-6800
What is the density of population?
Dept. of State
488-3680
According to the Census Burea, 209.9 persons per
Dept. of Transportation
488-8541
square mile compared with a U.S. average of 67.5
persons per square mile. Population is very unevenly
distributed, however, with the most populous regions
located in Southeast and West Central Florida.
2
POPULATION/HEALTH/CLIMATE
LIVING COSTS/JOBS
23
Is the population urban or rural?
Are there job opportunities for young people?
The state is mostly urban. More than 90% of
Florida is the most rapidly growing major consumer
Florida's population is located in 20 metropolitan areas.
market in the nation. In 1987, Florida was creating
Less than 0.6% actually reside on farms.
about 40,000 new jobs each quarter. The annual
average unemployment in Florida for 1987 was less
What are Florida's most populous metropolitan
than 6%. Wholesale and retail trade jobs accounted for
areas?
the highest percentage of nonagricultural employment,
Tampa-St. Petersburg has the largest population
followed by service, industry and government jobs.
with 1.9 million in 1987. Other highly populated metro
areas include: Miami, 1.8 million; Fort Lauderdale, 1.2
What types of products are manufactured in
million; Orlando, 946,000; Jacksonville, 879,000; and
Florida by skilled workers?
West Palm Beach, 790,000.
Paper and cellulose (North Florida); canned citrus
fruit and vegetables (chiefly Central Florida); garments
What is the age distribution of Floridians?
(Miami); nylon (Pensacola); electronic equipment (Or-
lando, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Miami, Fort Lau-
1986 Population by Age Group
derdale, West Palm Beach and other locations); chemi-
Age
Population
%
cals (Pensacola, Jacksonville, and others); construction
specialties such as metal windows, jalousies, awnings,
0-14
2,158,684
18.5%
etc. (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and
15-24
1,673,474
14.4
25-44
3,228,381
27.7
others); beer (Tampa, Jacksonville); cigars, Tampa;
45-64
2,405,880
20.6
fertilizer, lumber, furniture, plastic products, small
65+
2,191,424
18.8
boats, local food products (all areas).
How big is Florida's health-care industry?
Where can I learn about job opportunities?
Florida hospitals are a $7 billion industry. In 1986
General: Job Service of Florida. Branches in 34
there were 274 licensed hospitals in the state. Dade
cities, no charge to employer or employee.
County had the largest number with 36; Broward
Teaching: State Department of Education, Tallahas-
County, 27; Pinellas County, 24; Hillsborough and Palm
see 32301, or contact your county school board.
Beach counties tied with 16 each. As of May 1987,
Nursing: State Board of Nursing, 111 East Coastline
Florida had 42,523 licensed medical doctors, 4,173
Drive, Suite 504, Jacksonville 32202.
doctors of osteopathy and 9,193 licensed dentists.
Special Needs: Florida Occupational Information
System, 210 Atkins Building, 1320 Executive Center
How does Florida compare with the rest of the
Drive, Tallahassee 32301.
United States in causes of death?
Civil Service: Office of Personnel Management, 80
The State Department of Health and Rehabilitative
N. Hughey Avenue, Orlando 32801.
Services reports that, as a whole, Florida age-adjusted
death rates are lower than the U.S. rates. According to
What about starting your own business?
HRS, age adjustment must be made due to a larger
Florida is full of examples of successful businesses
elderly population in Florida.
started on a shoestring. In fact, Dun & Bradstreet rated
Keeping that in mind, here are the 1985 unadjusted
Florida as the small business capital of the United
death rates per 100,000 for the six leading causes of
States for 1987.
death:
Where can I obtain information about starting
a business in Florida?
Cause
Florida
U.S.
The Florida Department of Commerce provides a
323.0
service called The Florida Business Line, 1-800-342-
Heart Disease
389.3
Cancer
249.9
193.3
0771. Call Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., for
Stroke
77.7
64.1
answers to all your questions.
Accidents
45.8
39.1
Chronic Lung Disease
40.5
31.3
Influenza/Pneumonia
25.0
28.3
POPULATION/HEALTH/CLIMATE
3
Living Costs
Jobs
Is there a key to health and longevity in Florida?
The climate is a strong factor. Mild winters, steady
temperatures and air pressure with few wide abrupt
changes, sea breezes (no part of the state is more than
How do living costs in Florida compare with
70 miles from salt water or more than 345 feet above
other sections of the country?
sea level), and sunshine (Florida gets more winter
Major savings come in heating bills, though part of
sunshine than any other state in the Eastern U.S.).
this savings is offset in some households by the expense
of air-conditioning and lawn care. Winter clothes are
Does Florida's climate vary from section to
less expensive in Florida, and informal living generally
section?
reduces clothing expenses year-round. Food is about
From north to south, yes, since the state is more
the same as in other parts of the country. Medical bills
than 500 miles long. From east to west, or coast to
may be slightly higher. Certain major savings are
inland, not as much. If you draw a line across the middle
possible in taxes since there is no state or local income
of the state, just below Tampa, you can divide the state
tax (see questions under "Taxes"). Housing costs and
into temperate and sub-tropical zones. Here are the
property taxes tend to be lower than other areas of the
temperature figures from the U.S. National Oceanic
country, such as the Northeast. And most of Florida's
and Atmospheric Administration for January and July,
recreational lands - beaches and parks - are free.
and comparisons with other major population centers:
Do living costs vary in different sections of
January
July
the state?
Max.
Min.
Max.
Min.
Yes. Urban, resort and waterfront areas cost more
Pensacola
60.6
42.7
90.1
74.4
than rural, small-town and inland areas. By county,
Orlando
71.7
49.3
91.7
73.0
taking the average index figure of 100 for the whole
Jacksonville
64.6
41.7
90.7
71.8
state, cost of living varies from the highest in Monroe
Miami Beach
73.9
62.2
87.0
78.1
County (Key West) at 109.84, to the lowest in Gulf
New York, N.Y.
38.0
25.6
85.3
68.2
County at 91.47. Some other county figures are Dade
Chicago
29.2
13.6
83.3
62.7
(Miami), 103.80; Palm Beach, 103.77; Broward (Fort
Los Angeles
64.6
47.3
75.3
62.6
Lauderdale), 103.75; Orange (Orlando), 103.66; Hills-
Atlanta
51.2
32.6
87.9
69.2
borough (Tampa), 98.70; Pinellas (St. Petersburg)
98.23; Duval (Jacksonville), 97.94.
Are winter clothes necessary in Florida?
More SO in the temperate regions of Florida. All over
How do Florida salaries compare with those in
the state there are occasional cold snaps when wool
the rest of the nation?
clothes are comfortable, but the need for really heavy
Pay scales are lower in Florida than in the North,
clothes is rare. Women usually see the winter through
though this difference is partly offset by somewhat
in dark, washable cottons or pastel wools. A lightweight
lower living costs and no state or local income tax.
raincoat is right for men and women, preferably one
Some examples: salaries for factory workers in Penn-
with a zip-in lining for those occasional cold spells. And
sylvania are 19.8% higher, in California, 27.8% higher,
while it is a myth that one's blood becomes thinner
and in Illinois, 33.3% higher. In 1987, Florida residents
after living in Florida, many people find they become
had a per capita income of $15,241 (Florida ranked
very accustomed to the warmer weather. When the
19th of the 50 states).
mercury drops below 60 degrees most Floridians dig
out their winter clothes.
What job opportunities does Florida offer retired
persons?
What are Florida summers like?
The Florida Department of Commerce says it is as
About 340 days a year are mild, many of these being
difficult for retired persons to get jobs in Florida as it is
"summery." True summer, July through September, is
elsewhere. They should not come to Florida to find
rarely as hot as some people imagine, though it is
immediate temporary or fulltime employment to sup-
prolonged and often very humid. Clouds keep the
port themselves, unless they have marketable skills.
thermometer from reaching 90 as often in Miami as in
Columbus, Ohio, Washington or Boston. Breezes, the
4
POPULATION/HEALTH/CLIMATE
LAW/POLITICS
21
nearness of the water, general informal living, cotton
What constitutes a change of legal residence
clothing and air conditioning, all help make summer
in Florida?
more comfortable.
The courts have held that a person's legal residence
is a matter of intention. To give proof of intention, the
How are summer temperatures and humidity?
Florida Legislature has prescribed an affidavit to be
Summer temperatures rarely rise over 100 degrees
signed and recorded at the County Court House. This is
and the humidity is about 65 during most summer
not essential, but advisable. A copy of the affidavit
afternoons, although higher just before the cooling
should be sent to the tax department of the former
afternoon showers. Night temperatures in the coastal
state of residence, as proof of removal from that state.
areas are usually in the pleasant 70s.
Is a will made in another state good in Florida?
Is there a rainy season?
Persons moving to Florida from another state should
Yes. Florida is one of the wettest states in the nation
have their will reviewed by a Florida attorney to make
with an annual average rainfall of four or more feet,
sure it is properly executed according to Florida laws.
depending on the area of the state. Summer is thunder-
storm season. Showers are often sudden, appearing
What is a spouse's elective share in Florida?
quickly out of sunny skies and going away just as
The elective share "shall consist of an amount equal
quickly, leaving the sky bright again. Late afternoon
to 30% of the fair market value, on the date of death, of
rains often bring relief from sticky summer days.
all assets.
computed after deducting from the total
Winter months, on the other hand, are sunny and dry.
value of all assets: (1) All valid claims against the estate
paid or payable from the estate; and (2) All mortgages,
Is there a hurricane season?
liens or security interests on the assets." Thus the
The official season is June 1 through November 30,
elective share has to bear its share of the debts of the
but August, September and October have the greatest
deceased spouse and is proportionately reduced for
activity. Since 1951, only four "major" hurricanes have
mortgages and security interests.
struck the Florida mainland. The National Weather
Service Hurricane Center in Miami spots and tracks
What happens if a person dies without a will?
the storms spawned in the tropical Atlantic and Carib-
Florida law states that after payment of all debts and
bean.
obligations and fees of a court-appointed administrator,
property descends to the surviving spouse and children;
What type of hurricane preparations should be
if no children, then all to the surviving spouse; if no
made in advance?
spouse, then all to the children; if no spouse, children or
For the most part, there is plenty of warning when a
grandchildren, then to the father and mother; if none of
storm is on the way. However, some supplies to keep
the foregoing, then to brothers and sisters and the
on hand for the hurricane season include bottled water,
descendants of deceased brothers and sisters. If none of
canned goods, candles, batteries for radios and other
the foregoing, then one-half to paternal and one-half to
small appliances, and a well-supplied first aid kit. When
maternal grandparents; if no grandparents, then to
a storm is really on the way learn your evacuation route
uncles and aunts and descendants of deceased uncles
from the local paper, fill up automobile gas tanks, bring
and aunts. If there is no paternal or maternal kindred,
lawn furniture and other small items indoors, get boats
then to such of the kindred as shall survive in the order
into dry storage if possible, if not, make sure lines are
aforesaid; if no kindred of either part, then to the
secure and protected from chafing. Residents of trail-
kindred of the last deceased spouse of the decedent as if
ers, shaky houses, or coastal areas should move to the
the deceased spouse had survived the decedent and
nearest storm shelters. Everyone should stay indoors
then died intestate. When there are no entitled survi-
during the storm.
vors, the property escheats to the state.
How are marriage licenses obtained?
The Clerk of the Circuit Court office charges $45 for
the license which includes the cost of the certificate.
Applicants must be 18 years old or file the written
consent of their parents. No blood test is required.
w/P--liti- -
T x--
Who may vote in Florida?
Any U.S. citizen who is at least 18 years of age, a
What is most of Florida's tax money used for?
permanent resident of Florida and of the county in
Education and roads get the largest portion of
which he resides may register to vote, and is then
Florida's tax money. Other large expenditures are for
eligible to vote in Florida elections.
health and hospitals, public welfare and police protec-
tion.
Where do you register to vote?
A person may register to vote at the office of the
What tax savings does Florida offer?
Supervisor of Elections in each county. Some counties
Florida does not have a state sales tax on groceries
also designate additional locations, such as banks, for
and medicine. Florida is one of only a few states that do
registration. Registration records close 30 days before
not tax personal income. Additionally, Florida has a
an election. The Office of Supervisor of Elections is
homestead tax exemption.
open Monday through Saturday, 30 days before the
closing of registration records for statewide or federal
What is homestead tax exemption?
elections.
Homestead tax exemption frees from taxation the
first $25,000 of the assessed value of an owner-occu-
Is there a two-party system in Florida?
pied residence (including condominiums and coopera-
Yes, the two major parties are Democrat and Repub-
tive apartments). It does not apply to rented, vacation
lican. Crossover voting in a primary election is prohibit-
or seasonal residences, or homes or apartments used
ed.
part of a year. Application must be made between
January 1 and March 1 each year, and the homestead
Who may run for office?
must be occupied as applicant's permanent place of
A person must meet certain requirements to run for
residence, without intention of moving, on January 1 of
an office. For instance, a candidate for governor must
the year in which exemption is claimed.
be a registered voter, at least 30 years of age, and a
resident of Florida for the preceding seven years.
How are Florida real estate tax values
determined?
How are candidates elected to office?
The Florida Constitution requires that all county
Each major political party selects its candidates for
appraisers (tax assessors) assess real estate at full
office through a "primary" system. If no candidate for
100% just value.
the party's nomination receives a majority in the "first"
primary election, the two candidates getting the largest
Can real estate taxes be appealed?
number of votes oppose each other in a "second," or
Yes, the Property Appraisal Adjustment Board, con-
"run-off," primary. Only registered members of a
sisting of three members of the local Board of County
political party vote in the primaries of the party, both of
Commissioners and two members of the local school
which are held in September of election (even-num-
board, may reverse or confirm decisions of the proper-
bered) years. Successful candidates of each party, plus
ty appraiser. Additional steps of appeal are also avail-
any "independents" who qualify themselves, compete
able. For full information, consult your local property
in a general election, held the first Tuesday after the
appraiser.
first Monday in November. Any registered voter,
regardless of party affiliation, may vote in general
Does Florida have a state income tax?
elections and, if no candidate listed is to their liking,
No, such a tax is prohibited in the state constitution.
may write in the name of a qualified write-in candidate.
As of 1972, there is a 5.5% corporate income tax, but
no income tax on individuals.
Absentee voting also may be arranged ahead of time by
voters who are physically unable to go to the polls, or
A sales tax?
7
who expect to be absent on election day.
Yes. Florida's 6% sales tax is the third-highest in the
Does Florida have presidential preference
nation, but it does not apply to a number of essentials,
primaries?
including groceries (non-prepared food items) and med-
Yes, in March of presidential election years.
icine. In addition, a one-cent local option sales tax is
permissible and has been approved by voters in the
6
TAXES
HOUSING
19
following counties: DeSoto, Gadsden, Hendry, High-
To mobile homes?
lands, Lake, Suwannee and Wakulla.
Yes, but only if you own the property where the
mobile home is located and live in the mobile home.
A utilities tax?
There is a legislative act which permits municipali-
What regulations govern mobile homes in
ties to levy a city tax of up to 10% on each utility bill.
Florida?
Some cities assess this and some do not. Additionally,
You do not need a driver's license to own a mobile
utility customers may be required to pay a small
home. However, you do need to have legal identifica-
franchise tax which varies depending on the utility and
tion to obtain the title. Owners pay 6% sales tax and a
municipality. There is a 6% state sales tax which
$7.50 title fee in addition to a one-time real property
applies to commercially used utilities.
fee of $4. A real property sticker must be purchased
($24 to $85, depending on the length of the mobile
An inheritance tax?
home) and placed in the window closest to the road for
No, the inheritor pays nothing to the state. Whenev-
inspection purposes.
er there are death taxes paid to Florida, they come out
If you rent, rather than own the lot, you must pay a
of the estate.
tangeable tax based on the size of the mobile home and
the lot. Contact the county tax collector's office for
An estate tax?
more information.
Technically, yes. But Florida's law says that the state
will impose taxes only in the amount the Federal
How many trailer parks are there in Florida?
Government will grant as a deduction for this purpose,
The Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative
and that the Florida estate tax will be automatically
Services, which licenses trailer parks, has more than
repealed when, and if, the Federal tax is repealed.
5,036 on its list, but some of these are small ones for
Thus, if an estate pays any tax at all to Florida, it is only
overnight parking. Mobile home shipments to Florida
money that would have gone to the Federal govern-
are on the increase, new parks are being built all the
ment if it had not gone to the state government.
time, and old, well-established parks have waiting lists.
Federal claims do not begin until after an estate totals
License tags assigned to trailer homes show a constant
$600,000, and certain other deductions are permissible
upward trend.
after than amount.
Is Florida landscaping different from that in
other parts of the country?
Definitely. Many things grow in Florida that could
Education
not survive in colder climates, and they grow very
rapidly. However, the soil in most of Florida has a high
sand content and, as a result, some plants that flourish
in Northern gardens fare poorly in their Florida coun-
May children of non-residents attend Florida
terparts. Remember, too, that growing conditions vary
schools?
from one part of the state to another. Call the local
Yes. However, the parent must purchase a Florida
county agricultural agent for an abundance of material
tag for his/her automobile and may be required to pay a
and advice.
tuition fee of up to $50 per child. Tuition is waived
when the family registers legal intention of becoming a
permanent resident, or if the parent is in the military, a
civilian employee whose benefits include child educa-
tion by federal subsidy, or a migratory worker. Inquire
at the local school board or at the office of the Clerk of
the Circuit Court for specific requirements in individual
cases.
Are public textbooks free?
Yes, but families provide supplemental material such
18
AUTOMOBILES
EDUCATION
7
paid was less than 6%. Once a vehicle is signed over by
as workbooks and school supplies which cannot be
a selling party, the receiving party has 20 days in which
reused.
to apply for title to the vehicle and register it in his or
her own name. A delinquent fee of $10 is assessed if the
Is free transportation provided to public schools?
registration is not made within this time period.
Free bus transportation is provided for any child who
lives more than two miles from his school. Free bus
transportation is also provided for the physically handi-
capped and in certain circumstances, such as hazardous
walking conditions for children in grades K through 6
and school transfers.
How are Florida public schools supported?
Housing
52.8% by state funding (including funds from the
state lottery), 40.2% by local and 7% by federal
funding. The Florida Educational Finance Program,
enacted into state law, operates on the theory that
What is the rental picture on apartments?
every child, no matter what the wealth of his/her home
There are plenty of apartments in Florida. Rates are
county, deserves anequal educational opportunity. Us-
cheaper in the summer, and sometimes lower on a
ing a complicated formula based on needs and re-
year-round basis, especially in the resort areas. Rents
sources, counties supply a certain amount of the money
also vary depending on which part of the state you're in.
for their schools, and the state supplies the major
For instance, rents in Pensacola are considerably lower
portion of the rest. A small percentage comes from the
than in the Fort Lauderdale area. When renting an
Federal government for lunch programs and certain
apartment, check what the rental price includes (utili-
exceptional educational programs.
ties, parking, etc.) and whether the advertised rate is
for yearly or seasonal rental.
How long must a child go to school in Florida?
To enter the school system, a child must be 5 years
What is the difference between a cooperative
old on or before September 1 and must attend school
and a condominium apartment?
until the age of 16. The child may attend public,
The big difference is in the type of ownership and
parochial or private schools, or have a qualified tutor.
hence an owner's liability. The condominium owner
gets a warranty deed to his apartment when he buys it.
Are there programs for handicapped and gifted
It may be sold as a separate piece of property and the
children?
owner is liable only to the extent of his mortgage on
Yes, presently all counties have programs for both.
such things as roofing, plumbing, etc. The owner of a
The Florida Exceptional Child Program offers opportu-
cooperative is, on the other hand, merely a stockholder
nities for the handicapped and gifted. Gifted children
that owns his and all other apartments in the building. A
usually are given a chance at accelerated or enriched
co-op corporation can go bankrupt, and a co-op apart-
classes developed at the county level.
ment owner's liability may extend to any unpaid debts
of the co-op corporation.
How many colleges and universities are there in
Florida?
Does Florida have a homestead tax exemption?
There are 28 community colleges and nine four-year
Yes, the first $25,000 of the assessed value of an
colleges and universities operated by the state of
owner-occupied residence (including condominiums
Florida. There are currently 91 private two-year and
and cooperative apartments). See questions under
four-year colleges and universities either licensed by
"Taxes".
the state or accredited by officially approved accredita-
tion bodies, or both.
Does the homestead tax exemption apply to
duplexes?
Where are the state-supported colleges and
Yes, but only to the portion occupied by the owner.
universities located?
The degree granting institutions operated by the
8
EDUCATION
AUTOMOBILES
17
state of Florida are: Florida Agricultural and Mechani-
How much does a driver's license cost, and how
cal (A&M) University, Tallahassee; Florida Atlantic
long does it last?
University, Boca Raton; Florida International Universi-
All licenses are issued for 4- or 6-year periods at a
ty, Miami; Florida State University, Tallahassee; Uni-
cost of $15. First-time applicants who have a convic-
versity of Central Florida, Orlando, University of Flori-
tion-free record for the past three years can obtain a
da, Gainesville; University of North Florida, Jackson-
six-year license. In all cases, licenses expire on the
ville; University of South Florida, Tampa; University of
licensee's birthday. Driver's licenses are now renewed
West Florida, Pensacola.
when notification is received from the State, or prior to
Supplementing these institutions are 28 community
or the day of your birthday. The State sends special
junior colleges, and more are being planned. The
cards which must be taken to the driver's license
ultimate aim is to have a junior college within commut-
examining office nearest you (see the white pages of
ing distance of every high school graduate. Community
your telephone book for locations). All drivers must
colleges are now serving Avon Park, Bradenton,
now undergo re-examination (but NOT a driving test),
Brevard County, Dade County, Daytona Beach, Fort
every four or six years. The examination covers vision,
Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Fort Pierce, Gainesville, Jack-
hearing and sign identification. Drivers with good
sonville, Key West, Lake City, Leesburg, Madison,
driving records may only be required to take the vision
Marianna, Niceville, Ocala, Orlando, Palatka, Palm
examination.
Beach County, Panama City, Pasco-Hernando counties,
Pensacola, Polk County, St. Petersburg, Sanford, Talla-
How do you get your first Florida driver's
hassee and Tampa.
license?
By applying at any Division of Driver's License
How much does it cost for a Florida resident to
Office, arranging for an examination, studying the
attend a four-year college or university?
Florida Driver's Handbook (available at the station) and
At all universities (prices subject to change) under-
passing the required tests. An additional fee of $4 is
graduate tuition fees are approximately $33 per credit
required for an initial Florida license.
hour per semester for students who are Florida resi-
dents. Rates are higher for graduate and special pro-
Must a new resident get a driver's license?
grams and for out-of-state students. You are consid-
Yes, immediately. A new resident will be required to
ered a resident if you have lived in Florida for at least
take a complete examination, including driving test,
12 months. Room and board on campus will vary.
even if they have a valid license from another state.
Approximate costs for rooms are $716 per semester.
Contact the Division of Driver's License Office for
Most colleges and universities require an average
further details.
health fee of $36 per semester. Other minor costs and
fees depend on the student's course of study.
Is automobile liability insurance mandatory in
All Florida four-year colleges and universities are on
Florida?
the semester system.
No. The state's present insurance laws do require
that you carry at least Personal Injury Protection
What is a community college?
insurance for your automobile. This may be held with
Community college offers approximately the same
any company licensed to do business in Florida.
subjects as the first two years of a four-year college.
Virtually any high school graduate and many adults can
Is there a sales tax on automobiles?
be admitted and a student who has successfully com-
Yes, 6% of the purchase price less trade-in.
pleted two years of community college can transfer to a
four-year college upon meeting the entrance require-
Must you pay sales tax on a car purchased in
ments. The community college offers extensive tech-
another state?
nical, vocational and adult education. It is operated by
If a Florida resident brings a car into Florida that was
a state-appointed board of trustees. Tuition (prices
purchased out of state, the State says he must pay up to
subject to change) amounts to $20.30 per credit hour
6% Florida sales tax based on its current value - or
per semester, plus costs for books and other materials.
the difference between the sales tax paid in the state of
Many students attend community college to better
purchase and the 6% Florida sales tax if the amount
EDUCATION
9
Automobiles
prepare themselves for later college work, to econo-
mize on their first two years of higher education by
How much does an automobile license cost?
living at home, or to provide themselves with two years
Certificates of registration are issued annually for all
of additional education they otherwise would not have.
automobiles. License plates are issued for a 5-year
period, as the state Legislature determines. In the
What professional schools do universities in
interim years, revalidation stickers are issued. Costs of
Florida have?
license tags for passenger automobiles are levied by
Graduate work is offered in the following fields:
auto weight: up to 2,499 pounds, $18.60; 2,500 to
agriculture, business administration, dentistry, educa-
3,499 pounds, $26.60; 3,500 and up, $36.60. In addi-
tion, engineering, fine arts, humanities, journalism,
tion, trucks weighing up to 1,999 pounds, $18.60;
languages, law, library science, medical technology,
2,000 to 3,000 pounds, $26.60; 3,001 to 5,000 pounds,
medicine, natural sciences, nursing, pharmacy, psy-
$36.60; 5,001 pounds and up, based on exact weight
chology, social sciences and veterinary medicine.
per hundred pounds.
Most registrations expire at midnight on the driver's
birthdate. Personalized plates can be applied for at least
90 days and no more than five months prior to the due
Recreation
date at an additional cost of $12 a year. Call the local
county tax collector's office for more details.
Who must buy a Florida auto tag?
What makes Florida fishing famous?
All residents must immediately register and obtain a
More than 8,426 miles of tidal shoreline (the longest
Florida license tag at a county tax collector office or the
of any state, except Alaska); thousands of fresh water
Division of Motor Vehicles in Tallahassee for any motor
lakes and rivers; more free fishing piers than any other
vehicle to be operated in Florida. In addition, any
area in the world; easy availability of rental fishing
nonresident who accepts employment or engages in
boats and guides. And, naturally, many species of fish.
any trade, profession or occupation in Florida or enrolls
children in Florida public schools must register any
What are Florida's favorite freshwater fish?
motor vehicle owned within 10 days after commence-
The largemouth black bass, which averages 4 to 8
ment of employment or education, if the motor vehicle
pounds and can run as heavy as 20, can be found in
is to be operated in Florida.
almost any body of fresh water. Lake Okeechobee, the
largest body of fresh water in Florida, is good for bass;
Must your vehicle be inspected?
so are the lakes and streams of Central and North
In 1981, the Florida Legislature terminated the
Florida, the Everglades and the canals of the lower east
mandatory automobile inspection service. However,
coast.
certain counties have taken over the testing of lights,
Other freshwater favorites found nearly anywhere in
brakes, horn, steering, windshield wipers, directional
the state are channel catfish, bream, speckled perch,
signals and tires. Check with the city clerk or the local
shellcracker and chain pickerel (pike).
police station to see if your county is continuing the
system. Meanwhile, the federal government recently
Is a license needed for freshwater fishing?
gave several Florida cities poor ratings for auto emis-
All Florida fishermen, except as mentioned below,
sions control, so there is serious talk of reinstating
are required to carry Fishing License Stamps. Resi-
state automobile inspections.
dents 65 years of age or older are required to carry a
Senior Citizen Hunting and Fishing Certificate, which
How old do you have to be to get a Florida
can be obtained from county tax collectors. A similar
driver's license?
free certificate is available to any totally and perma-
You can get a regular license at 16 years old.
nently disabled residents. Children under 16 are not
Restricted licenses to drive during the day with a
required to have a Fishing License Stamp. The "cane-
licensed adult in the car are available at age 15.
pole law" allows a resident to fish in the county of his or
her residence without a license, using live or natural
bait and poles or hand lines not equipped with a reel for
10
RECREATION
RECREATION
15
noncommercial purposes. In Fish Management areas, a
and runners. There are numerous road races held in
valid Fishing License Stamp is required to fish by any
Florida, from Jacksonville's River Run to the popular
method.
Gasparilla Classic in Tampa to Miami's Orange Bowl
For the purpose of fishing in Florida, a person is a
marathon. For those athletes who really want to test
resident if he or she has lived in the state for six
their mettle, there are triathalons and mini-triathalons
continuous months, or has signed a domicile certificate
held all over the state. Most Florida cities have clubs
from the local courthouse. Active military personnel
for runners and cyclists.
stationed in Florida and fulltime students are consid-
ered residents when purchasing fishing licenses. Li-
What other forms of recreation are popular in
censes are available at county tax collector offices,
Florida?
tackle shops, fish camps, hardware and sporting-goods
There are 142 state parks, recreation areas, muse-
stores.
ums, gardens, preserves, sanctuaries, reserves and
historic sites throughout Florida. Within the park
RESIDENT:
system are miles of beaches, offshore islands, lakes,
Series AK Resident fishing/hunting
rivers, springs, woodlands and open grassland. Camp-
combination, $17
ing is possible at many of the state's parks. Activities
Series AB - Fishing (valid 12 months from
includes hiking, swimming, fishing, campfire programs,
date of purchase), $7
boating, picnicking, snorkeling and Scuba diving, and
NONRESIDENT:
cycling. There is a national park in the Everglades, and
Series B — Annual, $25
there are countless commercial sightseeing attrac-
Series F — 10-day continuous, $10
tions. (Many of the latter display Florida's flowers and
gardens, as well as wildlife from its land and waters,
Note: In addition to the License Stamp Fees listed
such as tropical birds and dolphins.)
above, tax collectors are entitled to an issuance fee of $1
Florida also has extensive cultural activities. Every
and their subagents are entitled to 50 cents.
major metropolitan area of the state has a performing
arts center, as well as theaters and auditoriums. The
Are there any freshwater bag limits?
state also offers numerous local fairs, art and music
10 Black Bass (largemouth, Suwannee, redeye,
festivals that provide entertainment and cultural en-
spotted and shoal basses individually or in total).
richment.
20 white, striped or sunshine bass (not more than 6
of the 20 may be more than 24" in total length).
Does Florida have many art museums?
15 Chain Pickerel.
Fine museums can be found in Fort Lauderdale,
50 Panfish (ie: blue gill, speckled perch, shellcrack-
Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa and West Palm Beach, to
er, warmouth and red-finned pickerel, individually or in
name just a few. The Ringling Museum in Sarasota is
total).
one of the major state-owned collections in the United
The total possession limit for these fish is two days'
States and the internationally acclaimed Salvador Dali
bag limit after the first day of fishing. Special limits may
Museum is located in St. Petersburg.
apply in certain Fish Management Areas.
In addition, most Florida cities have art groups which
sponsor showings by local and out-of-state artists. The
Are there any closed seasons?
Cedar Key Art Festival, the Mainsail Art Festival in St.
Not for freshwater fishing. However, there are rules
Petersburg, the Gasparilla Art Festival in Tampa, the
which govern fishing methods, and there are special fish
Winter Park Art Festival and the Las Olas Art Festival
management areas. For more details, consult the Flori-
in Fort Lauderdale, are just a few of the state's
da Freshwater Sport Fishing Guide & Regulations Sum-
numerous artistic get-togethers.
mary available from the county tax collector's office and
fishing, hardware and sporting-good stores.
How many libraries does Florida have?
What are the best seasons for freshwater fishing?
There are 718 libraries (excluding school media
Bass, all year; panfish (except crappies), spring and
centers) in Florida which include states, main adminis-
early summer; crappie, late winter and early spring;
trative units, branch, institution, academic and special
libraries.
catfish, summer.
14
RECREATION
RECREATION
11
Where can I get a chart of Florida coastal or
Is a license required for saltwater sport fishing?
Intracoastal waters?
At this time, a recreational saltwater fishing license
From marinas, marine hardware companies, or the
is not required unless products are sold in any manner.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
However, the state is considering implementation of
(NOAA), Washington, D.C. Charts currently cost
saltwater fishing licenses as another source of fees.
$12.25, but the price is subject to increase in the near
Check with the county tax collector's office to deter-
future.
mine local fees.
Are there many spectator sports in Florida?
What fish are caught in shallow salt water?
Florida, partly because of its climate, has been the
Snook, snapper, sheepshead, bluefish, pompano and
favorite spring training site for major league baseball
cravalle jack can be caught from piers, bridges and
teams. The "Grapefruit League," exhibition and prac-
small boats on Florida's lower east coast. All these, and
tice games scheduled in February, March and early
tarpon, can be caught on the Gulf Coast. In the Keys,
April, attract thousands of fans. Teams from around the
add jewfish, permit, cero mackerel and bonefish.
country play in numerous locations around the state.
Florida does not have a fulltime major league baseball
What are some of the deeper saltwater fish, and
team to call its own, but several cities are in active
how can they be found?
pursuit of a team. However, there are minor league
Mackerel, grouper, king, bonita, jacks, snapper,
teams that play through the summer.
barracuda and more can be caught from boats or
Professional football teams in Florida include the
commercial fishing piers. A saltwater casting rod, spin
Miami Dolphins and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The
gear with fairly heavy nylon line, a trolling rod and a
1989 Super Bowl will be held in Miami and Tampa will
reel with a drag make up a good beginner's outfit.
play host to the 25th Anniversary Super Bowl in 1991.
Sporting-goods stores or bait-and-tackle shops are the
In addition to the pros, excellent college teams can
best places to find advice on specific equipment.
be found at the University of Florida in Gainesville,
What are the big game fish and where can they
Florida State University and Florida A&M in Tallahas-
be caught?
see and the University of Miami. Annual bowl games in
Sailfish, big blue Marlin, mahi mahi or dolphin -
Florida include the Orange Bowl, Citrus Bowl and
the fish, not the mammal - white Marlin, Allison tuna
Gator Bowl.
and more are in the Gulf Stream along the lower east
Golf and tennis fans can find a wealth of tournaments
coast. Tarpon, snook and king are favorites on the Gulf
throughout the state.
Coast. Charter boat captains will take you out, provide
Parimutuel wagering sports can be found in abun-
the tackle and instructions. This service can be expen-
dance in Florida. Thoroughbred and quarter-horse
sive, but the bill can be divided among several passen-
tracks, harness tracks, Jai-Alai frontons and Greyhound
gers.
tracks are prominent throughout the state and provide
"players" with an opportunity for fun and profit.
Are there seasons on saltwater fish?
Racing enthusiasts also enjoy an abundance of stock
To provide Florida waters with the maximum protec-
car, sports car, grand prix, motorcycle and boat racing.
tion from overfishing, closed seasons and regulations
Well-known events include for autos: the Daytona 500
regarding bag limits and legal lengths for saltwater
and the 12 Hours of Sebring, Gatornationals; and, for
fishing are constantly changing. For the most
boaters, the Southern Ocean Racing Conference
up-to-date information, pick up a current copy of
(SORC).
Florida Saltwater Fishing Facts from your local Florida
Marine Patrol office or the Florida Department of
What type of participant sports can be found in
Natural Resources.
Florida?
The state's excellent weather lends itself to a variety
What fees are charged for hunting?
of individual sports. Golfing is a favorite - Florida can
boast more than 800 golf courses. And tennis is another
RESIDENT:
favorite - often the focal point of many of Florida's
Series K - statewide hunting, $11
resorts.
Series AK - statewide hunting/fishing
Florida's flat terrain makes its popular with cyclists
combination, $17
12
RECREATION
RECREATION
13
NONRESIDENT:
yachts; catamarans ply the same waters used by
Series L - statewide hunting, $50
freighters.
Wildlife Management Area Stamp, $10
Must pleasure boats be state-registered?
In addition to the License Stamp Fees listed above,
Non-residents may use their boats for 90 consecu-
tax collectors are entitled to a $1 issuance fee.
tive days without registering them, provided their
Consult the Florida Hunting Handbook Regulations
boats already have a valid home state registration.
Summary, available at the county tax collector's office,
Resident pleasure boat owners must comply with state
for additional fees and exemptions.
registration rules on boats propelled by machinery,
The Wildlife Management Area Stamp is required
except ship's life boats, and boats from another country
for most public hunting grounds (62 areas scattered
using Florida water temporarily. Registration numbers
around the state). These grounds are managed by the
must appear on both sides of the bow and owners must
Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission. Hunt-
carry registration certificates aboard while in use.
ers also may pay a fee to the owner of commercial
Registration of second-hand boats must be transferred
shooting preserves for the privilege of hunting game
to the new owner at a fee of $8.50 if there is an existing
which require a special license.
registration, or $6.25 plus the full registration fee if
there is not an existing registration. The charge for a
What do you hunt in Florida and when?
new boat title is $9.25.
Resident game birds are quail and wild turkeys.
Also there is a 6% sales tax on the purchase price of
Resident game mammals are deer, gray squirrels, fox
the boat less trade-in. A manufacturer's statement of
squirrels, black bears (in designated areas), wild hog (in
origin is now required in registering new boats.
designated areas) and rabbits. Migratory game birds
are ducks, gallinules, coots, snipes, rails (marsh hen),
How much does it cost to register a boat, and
woodcocks, crows, mourning doves and white-winged
how is registration accomplished?
doves. Open season varies according to the area and
State registration fees range from $4.25 for motor-
the game hunted. Consult the latest edition of the
boats less than 12 feet long, to $78.25 for those 110
Florida Hunting Handbook Regulations Summary,
feet or more. Owners of pleasure boats should apply to
available from any county tax collector.
the tax collector of the county in which the boat is
There is no open season on a number of protected
domiciled. All commercial boat owners should apply to
species such as the Florida panther and alligator. For a
the Department of Natural Resources, 3900 Common-
complete list of endangered species, contact the Flori-
wealth Blvd., Tallahassee FL 32303.
da Game and Freshwater Fish Commission.
Does a boat trailer need a license?
What animals may be hunted year round?
Yes, licenses are issued by the Auto Tag Depart-
Raccoons, opossums, coyotes, skunks, nutria and
ment, a division of the county tax collector's office,
beavers may be taken throughout the year. Unprotect-
acting for the Division of Motor Vehicles, Department
ed mammals include armadillos, Norway rats, black
of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Permission is
rats and house mice.
needed from the Department of Transportation to use
any trailer-car combination more than 8 feet wide, 13½
What aquatic sports does Florida offer?
feet high and 55 feet long on Florida highways.
Swimming, of course. On most South Florida
beaches, swimming is possible the year round, and
Is safety equipment required for boating?
most motel and hotel pools are heated for winter dips.
Any U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will inspect a boat
Water skiing, surfing, windsurfing, snorkeling and
free of charge to be sure it has all the safety equipment
Scuba diving are major water activities. Sand sailing,
needed. Some required items are fire extinguisher,
with boats skimming along the beach, is practiced on
lights, life preservers, anchor, first-aid supplies and
certain wide, smooth shorelines such as Daytona's.
distress signals. Trailers for boats must have a combi-
Boating is a favorite pasttime in Florida, and not just
nation tail-brake-tag light and directional turning lights
among the wealthy. Every area of the state has easy
for highway safety. For further details on boat and
access to water, whether lakes, rivers, the Gulf or the
trailer requirements, contact the nearest U.S. Coast
Atlantic. Jon boats are found moored next to 120'
Guard office.
LEGISLATIVE
HOTLINE
90-No. 1
February 5, 1990
It's that time again. The arrival of this Hotline heralds
the advent of the Legislature, or at least that of interim
committee meetings.
Committees have been meeting, trying to formulate their
1990 legislative goals. Some of this years' "hot" issues are
starting to emerge. More on that later. First, we need to
bring everyone up to date on the Chamber's priorities and
positions for the 1990 legislative session.
The Florida Chamber Board of Directors met in Sarasota on
January 18th and adopted our 1990 legislative priorities and
positions. This was the culmination of a comprehensive process
which includes input through mail-in Point/Counterpoint ballots,
review by various substantive committees at our Face-to-Face
meetings and final review by the Chamber's Legislative Council.
This Hotline details what our priorities and positions are,
issue by issue.
The Florida Chamber Top 1990 Legislative Priorities
This year, we have nine priority issues. Each is of
critical importance to the business community. As such, they
will have our full attention. The following is an alphabetical
list of our priorities, followed by our position statements on
other important 1990 legislative issues.
Crime: The Florida Chamber supports a three-pronged approach
to crime prevention: build more prisons, institute alternative
sentencing programs and put additional resources into early
childhood intervention.
Drug Testing in the Workplace: The Florida Chamber supports
legislation allowing businesses to conduct random drug tests of
employees in safety sensitive positions and "reasonable
suspicion" testing of all other employees.
Education: The Florida Chamber supports a broad education
agenda aimed at improving the quality of education, including
increased funding for early childhood education programs and
A publication of
THE FLORIDA CHAMBER
This year, there is an international trade proposal in the
House Commerce Committee that will be filed as a bill this
session.
Right now, it is known as the Florida International Affairs and
Trade Promotion Act (PCB-CO-1A). The Act is an attempt to make
Florida competitive in the global market, to raise the
visibility of international trade and tourism and to promote
international education. Our Economic Affairs Committee is
studying the proposal. You will hear more about international
trade as the session goes on.
Get Your Point Across With "To the Point"
The Florida Chamber is a member-driven organization. Our
legislative positions are a direct result of your votes, so it
is only natural that we want you to get involved in the
legislative process.
We are currently holding "Chamber Caucuses" around the state
where you can learn more about all our priority issues.
Attendees receive a copy of "To the Point," which is a series of
cards and issue papers detailing our positions and arguments.
The legislature is beginning to change the way it does
business. Now, more than ever, the opinion of local
constituents is important to legislature. So, from time to
time, the Chamber will need your grassroots help on issues. At
the Caucus, you can sign up for our Chamber Network. When an
issue needs that extra help, we will contact you. You can use
the "To the Point" cards to lobby your local legislators. Your
word carries clout with your elected officials. This gives you
a chance to use your voice.
It's not too late to register for the Caucuses. Contact Mary
Donovan at 1-800-940-4879.
THE
PRE-SORTED
FLORIDA
First Class Mail
CHAMBER
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Post Office Box 11309
Tallahassee, FL
Tallahassee, Florida 32302
PERMIT 86
(904) 222-2831
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF FLORIDA
ESCAME
SANTA ROSA
OKALOOSA
WALTON
HOLMES
JACKSON
Escambia River
octawatchee
Chocta
River
SHINGTON
River
GADSDEN
NASSAU
LEON
JEFFERSON
PENSACOLA
CALHOUN
MADISON
HAMILTON
/
TALLAHASSEE
FORT
BAY
BAKER
LIBERTY
FORT
CAROLINE
SAN LUIS
JACKSONVILLE
WARULLA
SUWANNEE
GUL
APALACHICOLA
TAYLOR
COLUMBIA
PONTE
NATIONAL FOREST
LAKE
VEDRA
CITY
BATTLE OF
KEY
ST.
FRANKLIN
LAFAYETTE
*
OLUSTEE
ST.
JOHNS
Battles and Military Sites
FORT
AUGUSTINE
GADSDEN
Sante
BRADFORD
Forts
DIXIE
GIL-
PUTNAM
Towns
Suwannee River
CHRIST
ALACHUA
IBANY
FORT
Other Sites
*
SAN MARCOS
BATTLE OF
LEVY
FLAGLER
GAINESVILLE
MARION
OCALA
NATIONAL
VOLUSIA
%
FOREST
NEW
S
Withlacoo
SMYRNA
CITRUS
LAKE
Johns
FORTS
IMTER
our
River
CAPE
CANAVERAL
Fort Caroline: Originally founded by French Huguenot Rene
*
DADE
Goulane de Laudonierre in 1564, it was later captured by the
MASSACRE
SEMINOLE
HERNANDO
ORANGE
Spanish.
Fort Gadsden: Also known as Negro Fort, it was blown up by
PASCO
General Edmund Gaines in the First Seminole War.
OSCEOLA
POLK
Fort Jefferson: Occupied by federal forces in the Civil War, captured
HILLSBOROUGH
Confederate soldiers were imprisoned there.
TAMPA
BREVARD
Fort Lauderdale: Site of military activity during the Second
Seminole War.
Kissimmee
INDIAN RIVER
Fort Myers: Originally named Fort Harvie, it was the main
MANATEE
HARDEE
HIGHLANDS
River PAN MASSACHUSETS
SINKING OF THE
operational headquarters for United States forces during the Second
ST. LUCE
Seminole War.
BATTLE OF
SARASOTA
OKEECHOBEE
Fort San Luis: Built in 1639 by the Spanish to guard against Indian
DE SOTO
*
attacks.
GLADES
MARTIN
Fort San Marcos: Built in 1672 by Spanish forces, it was an
CHARLOTTE
Lake
impregnable fortress designed to defend St. Augustine.
MOORE
Okeechobee
PALM BEACH
HAVEN
0
LEE
HENDRY
TOWNS
FORT MYERS
Jacksonville: Having sprung up in the late eighteenth century, a
fire in 1901 destroyed the town.
Lake City: Home to the University of Florida since 1883.
BROWARD
SUNNILAND
Miami: Incorporated in 1886, it is the largest city in the state and
FIELD
FORT
LAUDERDALE
the center of Florida's diverse cultural heritage.
BIG
Moore Haven: Site of a flood caused when a hurricane forced Lake
DADE
CYPRESS
MIAMI
Okeechobee to overflow its banks in 1926, killing 300.
MONROE
New Smyrna: Founded in 1767 by Dr. Andrew Turnbull, it was
a failed attempt to create an agricultural utopia.
EVERGL ADES
Pensacola: Now a military center, a naval yard was established there
NATIONAL
PARK
in 1825, and the first U.S. Naval Air Station was built there in 1914.
St. Augustine: Famous as the oldest existing American city, it was
first established in 1565 by Pedro Menendez.
Tallahassee: Named for the Seminole word meaning "sun town,"
it was selected as the state's capital in 1823.
(8) the JEFFERSON In FORT . 1990.00 the
Tampa: Having grown out of a settlement surrounding Fort Brooke,
its primary importance during territorial days was as a military base.
BATTLES AND MILITARY SITES
Battle of Gainesville: Site of a Confederate victory in the American
OTHER SITES
Civil War.
Apalachicola National Forest: Established in 1936 as one of the
state's three national forests, it is Florida's largest with 557,000 acres.
Amsig
Battle of the Okeechobee: The climax of the Second Seminole War,
it was the largest battle of the war and the only American victory.
Cape Canaveral: First used by NASA in 1958, it has been the site Arants
Battle of Olustee: Fought in 1864, it was Florida's most significant
of many historic events, including the Apollo II moon mission in
battle of the Civil War. About 10,000 total troops engaged in combat.
1969 and the 1986 Challenger space-shuttle tragedy.
Exploatri
Dade Massacre: Major Francis Dade and 108 U.S. soldiers were
Everglades National Park: The nation's third largest national park,
it was dedicated in 1947.
killed in an Indian ambush that sparked the Second Seminole War.
Sinking of the Pan Massachusetts: Occurred forty miles off the
Ponte Vedra: Four German spies came ashore here in 1942. They
were later captured and executed.
southern coast of Cape Canaveral in 1942, and led to strengthened
coastal defense.
Sunniland Field: Located in northern Collier County, Florida's first
oil well was drilled here in 1943.
266
Republican Party of Florida
1990 Statesman's Dinner
RECEPTIONS
As of March 20, 1990
RECEPTIONS
ATTENDEES
Patron Reception:
Patron table/ticket buyers and Florida
Capitol Council members.
Foyer
Legislative Reception:
Legislative table/ticket. buyers.
Room 6A & 6B
VIP Dignitary Reception:
Congressional, Florida Cabinet, and
Special Guest table/ticket buyers, Florida
Room 8
Victory Committee members and Host
Committee members. (Special Photo
Opportunity for Host Committee members).
Statesman's Reception:
National Statesman, Florida Statesman,
Governor, U.S. Senate, and U.S. Cabinet
DOC 5
table/ticket buyers and Co-Chairmen.
Photo Opportunity:
Co-Chairmen, National Statesman and
Florida Statesman table/ticket buyers.
West Concorse
Governor, U.S. Senate, and U.S. Cabinet
table buyers.
Press Office: Room 1A & B
Staff Office: Room 2A & B or 3 or 4
1,000 ft. 55 Covered Loading Docks/5 Drive-In Ramps
c
RR
RR
c
Storage
20%18'H
Storage
35x18H
Storage
Storage
H.S.K.08
Storage
30'x18'H
Storage
RR
RR
80'x18'H
Storage
2,848
30' 30' H
Ground Level
Telescoping
Seating
60'x3D'H
manykay
Freight Entry
90'
7-10p.m. 7-10 90'
Receiving
Show Offices
Second Floor
Hall E
Hall D
Hall C
Hall B
45,970 sq.ft.
101,540 sq.ft.
78,600 sq.ft.
66,000 sq.ft.
300 2.
Concessions
120'
(165'x300')
(330'x300')
(250'x300')
(220'x300')
226 10x10 booths
542 10x10 booths
385 10x10 booths
339 10x10 booths
Concessions
Max. Seating 3,600
Max. Seating 5,660
Show Offices
30' to beam
30' to beam
40' to beam
40' to beam
Second Floor
Kitchen
90°
Halls D and E
Max Seating 11,478
MOVEABLE WALL CORRIDOR
2,848
605:30'H
(3.000 so. H.)
90'
Telescoping
Seating
S
N
Elevator
60'x18'H
c
RR
RR
c
Opens To
Hall B
RR
Atrium
Atrium
Qualit
Registration Area
5
RR
Latin-3-sctup
same
it's
Prodic
SOUTH
128
Hall A
LOBBY
48,600 sq.ft.
10' 13
Kitchen
3
4
Ground L
-12C
(180'x270')
Freight E
231 10x10 booths
ENTRANCE
30' to beam
Registration
RR
Elevator
RR
9:00-2:00p.
Legend
REGISTR
Escalator
Stairs
Exhibit Hall
Meeting Room
ENTRANCE
Stairs
Registration
Area
State
Lobby
Support
IN
Registration Area
RR
(Under Construction)
Staire
=
=
Moveable
ENTRANCE
Partitions
RR Restrooms
C Concessions
-mam
COVERED BUS LOADING
20 Buses
+
First Aid
kay
Meeting Rooms
Gallery
window B+C overlooking
Room
Dimensions
Sq (H)
Room
Dimensions
Sq Ft (H)
Room
Dimensions
Sq Ft (H)
1
39 36'
1,404 (11')
9
39' 36'
1,404 (11)
20
147' 90'
13,230 (18)
1A
19' 36'
684
9A
19' 36'
684
20A
38' x 30'
1,140
1B
20'x36'
756
9B
20' 36'
756
20B
38' 30'
1,140
RR
2
49' 35'
1,715(11)
10
87' 39'
3,393 (16')
20C
38' 30'
1,140
Open
To
2A
24' 35'
875
10A
28' 39'
1.092
20D
90' 50'
4,500
Below
2B
24' 35'
875
10B
30' 39'
1,170
20E
38' 30'
1,140
3
25' 19'
475 (12')
10C
28' 39'
1,092
20F
38' 30'
1,140
4
24' 19'
456(12)
11
87' 39'
3.393 (16')
20G
38' 30'
1,140
1,888 (16')
11A
Elevator
20
Ceiling
5
59' 32'
28' 39'
1,092
21
24' 57'
1,368 (18')
5A
30' 32'
960
118
30' 39'
1,170
22
24' x 55'
1,320 (18')
5B
29' 32'
928
11C
28' 39'
1,092
23
117' 48'
5,616 (18')
RR
window Hall A
6
88' 52'
4,576 (16')
12
134' 60'
8,040 (16')
23A
28' 48'
1,344
6A
44' 52'
2,288
12A
29' 60'
1,740
23B
30' 48'
1,440
Open
6B
44 52'
2,288
12B
30' 60'
1,800
23C
30' 48'
1,440
To
7
42'x38'
1,596(16')
12C
30' 60'
1,800
23D
28' 48'
1,344
Below
Open
Escalator
7A
21'x 38'
798
12D
45' 60'
To
2,700
A
180' 270'
48,600 (30)
Stairs
Below
Open
7B
21'x 38'
798
13
117' 48'
5,616 (16')
A-1
90' 68'
6,120
8
161' 101'
16,261 (22)
13A
28' 48'
1,344
A-2
90' 68'
6,120
8A
45' 38'
1,710
138
30' 48'
1,440
A-3
90' 106'
9,540
RR
Stairs
8B
45' 39'
1,755
13C
30' 48'
1,440
A-4
90' 106'
9,540
45' 41'
1,845
130
281 48'
1.344
A-5
180' 68'
12,240
45' 41'
1,845
45' 38'
1,710
Second Floor
8F
45' 39'
1,755
8G
451 41'
1,845
8H
451 41'
1,845
Orange County Convention/Civi Center
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF FLORIDA
went bankrupt, and the state repossessed it. It was later sold
charter for the Pensacola and Atlantic Railroad, he laid track
to Dutch investors. The population of Florida was 187,000.
from Pensacola eastward to the Apalachicola River. This line
The Cuban migration began. Over 6,000 cigarmakers came
joined railroads reaching into Georgia and East Florida. He
to Key West and Tampa.
invested heavily in Pensacola, helping the town to become
JANUARY 7, 1873
Ossian Bingley Hart (1821-1874) became
an important port on the Gulf of Mexico.
governor of Florida. Hart was a Republican. Hart was born
JANUARY 4, 1881
William Dunnington Bloxham
in Jacksonville, the town his father founded. He was a lawyer
(1835-1911) became governor of Florida. Bloxham was a
and resided in Ft. Pierce, Key West, and Tampa. He served
Democrat. He was a native Floridian and a planter who
as a state legislator and was a justice on the state supreme
entered politics in 1861. Governor Drew appointed him as
court. After 14 months in office, he died of pneumonia.
secretary of state in 1877. In addition to his two terms as
MARCH 18, 1874
Marcellus Stearns (1839-1891) became
governor, he was state comptroller, and United States Surveyor-
governor of Florida. Stearns was a Republican. He was a native
General for Florida. He retired in 1901 with a record of more
of Maine. In 1861 he joined the Union Army and lost an
than 25 years of public service. He was the first Florida
arm in battle. Stearns studied law while in the army and after
governor who had served in the Confederate Army.
the war he served in the Freedmen's Bureau in Quincy, Florida.
1882
The Florida Coast Line Canal & Transportation
He actively organized blacks in support of the Republican
Company established an inland water route-from Matanzas
party and wanted to be nominated as governor in 1872.
River to the Halifax River. A year later, the State Agricultural
However, many blacks objected, and he accepted the
College, originally established at Eau Gallie, moved to Lake
nomination as lieutenant governor. He was acting governor
City. In 1903, it was officially renamed the University of
during Governor Hart's illness, and succeeded him when
Florida. DeLand Academy was founded. The Florida State
Governor Hart died.
School for the Deaf and Blind was established at St. Augustine.
1876
The state hospital for the insane was established at
The first electric lighting was installed in Jacksonville. At the
Chattahoochee. After eight years of Republican rule,
instigation of a New Orleans newspaper, the first systematic
Democrats regained control of the state government. George
exploration of the Everglades was undertaken.
F. Drew was elected governor, and a year later Federal troops
1884
After buying many short-line railroads at foreclosure
were withdrawn from Florida. The period known as
sales, Henry B. Plant created the so-called Plant System. This
Reconstruction ended. Henry A. DeLand, a manufacturer
system created a continuous connection from Tampa to the
from New York, bought land and founded a community in
north. Plant was called the father of modern Tampa. Plant
the upper St. Johns River area. Henry S. Sanford, a former
came to Florida in 1853 because his wife had a lung disease,
minister to Belgium in the Lincoln administration, bought
and he thought the state's sunny climate would help her
land on the southern shore of Lake Monroe. He planted groves
recover. He became the manager of the Adams Express
of oranges, lemons, and grapefruits and brought in settlers.
Company, eventually taking it over and renaming it the
He also gave his name to the town he established.
Southern Express Company. After the Civil War, he added
JANUARY 2, 1877
George F. Drew (1827-1900) was
steamships to his list of acquisitions. By 1895 he controlled
inaugurated as governor of Florida. Drew was a Democrat.
1,484 miles of railroad lines and 1,288 miles of coastal steamer
The state's twelfth governor was born in New Hampshire and
lines. He also built hotels, most notably the Moorish palace
was a machinist who established a business in Columbus,
known as the Tampa Bay Hotel. J. Francis LeBaron discovered
Georgia. He moved to Ellaville, Florida, in 1865, and
pebble phosphate deposits along the Peace River.
established Florida's largest sawmill. Under his leadership the
JANUARY 6, 1885
Edward A. Perry (1831-1889) was
state began a period of industrial expansion. After leaving
inaugurated as governor of Florida. Perry was a Democrat.
office, he returned to the sawmill business and died in
He was a native of Massachusetts, and studied at Yale
Jacksonville.
University. At Greenville, Alabama, he taught school and
1880
A fire destroyed most of Pensacola. The population
studied law. He moved to Pensacola in 1856 and established
of Florida exceeded 269,000.
his law practice. In the Civil War, Perry served in the Con-
1881
Hamilton Disston, a Philadelphia industrialist, bought
federate Army, rising from private to brigadier general. Perry
four million acres-roughly one-tenth of Florida-in and
was ill much of his term as governor. While he was governor
around the Everglades. He paid twenty-five cents an acre for
a new Constitution was adopted and a State Board of Educa-
it. Disston dug channels and widened existing waterways in
tion was created. In an attempt to regain his health, he moved
an effort to drain the swampland. For his efforts, he eventually
to Kerrville, Texas, where he died on October 15, 1889.
received from the state over one and a half million acres. He
1885
Henry M. Flagler started work on the Ponce de Leon
proved that the water level could be lowered by drainage and
Hotel in St. Augustine. A past partner of John D. Rockefeller,
that the dry land which resulted from drainage would produce
Flagler came to Florida already a wealthy man. One of his
crops. His efforts helped stimulate development of the
business associates said of him, "With him it is never a case
southern half of the peninsula. However, Disston never realized
of how much it will cost, nor will it pay.' He gained control
his dream of making a fortune in Florida real estate by draining
of the Jacksonville & St. Augustine Railroad and consolidated
"swamp and overflowed land." The economic panic of 1893
it with other lines, forming the Florida East Coast Railroad.
depleted his cash reserves. One evening after attending the
Eventually, his railroad reached all the way to Key West, and
theater in Philadelphia, he returned home, filled his bath tub,
his hotels dotted the state. It was estimated that his hotels
got in, and shot himself in the head. The state had over 1,300
could accommodate 40,000 people. An early freeze that year
miles of operational railroads and another 200 miles graded
cost Florida citrus growers an estimated one hundred million
and ready for crossties and rails. William D. Chipley became
dollars in lost crops. Many growers moved to the southern
known as "Mr. Railroad of West Florida." Securing a new
end of the peninsula. A year later, the city of Miami was
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF FLORIDA
the Confederate Army at the Battle of Natural Bridge. He
PASCO COUNTY
studied law after the war and was a member of the firm of
Named for Samuel Pasco who was speaker of the Florida
Fleming and Daniel in Jacksonville. He edited Memoirs of
House of Representatives at the time the county was created.
Florida, and was president of the Florida Historical Society.
On May·19, 1887, the legislature elected Pasco as U.S. senator,
In 1889, an epidemic of Yellow Fever caused him to support
and he served until December 4, 1889. Created: June 2, 1887.
a state board of health.
County Seat: Dade City. Major Events: Legend has it that
1890
The population of Florida was 391,000. The National
the Calusa Indians made their last stand on the Pitlochascotee
Farmers' Alliance met in Ocala; they drafted a platform known
River near New Port Richey. An Indian mound-believed to
as the "Ocala Demands." It called for the abolition of national
be made by Calusa Indians-is located near the mouth of
banks, the creation of a sub-treasury which could issue
the river. Some historians believe the Calusa made human
currency on nonperishable products stored in warehouses, the
sacrifices to their Sun God, Toya, on this mound. In 1889,
free and unlimited coinage of silver at the ratio of 16 to 1
St. Leo was established as an abbey of the Benedictine monks.
of gold, no tariffs on necessities, direct election of United
Judge Edmund F. Dunne, former Chief Justice of Arizona,
States senators, a graduated income tax, and keeping the cost
founded San Antonio. According to his family, Dunne got
of government down. The Farmers' Alliance was a forerunner
lost in an Arizona desert while prospecting for silver. He prayed
of the Populist Party.
to St. Anthony to be rescued, and he vowed to give the name
JANUARY 3, 1893
Henry L. Mitchell (1831-1903) was
San Antonio to the settlement he contemplated in Florida,
inaugurated as governor of Florida. Mitchell, a Democrat,
if he was found. He was saved and several years later, Dunne
was born in Alabama and in 1846 came with his father to
visited Clear Lake and founded a settlement on the lake's
Hillsborough County, Florida. Eight years later he studied
shore. True to his VOW, he named it San Antonio, and he
law in Tampa. After being admitted to the bar, he served as
renamed the lake Jovita in honor of another Spanish saint.
state attorney for the sixth district. He attained the rank of
In the 1970s, much of what were once farm lands had been
captain in the Confederate Army. In 1863 he served in the
sub-divided and sold as lots for houses. Much of the county's
state legislature. During his term as governor, frosts drove
population is located along the Gulf of Mexico.
many fruit growers south and almost wrecked the state's
economy. After his term as governor, Mitchell returned to
LAKE COUNTY
Tampa and was elected as clerk of the Circuit Court.
Named for the many lakes in the region. The county has over
JANUARY 5, 1897
William D. Bloxham became governor
500 lakes of 10 acres or more in size. Created: May 27, 1887.
of Florida for the second time. A hurricane and severe freezes
It was taken from Orange and Sumter counties. County Seat:
marked Bloxham's second term as governor. These natural
Tavares. Major Events: The Lee family of New York founded
disasters almost destroyed the citrus industry and the state's
Leesburg in 1856. In 1875, Alexander St. Clair Abrams
tax base.
founded Tavares and named it after Paco Y. Tavares, a Grandee
1898
Tampa, Miami, and Jacksonville became military
of Spain. Abrams thought the town would become "a great
embarkation camps because of the outbreak of the Spanish-
industrial and railroad center, the seat of a new county, and
American War. Many soldiers who came through Florida on
ultimately the capital of Florida." Fruitland Park was founded
their way to Cuba returned to settle in the state after the war.
in 1876 by Major O.P. Rooks. He named it for the Fruitland
By 1900, the population was 529,000.
Nurseries of Augusta, Georgia. He established a nursery which
1901
Jacksonville was destroyed by fire. The state legislature
specialized in rare fruits and flowers. In 1888, fire destroyed
enacted a primary election law which replaced the convention
Tavares, and the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church was built,
system of nominating candidates for public office.
with funds raised in England. Bone Mizell, top "cow hunter"
JANUARY 8, 1901
William S. Jennings (1863-1920) became
for Ziba King was found dead in the Fort Ogden railroad
the eighteenth governor of Florida. Jennings was a Democrat,
depot on July 14, 1921. On his death certificate, the cause
a lawyer, and a native of Illinois. In 1885, he moved to
of death was listed as "moonshine-went to sleep and did
Brooksville, Florida. His political career included county
not wake up.'
offices in Hernando County, Florida, and he was also speaker
in the state legislature. He worked for saving public lands
CITRUS COUNTY
and reclamation of the Everglades. After 1905 he practiced
Named for the state's main agricultural product. Created: June
law in Brooksville and Jacksonville.
2, 1887. County Seat: Inverness. Major Events: In 1539,
1902
St. Augustine recorded a slight earthquake.
Hernando de Soto passed through the area. The town bearing
1903
Alexander Winton reached a speed of sixty-eight miles
his name was settled in 1881. About that time a Scotsman
per hour, and R. E. Olds covered a mile in one minute and
settled on Lake Tsala Apapha, which is Indian for "lake where
six seconds in their automobiles at Daytona Beach. The United
trout are eaten," and founded Inverness. He named the town
States gave Florida its lands in the Everglades. This was the
after his home town in Scotland. David Levy Yulee, Florida's
largest single grant of land ever made by the United States
first United States senator, established a large sugar plantation
government.
in Crystal River. During the Civil War, Yulee's plantation was
1905
The legislature enacted Florida's first automobile
destroyed by Union troops. The Yulee Sugar Mill State
registration statute. Two hundred and ninety-six cars were
Historical Park is located here.
registered the first two years of its existence. The legislature
also created the Everglades Drainage District, which included
JANUARY 8, 1889
Francis P. Fleming (1841-1908) became
7,500 square miles, to reclaim marsh and swamp lands for
governor of Florida. Fleming was a Democrat. Fleming was
cultivation and cattle raising. The Buckman Act consolidated
born at Panama, Duval County, Florida, and he served in
Florida's institutions of higher education into the University
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF FLORIDA
of Florida at Gainesville, Florida State College for Women
in aviation.
at Tallahassee, and the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical
DECEMBER 18, 1911
Governor Albert W. Gilchrist gave
College for Negroes at Tallahassee. John Cocoris, a Greek
a $10,000 silver service to the newly commissioned U.S.
sponge dealer, brought a group of deep sea divers to Tarpon
battleship Florida. The money was donated by many
Springs and established a sponge industry there. Many Greek
Floridians, including children who collected change for the
immigrants followed, and they brought with them their culture
purchase. After the ship was decommissioned in 1931, the
and customs, including their Eastern Orthodox religion. The
silver service was returned to Florida and is now on display
Greeks became fishermen, restaurant owners, and businessmen.
in the governor's mansion in Tallahassee.
JANUARY 3, 1905
Napoleon B. Broward (1857-1910) took
the oath of office as governor. Broward was a Democrat.
PINELLAS COUNTY
Before becoming governor, he worked as a logger, farmer,
Name comes from the Spanish punta pinal which means
fisherman, steamboatman, and businessman who helped
"point of pines." Created: May 23, 1911. The county was
develop the phosphate industry. He had also served as sheriff
formed from a portion of Hillsborough County. County Seat:
of Duval County, city councilman, and member of the Florida
Clearwater. Major Events: Panfilo de Narvaez explored the
Legislature. His major objective was draining the Lake
area in 1528. The first white settler was Count Odet Philippe
Okeechobee area. Broward was also elected to the United States
who established a settlement near Safety Harbor. Philippe
Senate, but his untimely death prevented him from serving
had been a doctor in Napoleon's army, and he had been
in that capacity.
captured by the British, who later released him in Cuba. He
1907
The legislature enacted state child labor laws which
brought with him to Florida the state's first grapefruit trees.
forbade employment of minors in factories, mines, and beer
One of the original trees stands in a county park named in
gardens. It also became illegal to sell or give cigarettes to
his honor and has a limb span of more than 60 feet. In 1843,
minors.
Antonio Maximo established a fish "ranch" near present-
1909
A hurricane destroyed construction in progress on the
day Maximo Point. The first house in St. Petersburg was built
overwater railroad to Key West. The project was completed
in 1856, by James K. Hay who came to tend hogs and cows
three years later.
for Tampa stockmen. In 1876, John C. Williams of Detroit,
JANUARY 5, 1909
Albert W. Gilchrist (1858-1926) became
Michigan, founded present-day St. Petersburg. He offered
governor. A Democrat, he was born in South Carolina and
Piotr Alexeitch Dementieff, an exiled Russian nobleman, land
attended West Point Military Academy. He served in the
in exchange for rail services to his new town. The Russian's
Spanish-American War. In Punta Gorda, Gilchrist sold real
railroad was the Orange Belt Line, and it reached St. Petersburg
estate and was an orange grower. He also served in the United
(from Lake Monroe) in 1888. According to legend, Williams
States House of Representatives. As governor, he advocated
and Dementieff got into an argument about who would name
and supported legislation concerning the health and welfare
the town. They decided to toss a coin to settle the dispute.
of the citizens of Florida. He has been called Florida's
The nobleman won, and he named the town St. Petersburg
"middle-of-the-road governor" because he did not want to
in honor of his birthplace. Williams later built the first resort
alter the direction of the state's politics, and he avoided
hotel in the area, calling it the Detroit in honor of his
controversy.
birthplace. The Tampa and Gulf Coast Railroad reached the
city in 1914. In 1927, George M. Lynch, Superintendent of
PALM BEACH COUNTY
Public Instruction of Pinellas County, helped establish St.
Named for the coconut palm trees on the Atlantic Coast.
Petersburg Junior College.
Created: April 30, 1909. County Seat: West Palm Beach. Major
Events: Charlie Moor, a sailor from New York, settled on
JANUARY 22, 1912
Eight years in the making, the overseas
the shores of Lake Worth in 1864 after his ship wrecked in
railroad to Key West was opened.
the Florida Keys. Valorus Spencer was named postmaster of
JANUARY 7, 1913
Park Trammell (1876-1936) became
Palm Beach in 1878. Also in that year, the Providencia wrecked
governor of Florida as Democratic candidates continued a
on the ocean beach. It was carrying over 20,000 coconuts.
long string of successful bids for a term in the Governor's
These washed ashore and were planted by local residents, and
Mansion. Trammell was born in Alabama but moved into
the coconut palm trees which abound today are descendants
Polk County at an early age. During his life, he held many
of the Providencia's cargo. In 1893, Henry M. Flagler began
public offices, such as mayor of Lakeland, Florida, member
construction of the Royal Poinciana Hotel. It was completed
of the state legislature, president of the state senate, state
within nine months and was the largest hotel made of wood
attorney general, and United States Senator. He pushed for
in the world. Belle Glade was built in 1925, and was destroyed
repeal of the railroad land grant law and the convict lease
by a hurricane three years later, only to be rebuilt. Palm Beach
system. He wanted a graduated tax on corporate profits and
Junior College was established in 1933. It was the first public
inheritances, and he worked to tighten election laws and limit
two-year institution of higher education in the state. The
campaign spending. Trammell thought the state should give
county had the most harvested cropland (294,641 acres) in
more financial support to schools at all levels.
Florida in 1986.
BAY COUNTY
1910
Cigar workers in Tampa went on strike. It lasted nine
Named for St. Andrews Bay, on which it is situated. Created:
months and provoked much violence. A vigilante group killed
April 24, 1913. County Seat: Panama City. Major Events:
three of the striking workers. The population was 753,000.
During the Revolutionary War, settlers who were loyal to
1911
Lincoln Beachey made the first night flight. He
Britain established villages around present-day Panama City.
flew over Tampa, thus initiating Florida's long involvement
They started indigo plantations, lumber mills, and naval-stores
FLYING THE COLORS: FLORIDA FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
289
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF FLORIDA
industries. Large amounts of salted pompano, mackerel,
Lauderdale, the deepest penetration by United States forces
mullet, and redfish were shipped from these settlements before
into Indian territory at that time. Seminole Indians under
the Civil War. During the war, the Confederates established
the leadership of Arpeika, known also as Sam-Jones-be-
large salt works at Panama City. The works included 26 boilers
Damned, massacred United States Army troops near Fort
and 19 kettles-each having a 200 gallon capacity; the works
Lauderdale. A Seminole who had been friendly with the
covered "half a square mile. There were many such works in
Whites tried to warn them of the attack. He was unsuccessful.
the area. When Union troops destroyed them in 1862, they
For his trouble, the Seminoles tied him to a tree and his ears
reported that at night "the sky was lit up for miles to the
were cropped-upper right and lower left. he was also deprived
east and west, away inland for great distances, the glare being
of his Indian name and was thereafter referred to as "crop-
reflected light from fire of countless salt works along the
ear Charlie" He was forbidden to enter his tribal village and
shores."
prohibited from eating, hunting, sleeping, or marrying with
his people. Crop-ear Charlie lived to be over 100 years old.
SEMINOLE COUNTY
He died in a shack near present-day Dania. In 1858, Sam-
Named for the Indian tribe. The name has several derivations.
Jones-be-Damned celebrated his 108th birthday, still free, still
It could originate from the Creek ishti semoli, which means
claiming much of present-day Fort Lauderdale, In 1901, Frank
"wild men" or from the Creek seminoli, which means
Stranahan's trading post was replaced by a two-story pine
"separatists." The term was applied to those Creeks who
building built by E.T. King. Today, it is Broward County's
abandoned their- homelands in Alabama and Georgia and
oldest building. Joseph W. Young began work in 1921 on a
settled in Florida in the 18th and early 19th centuries. However,
new town he called Hollywood-by-the-Sea. It later became
some suggest the name may come from the Spanish
know as Hollywood. In 1960, Where the Boys Are portrayed
cimarrones, which means "wild one" Created: April 29, 1913.
Fort Lauderdale as a college student's vacation paradise. As
County Seat: Sanford. Major Events: In 1837, a trading post
a result, 60,000 college students crowded the beaches during
was established at Fort Mellon. In 1871, former United States
the spring break of 1961. In the following years, similar crowds
Minister to Belgium, Henry R. Sanford, bought 12,000 acres
spread the city's fame and spent millions of tourist dollars
at Mellonville, and hired 60 Blacks to clear the land and plant
in Fort Lauderdale.
citrus groves. Neighboring Whites attacked their camp at night,
killing one worker and wounding several others. The Blacks
OKALOOSA COUNTY
left. Sanford sent to Sweden for 100 workers, and he paid
Name derives from the Chocktaw oka meaning "water" and
their expenses in return for one year of labor. Each man who
lusa meaning "black" The name was given to the Blackwater
completed a year's work received a five-acre tract of land.
River which is located in the northwest corner of the county.
In 1881, many more Swedes arrived and prospered. However,
Created: June 13, 1915. The county was formed from parts
a freeze in 1895 destroyed that year's citrus crop and many
of Walton and Santa Rosa counties. County Seat: Crestview.
residents started to cultivate vegetables. Now, Sanford is known
Major Events: In 1861, Indian mounds were excavated at Fort
as the capital, of Florida's celery belt.
Walton. John L. McKinnon found "great skeletons of men
in perfect state of preservation, lying on their backs with their
1914
Captain Tony Janus ushered in a new kind of
hands crossed in front of their bodies and heads toward west
transportation in Florida by establishing two daily scheduled
and north. They crossed each other and were filled in with
flights between Tampa and St. Petersburg. His "flying boat"
a four-inch layer of preserving matter, a mixture of lime and
made two round trips a day for 187 days. His first passenger
some other mineral substance" Confederate soldiers removed
was A. C. Phiel, who paid $400 to be the first passenger on
some of the skeletons, wired them together, and displayed
a regularly scheduled commercial airline. In that same year,
them in a wooden building at the fort. Later, federal gunboats
the first United States Naval Air Station was established at
shelled the fort, and the wooden building suffered a direct
Pensacola.
hit. The collection of Indian skeletons was destroyed. Now,
1915
Commander Henry C. Muslin made the first catapult
modern archaeologists study the mounds, and they have
launching from a ship in Pensacola Bay. Two years later,
yielded valuable information about pre-Columbian history
learning this launch technique was a regular part of aviation
and the Indians who once lived in the area. In the 1930s,
training. Because of rapid development and increasing tourism
the Shalimar Bonded Winery developed an experimental
and automobile traffic, the first legal steps were taken to
vineyard and made a tangy wine from the juice of the
establish a state road department to construct and maintain
Satsuma orange. Eglin Air Force Base covers the southern
roads. This job had previously been left to local agencies.
half of the county.
BROWARD COUNTY
1916
Royal Palm State Park was established on Paradise
Named for Napoleon B. Broward who was governor of Florida
Key. This was a first step in gaining Florida's first national
from 1905 to 1909 and who was instrumental in the draining
park.
of the Everglades. Before becoming governor, he commanded
JANUARY 2, 1917
Sidney J. Catts (1863-1936) became
a steam tug, The Three Friends, which supplied war materials
governor. Catts was elected as a candidate of the Prohibition
to Cuban revolutionaries. Created: April 30, 1915. County
Party. Catts was born in Alabama, and he attended Cumber-
Seat: Fort Lauderdale. Major Events: In 1810, Spanish
land University in Tennessee. He was a lawyer and an ordained
nobleman Juan Arrambide acquired a land grant extending
Baptist preacher. He moved to DeFuniak Springs, Florida,
from New River to Biscayne Bay. He introduced Black slavery
in 1911, and was pastor of the First Baptist Church. He later
to the area, using Cuban workers and slaves to cut timber.
became an insurance salesman, traveling over much of the
In 1838, Major William Lauderdale established Fort
state, speaking against Catholics and conservation as he went.
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He favored prohibition, economy in government, larger
1918
World War I stimulated Florida's economy.
pensions for Confederate veterans, protection for depositors
Shipbuilding in Jacksonville and Tampa increased, lumber
in banks, and continued Everglades drainage. Catts
and wood products were in great demand. The wartime scarcity
campaigned in a "Model T,' going down many dirt roads
and high price of sugar revived interest in large-scale sugar
and trails to talk with people living in rural areas. The other
production in Florida. Late in the year influenza hit Florida.
Endidates and important state newspapers took little notice
Four hundred and sixty-four people died within the first four
of his campaign. However, the Miami Herald reported that
weeks. It was estimated that as many as 30,000 people
Catts was promising to "open convents for inspection, make
contracted the disease. World War I came to an end.
them pay taxes, and make priests turn their collars right."
1919
The legislature abolished the leasing of convict labor.
A year later, the population was almost one million, and the
FLAGLER COUNTY
state boasted 54,000 farms valued at three hundred and thirty
Named for Henry M. Flagler who was instrumental in
million dollars. The state shipped nearly six million boxes
Florida's development. After spending the first part of his
of oranges and three million of grapefruit. Meat products
Fife helping John D. Rockefeller create and manage the
accounted for an income of eight million dollars. Vegetable
Standard Oil Company, Flagler invested much of his
crops produced the largest income, but oranges brought in
fortune-over $40 million-developing the east coast of
more money than any other single agricultural product.
Florida. He built a railroad from Daytona to Miami in 1896,
1920
The so-called Florida land boom began. Because of
which was later extended to Key West. He also built numerous
increased road development and increased automobile sales,
huxury hotels along his railroad including the Ponce de Leon
tourists from the North poured into Florida. Some liked the
Hotel in St. Augustine and the Royal Poinciana Hotel in Palm
state so well that they stayed. Real estate promoters began
Beach. He anonymously funded the construction of schools,
to advertise and sell lots to people hoping to get rich quick.
churches, and hospitals in the state. Created: April 28, 1917.
The promoters pitched Florida as a place where one could
County Seat: Bunnell. Major Events: Franciscan friars built
"whack the bucks into a pile." The rapid buying and selling
Tissimi Mission in 1696. It was one of 44 erected by them
of land caused inflated prices.
in Florida. The British destroyed the mission in 1706, but
JANUARY 4, 1921
Cary A. Hardee (1876-1958) became
it was later rebuilt and used as a sugar mill. In 1912, a group
governor of Florida. Hardee, a Democrat, was born in Taylor
of Polish families from Chicago settled in Korona. In 1938,
County, Florida, and was a school teacher and lawyer. As
Marineland was established as a center for the scientific study
governor, Hardee worked for legislative reapportionment and
of marine biology and as an entertainment center. Huge tanks
opposed state income and inheritance taxes. Before he became
called oceanariums have been built on the ocean shore where
governor, he was the state's attorney for the third judicial
marine specimens can be studied under simulated natural
district and speaker of the house of representatives. After his
conditions of the ocean. The oceanariums are supplied with
term as governor had ended, he returned to Live Oak, Florida,
salt-water and are home to 3,000 specimens of nearly 150
and was an active banker.
species. Marineland is in both Flagler and St. Johns counties.
CHARLOTTE COUNTY
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY
Named for Charlotte Bay. The name may derive from a
Name is derived from the Hitichiti words oki, meaning
Spanish corruption of Calos, which is derived from Calusa.
"water" and chobi, meaning "big." Lake Okeechobee is the
The British mapmakers who followed the Spanish, corrupted
southern border of the county. Created: May 8, 1917. County
the Spanish corruption and anglicized it, naming the bay in
Seat: Okeechobee. Major Events: On December 25, 1837,
honor of their queen, Charlotte Sophia, wife of King George
General Zachary Taylor, with over 1,000 United States troops,
III. Created: April 23, 1921. County Seat: Punta Gorda. Major
defeated Billy Bowlegs and 400 Seminole Indians in the Battle
Events: Ponce de Leon discovered Charlotte Harbor in 1513,
of Okeechobee. Years later, Billy Bowlegs visited Washington,
and in 1521 returned with two shiploads of settlers. The colony
D.C., and was taken on a tour of the White House. When
lasted five months. In 1566, Pedro Menendez de Aviles dined
he saw a portrait of President Taylor, he smiled and told the
with the chief of the Calusa. Menendez and his men expected
group standing near him, "Me Whip!" In 1917, William J.
a trap, so they were surprised when the women of the village
"Fingy" Conners bought 12,000 acres near Okeechobee. To
entered the hall singing for their distinguished guests. The
provide access to his land, he built a toll road from West
Spanish soldiers responded by singing some of their songs.
Palm Beach to Okeechobee. It was completed in 1924 and
The chief was so impressed with Menendez that he gave his
Conners made a handsome profit collecting tolls and selling
sister to the Spaniard as a wife and, as a result, a temporary
land.
alliance was formed between the Spanish and the Calusa. In
1880, Isaac Trabuc founded Punta Gorda. Early settlers had
1917
The legislature prohibited the manufacture, sale, or
no post office or general store-all mail and supplies were
use of alcoholic beverages in the state.
brought to them from Cedar Keys on Captain Tom Hodgeson's
APRIL 6, 1917
The United States declared war on Germany.
boat, the Mallory. On his return, he carried oranges, furs,
Two days later the Florida Naval Militia was ordered to duty
and alligator hides.
at Charleston, South Carolina. More than 42,000 men from
Florida entered the armed forces during the war. One thousand
GLADES COUNTY
and forty-six died; 18 received the Distinguished Service Cross.
Named for the Everglades. Created: April 23, 1921. County
Five of the nation's flying schools were located in Florida-
Seat: Moore Haven. Major Events: In 1917, Mrs. J. J. O'Brian
the Naval Air Station at Pensacola, Curtiss and Chapman
was elected as mayor of Moore Haven, the first woman to
fields at Miami, and Carlstrom and Don fields at Arcadia.
serve as a mayor in the United States. The town was almost
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF FLORIDA
destroyed by a flood in 1926.
island in the bay. In 1881, Hamilton Disston bought
of the land around Sarasota. In 1884, John Gillespie
HIGHLANDS COUNTY
60,000 acres, including the site of Sarasota, and sett
Named for the hilliness of the area. Created: April 23, 1921.
Scottish families on his land. The De Soto Hotel
County Seat: Sebring. Major Events: In 1886, O.M. Crosby
and a post office was established. In 1886, J. H
of Danbury, Connecticut, chose Avon Park as a settlement
Gillespie built one of Florida's first golf courses. The Se
site because of its "pine forests studded with clear water lakes,
Air Line Railway reached the city in 1902. In 1909, electr
an abundance of fish and game, freedom from malaria,
replaced kerosene street lights, and Main Street was
mosquitoes, and Negroes." Crosby named the town for
In 1937, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of
Stratford-on-Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare. He
willed to Florida. At that time, the estimated value
established a newspaper, the Florida Home Seeker, and
museum and its surrounding grounds exceeded $14,00
advertised land for $25 an acre but warned settlers in an
editorial, "Do not come expecting an easy berth or that
UNION COUNTY
oranges grow without work. Mischief makers are not welcome;
Name may derive from the fact that factions in B
and above all, do not come to Avon Park if you must have
County were "united" in wanting to split the count
strong drink or questionable entertainment. Do not come to
creating a new county. Some think the county was
sober up, or reform!" In 1912, the Atlantic Coast Line
for the Union of the United States. Created: May 20,1
Railroad began serving Avon Park. In 1912, George Sebring,
County Seat: Lake Butler. Major Events: Lake Butl
a pottery manufacturer from Sebring, Ohio, began
named after Colonel Robert Butler, who, on behalf
construction of a city based on the mythical Greek city of
United States, accepted East Florida from Spain who
Heliopolis. A central park represented the sun and streets
ceded on July 10, 1821. In the 1930s, turpentine cam
radiated from it. He named the town for himself. In 1934,
numerous in the area. Raiford State Prison is located
Mrs. John A. Roebling deeded to the state property that
northeast corner of the county.
became the Highlands Hammock State Park.
1921 Station WQAM in Miami became the fin
HARDEE COUNTY
station in Florida.
Named for Cary Augustus Hardee who was governor of
Florida when the county was created. Created: April 23, 1921.
COLLIER COUNTY
County Seat: Wauchula. Major Events: During the Seminole
Named for Barron G. Collier who was instruments
Wars, Fort Hartsuff was built to protect settlers from the
development of the southern part of Florida. Collic
Indians. Wauchula originated from this military post. In the
a fortune in New York by acquiring the rights to
1880s, farmers from Bowling Green, Kentucky, moved into
in streetcars, subways, and elevated trains with
Utica and changed its name to honor their home town.
He invested much of this fortune in Florida real estate
May 8, 1923. County Seat: East Naples. Major Events:
DIXIE COUNTY
N. Haldeman, owner and publisher of the Louisville
Named for the poetic name for the South. Created: April
Journal, founded Naples in 1890. In 1917, Dr. Henry
25, 1921. County Seat: Cross City. Major Events: Legend has
began botanical experiments in Naples and wrote sever
it that pirates buried treasure along the Steinhatchee River
books on the horticulture of the state. W. B. Uihlein,
in the eighteenth century. In 1818, Andrew Jackson attacked
of Schlitz Brewing Company, provided Naples with
Old Town and took as prisoner a British officer named Robert
an adequate water system, and he helped to comp
Ambrister. The officer knew Hadjo, a Creek Indian, and had
project in 1949. The State Farmer's Market began
counseled him to make war on the United States. Ambrister
in Immokalee in 1951. In 1954, 11 oil wells were
was court-martialled, found guilty of inciting the Indians to
in the Sunniland Field in northern Collier County
make war, and shot. This incident caused great tension between
the U.S. and Great Britain, and President John Quincy Adams
HENDRY COUNTY
found explaining and justifying Jackson's activity very
Named for Captain Francis A. Hendry who was
difficult.
of the Confederate Army. He served for many years
representative and state senator from Monroe County
SARASOTA COUNTY
was known as the "Cattle King of South Florida
Name may come from several legends. Spaniards may have
he bought purebreds and imported grasses in an
referred to "The Point of Rocks" as a place for dancing."
improve herds and pastures. His herd contained
However, in modern Spanish, no words give this meaning to
50,000 head. Created: May 11, 1923. County Seat:
the name. Another legend tells how the beautiful daughter
Major Events: Clewiston was founded in 1921 as a
of Hernando de Soto-Sara Zota-nursed an Indian prince
camp for laborers working on the Moore Haven
back to health, only to die herself. The heartbroken prince
Railroad. Francis Hendry plotted the town he named
buried her in the waters of the bay, then committed suicide.
in honor of his daughters Laura and Belle. Big
Maps drawn in the eighteenth century show the name as
Seminole Indian Reservation is in the southern part
Sarasote, Sarazota, and Sara Zota Created: May 14, 1921.
county.
County Seat: Sarasota. Major Events: In 1856, William
Whitaker built a cabin near present-day Sarasota and planted
it 1924 in lots. The first block of three hundred lots
D. P. "Doc" Davis bought land in Tampa
an orange grove. His half-brother H. V. Snell introduced the
first guavas into Florida, setting out several acres on an
than three hours for a total of 1.5 million dollars
FLYING THE COLORS: FLORIDA FACTS ©JOHN CLEI
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF FLORIDA
the lots were under water. Gandy Bridge was completed across
county's southern border. Created: June 6, 1925. County Seat:
Old Tampa Bay. Real estate promoters mailed tons of
Port St. Joe. Major Events: In 1838, St. Joseph had an
advertisements to people all over the United States, and they
estimated population of 6,000-the largest town in Florida
bussed people to areas that were being developed to show
at that time. The first constitutional convention was held to
these prospective buyers "choice lots.' They hired famous
"adopt a bill of rights and a constitution and all needful
people-among them William Jennings Bryan-to attract
measures preparatory to admission of Florida into the national
crowds. Bryan was a well-known politician who had run for
confederacy." The convention drew up Florida's first
the United States presidency several times. He was known
constitution. In the 1840s, St. Joseph prospered. The town
as the "silver tongued orator." Jennings was paid $100,000
had the reputation of being the richest and wickedest place
a year to pitch Florida real estate. The Florida land boom
in the southeast. However, yellow fever struck the town and
was at its height. Steamship services between Miami and New
three-fourths of the population died. The town was
York began. The bank robbers known as the Ashley Gang
abandoned. In 1844, a hurricane tidal wave destroyed the
were caught.
deserted town, sweeping many of its empty buildings out to
1925
The Miami Herald had the largest advertising linage of
sea. Today, a state museum marks the site where Florida's
any newspaper in the United States. As a result of the draining
first constitution was written. In 1938, the Port St. Joe paper
of the Everglades and the extension of the railroad network,
mill was established. The citizens of Gulf County changed
the population grew and land speculation increased. Hotel
the county seat from Wewahitchka to Port St. Joe in a 1964
construction permits rose from eight million dollars in 1922
referendum.
to 35 million dollars in 1925. Bank deposits doubled in one
year.
GILCHRIST COUNTY
JANUARY 6, 1925
John W. Martin (1884-1958), a
Named for Albert W. Gilchrist who was the twentieth governor
Democrat, became governor of Florida. He was born in
of Florida. He was a land developer, civil engineer, and an
Marion County, Florida, and was mayor of Jacksonville for
orange grower. A bachelor, he left his entire estate of over
three terms. His administration worked hard to build roads,
$500,000 to charity. Created: December 4, 1925. County Seat:
fish hatcheries, and schools. He advocated free textbooks for
Trenton. Major Events: Fort Fannin was built in 1838. In the
pupils in the first six grades. After his term as governor, he
latter part of the nineteenth century, Fannin Springs was an
returned to his legal practice. In the 1940's he was co-receiver
important shipping point between Cedar Keys and Branford.
and later trustee of the Florida East Coast Railroad.
However, steamboats were made virtually obsolete in 1900
JANUARY 15, 1925
Hialeah Park racetrack was opened.
with the advent of the railroads.
MARTIN COUNTY
DECEMBER 7, 1925
The Investment Bankers' Association
Named for John W. Martin who was governor of Florida
of America convened in St. Petersburg. During their stay, the
at the time the county was created. Martin served three terms
weather was cold and rainy. Many of them assumed that "the
as mayor of Jacksonville. The proponents of the county
sunshine of the Sunshine City was just a myth." Business
believed the governor would not veto legislation creating the
communities all over the country expressed concern over
county if they named it for him. Their plan apparently worked.
complaints of unfairness and illegality in Florida's real estate
Created: May 30, 1925. It was taken from parts of Palm Beach
market. Miami organized a Better Business Bureau to
and St. Lucie counties. County Seat: Stuart. Major Events:
investigate these complaints. Florida's greatest land boom was
Hobe Sound appeared on maps under its present name as
virtually over by the end of the year.
early as 1699. The name is probably a derivation of Jobe.
SEPTEMBER 19, 1926
One of the most violent hurricanes
In the 1930s, Stuart was a center for shark fishing.
in state history struck the east coast. Many of the new settlers
knew little about the storms, and recently constructed houses
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY
had not been built to withstand high winds. To Marjory
Named for the Indian River, which flows through the county.
Stoneman the storm's effect on Miami looked like "the
Created: May 30, 1925. County Seat: Vero Beach. Major
explosive force of a vast bomb. All night long the screaming
Events: In the seventeenth century, Guale Indians settled near
of incredible winds of more than 125 miles an hour deafened
present-day Wabasso. They came from Ossabaw Island,
the noises of falling trees, collapsing walls, breaking glass,
Georgia. (Wabasso is Ossabaw spelled backwards.) In 1916,
torn away roofs, as the driven tide burst over the bay front
Dr. E. H. Sellards exhumed a skeleton near Van Valkenburg's
and the lower grounds, driving ships aground, boats into
Creek which became known as the "Vero Beach Man." Many
houses, and leaving debris everywhere.'. The storm killed 392
scientists believed these remains were prehistoric. Subsequent
people, the greatest loss of life occurring at Moore Haven,
analysis showed the bones to be those of an Algonquian
where 300 people were killed.
Indian. Continued excavations in the area brought to light
1927
The legislature established the State Board of Public
remains of many extinct mammals, including those of a
Welfare. The sugar industry established its first large scale
mastodon. In 1931, Arthur G. McKee, an industrialist from
development at Clewiston.
Ohio, opened the McKee Jungle Gardens which included over
1928
The United States Coast Guard sent 31 vessels to Fort
2,500 varieties of tropical and subtropical plants from all parts
Lauderdale and maintained a virtual blockade of the coast
of the world. The Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge
in an attempt to stop "rum runners" who smuggled illegal
covers the northeast corner of the county.
whiskey into the country. The Tamiami Trail was opened to
the public after years of construction. It crossed the Big
GULF COUNTY
Cypress Swamp and the Everglades between Naples and
Named for the Gulf of Mexico which forms part of the
Miami. The job took 13 years to complete.
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF FLORIDA
SEPTEMBER 16, 1928
A hurricane struck Palm Beach and
of flood levees on Lake Okeechobee.
moved inland with gusts up to 130 miles per hour. Two
1931
In an-effort to get-a new source of state revenue, the
thousand people were killed.
legislature passed-over the governor's veto-a bill legalizing
NOVEMBER 1928
Ruth Bryan Owen, daughter of William
parimutuel betting at horse and dog tracks. The bill created
Jennings Bryan, was elected as Florida's first woman United
the State Racing Commission and a tax on racing revenues.
States Representative. In the presidential race, Floridians gave
The tax added to the state treasury $737,000 the first year.
Herbert Hoover 144,168 votes to Alfred E. Smith's 191,764.
The legalization of parimutuel betting increased tourism, state
It was the first Republican presidential victory in the state
revenues, and introduced a new industry into Florida. That
since 1876 when Republican Rutherford B. Hayes was selected
same year, 14 banks failed, and the United States created the
over Samuel J. Tilden.
Osceola National Forest as an experiment station. Florida
1929
John Ringling selected Sarasota as a winter home for
was forty-first in the nation in per capita expenditures for
his circus.
schools. International Paper Company opened a pulpwood
JANUARY 8, 1929
Doyle E. Carlton (1887-1972) was
mill in Panama City. It made millions of acres of pine trees
inaugurated as the governor of Florida. Carlton was a
more valuable-and employed many people. Other mills soon
Democrat. Born in Wauchula, Florida, he began practicing
followed at Port St. Joe, Jacksonville, Fernandina, Pensacola,
law in Tampa in 1912. He earned degrees at Stetson University,
and Palatka.
University of Chicago, and Columbia University and served
AUGUST, 1931
Alfred I. DuPont founded the Florida
in the state legislature before becoming governor. He
National Bank in Miami.
campaigned for a conservative approach to taxation and
1932
As the "Great Depression" deepened, 12 Florida banks
spending, demanding debt and tax relief. He wanted to cut
failed. Colonel Raymond Robbins donated Chinsegut Park
the state's budget by $400,000, improve the state's agricultural
to the United States Department of Agriculture as a wildlife
production by an increase in experimental and extension work,
refuge.
protect farmers from unfair competition, and improve market
JULY 21, 1932
The United States Congress passed the
conditions for farm produce. After his term as governor, he
Emergency Relief and Construction Act, which authorized
returned to practice law. He represented the state in the 1947
the Reconstruction Finance Corporation to lend $300 million
settlement which brought state ownership of the Ringling
to the states to take care of welfare needs beyond the states
Museums at Sarasota, Florida, and he was a member of the
own resources. By the end of the year, Florida had received
United States Civil Rights Commission. He was twice the
about $2 million in aid. Many Floridians blamed President
president of the Florida State Chamber of Commerce.
Herbert Hoover for the depression.
FEBRUARY 1, 1929
The Bok Singing Tower at Mountain
1933
Twenty-five Florida banks failed. Per capita income
Lake Sanctuary was dedicated by President Calvin Coolidge.
in Florida dropped from $510 in 1929 to $289. Twenty-six
Edward Bok built the tower "to preach the gospel of beauty."
percent of the state's population were receiving public
Located at Lake Wales, the tower contains more than 70 bells,
assistance. Tampa Junior College became a four-year degree-
the smallest weighing eight pounds-the largest weighing 11
granting institution. The Palm Beach Junior College was
tons. Seventy thousand spectators attended dedication services.
founded.
APRIL 1929
Making economic matters even worse was the
JANUARY 3, 1933
David Sholtz (1891-1953) became
discovery of the Mediterranean fruit fly in a citrus grove near
governor of Florida. Scholtz was a Democrat. He was born
Orlando, Florida. It soon became apparent that the fly was
in New York but later moved to Daytona Beach, Florida.
in many areas. It was estimated that the infestation covered
Sholtz attended Yale and studied law at Stetson University.
72 percent of all the trees in the state. In an attempt to stop
Before becoming governor, he served in the United States Navy
the destructive pest, state and federal embargoes prohibited
and was a state congressman. He was also active in the
shipments of fruit from the affected areas. Infested trees and
Chamber of Commerce. Sholtz wanted a nine-month school
fruit were collected and burned. The state spent $281,000,
term with full pay for teachers-many of whom were not
and the federal government spent $6.5 million in their efforts
being paid. He also sought free textbooks, larger expenditures
to rid the state of the fly. Even though the quarantine was
for public welfare, and workmen's compensation. He
lifted a year later, production of citrus fell from 28 million
campaigned in every county in Florida, promising jobs for
boxes in 1929 to 17 million boxes in 1930. Twenty thousand
the unemployed.
men had temporary jobs destroying the trees that were infested.
FEBRUARY 15, 1933
At a political rally in Miami, Giuseppe
The citrus industry had suffered a severe economic blow,
Zangara attempted to assassinate President-elect Franklin D.
accounting for some of Florida's bank failures early in the
Roosevelt. He missed Roosevelt but fatally wounded Chicago's
national depression.
mayor, Anton Cermak.
JULY 17, 1929
The Citizens Bank and Trust Company,
AUGUST, 1933
The Olustee National Forest was selected
which had paid out to depositors $1,200,000 on the day before,
as the site for the first Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)
did not open for business. By the end of the year, 43 state
camp. It employed 300 people in a project of reforestation.
and 10 national banks failed. The legislature enacted laws
Twenty-six CCC camps opened in Florida during the next
which provided for the acquisition of land to be given back
five years, and 40,000 men from 18 to 25 years of age were
to the United States for the establishment of the Everglades
employed in these camps. They planted over 13 million trees
National Park.
and cut 14,000 miles of firebreaks.
1930
Eastern Air Transport, Inc., began service between
JULY, 1934
The governor declared Key West to be in a
New York and Miami, with a stop in Jacksonville. Thirty-
state of emergency so that it could be turned over to the Federal
four banks failed. The population of Florida approached 1.5
Emergency Relief Program (FERP). The FERP tried to help
million. Congress appropriated the funds for the construction
the city by making it a resort. Citizens spent two million man
294
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF FLORIDA
hours decorating the walls of public buildings and cafes with
weather, pilot training bases and schools began appearing in
murals and revitalizing the city so that it would rival other
great numbers. Tourist hotels and restaurants at Miami Beach,
resort cities of the tropics. Local residents learned how to
Daytona Beach, St. Petersburg and other resort centers were
make handicrafts and novelties from local products to sell
pressed into service to fulfill wartime needs. Tens of thousands
to tourists. Key West was well-advertised, and that winter an
of men and women of the armed services were billeted in
estimated 40,000 tourists visited the city. Jacksonville Junior
them during the war years. Because of the war, many people
College was established.
who otherwise might not have seen it, saw Florida and, after
JANUARY 16, 1935
Federal agents killed Fred and "Ma"
the war, settled in the state. By the end of the decade, Florida's
Barker of the infamous Karpis-Barker gang near the town
population had increased by 46 percent. In contrast, the rest
of Ocklamaha.
of the country increased 15 percent. During the war, shipyards
MARCH 7, 1935
Sir Malcom Campbell set the world
in Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, and Panama City received
automobile speed record of 276 miles per hour at Daytona
over $1.5 billion in federal contracts. Even with Florida's
Beach.
increased population, a labor shortage existed. The Federal-
SEPTEMBER 2, 1935
Hitting the mid-section of the
State Extension Service recruited women, youths, foreigners,
Florida Keys, a hurricane killed 400 people. Two hundred of
prisoners of war, and men in the armed services to help harvest
the victims were World War I veterans who were employed
crops. The defense of Florida's coastline during the war was
by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The hurricane also
of major importance.
destroyed much of the overseas railroad that linked Key West
JANUARY 7, 1941
Spessard Holland (1892-1971) was
to the mainland. The railroad was never rebuilt.
inaugurated as governor of Florida. Holland was a Democrat,
1937
Upon his death, John Ringling willed the John and
born in Bartow, Florida, and a graduate of the University
Mable Ringling Museum to the state. He also included in
of Florida Law School. Before becoming governor, he served
this gift the surrounding 68 acre estate, his lavish-residence,
as county judge and prosecuting attorney in Polk County,
and his entire fortune. The complex in Sarasota, Florida, is
Florida, and state treasurer. He recommended a tax on gasoline
visited by half a million people each year.
to finance payment of debts and construct roads. The teacher
JANUARY 5, 1937
Frederick P. Cone (1871-1948) became
retirement system went into effect.
governor of Florida. Cone, born in Benton, was a Democrat.
1942
The Civil Air Patrol was organized to help patrol
and had been a state legislator before becoming governor.
Florida's coast. Composed of privately owned small craft,
Cone advocated fiscal conservatism and reduced state spend-
the Coastal Picket Patrol helped guard the coast. Blimps also
ing. He recommended no increase for schools. He advised
watched for submarines.
that delinquent taxes on real estate be collected and that lands
FEBRUARY 19, 1942
German submarines sank the Pan
reverting to the state be homesteaded. However, the legislature
Massachusetts 40 miles south of Cape Canaveral. Strengthened
did not follow his lead: they responded by increasing aid to
allied defenses in the North Atlantic forced German
schools and a general appropriations bill that was $800,000
submarines to move into southern waters. Between Florida
more than that of 1935. They also abolished the poll tax and
and the Bahamas 24 ships were sunk. Mexican tankers-one
enacted large-scale social security and welfare programs.
just off Miami, the other off the Florida Keys-were sunk
1938
At Summer Haven, marine studios were opened for
in May.
the study of underwater life. The overseas highway to Key
JUNE 18, 1942
Four German saboteurs landed at Pone
West was opened to the public. A year later, the legislature
Vedra dressed in civilian clothing and carrying forged social
established the highway patrol. It was financed from the sale
security cards. They used a rubber raft launched from a
of drivers' licenses. As the decade came to a close, Florida
German submarine just off the coast. They carried with them
seemed to be recovering from the Great Depression.
$164,000 in cash, and incendiary pens and pencils. They were
SEPTEMBER 1, 1939
Britain and France declared war on
captured, tried, found guilty of sabotage, and executed in
Germany, and World War II began.
August.
1940
A state constitutional amendment authorized the
JUNE 29, 1942
German submarines sank a British tanker
legislature to create a parole commission for the supervised
40 miles from Apalachicola. In August they sank two ships
release of worthy prisoners, and the ad valorem tax for state
between Key West and Cuba.
purposes was abolished. Florida's population was 1,817,414,
1943
The legislature levied a tax on cigarettes to replace
ranking it twenty-seventh among the states. A Naval air base
lost revenue from horse and dog racing due to a decline of
was opened at Trumbo Island. The Key West Yacht Club was
tourism caused by the war. They also created a Joint Economy
organized. More tourists visited Key West than during any
and Efficiency Committee to study administrative
previous year in the city's history. Florida's National Guard
reorganization.
was inducted into the national armed forces. 3,941 people
SEPTEMBER 26, 1943
In the Sunniland Field in northern
went on duty. Between then and 1945, 249,358 Floridians
Collier County, Florida's first oil well was brought in.
entered the armed services.
1944
Claude Pepper won renomination to the United States
1941
After the United States declared war on Germany,
Senate over four opponents in the first primary and ran
Japan, and Italy, FBI agents rounded up aliens in Florida.
unopposed in the general election.
In Miami, these detainees were temporarily housed under the
JANUARY 2, 1945
Millard F. Caldwell (b. 1897), became
Orange Bowl Stadium. The tourist business. was temporarily
governor of Florida. Caldwell was a Democrat. He was born
interrupted by the war, but Florida's economic growth was
in Tennessee and came to Florida in 1924. Caldwell studied
stimulated because armed forces training camps for tens of
law at the University of Virginia, and was a veteran of World
thousands of men and women were established. Because of
War I. He represented Santa Rosa County, Florida, in the
the state's abundance of flat, unoccupied land and its excellent
state legislature before becoming governor. His major concerns
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF FLORIDA
JANUARY 4, 1955
LeRoy Collins (b. 1909) took the oath
In a statewide radio and television address Governor Collins
of office as governor of Florida. Collins was a Democrat.
said, "We are going to have law and order in this state
He was born in Tallahassee, and he served in the state's house
We are foolish if we just think about resolving this thing
and senate. Collins was the first Florida governor to succeed
[segregation] on a legal basis
I don't mind saying that
himself. He was elected to complete the term of the late Dan
I think that if a man has a department store and he invites
McCarty. He worked to modernize the school system, create
the public generally to come into his department store and
the State Development Commission, and promote the junior
trade, I think then it is unfair and morally wrong for him
college program and nuclear research. The legislature
to single out one department though and say he does not
authorized a state-long turnpike but deadlocked for months
want or will not allow Negroes to patronize that one
in a special session over reapportionment of the senate. They
department. Now he has a legal right to do that, but I still
also enacted laws authorizing the assignment of pupils to
don't think he can square that right with moral, simple justice."
schools based on health, safety, education, and order, but
The population of Florida was 4,951,560. The state's
not on race. Later that same year, the state Supreme Court
population ranked tenth among the states.
ruled that Virgil Hawkins, a Black, could not be denied
SEPTEMBER, 1960
The Dade County School Board
admission to the University of Florida School of Law.
assigned two Blacks to all-white schools.
1956
The Mediterranean fruit fly was discovered in Florida
1961
President John F. Kennedy announced that the United
and the first aerial spraying took place. More than half a
States would attempt to fly men to the moon and back. The
million acres were sprayed in less than a year in an attempt
National Aeronautics and Space Administration selected Cape
to eradicate the pest.
Canaveral for its launch site and bought 87,763 acres. Florida
MARCH 12, 1956
Florida's United States Senators,
granted the agency use of 53,553 acres more. More than 50,000
Smathers and Holland, along with six of the eight United
Cubans fled the rule of Fidel Castro after he failed to put
States Congressmen from the state, were among other Senators
into place democratic processes that he had promised during
and Representatives from the South issuing the so-called
the struggle to overthrow Batista. A National Airlines plane
Southern Manifesto. It pledged that they would use every legal
flying to Key West was hijacked by a Castro sympathizer and
means to reverse the United States Supreme Court's
diverted to Cuba. This so-called "skyjacking" set off a
desegregation decision. Dante' Fascell and William Cramer
nationwide wave of similar incidents.
were the only two United States Congressmen from Florida
JANUARY 3, 1961
Farris Bryant (b.1914) became governor
who did not sign.
of Florida. Bryant was a Democrat, born in Marion County,
MARCH 21, 1956
Governor Collins and a group of high-
Florida. He attended Emory University, University of Florida,
ranking state officials recommended that a group of lawyers
and Harvard Law School. He served in World War II as a
try to find legal ways to retain segregation. This group was
gunnery officer in the Navy. Bryant also served as a state
headed by L. L. Fabininski, and it recommended that the
legislator from Marion County, Florida, and was speaker of
legislature give county school boards the authority to assign
that body in 1953. His administration stressed education. He
students to schools, authorize the governor to manage the
urged passage of a Constitutional amendment allowing the
use of public parks and buildings, and use law enforcement
sale of bonds to fund college and university building programs.
officers of the state and the state militia to maintain order.
His administration began construction of the Cross-Florida
1957
The legislature authorized educational television on
Canal. He pushed for highway construction and the purchase
a statewide basis. They also expanded the community college
of land for recreation and conservation purposes. After his
network and appropriated funds for the University of South
term as governor ended, Bryant practiced law in Jacksonville.
Florida. The legislature passed an interposition resolution
He became chairman of several insurance companies and in
which charged that Brown V. Topeka Board of Education was
1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed him director
"new legislation" enacted by the United States Supreme Court,
of the Office of Emergency Planning.
and that the governor should interpose the authority of the
MAY 5, 1961
Alan Shepard became the first American to
state between the citizens of Florida and the national
be launched into space. He was launched from Cape
government on the question of desegregation. This resolution
Canaveral.
was passed over the governor's opposition.
1962
The Mediterranean fruit fly was discovered in Dade
1958
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration
County, Florida. Aerial spraying began and continued for
(NASA) began operations at Cape Canaveral, Florida. It was
one year. The first Black students were admitted to the
largely a civilian agency involved in space operations relating
University of Florida and Florida State University. NASA's
to launching communications, scientific, and meterological
selection of Cape Canaveral stimulated the growth of that
satellites. Explorer I, the free world's first satellite, was
area, and Florida became the focal point for the build-up
launched from Cape Canaveral.
of armed forces during the so-called "Cuban Missile Crisis."
1959
Several national news magazines observed Florida's
FEBRUARY 20, 1962
Astronaut John H. Glenn became
stable government, tax structure, and its governor in feature
the first American to orbit the earth. He blasted off from
articles.
Cape Canaveral and circled the earth three times in the
FEBRUARY, 1959
The Dade County School Board
Mercury capsule Friendship 7.
assigned four Blacks to the Orchard Villa Elementary School
1963
The state Constitution was amended to authorize the
in Miami.
sale of state bonds to fund college, university, and vocational
1960
Governor Collins vetoed a proposal to appropriate
school building programs. Cape Canaveral was renamed Cape
$500,000 for an advertising campaign to suggest the positive
Kennedy in honor of the assassinated president. (It reverted
effects of segregation. "Sit-ins" by Blacks at a segregated
to its original name in 1973.) The United States Supreme Court
department store lunch counter in Tallahassee caused a riot.
decided in Gideon V. Wainright that Clarence Gideon, who
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF FLORIDA
was in a Florida prison, should get another trial because he
of space is worth the risk of life.' At a cost of $75 million,
had not been represented by a lawyer when he was convicted
the Apollo Command Module was redesigned and much more
of burglary at Panama City. The Supreme Court's ruling
attention was paid to crew safety. After an almost two-year
changed the process of justice in America.
hiatus, manned space flights resumed.
MAY 1963
Blacks held demonstrations against segregation
1968
The Republican party held its national convention
in Tallahassee and Daytona. Governor Bryant defended the
in Miami Beach, Florida. It was the first national convention
right to demonstrate but said he would not tolerate destruction
of a political party ever held in the state. Edward J. Gurney
of property or violence. In an effort to desegregate restaurants,
was elected to the United States Senate-the first Republican
bars, and hotels in Jacksonville, one Black woman was killed
ever elected to that office by popular vote. The teachers in
and a number of others were injured.
Florida "walked out" in a dispute over salaries.
1964
Hurricane Cléo was responsible for damages totaling
JULY 16, 1969
The Apollo II was launched from Cape
$115,320,000. Fortunately, no one was killed. At Boca Raton,
Kennedy on its journey to the moon. Four days later, astronaut
Florida Atlantic University held its first classes. St. Augustine
Neal Armstrong, the first human on the moon, took "one
gained the nation's attention when Dr. Martin Luther King,
small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind."
Jr., tried to desegregate public facilities at an Atlantic Ocean
JANUARY 19, 1970
President Nixon submitted the name
beach. An interracial council was established to solve these
of George Harold Carswell to the U.S. Senate as a replacement
problems, and King called off the demonstrations.
for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Abe Fortas, who resigned in
1965
The Board of Control gave up policymaking for
May 1969. This followed in the wake of the Senate's refusal
Florida's institutions of higher learning to the Board of
to confirm Judge Clement Haynesworth. Carswell, a resident
Regents-a group made up of nine members with nine-year
of Tallahassee, served as judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals
terms.
for the Fifth Circuit and had long been associated with Florida
1967
The legislature failed to reapportion the state, so a
government. The nomination was praised by conservative
three-judge Federal Court drew the boundaries of
politicians and denounced by civil rights leaders.
congressional districts and ordered new elections.
JANUARY 27, 1970
Judge G. Harold Carswell answered
JANUARY 3, 1967
Claude R. Kirk, Jr., (b.1926) took the
allegations by the Senate Judiciary Committee that he
oath of office as Florida's thirty-sixth governor. He was a
supported racist ideals. Carswell declared that a speech he
Republican-the first elected Republican governor since 1872.
gave in 1948 supporting White supremacy did not reflect his
Kirk was born in California, and served in World War II and
current political philosophy and that "the force of 22 years
the Korean War. He attended the University of Alabama,
of history" had caused his personal beliefs to shift.
earning a law degree. He was a businessman and a former
FEBRUARY 13, 1970
The Delian Apollo, a Greek oil tanker,
Democrat who headed "Floridians for Nixon" during Richard
ran aground and leaked approximately 10,000 gallons of crude
M. Nixon's unsuccessful campaign for the presidency. Under
oil near Old Tampa Bay, creating a 20 square mile oil slick.
his leadership the state constitution of 1885 was revised, giving
Officials from the Audubon Society said over 1,000 birds died
the governor more power.
as a result, and the Florida attorney general filed a $2 million
JANUARY 29, 1967
On Pad 34 at Cape Kennedy, astronauts
lawsuit against the owner, Shipping Development Corporation
Virgil "Gus" Grissom, Ed White, and Roger Chaffee were
of Panama.
killed in a flash fire during routine testing of the Apollo I
MARCH 12, 1970
The U.S. Department of Health
spacecraft. Grissom had been one of the seven original
Education and Welfare released information stating that on
astronauts and had piloted the Liberty Bell capsule in the
February 26, letters were sent to Florida State officials
Mercury program. He had also served as command pilot of
demanding that plans be drawn up for the desegregation of
the Gemini 3, the first two-man spacemission to be flown
state colleges. A deadline of 120 days was set and warnings
by the United States. Ed White had been co-pilot of the Gemini
were given concerning a possible loss of the $25 million in
4 and the first American to perform extra-vehicular activity,
annual U.S. subsidies to the state's seven universities.
or "walking" in space. Roger Chaffee had flown many photo
MARCH 13, 1970
The U.S. Department of Justice, on
missions over Cuba during the so-called Cuban missile crisis
recommendation of Secretary of the Interior Walter Hickel,
in 1962. He had not previously made a space flight. The fire
sued in U.S. District Court to prevent the Florida Power and
started at 6:31 p.m., 218 feet above Cape Kennedy's Launch
Light Company from continued thermal pollution of Biscayne
Complex 34 atop an unfueled two-stage Saturn 2 rocket in
Bay. The government charged that the plant continuously
an Apollo capsule. In the 100 percent-pure oxygen environment
raised the bay's temperatures to levels significantly above their
of the capsule, the fire lasted less than one minute but reached
natural state, thus endangering marine life.
a temperature of over 1,000° Fahrenheit. The astronauts had
APRIL 8, 1970
Judge Carswell was rejected as a U.S.
no chance to unscrew the hatch and get out. Dr. George E.
Supreme Court justice when the Senate opposed his
Mueller, associate NASA administrator for manned space-
confirmation by a 51 to 45 vote. This was seen by some as
flight, appointed a board of inquiry to try to decide the cause
a major political defeat for President Nixon.
of the fire. Even after a one year study and a microscopic
APRIL 20, 1970
G. Harold Carswell, who had earlier
examination of the burned cockpit, no cause of the fire could
resigned from his judicial position, announced his intentions
be determined absolutely. However, the board did establish
to run for senator of Florida as a Republican. He would fill
that the wiring under Grissom's couch was defective, and a
the seat of retiring Democrat S.L. Holland.
short circuit in this wiring was the probable cause of the fire.
JUNE 16-19, 1970
The ghettos of Miami were the scene
Grissom had said a few months before the fire that "If we
of three days of rioting, looting, and fire bombing after local
die, we want people to accept it. We hope that if anything
residents became enraged at a store owner they claimed was
happens to us it will not delay the program. The conquest
selling inferior products. Sixty people were arrested and 13
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF FLORIDA
injured before a group of 300 Black peacemakers managed
who were otherwise ineligible for state benefits.
to restore order.
JUNE, 1971
Following the fatal shooting of a Black youth
AUGUST, 1970
Hurricane Celia hit the state with the full
by a Jacksonville police officer, a period of racial rioting
force of her 146 mile per hour winds. A total of 14 people
erupted through Jacksonville's streets. Hundreds of Blacks
were reported killed in Florida alone.
looted, rioted, and shot at policemen, and 500 members of
AUGUST 29, 1970
Despite protests from White families
the National Guard were mobilized. There were 274 related
threatening to remove their relatives' remains, the all-White
arrests and $250,000 worth of damage done.
Hillcrest Memorial Gardens cemetery was forced by a U.S.
JULY 9, 1971
The Democratic Party chose Miami as the
District Court injunction to inter the body of Black soldier
location for its 1972 convention, making that city the first
P. Williams. Williams, who was killed by mortar fire in
southern convention site selected by the Democrats or
Vietnam, was buried in a plot donated by a White woman.
Republicans since 1928.
SEPTEMBER 8, 1970
In primary results, G.H. Carswell
AUGUST 31, 1971
The Federal Bureau of Investigation
was defeated by Rep. William C. Cramer in the Republican
released statistics that named Miami as the city with the highest
Senatorial race. Former Governor Farris Bryant and State
major crime rate in the nation. The rate of reported violent
Senator Lawton Chiles were forced into a runoff in the
crimes was 5,342.8 per 100,000 persons.
Democratic Senatorial race. The gubernatorial race was slated
SEPTEMBER 1, 1971
A thermal pollution case against the
for runoffs in both party primaries as Republicans Jack Eckerd
Florida Power and Light Co. was settled after the utility
and incumbent governor Claude P. Kirk, Jr., faced off and
company agreed to install a $30 million system that would
Democrats State Senator Reubin Askew and State Attorney
keep the plant's discharged water at a level ecologically
General L.A. Bafalis fought for the nomination.
compatible with that of Biscayne Bay.
SEPTEMBER 29, 1970
In primary runoffs, the Republican
NOVEMBER 28, 1971
After holding four prison guards
nominee for governor was incumbent Claude Kirk and the
hostage, six inmates at the Raiford prison facility surrendered
Democratic nominee was State Senator Askew. In the senate
without a struggle in what was said to be a thwarted escape
runoff, the Democrats selected State Senator Lawton Chiles
attempt. It was the third, and least serious, in a series of
to represent their side in the November elections.
nationwide prison uprisings.
OCTOBER 27, 1970
President Nixon began his final vote-
DECEMBER 11, 1971
The state filed a $20 million lawsuit
getting campaign in Miami and West Palm Beach in speeches
against Cities Service Oil Company which claimed the firm
supporting Rep. William Cramer's bid for the Senate.
was negligent in its construction and maintenance of a
NOVEMBER, 1970
In a major victory for state Democrats,
retaining dam. Approximately 75 miles of the Peace River
Lawton Chiles won the U.S. Senatorial election and Reuben
were polluted when the dam accidentally discharged a billion
Askew defeated the Republican incumbent Claude Kirk, Jr.,
gallons of phosphate sludge into its waters.
for the governor's seat. Voters also failed to establish a
MARCH 14, 1972
Alabama Governor George Wallace won
referendum for a constitutional amendment designed to lower
the Florida Democratic presidential primary and President
the voting age to 18.
Richard Nixon won the Florida Republican presidential
NOVEMBER 30, 1970
Final figures by the Census Bureau
primary. Wallace had 42 percent of the vote against ten
were officially delivered to President Nixon. Florida, with a
candidates and he collected 75 of 81 state delegates to the
population increase of 37.1 percent, gained three seats in the
Democratic National Convention. Nixon got 87 percent of
U.S. House of Representatives reapportionment process.
the vote and received all 40 of the state's delegates to the
JANUARY, 1971
President Nixon signed into law a bill
GOP convention.
which would create the Gulf Island National Seashore and
MARCH 21, 1972
Cesar Chavez's United Farm Workers
took action to halt construction of the Cross-Florida Barge
Union won a major victory in Florida when H.P. Hood and
Canal. The canal was first authorized in 1942, although
Sons, a processor of citrus and dairy goods, agreed to
construction did not begin until the 1960s. Almost a third
recognize the United Farm Workers in its representation of
of the canal had been completed and a total of $50 million
the company's 300 migrant workers in Florida.
spent prior to the president's orders. Environmental dangers
MARCH 31, 1972
The life of a peaceful residential
were the predominant cause for Nixon's action.
neighborhood was disrupted when an Air Force B-52 crashed
JANUARY 25, 1971
A case concerning a Florida woman
in Orlando, spewing blazing fuel. All seven members of the
denied employment in an Orlando firm because of her sex
crew died and eight persons on the ground were injured.
and parental status was ruled on by the U.S. Supreme Court.
APRIL 14, 1972
Kennedy Space Center was chosen as one
The Court declared that, according to provisions in the 1964
of two sites for the launching of the manned space shuttle.
Civil Rights Act, it was unlawful to have one hiring policy
This move would help the area's economy, which had suffered
for men and another for women. The case resulted when the
since the tapering off of activity in the Apollo space program.
Martin Marietta Corp. refused to hire a woman because the
APRIL 17, 1972
William Herbert Green III was arrested
company felt she should be home to care for her young
in Chicago after he hijacked a Delta Air Lines jet soon after
children.
its departure from West Palm Beach. There were 91 passengers
MARCH 15, 1971
Two days after migrant workers peacefully
aboard, but no one was injured in the incident.
demonstrated outside President Nixon's Key Biscayne
MAY 9, 1972
Protests raged against United States involve-
residence, the president declared that year's crop failure in
ment in Vietnam in Tampa, Tallahassee, and Gainesville. An
Florida to be a national disaster. A drought and freezing
estimated one thousand protesters, mainly University of
temperatures caused the failure which put an estimated 15,000
Florida at Gainesville students, had to be driven from a stretch
migrant farm workers out of work. Some $2.5 million in
of U.S. Highway 441 with tear gas and billy clubs. Almost
unemployment compensation was to be given to the workers,
400 arrests were made in connection with the protest.
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF FLORIDA
MAY 25, 1972
Westinghouse Electric Corporation and
shippers and dockers involved in oil spills, regardless of who
Tenneco, Inc. announced plans to develop an atomic energy
was negligent.
power plant near Jacksonville. The 1,150 megawatt floating
APRIL 3-4, 1973
Millions of persons in the southern
plant would be ready for production in 1978 or 1979.
portion of the state were left without electricity when Florida's
JUNE 20, 1972
The U.S. Air Force stopped flights of its
first atomic generator at Turkey Point malfunctioned.
F-111 fighter bombers following a series of crashes, the last
APRIL 5, 1973
The Florida Supreme Court voted to
of which occurred two days earlier near Eglin Air Force base
overturn a state statute used as a means to withhold some
and resulted in two fatalities.
$32 million from schools in counties with a property value
JUNE 23, 1972
Florida was one of five states declared
assessed lower than the market value. The court said the
disaster areas by President Nixon after the season's first
previous law was an unconstitutional wielding of state power
hurricane, Agnes, swept through the state taking 25 lives and
against county tax assessors.
causing $25 million in property damage.
JULY 9, 1973
Florida filed a class action suit in federal
JULY 10-13, 1972
The Democratic Convention was held in
court against 15 oil companies. The state claimed the
Miami Beach. Senator George McGovern won the nomination
companies had deliberately conspired to create a gasoline
for president and Senator Thomas F. Eagleton was chosen
shortage in order to raise gas prices. The state demanded triple
as the vice presidential candidate.
damages stating that it incurred a loss in tourist revenues due
AUGUST 28, 1972
According to FBI statistics, Miami once
to the shortage.
again led the nation in serious crimes with a rate of 5,726
JULY 16, 1973
Eighteen Haitian refugees were picked up
major crimes per 100,000 persons.
near Marathon, in the Florida Keys, by a U.S. fishing vessel.
NOVEMBER 1, 1972
Bernard L. Barker, a member of the
JULY 18, 1973
The Florida Supreme Court upheld a law
group indicted for the raid on Democratic campaign
which required that newspapers must print rebuttals by
headquarters in the Watergate building in Washington, D.C.,
political candidates whom the papers attack during political
was convicted of falsely notarizing the signature on a
campaigns.
Republican fund raiser check which was written in the amount
OCTOBER 9, 1973
The name Canaveral was reinstated to
of $25,000. He was given a suspended sentence and had his
the Florida cape which had gone by the title Cape Kennedy
Florida notary public seal revoked.
since 1963. The Committee on Domestic Geographic Names
NOVEMBER 7, 1972
Meyer Lansky, who was known as
of the Interior Department voted unanimously in favor of
the underworld's bookie, was arrested in Miami on charges
the change. The space launching site on Merritt Island was
of racketeering and tax evasion after seeking asylum in Israel.
to remain the John F. Kennedy Space Center.
and six South American countries. Despite his offer of $1
NOVEMBER 6, 1973
The city of Miami elected Maurice
million, no country would grant him asylum. Incumbent
Ferre, a wealthy Puerto Rican businessman, its mayor.
President Richard M. Nixon won all 17 of Florida's electoral
NOVEMBER 13, 1973
Citing the plans as too vague in
votes on his way to an overwhelming victory. He also garnered
regard to cost and means, the U.S. Department of Health,
72 percent of the state's popular vote.
Education, and Welfare rejected a Florida proposal designed
DECEMBER 29, 1972
The first fatal accident involving a
to desegregate state colleges. The state was given an additional
jumbo jet occurred in the Florida Everglades, where almost
90 days to come up with a suitable plan.
100 people were killed when their Eastern Airlines L-1011
NOVEMBER 17, 1973
In an effort to shake its number
TriStar jet crashed on approach.
one ranking in violent crimes, Dade County outlawed the
JANUARY 5, 1973
A U.S. Supreme Court ruling declared
sale of cheap handguns, ordered all gun sellers be licensed,
that the Florida state penitentiary could not take away credit
and required gun purchasers to pass a proficiency test. In
for time served or place, an individual in solitary confinement
an apparent mix-up by the press, an incident in which President
without first conducting a hearing at which counsel would
Nixon gave an Air Force serviceman an affectionate pat on
be allowed.
the cheek at McCoy Air Force Base was termed as a slapping
FEBRUARY 15, 1973
An environmental message delivered
accident. Neither Nixon nor the serviceman deemed the affair
by President Nixon to Congress contained a plan in which
anything other than a friendly interchange.
the federal government would obtain 522,000 acres of Florida's
DECEMBER 17, 1973
The U.S. Supreme Court upheld a
Big Cypress Swamp for a national waterfront preserve.
Florida fire department's right to bar employment to an
MARCH 15, 1973
In Homestead, two men were arrested
overweight telephone operator on the grounds that the
on false imprisonment charges for supposedly imprisoning
individual's obesity was reasonably connected to his health.
27 migrant workers. An agricultural labor camp contractor
JANUARY 8-9, 1974
Florida governmental officials teamed
and a camp guard were charged with the crime after allegedly
up with environmentalists to oppose the drilling of a test oil
detaining workers for periods of up to four years. By means
well by Amoco in the Ocala National Forest. Public hearings
of low wages, high rent and food charges, they were able to
conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey Department were
force the workers into indebtedness.
held.
APRIL, 1973
The Cuba-Miami airlift program ended after
JANUARY 21, 1974
Thirty-eight more Haitians were picked
transporting over 260,000 Cuban refugees to America since
up off Florida's coast bringing the total number of that
1965. Miami Mayor David Kennedy and five others, including
country's refugees to the United States to 400. The Haitians,
two Dade County judges, were issued indictments by a Volusia
who claimed to have fled the dictatorship of President Jean-
County grand jury which charged them with conspiracy to
Claude Duvalier, were denied asylum by the United States,
bribe and conspiracy to receive a bribe. Kennedy would later
which maintained the refugees were not fleeing oppression,
be cleared of all charges. The Supreme Court affirmed the
but seeking economic gain.
legality of a Florida law which imposed strict penalties on
FEBRUARY 14, 1974
President Nixon appeared in Miami
300
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF FLORIDA
to dedicate the Cedars of Lebanon Hospital where he was
APRIL 28, 1975
Eglin Air Force Base was named as one
greeted by a crowd of 3,000 persons. Some hecklers chanting
of three United States processing centers for Vietnamese
"impeach Nixon now" were interspersed in the crowd. In less
refugees. Florida officials expressed a desire to keep the
than two months, the hospital would file for bankruptcy
number of refugees to about 25,000 even though the base's
because of some $13 million in debts.
capacity was between 18,000 and 20,000.
APRIL 13, 1974
A former Cuban minister of agriculture,
MAY 20, 1975
The governor signed into law a bill designed
Jose de la Torriente, was killed by sniper fire at his house
to reduce medical malpractice suits. The bill set a four-year
in Miami. Torriente, who was accused by Fidel Castro of
statute of limitations on filing a claim and mandated patients
conspiring with the American Central Intelligence Agency,
must first take their case to a medical panel prior to suing
was a political leader among the Cuban refugees in the United
in court. Included was a clause aimed at weeding out negligent
States.
doctors. The clause would enable hospitals and the state Board
JUNE 4, 1974
In a speech to a convention of International
of Medical Examiners to revoke a doctor's license to practice
Ladies Garment Workers Union (ILGWU) conducted in
if he were found guilty of malpractice.
Miami, AFL-CIO president George Meany spoke out against
JUNE 2, 1975
The state house of representatives voted to
President Nixon's proposed trip to the Soviet Union.
impeach Thomas O'Malley, state treasurer and insurance
JUNE 21, 1974
The U.S. Department of Health, Education,
commissioner, for misuse of his authority. It was the first
and Welfare accepted a Florida plan for desegregating its state
such impeachment since 1897.
colleges. This was the second attempt at filing an acceptable
JUNE 24, 1975
The U.S. Supreme Court rejected a Jackson-
proposal by the state.
ville statute which made drive-in movie theatre owners
JUNE 25, 1974
The U.S. Supreme Court overturned a
criminally liable for movies with nudity that could be viewed
Florida Supreme Court ruling that had declared newspapers
from outside the theatre grounds. The Court claimed the
must print a political candidate's reply to a paper's criticism.
ordinance was an infringement of First Amendment freedom
The Court made it clear that it was not the newspaper's
of speech rights.
responsibility to present every side of an issue.
JUNE 26, 1975
The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled
JULY 24, 1974
An antitrust suit filed by the state in 1973
to overturn a Florida law which enabled a person to be
against 15 major oil companies was dismissed by a U.S. District
confined to a mental institution against his or her will when
Court judge in Tallahassee.
the person posed no threat to society and was self-sustaining.
AUGUST 5, 1974
Seven people were killed when a building
The case stemmed from a Florida man spending 15 years in
in Miami containing the Federal Drug Enforcement Adminis-
a mental institution after being committed by his father.
tration collapsed. Tons of concrete and several automobiles
JULY 14, 1975
NASA announced that the end of the Apollo
fell through offices underneath when water leaking from faulty
space program would result in the layoff of 1,500 employees
pipes accumulated on the roof and added too much weight
at the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral.
for the roof slab to support.
AUGUST 20, 1975
Interplanetary spacecraft Viking 1 was
SEPTEMBER 10, 1974
In the Florida primaries, Republican
launched from Cape Canaveral bound for Mars. The program,
gubernatorial candidate Jerry Thomas ran unopposed and
which cost $1 billion, was seven years in the making. Twenty
Governor Reubin Askew won the Democratic nomination.
days later, Viking 2, a sister ship also destined for Mars, was
In the senatorial race, both sides vied for the seat of retiring
launched.
senator Edward Gurney (R) who resigned amidst a scandal
SEPTEMBER 23, 1975
Striking Fort Lauderdale school
involving the misuse of campaign funds. The Republican
teachers agreed to resume teaching while contract negotiations
candidate was Jack M. Eckerd and a runoff election was
continued. This ended the delay which kept 140,000 students
required in the Democratic race between William Gunter and
idle.
Richard Stone. Stone won the runoff on October 1st.
SEPTEMBER 26, 1975
The state was declared a major
OCTOBER 25, 1974
Former Cedars of Lebanon Hospital
disaster area after Hurricane Eloise struck, leaving two
president Sanford Bronstein was convicted in Miami of
Floridians dead and millions of dollars of damages in its wake.
embezzling over half a million dollars in hospital funds. He
The resort region between Pensacola and Panama City was
received a 25-year prison sentence in December.
devastated.
NOVEMBER 5, 1974
Richard Stone (D) became the first
NOVEMBER 2, 1975
Egyptian President Anwar Sadat met
Jewish senator from a southern state by popular vote when
with President Ford in Jacksonville for talks to discuss the
he was elected to represent Florida in the U.S. Senate.
increasingly troublesome conflicts in Lebanon.
Incumbent Reubin Askew (D) easily won the governorship,
NOVEMBER 7, 1975
A Greek ship captain was arrested
acquiring 61 percent of the vote.
in Philadelphia for an oil spill off the Florida Keys in July.
DECEMBER 13, 1974
The United States Justice Depart-
The oil spill had contaminated some 50 miles of shoreline.
ment sued the city of Tallahassee, claiming that it discriminated
The captain was caught by means of sophisticated techniques
against Black applicants and employees.
which matched oil aboard the captain's ship with that found
APRIL 9, 1975
The Jacksonville Electric Authority was the
in the Florida spill.
subject of House subcommittee investigations stemming from
NOVEMBER 20, 1975
After announcing his plans to run
charges that it overcharged customers some $15 million during
for president of the United States, Ronald Reagan visited
the Arab oil embargo.
Miami where he was accosted by a man who had an object
APRIL 11, 1975
The U.S. Department of Justice ordered
looking like a pistol. The man, who actually possessed a plastic
Tallahassee officials to begin hiring qualified Blacks to city
toy, was seized by secret service agents.
jobs in the same proportion as they make up the city's
NOVEMBER 24, 1975
Lane Hartwell of Hartwell and
population.
Associates, Harris Colter of 2609 Corp., and David Edstrom
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF FLORIDA
of S.E.I., Inc., were found guilty of felony land fraud along
to be out of work for at least 60 days.
with three other defendants. A West Palm Beach jury found
JANUARY 7, 1977
An anti-Castro leader. Juan Jose
the six individuals guilty of selling Florida swampland to
Peruyero, was assassinated by an unknown group in Miami.
unsuspecting investors.
JANUARY 9, 1977
A barge crashed into Tampa Bay dock
MARCH 2, 1976
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor
causing almost 80,000 gallons of oil to spill into Sparkman
of Florida socialite Mary Firestone in her libel suit against
Channel.
Time magazine. The Court ruled that, although she was one
FEBRUARY 3, 1977
Waste Management, Inc announced
of Palm Beach's "400 elite," she was not a "public figure."
that construction had begun in Pompano Beach on a plant
The case stemmed from Time's misrepresentation of
it was building for the United States Energy Development
Firestone's divorce.
Administration. The plant was designed to take sewage sludge
MARCH 9, 1976
The Florida presidential primary was held.
and solid waste and turn it into methane gas. At a cost of
In the Republican primary, President Gerald Ford defeated
$2.8 million, the gasification plant could service 100,000 homes
challenger Ronald Reagan, gathering 53 percent of the vote
and reduce waste by 70 percent, when functioning at ful
and 43 delegates to the GOP convention. Reagan received
capacity.
23 delegates. In the Democratic primary, Jimmy Carter
APRIL 4, 1977
Carlos Soccarras died in Miami in
defeated Alabama Governor George Wallace and Senator
apparent suicide. Soccarras was Cuba's last constitutionally
Henry Jackson in a political upset. Carter gathered 34 percent
elected president and had been active in the anti-Castro
of the vote and 34 delegates to the Democratic convention.
movement in Miami.
Wallace got 31 percent of the vote and 26 delegates and
APRIL 13, 1977
After being ratified by 38 states, the Equal
Jackson received 24 percent of the vote and 21 delegates.
Rights Amendment was defeated in Florida.
APRIL 15, 1976
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth
APRIL 19, 1977
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that it
Circuit declared that a Miami club was not constitutionally
not unconstitutional to spank school children. This,
obligated to admit minority groups even though the club leased
response to a lawsuit filed by two Miami junior high school
land from the city.
children who declared a paddling they received had violated
APRIL 16, 1976
Development permits requested by Deltona
their rights.
Corp. for a project to be located in the southern Florida
MAY 2, 1977
Florida legislators approved a bill allowing
wetlands were denied by the Army Corps of Engineers on
doctors to prescribe Laetrile, a controversial drug used is
the grounds that the planned development would be hazardous
cancer therapy. It was the third state to pass such a measure.
to the environment.
MAY 23, 1977
Forest fires destroyed some 7,000 acres in
JULY 2, 1976
In a historical ruling, the United States
the Apalachicola National Forest, located about 45 miles
Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the death
southwest of Tallahassee in the state's panhandle region.
penalty in Florida and two other states.
JUNE 27, 1977
Governor Reubin Askew asked for federal
AUGUST 1, 1976
Richard Archbold, who established the
assistance for 30 northern counties where it was estimated
Archbold Research Station and did landmark studies on the
that a two-month drought had caused damages in excess of
state's vanishing ecosystems, died in Lake Placid at 69 years
$130 million.
of age.
JULY 5, 1977
The Florida Supreme Court voted to estable
AUGUST 22, 1976
A Senate subcommittee released
a one-year trial plan allowing television cameras inside the
information that Dade County had for some time been a
courtroom. It was part of a free press-fair trial experiment
center for both pro-Castro and anti-Castro terrorist groups
that was the first in the nation to allow cameras
who conducted activities in the United States and Latin
approval of counsel. The U.S. Department of Heakh,
America.
Education, and Welfare declared that a five-year program
AUGUST 30, 1976
The number of Haitians seeking political
designed to desegregate Florida's colleges had been drawn
asylum in the United States increased as over 100 refugees
JULY 26, 1977
Archbishop Coleman Carroll died,
came to Miami in a 50-foot sailboat.
head of the Archdiocese of Miami, he was the state's
OCTOBER 4, 1976
The Supreme Court lifted a temporary
ranking Roman Catholic priest. Archbishop Edward
ban on Florida executions that had been in effect since July.
McCarthy was Carroll's successor.
NOVEMBER 2, 1976
Jimmy Carter, on his way to the
AUGUST 20, 1977
The Voyager 1, a scientific,
presidency, garnered all of Florida's 17 electoral votes in the
probe, was launched from Cape Canaveral. The laund
general election. In the senatorial race, incumbent Lawton
been twice delayed due to a malfunction in the
Chiles easily won over John L. Grady, his Republican
equipment. The spaceship was designed to study
opponent. The House of Representatives retained its previous
Saturn and eventually reach Uranus and Neptune
ratio of ten Democrats and five Republicans.
the Voyager's trouble, the subsequent launch of Voy
JANUARY 1977
Florida was hit by an unseasonable freeze
destined for a similar mission, was postponed. On Sep
that devastated much of the state's crops. It was estimated
5th, it was launched from Cape Canaveral beginning its
that almost 40 percent of the citrus crop and nearly the entire
year mission of interplanetary study which would
vegetable crop were wiped out. Damage was assessed at $200
Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune.
million. Palm Beach witnessed its first recorded snowfall on
OCTOBER 2, 1977
In West Palm Beach, constitu
the 19th. Governor Reubin Askew declared a state of emer-
the Holy Spirit Church voted to secede from the
Ep
gency because of crop losses and the Florida Citrus Commis-
denomination and to align instead with the Anglican
sion put a 10-day embargo on all shipments and sales of fresh
of North America. The move came as a reaction
fruit. The Florida Commerce Department soon declared that
Episcopal Church's growing liberalization, which
between 40,000 and 50,000 migrant workers could be expected
allowing women to become priests. Seventeen other
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF FLORIDA
had already made the split.
twentieth anniversary of the National Air and Space
OCTOBER 7, 1977
Ronny Zamora was found guilty of
Administration (NASA). Carter outlined some broad goals
premeditated murder by a Florida jury. It was the first case
for the program and delivered the newly created Congressional
of importance tried before television cameras since Florida
Space Medal of Honor to former astronauts Neil Armstrong,
legalized their presence in the courtroom.
Frank Borman, Charles Conrad, Jr., Alan Shepard, Jr., and
NOVEMBER 8, 1977
The United States Immigration and
a posthumous award to Virgil "Gus" Grissom.
Naturalization Service announced its plans to free some 120
OCTOBER 12, 1978
As part of a legislative bill dealing
Haitian refugees kept in detention. The service said it also
expressly with parks, 1,296,500 acres of land were added to
intended to restructure its policy concerning the Haitians.
the Everglades National Park.
JANUARY 6, 1978
John D. MacArthur died of cancer in
NOVEMBER 7, 1978
In the state gubernatorial race,
West Palm Beach. MacArthur was a billionaire and the single
Republican candidate Jack Eckerd was defeated by Senator
largest property holder in the state of Florida.
Robert Graham, the Democratic nominee. In the congressional
FEBRUARY 26, 1978
A train carrying deadly chlorine gas
race, eleven incumbent representatives retained their seats. In
derailed outside of Youngstown, spilling the gas onto a nearby
the general election, voters rejected an amendment to the state
street. Eight people were killed and 67 injured in the incident.
constitution which would have forbidden discrimination
It was later determined that sabotage had caused the accident.
against women. A proposition legalizing casino gambling was
MARCH 2, 1978
Syed Shah pleaded guilty to charges of
rejected by a large majority.
involuntary servitude before a Miami federal court. Shah was
DECEMBER 6, 1978
Retired General William
accused of keeping a 10-year old African girl locked up in
Westmoreland, the former commander of U.S. troops in
his basement for two years after signing a pact with the girl's
Vietnam, told the Dade County Medical Society that medical
parents in Sierra Leone. The girl was said to have worked
techniques learned and developed as a result of the Vietnam
12-18 hours a day at Shah's Okeechobee residence.
conflict had actually saved more lives than were lost in the war.
MAY 4, 1978
Two school children were killed and 96 were
APRIL 10, 1979
A United States submarine made a failed
injured when a tornado devastated a Clearwater elementary
launch of a Trident multiple-warhead missile. The test, which
school. Earlier a tornado in Gainesville had forced the
took place off the coast of Cape Canaveral, was the first
University of Florida to shut down.
attempt of a submerged launching.
MAY 5, 1978
The families of four men killed in 1976 when
APRIL 25, 1979
A three-month drought ended when record
their plane collided with an Air Force jet near Lake
rainfall soaked the state. Miami was hit with 16.39 inches in
Okeechobee, were awarded some $4 million in damages by
one day.
a Miami jury.
APRIL 27, 1979
In the wake of the Three Mile Island
MAY 8, 1978
A National Airlines jet crashed into Escambia
nuclear accident, the Nuclear Regulating Committee ordered
Bay, killing three people aboard. The plane crashed three miles
all nuclear power plants built by Babcock and Wilcox, who
short of the Pensacola runway where it was to have landed.
constructed the Three Mile Island plant, to be temporarily
Fifty-eight persons were pulled out of the bay by a tugboat.
shut down. This closed down operations at Florida's Crystal
MAY 12, 1978
satellite belonging to the European Space
River plant.
Agency was launched into space from Cape Canaveral. An
MAY 1, 1979
The largest marijuana ring in the country
earlier attempt had failed when a U.S. rocket carrying the
was broken when two leaders were arrested in Miami, along
satellite exploded after takeoff.
with 12 others. The Miami-based operation was said to have
MAY 20, 1978
A probe designed to study the planet Venus
been involved in a sale worth in excess of $300 million.
was launched from Cape Canaveral. The spacecraft was
MAY 8, 1979
Dade County voters. barely rejected an
expected to reach the planet by December and would orbit
ordinance by the Group Against Smokers' Pollution (GASP)
Venus for a year as it radioed information on the planet.
that would have made it illegal to smoke in most public areas.
JUNE 15, 1978
Nelson Poynter, chairman of the board of
The proposal would have created designated smoking and
the St. Petersburg Times and Evening Independent, died of
nonsmoking areas in many public places. The measure lost
a brain hemorrhage in St. Petersburg at the age of 74.
by only 820 votes in an election that saw more than 190,000
JULY 8, 1978
After permission to march was granted by
votes recorded.
the mayor and city council, some 100 hooded members of
MAY 14, 1979
Four Floridians and one Panamanian man
the Ku Klux Klan paraded through the streets of Davie.
were charged by a federal grand jury in Miami with shipping
Although their requests had been denied for over three years,
illegal arms to Panama. Some 1,000 weapons were allegedly
the turmoil created by the Nazi efforts to parade in Skokie,
shipped out of Florida, destined for use by Sandinista
Illinois, prompted town officials to grant the Klan's request.
guerrillas in Nicaragua.
There were observers and protesters, but no trouble was
MAY 25, 1979
The first execution in the United States since
reported.
Gary Gilmore's in 1977 took place at the Florida State
JULY 18, 1978
Some 70 Haitian refugees arrived in Florida
Penitentiary at Starke. John Spenkelink died in the electric
after being forced to leave the Bahamas. They were promptly
chair for the murder of a fellow drifter in Tallahassee in 1973.
arrested and released by United States officials who were
JULY 12, 1979
U.S. District Judge George Carr "ruled that
unclear of their status.
tests given by Florida schools to determine functional literacy
SEPTEMBER, 1978
In Miami, some 132 persons claiming
discriminated against Black students and other minorities.
dual U.S.-Cuban nationality arrived after Cuban President
The tests, which would have been a prerequisite to graduation,
Fidel Castro authorized their release.
were prohibited until equal educational opportunities were
OCTOBER 1, 1978
President Jimmy Carter delivered a
more advanced. A target date of the 1982-83 school year was
speech at Cape Canaveral which was given in honor of the
set for beginning such literacy tests in Florida.
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF FLORIDA
JULY 17, 1979
Former Nicaraguan President Anastasio
Colombian supplier who remained at-large) was believed to
Somoza flew to Miami less than four hours after resigning
have once supplied more than eight percent of the nation's
his office. His resignation ended the 46-year reign of the
illegal drugs. The Federal Bureau of Investigation reported
Somoza family.
having uncovered plots to assassinate the judge of the trial
JULY 19, 1979
Florida tomato growers withdrew a petition
and a witness after the men's arrest. The FBI also accused
that charged Mexican farmers with undercutting the winter
a juror in the case of accepting a bribe.
vegetable industry by dumping their produce on the American
FEBRUARY 26, 1980
The most serious accident at a nuclear
market in violation of the Anti-Dumping Act of 1921. The
power plant since Three Mile Island occurred at Crystal
Florida growers stated when withdrawing the petition that
Springs Facility. Over 40,000 gallons of radioactive water
they wanted a solution by mid-September or they would refile.
spilled onto the plant's containment building floor after a
JULY 31, 1979
Theodore Bundy was sentenced to death
power outage played havoc with the reactor's emergency
in connection with the strangulation murder of two women
system. The plant was temporarily shut down after the
at Florida State University. A Dade County jury convicted
accident.
Bundy on July 23 in a widely publicized and televised trial.
MARCH 1-2, 1980
A late snowstorm struck the state
Bundy was thought to have committed as many as 36 other
bringing with it the coldest front ever seen in Florida during
murders from as early as 1975.
March. The storm created two tornadoes that tore through
AUGUST 8, 1979
Former governor Reubin Askew was
Broward County leaving one person dead. A vast amount
named President Carter's special trade representative.
of the state's $2 billion citrus crop was left frozen by the storm.
AUGUST 18, 1979
A New York Times report estimated that
MARCH 11, 1980
Voters in Florida approved an
some 9,000 Haitians had fled to the United States, most
amendment to the state constitution designed to lower property
seeking relief from a devastating Haitian economy where the
taxes. The amendment allowed homeowners who resided in
per capita income in 1978 was $90.
their homes for five or more years to take tax exemptions
SEPTEMBER 3, 1979
Hurricane David, reportedly one of
of $25,000. Another amendment was passed which narrowed
the century's strongest Atlantic storms, struck the coast north
the state supreme court's jurisdiction. This was designed in
of Palm Beach. Around $60 million in property damage was
order to alleviate the court's 1,500 case backlog,
caused and five persons died. Earlier, 300,000 persons living
APRIL, 1980
Thousands of Cuban exiles demonstrated
along the coast had been evacuated.
throughout the state in support of Cuban refugees seeking
SEPTEMBER 6, 1979
A study was released by the U.S.
asylum in the Peruvian embassy in Havana. Haitian refugees
Treasury Department stating that a cash surplus of some $3.3
came streaming into Florida in record numbers with 326
billion which flooded Florida banks in 1978 was linked to
arriving in one day. A Dade County report estimated that
drug traffic. This surplus, reported in Florida's two Federal
as many as 23,000 Haitians had come to Florida seeking to
Reserve Banks, accounted for more than 77 percent of the
escape the government of Haiti's President Jean-Claude
entire Federal Reserve system's cash surplus in 1978.
Duvalier.
SEPTEMBER 14, 1979 Hurricane Frederick, the most
APRIL 8, 1980
Governor Robert Graham delivered his state
powerful Gulf Coast storm of the decade, struck causing major
of the state speech calling for a budget surplus of $404 million.
damage along the state's western seaboard. Extensive looting
In addition, he requested $32.5 million for a school
was also reported.
maintenance plan and tax incentives for business. He stated
SEPTEMBER 18, 1979
Dade County voters failed to pass
that Florida's long-term goals should include a reduction of
a proposal that would have reduced property taxes by 99.5
energy use, a limit on state spending and state government
percent. Although the proposal was originally meant to ask
expansion, and a diversified economy.
for only a 50 percent decrease, a mistake in its drafting caused
MAY 6, 1980
President Carter authorized $10 million in
it to call for an almost complete wipe out of taxation. Some
emergency funds to be sent to areas in Florida that were being
40 percent of the voters cast their ballot in favor of the plan.
drained of resources by incoming Cuban exiles.
OCTOBER 30, 1979
A preliminary report by the U.S.
MAY 9, 1980
A Liberian freighter rammed into Tampa
Treasury tentatively cleared Mexican farmers of dumping
Bay's Sunshine Skyway Bridge causing a 1,200-foot section
produce on the United States market at a less than equitable
of the bridge to fall 140 feet into the water. Some 35 people
price. This finding was a blow to three groups of Florida
died as a result of the accident. Most were aboard a Greyhound
growers who initially made the accusations.
bus that fell into the bay. Tampa Bay, the nation's seventh
OCTOBER 31, 1979
Approximately 1,700 persons in
busiest port, was forced to close because of the wreckage.
Indiantown had to be emergency evacuated after being
Losses in excess of $50 million per day were expected for the
stranded when an earthen dam collapsed. Over 20 billion
area during the port's closure. On May 14, Governor Bob
gallons flooded the northeast shore of Lake Okeechobee when
Graham declared an area-wide state of emergency.
the dike surrounding a reservoir owned by the Florida Power
MAY 17-19, 1980
Fourteen people died and more than 300
and Light Company gave way.
were injured in racial riots that rocked Miami following a
JANUARY 28, 1980
The U.S. Coast Guard's worst
controversial court case. The trouble began after four Miami
peacetime disaster occurred when a Coast Guard buoy tender
policemen were acquitted by an all-White jury in the murder
collided with an oil tanker killing 23 crewmen. On February
of a Black insurance executive in 1979. Looting, burning,
3, owners of the tanker filed a $1.5 million damage suit against
beatings, and shooting began shortly after the verdict. Three
the Coast Guard vessel.
Whites were dragged from a car and beaten to death and
FEBRUARY 4, 1980
Eight men arrested in 1979 for
at least three Blacks were killed by police in the ensuing
smuggling in $300 million of marijuana were convicted. The
violence. Florida Governor Bob Graham quickly mobilized
"Black Tuna" ring (so-called for the code name given to the
the National Guard and imposed a curfew, and U.S. Attorney
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF FLORIDA
General Benjamin Civiletti came to Miami in an attempt to
FEBRUARY 5, 1981
The Cuban-Haitian Task Force, set up
quell the rioting. Over $100 million in damage was done and
1980 by President Carter, announced that total costs for
large segments of the city ruined in the decade's worst racial
resettlement of the 125,000 Cuban refugees and 12,400 Haitian
violence.
refugees which flooded South Florida in 1980 were $532
JUNE 5, 1980
The Banking and Urban Affairs Committee
million.
of the U.S. Senate held hearings in an attempt to crack down
MARCH 8, 1981
A report was issued stating that Florida
on the large amounts of drug-related cash being deposited
had the largest death row population in the nation. According
in Florida's banks. Federal sources speculated that the illegal
to the report 155 men and one woman were currently awaiting
narcotics trade was southern Florida's largest industry. A new
execution.
rule which mandated fuller disclosure of bank deposits was
MARCH 19, 1981
One worker was killed at Cape Canaveral
discussed.
after he and coworkers entered an oxygen-free room used in
JUNE 9, 1980
The U.S. Supreme Court overturned a Florida
space shuttle testing. Another worker died a month later from
law which prohibited out-of-state banks from competing in
injuries sustained in the incident.
Florida's financial marketplace. The court stated that the
APRIL 12, 1981
Almost three years after its original
Florida law unduly protected local interests against outside
deadline, the U.S. space shuttle Columbia was launched from
competition.
Cape Canaveral at 7 o'clock a.m. EST. It became the world's
JULY 15-17, 1980
Once again, Miami was the scene of racial
first reusable spacecraft. The shuttle was manned by John
violence. After police chased Black robbery suspects into a
Young and Robert Crippen.
housing complex, one of the officers was shot in the back.
OCTOBER 23, 1981
Florida was named in a report by the
Car bombings and violence continued in Miami's Liberty City
Environmental Protection Agency as the leader in the number
area and by the time peace was restored, five policemen had
of toxic waste sites with 16.
been shot and 40 persons arrested.
NOVEMBER 10, 1981
Maurice Ferre was elected to his fifth
AUGUST 13, 1980
An Air Florida jet with 74 persons
term as Miami's mayor in a runoff victory over Cuban-born
aboard was hijacked by seven Cuban refugees and forced to
Manolo Reboso.
fly to Havana. After arrival, the hostages were allowed to
JANUARY 13, 1982
Because of a record freeze that
return to the United States and the hijackers were arrested
devastated crops, the Florida Citrus Commission ordered a
by the authorities. Just three days earlier, another Air Florida
10-day embargo on sales or shipment of state grown citrus
plane was commandeered by a Cuban and forced to fly to
fruits.
Havana where he was detained. The "bomb" with which he
FEBRUARY 2, 1982
The first successful hijacking in the
threatened to blow up the plane was found to be a bar of
United States in over six months occurred when a Cuban
soap. The federal government declared its intent to delegate
commandeered an Air Florida jet and ordered it flown to
almost $17 million for health and education services for
Havana.
Haitian and Cuban refugees in southern Florida. This, in
APRIL, 1982
Zaire President Mobuto Sese Seko visited
response to a recent message by a coalition of resettlement
Walt Disney World reportedly spending approximately $2
agencies that declared its inability to further process refugees
million.
due to a lack of funds.
JUNE 21, 1982
A special session of the Florida Senate was
AUGUST 16, 1980
Despite precautions, three hijackings
called to vote on ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment,
took place. All were by Cubans demanding to go to Havana.
which mandated equality of the sexes. Senators voted 22-16
This was just one day after the Federal Aviation Administra-
against ratification, severely weakening its chances of
tion announced plans to add skymarshals to its commercial
nationwide approval.
flights and to intensify its airport screening procedure.
JUNE 23, 1982
Reacting to a boycott by surgeons, who
SEPTEMBER, 1980
President Jimmy Carter announced
refused to perform non-essential surgery to protest
a three-point resettlement program designed to alleviate the
skyrocketing malpractice insurance premiums, Governor
financial burden of south Florida. More than 125,000 Cubans
Robert Graham signed into law a bill designed to curb some
were estimated to have fled to the United States in the five
of the doctors' rising rates. The bill forbade a large surcharge
month "freedom flotilla" which began April 21. The vast
planned by insurance companies. However, the large annual
majority of the Cuban immigrants were in Florida.
premiums for malpractice insurance were unaffected.
SEPTEMBER 20, 1980
Former Nicaraguan President
JUNE 27, 1982
The space shuttle Columbia completed its
Anastasio Somoza was buried in Miami after being
fourth and final test flight after being launched at Cape
assassinated three days earlier in Paraguay. Some 4,000
Canaveral.
mourners attended the funeral.
OCTOBER 1, 1982
Walt Disney Productions opened its
NOVEMBER 4, 1980
Ronald Reagan (R) won all of
Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (EPCOT)
Florida's 17 electoral votes on his way to the White House,
center in Lake Buena Vista. The $800 million theme park
defeating incumbent President Jimmy Carter (D). In the sena-
for adults was conceived of by Walt Disney before his death
torial election, Paula Hawkins (R) defeated Bill Gunter (D).
in 1966.
JANUARY 11-14, 1981
The harshest freeze in 20 years hit
NOVEMBER 2, 1982
In the general elections incumbent
the state destroying an estimated 20 percent of the orange
Governor Robert Graham (D), won easily over U.S. Rep. L.A.
harvest.
Bafalis (R). Graham captured 65 percent of the popular vote.
JANUARY 26, 1981
The United States Supreme Court
Senator Lawton Chiles (D) was victorious over Republican
upheld a Florida law allowing television cameras in the court-
State Senator Van Poole. In the Congressional House race
room. In a unanimous decision the Court said such coverage
all 14 incumbents won and four new seats, created by district
did not in and of itself infringe on a defendant's rights.
reorganization, were split evenly between the parties. The new
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF FLORIDA
representation in the House for Florida included six
NOVEMBER 28, 1983
The third space shuttle flight of the
Republican congressmen and 13 Democrats.
year commenced when the Columbia was launched from Cape
NOVEMBER 11, 1982
The space shuttle Columbia began
Canaveral. The mission included experiments with the
its first operational flight with its blast off at Cape Canaveral.
European-made Skylab and the largest United States crew
Four astronauts were aboard for the five day mission.
ever lifted into space-six men.
DECEMBER 28, 1982
More riots broke out in Miami after
DECEMBER, 1983
A cold front struck Florida destroying
police shot a Black youth, Nevell Johnson, Jr., in the Overtown
crops and citrus groves. Local citrus producers estimated
area of the city. Johnson died the following day. In the violence
damage to crops at $200-$250 million, with a 25 percent loss
that followed, one other person died, 26 were injured, and
in orange production.
43 were arrested. About $50,000 worth of damage was done.
MARCH 1, 1984
Former governor Reubin Askew officially
APRIL 2, 1983
A grand jury in Broward County refused
withdrew his name from the list of the Democratic candidates
to indict Hans Florian for the death of his wife Johanna.
seeking the presidential nomination.
Florian, 79, had shot his 72-year old wife after she contracted
MARCH 13, 1984
Senator Gary Hart (D.-Colo.) won an
Alzheimer's Disease, which caused her to lose her memory
important victory over favored candidate Walter Mondale in
and control of her bodily functions.
the Democratic primary.
APRIL 4, 1983
The maiden voyage of the U.S. space shuttle
APRIL 25, 1984
The United States Supreme Court ruled
Challenger originated from Cape Canaveral. After a two-
in favor of a Florida woman seeking custody of her child.
month delay, the flight was termed an overwhelmingly
The woman had been denied custody by a Florida judge after
successful first mission.
she married a Black man. The Court ruled that such a denial
APRIL 6, 1983
After fourth quarter losses of $22.5 million
was in violation of Constitutional equal protection rights.
in 1982 the Biscayne Savings and Loan Association was forced
APRIL 26, 1984
David Kennedy, third son of the late Robert
to close its doors. The institution had almost $1.8 billion in
F. Kennedy, was found dead in his West Palm Beach hotel
assets and was one of Florida's largest savings associations.
room. He was the apparent victim of an overdose of the drugs
It was reopened the next day under temporary management.
Demerol, Mellaril, and cocaine.
MAY 4, 1983
Biscayne Bay was colored bright pink as
MAY 10, 1984
James Adams became the first Black in
Bulgarian concept artist Varacheff Christo began placing
twenty years to be executed in the state. Adams was convicted
about 600,000 square meters of pink material around the city.
of murdering a White rancher in a case that was tinged with
The "water lilies" pattern remained for two weeks. The art
racial controversy.
project cost approximately $3 million.
JUNE 29 - JULY 1, 1984
The National Organization of
MAY 31, 1983 A high school course entitled "Americanism
Women (NOW) held its annual conference in Miami Beach.
versus Communism" continued to be taught when the Florida
The main topic for discussion was Democratic presidential
House voted 89-26 in favor of retaining the class. The required
candidate Walter Mondale's decision to consider a woman
course was designed to demonstrate the evils of communism
as a possible running mate.
and the benefits of free enterprise.
JULY 2, 1984 The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of
JULY 14, 1983
Federal Bureau of Investigation agents
a clause in the Florida capital punishment law that allowed
rescued a woman kidnapped in Miami six days earlier. Celia
a judge to overrule a jury's pleas for leniency and impose
Quinonez, wife of a former ambassador to the United States
the death penalty.
from El Salvador, was released unharmed and 10 persons were
AUGUST 23, 1984
At Miami International Airport, U.S.
arrested in the kidnapping.
customs agents seized the second largest amount of cocaine
JULY 26, 1983
Secretary of State George Schultz made a
ever taken. Specially trained dogs sniffed out about 2,750
formal request to the State of Florida that a Canadian resident
pounds of the illegal drug.
serving a 35-year sentence in the state penitentiary be paroled.
AUGUST 24, 1984
Citrus canker, a bacteria deadly to citrus
Sidney Jaffe had been arrested in 1980 in Putnam County
trees, was discovered in a southcentral Florida nursery. By
for land fraud. After Jaffe failed to appear for his trial,
September 13, the federal government ordered all citrus
professional bounty hunters captured him in his Toronto
shipments from Florida to cease. The citrus industry had been
residence and brought him to Florida, where he was convicted.
estimated to be worth almost $2.5 billion annually to Florida.
Schultz made the request in order to ease tensions between
AUGUST 30, 1984
The third of the United States space
Canada and the United States.
shuttles, Discovery made its maiden voyage. It blasted off
AUGUST 2, 1983
A federal district court judge threw out
from Cape Canaveral after three delays.
a Miami ordinance banning "indecent material" on cable
NOVEMBER 6, 1984
In the general election, incumbent
television, stating that such a law violated First Amendment
president of the United States Ronald Reagan (R) won 65
freedoms. It was seen as the most significant ruling on cable
percent of the popular vote and all of the state's 21 electoral
television rights up to that time.
votes in his victory over Democratic challenger Walter
SEPTEMBER 20, 1983
A 16-year old orphan, Eric De
Mondale. In other election results all incumbents in the House
Wilde, became the legal owner of $1.3 million worth of jewels
of Representatives were re-elected leaving the state represented
he had found six months earlier near the railroad tracks in
by 13 Democratic and six Republican members.
Hollywood, Florida. Although over 1,000 people had tried,
NOVEMBER 30, 1984
A senior commander in the Metro-
no one made a successful claim to the jewels within the
Dade Police Department reported that record numbers of
deadline period.
cocaine processing laboratories had sprung up during the year.
NOVEMBER 15, 1983
Puerto Rican-born Maurice Ferre
He said that since September 1983, some 17 labs had been
was elected to his sixth term as mayor of Miami. He defeated
found in south Florida.
Cuban-born Xavier Suarez in a runoff.
DECEMBER 7, 1984
Florida voters repealed the state's
306
FLYING THE COLORS: FLORIDA FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF FLORIDA
unitary tax. The unitary taxation system had taxed a portion
NOVEMBER 12, 1985
The first Cuban-born mayor of the
of all worldwide profits earned by multinational businesses
largely Cuban populated Miami was elected in a runoff race.
operating within the state. Also on that day, Florida Governor
Xavier Suarez narrowly defeated Raul Masvidal, a local
Bob Graham penned a letter to Ronald Reagan requesting
businessman, in the election.
the federal government take responsibility for the thousands
DECEMBER 19, 1985
Just seconds before lift off, a flight
of Cuban refugees who were expected to settle in Florida as
by the space shuttle Columbia was aborted at Cape Canaveral.
a result of an agreement between Cuba and the United States.
A malfunction of a hydraulic pump in the booster rocket was
Florida had unpaid bills in excess of $150 million after some
blamed. In 1985, a total of nine shuttle flights had already
100,000 Cubans fled to the United States in 1980.
taken place.
DECEMBER 8, 1984
Christian church leaders of Florida
JANUARY 28, 1986
An accident occurred at Cape
issued a statement condemning the state's capital punishment
Canaveral which touched the hearts of millions of Americans.
law as immoral and unjust. Twenty-three leaders from Catholic,
A short 73 seconds after being launched, the $1.2 billion space
Episcopal, and other denominations signed the statement.
shuttle Challenger burst into flames over the Atlantic ocean.
JANUARY 22, 1985
Governor Robert Graham declared a
A new era of optimism for America's space program was
state of emergency after a cold spell left 90 percent of the
dashed and all future shuttle missions were indefinitely
state's citrus crop damaged. It was estimated to be the worst
postponed. Among the seven astronauts aboard was Christa
crop loss of the century.
McAuliffe, a 37-year old school teacher from Concord, New
FEBRUARY 15, 1985
The third largest drug raid in history
Hampshire. She would have been the first civilian to journey
occurred when agents seized a Colombian jet loaded with
into outer space. A faulty seal on one of the shuttle's rocket
2,478 pounds of cocaine worth $600 million. The jet, an
boosters was cited as the cause of the accident.
Avianca Airlines Boeing 747, was thought to be the largest
NOVEMBER 4, 1986
In the race for the United States Senate,
plane ever confiscated by customs. It was the 34th time an
Democratic Governor Bob Graham defeated the incumbent
Avianca Airlines plane was found to contain illegal drugs in
Republican Paula Hawkins. In the gubernatorial race, however,
five years.
Republican Bob Martinez defeated his Democratic opponent,
MARCH 17, 1985
Venice, Florida was struck by a tornado
Steve Pajcic, by a 55 to 45 percent margin.
which killed two and injured 40. Damage was estimated at
FEBRUARY 5, 1987
Billionaire drug trafficker Carlos Lehder
$14 million.
Rivas arrived in Tampa under heavy security after being
MAY 9, 1985
A Broward County judge sentenced Roswell
captured in a raid by Colombian police a day earlier. Lehder,
Gilbert, age 75, to 25 years in jail for the murder of
who was believed to head the largest and most powerful drug
his incurably sick wife. A jury found Gilbert guilty of the
ring in the world, was suspected of being at one time respon-
crime which the prosecutor had termed an "act of
sible for 80 percent of the cocaine entering the country.
convenience"
MAY 22, 1987
President Reagan spoke to relatives of
MAY 17, 1985
A series of wildfires, caused by dry
servicemen killed in the Iraqi attack on the USS Stark five
conditions, winds, and lightning, struck the state and by May
days earlier. The memorial service was held in an air hangar,
23, some 354 fires had burned 175,000 acres and 200 homes,
and Reagan and wife, Nancy, personally consoled grieving
including exclusive residences in the Palm Beach area which
family members.
were assessed to have $44 million worth of damage done to
SEPTEMBER 10, 1987
Pope John Paul II began his historic
them. Governor Graham declared a state of emergency for
10-day tour of the United States in Miami. President and Mrs.
the stricken areas which included almost one-third of the state's
Reagan were on hand to greet the Pope upon his arrival at
67 counties.
Miami International Airport. Later Reagan and John Paul
JULY 9, 1985
Margaret Benson, heiress to a $10 million
II conferred at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a picturesque
tobacco fortune, was killed along with her son outside their
70-room mansion overlooking Biscayne Bay. The next day,
Naples home by two bombs planted inside her automobile.
a Mass celebrated by the Pope in Miami was interrupted by
SEPTEMBER 14, 1985
Florida issued a report stating that
a violent thunderstorm. The pontiff later met with American
a rash of highway robberies had been drastically reduced due
Jewish leaders in an effort to calm the sometimes stormy
to increased surveillance by the State Highway Patrol. Over
relations between the Catholic and Jewish faiths. The Pope's
130 robberies had been reported in 1985 by motorists who
visit to the United States, which included regions of the
had tires punctured by booby traps placed along Florida's
country never before visited by a Pope, was designed to foster
I-95 and were subsequently robbed.
greater unity between American Catholics and the Vatican.
FLYING THE COLORS: FLORIDA FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
307
FLORIDA GOVERNMENT
CONSTITUTION OF FLORIDA
OF
THE
STATE
Although not admitted to the union until 1845, Florida drafted
and adopted its first constitution as a result of a convention
convened in December 1838 at the now extinct town of St.
SEAL
Joseph. Of the 56 delegates attending the convention, only
OF
three were natives of Florida, while the remainder were natives
of 13 of the then 26 United States and of four foreign nations.
Most of the delegates were lawyers, but the convention also
included a sea captain and a fisherman, an innkeeper, a
FLORIDA
merchant, two clergyman, two newspaper editors, and three
physicians. Patterning itself after other state constitutions,
this first constitution provided for a one-term (four year)
governor, a two house legislature, and the offices of Secretary
of State, Treasurer, Comptroller, and Attorney General. This
document also included provisions denying public office to
anyone participating in a duel and denying the offices of
governor or legislator to bank officers and clergymen. This
latter measure reflected the delegates' desire to separate the
IN
COD
WE
TRUST
state from church and bank. Brought before the voters of
the territory, this first constitution passed by a margin of less
than 100 votes. On March 3, 1845, Florida was granted
statehood and entered the union. In 1855, the earliest
manifestation of Florida's unique "collegial form" of
government appeared when the state legislature created the
The reproduction of the state seal is only for the purpose
Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Fund, an
of recognition and does not in any way imply that this book
agency in which the governor and the officers of various
is a state publication. STATE SEAL The Seal of the State
executives shared equal voting power. In early 1861, a
of Florida depicts a view of the sun's rays shining over a coastal
convention was called in Tallahassee that produced the
landscape that features in the foreground a Sabal Palmetto
Ordinance of Secession declaring Florida to be an independent
palm and an Indian maiden scattering flowers, and in the
nation. The convention drafted a new constitution that differed
background a steamboat on water. The words, "Great Seal
from the 1838 version mostly in the substitution throughout
of the State of Florida" overarch the top of the scene, and
of the term "Confederate States" for "United States." The
at the bottom appears the State Motto, "In God We Trust."
new document reduced the terms of the governor, the treasurer,
This present state seal was officially sanctioned in May, 1985,
comptroller, attorney general, and secretary of state from four
after an official revision removed inconsistencies in the seal
years to two and imposed on the legislature the task of
Florida had used since 1868. These revisions included
purchasing or building a residence for the governor. After
redepicting the Indian maiden as a Seminole rather than a
the fall of the Confederacy in 1865, the newly installed
Western Plains Indian, changing the tree from a cocoa palm
Provisional Governor, William Marvin, called a convention
to the native Sabal Palmetto palm, and eliminating a
that revoked the Ordinance of Secession and ratified a new
mountainous background from the Florida terrain. STATE
constitution that created the office of lieutenant governor,
FLAG The Florida State Flag displays the State Seal in the
to be separately elected with a governor both for four-year
center of a white field. Red bars extend from each corner
terms with no limitation on reelection, and allowed the people
toward the center, to the outer rim of the seal. Gold tassel
to elect a secretary of state, an attorney general, a treasurer,
trim borders three sides of the flag. STATE MOTTO In God
and a comptroller, all for four-year terms coinciding with the
We Trust. Adopted in 1868. STATE NICKNAME The
term of the governor. However, this constitution was never
Sunshine State. Adopted in 1970. STATE GEM The
put into effect as a retributive Congress placed Florida in
Moonstone (translucent or transparent feldspar of pearly or
the third of five military districts it had constructed out of
opaline luster). Adopted in 1970. STATE TREE The Sabal
the Confederate states. Each of these districts was under the
(palmetto) palm. Adopted in 1953. STATE FLOWER The
authority of a general. The fourth, or "Carpetbag"
Orange Blossom. Adopted in 1909. STATE FISH Fresh
constitution was ratified in 1868 amidst the turmoil caused
water-The Florida Largemouth Bass; Salt water-the Atlantic
by the emancipation of Blacks and the disenfranchisement
Sailfish. Both adopted in 1975. STATE BIRD The
of many Whites. The Carpetbag document provided that all
Mockingbird. Adopted in 1927. STATE ANIMAL The Florida
county offices be appointed by the governor rather than by
Panther. Adopted in 1982. STATE SALTWATER MAMMAL
election, reduced the relative importance of counties by
The Porpoise (dolphin). Adopted in 1975. STATE MARINE
restricting the number of legislators they could elect, allocated
MAMMAL The Manatee. Adopted in 1975. STATE STONE
a seat in the state house and a seat in the state senate for
Agatized Coral. Adopted in 1979. STATE BEVERAGE
Seminole Indians, added to the traditional state offices the
Orange juice. Adopted in 1967. STATE PLAY Cross and Sword
posts of surveyor general, superintendent of public instruction,
by Paul Green, presented annually by the citizens of the City
adjutant general, and commissioner of immigration,
of St. Augustine. Adopted in 1973. STATE SONG Old Folks
constructed a network of state-supported public schools, and
at Home by Stephen Foster. Adopted in 1935.
established a state prison as well as institutions for the
FLORIDA GOVERNMENT
and mentally ill. In June, 1885, a voter-approved
Court approval of the legislature's plan for reapportionment
met at Tallahassee and took 56 days to produce
came in May 1982. This plan eliminated multi-member districts
of the fifth Florida constitution. This version was
in favor of single member districts, each balanced in
in the general election of November 1886 and became
population. Elected by a majority of the voters in the district
January 1, 1887. In this document, election of public
that he represents, a LEGISLATOR is to be responsive to
was returned to the people, governors were again
the will of his constituents, but also ought to display sound
restricted was eliminated, the salaries of the governor, cabinet
from running for reelection, the office of lieutenant
judgment as he cannot always accurately determine the wishes
of his constituents. Since all legislators are elected by the voters,
judges, and legislators were reduced, a House of 68
the governor cannot fill vacancies in the legislature. The person
and a Senate of 32 members were created, and a
who runs as a candidate for the legislature must be at least
was established that, until its elimination in 1937,
21 years old, and a resident elector of Florida and of the
limited Black voting. The 1885 constitution underwent
district from which he or she seeks to be elected. A candidate
amendments and was eventually superseded by the sixth
is not obligated to have any other legal qualifications beyond
mestitution in 1968. Drafted by a commission that included
those of a registered voter. Although the term "legislator"
attorney general and representatives of the governor,
applies to members of either legislative house, members of
Court, Florida Bar, legislature, and the public, and
the senate are called SENATORS and members of the house
by four special sessions of the legislature, this most
are known as REPRESENTATIVES Representatives serve for
document is largely a revision of the 1885 version. Like
two-year terms; senators, for four-year terms, with half the
constitution of the United States and the constitutions
senate being elected every two years. A legislator's term starts
other states, Florida's current document provides for a
with the general election in the November in which he is
of three branches (legislative, executive, and
elected, the office beginning midnight of election day. In 1984,
judicial) and gives these branches powers to check and balance
the typical representative-elect was 40 years old. Of the
another so that one branch of government cannot assume
members of the 1984-86 house, 27 were lawyers, 36 were
and therefore possibly tyrannical, rule. The new
business persons, 14 were educators, 11 were solely legislators,
Constitution reinstates the office of lieutenant governor, allows
six were housewives, and 19 were in various other occupations.
governor to run for reelection (with the limitation that
Since 1968, Democrats have held a two-thirds to three-quarters
person who serves as governor for more than six years
majority in the house and a two-thirds to four-fifths majority
consecutive terms may be elected as governor for a
in the senate. The Legislature has the power to enact laws
succeeding term), and increases Senate membership to
that directly affect the daily lives of Floridians; these powers
maximum of 40 members and House membership to a
are restricted only by the U.S. Constitution and federal laws
maximum of 120. Divided into 12 articles, this present
enacted under its authority, and by the Florida State
Constitution opens with a preamble and declaration of rights
Constitution. The Legislature has exclusive law-making power
includes 23 sections on the citizens' rights and the
and determines the general policies and direction of the state
limitations of the powers of government. Among these are:
and its agencies. Among these are the powers to levy and
freedom of speech and press, freedom of religion, freedom
collect taxes; define crimes and provide punishment for
unreasonable search or seizure, freedom from
violation of the laws; build highways, schools, and health care
imprisonment for debt, the right to work, the right to bear
facilities; enact marriage and divorce laws; authorize
the right to assemble, and the right to privacy. This
establishment and operation of counties and municipalities;
constitution was most recently amended in the November 1986
create and abolish state government agencies; determine how
general elections when voters approved amendments
much shall be spent for the services that government supplies
establishing a statewide lottery (effective January 1, 1988) and
to the state's citizens; allocate state-collected funds to units
the
office of a statewide prosecutor to be appointed by the
of local government for schools, highways, health care, and
attorney general. Also added was an amendment that requires
other purposes. The senate and house each biennially chooses
Florida Supreme Court to submit opinions on the validity
its own officers including its presiding officer, and each house
ballot initiative petitions.
judges the qualifications, elections, and returns of its members.
The PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE and the SPEAKER OF
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
THE HOUSE preside over their respective houses, each serving
LEGISLATURE of the state of Florida is the lawmaking
a two-year term. Beyond presiding over the proceedings of
of the state government and has the purpose of
their house chambers, the president and the speaker possess
determining policies and programs and reviewing program
the authority to select and remove committee members and
performance. Florida's legislature consists of a senate of 40
chairpersons and the right to reference bills to committees.
members and a HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of 120
Each house elects its own recording officers (the SECRETARY
members, both having the maximum number of members
in the senate and the CLERK in the house). Also, the senate
allowed by the State Constitution. Including the legislators
elects a SERGEANT-ATARMS, while the speaker of the house,
and
their various staffs, the legislature employed 1,418 people
with the consent of the representatives, selects the HOUSE
1986. Seats in both the senate and house of representatives
SERGEANT. Each house also publishes a daily journal of
distributed on the basis of population, the State
its proceedings. These documents are produced by the
Constitution requiring a reapportionment by the legislature
Secretary and Clerk of the senate and house, respectively.
a
regular session in the year after proclamation of the
COMMITTEES Each house of the legislature establishes its
federal census. The State Supreme Court must approve
own committees that do much of the preliminary work
such plan of reapportionment and will produce a
necessary to drafting, debating, and approving or rejecting
serisfactory plan if the legislature cannot. The latest Supreme
legislation. STANDING COMMITTEES oversee the business
FLYING THE COLORS: FLORIDA FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
33
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF FLORIDA
Before Europeans arrived on the land they named Florida,
during the game. When de Soto explored the region, about
native Americans had lived there for perhaps 20,000 years.
25,000 Apalachee lived there. By 1675, perhaps 5,000 remained.
According to some estimates, at least 100,000 Indians lived
English raids from 1702 through 1704 completely destroyed
in Florida when Ponce de Leon came ashore in 1513. What
the Apalachee culture. The Tocobaga Indians lived around
we know of these indigenous groups comes from the writings
Tampa Bay and numbered about 8,000 when one of de Soto's
and drawings of early European explorers and settlers and
men described one of their villages: "The town was of seven
the archaeological record. The European advance brought with
or eight houses, built of timber and covered with palm leaves.
it into Florida new inventions and new diseases, and the Indian
The chief's house stood near the beach, upon a very high
population dropped dramatically. By the beginning of the
mount made by hand for defense; at the other end of the
eighteenth century, the indigenous Indian population had been
town was a temple, on the top of which perched a wooden
destroyed. Indian history is one of peoples and cultures forced
fowl with gilded eyes." The Tocobaga were potters who made
into accommodating changes, in an attempt to survive the
bowls, beakers, jars, and bottles. Like the Timucuans, they
European advance. When Ponce de Leon arrived in Florida,
subsisted on fish and shellfish and cultivated corn, pumpkins,
the native inhabitants were of two major classes, divided
beans, and squash. Much of what is known about this group
geographically and culturally. The northern half of the
of Indians comes from eyewitness descriptions given by Juan
peninsula was populated by the agriculturalists, and the
Ortiz, a Spaniard from the Narvaez expedition who lived with
southern half was home to the hunters and collectors. The
them until he was rescued by de Soto. He noted three classes
major agricultural groups were the Timucua, Apalachee,
in Tocobaga society: chiefs and their immediate families (the
Tocobaga, and Alachua. The major hunting and collecting
most important members in the village); the common people
groups were the Calusa, Tequesta, Jeaga, and Ais. All these
(the middle class); and slaves (the lowest status). Slaves were
groups were sub-classes under the major linguistic family called
defeated enemies and shipwrecked Spaniards and Negroes.
Muskogean. (Contrary to popular belief, the Seminoles are
The Alachuas lived in the north central woodlands of the
a branch of the Creeks. They did not enter Florida until the
Florida peninsula in permanent villages, from the Santa Fe
early eighteenth century and are not considered indigenous
River in the north to Belleview in the south. These Indians
to Florida.) In the early sixteenth century the Timucua Indians
located their villages on high ground close to lakes. They fished
inhabited the northern third of the peninsula, extending into
in freshwater streams with nets and ate the catfish, gar, perch,
southeastern Georgia. Much of our information about them
and bream that they caught. They ate turtles and alligators.
comes from reports and accounts by Spanish priests and the
They also collected and ate freshwater mussels and birds. The
drawings of Jacques Le Moyne.
Alachua hunted white-tailed deer with bows and arrows but
were also known to hunt squirrels, muskrat, raccoon, and
Le Moyne's drawings indicate that Timucuan men wore head-
bear. Their arrows had tips that were triangular points made
dresses of feathers, breechclouts, beaded anklets and bracelets,
of flint. They usually cultivated two crops of corn per year,
and chiefs and sub-chiefs were tattooed. Timucuan women
along with beans, squash, pumpkins, and tobacco.
wore their hair long and went barefoot. The wives of a chief
were tattooed and wore beads on the neck, wrists, and ankles.
Not much is known about the day-to-day lives of the Alachua
The Timucua played several types of musical instruments and
Indians. They did, however, make decorated pottery and bury
led a life filled with ritual. They prepared for warfare by playing
their dead in common mound graves. The largest indigenous
wooden flutes, rattling gourds, and drinking tea made with
group of hunters and collectors was the Calusa. They
Cassina leaves. Spanish documents note that the Indians
numbered about 20,000 in the early sixteenth century. They
believed certain behavior or activity could foretell a bad future.
occupied the west coast, north to Tampa Bay and much of
These omens included owl hoots, crying fawns, lightning, and
the interior. These fierce warriors dominated much of the
certain facial movements like the twitching of eyebrows. At
southern peninsula by forming alliances with neighboring
the time of their first contact with Europeans, the Timucuans
tribes through intertribal marriages. The Calusa were ruled
numbered about 40,000. The Apalachee inhabited Florida's
by a king or great chief that lived with his family and advisors
northern panhandle from the Aucilla River to the Apalachicola
at their political capital called "Calos" on Mound Key.
River. Their villages were centered in and around present day
Mounds made of earth and shell were stages for their
Tallahassee. Like their neighbors, the Timucuans, the
ceremonial activities. In the 1550s, Spanish priests lived on
Apalachee were cultivators of corn, beans, cucurbits, and
the island and much of what is known about the Calusa comes
tobacco. They also hunted and fished. Apalachee villages
from their descriptive writings. Like other Indian groups in
consisted of as many as 250 dwellings. Their round houses
the area, the Calusa ate marine and freshwater fish, oysters
were thatched with palmetto. The Apalachee appeared tall
and conches. They also ate deer, ducks, vultures, alligators,
to the relatively short Spaniards, and wore few clothes-to
turtles, and bread made from roots. They hunted with bows
the distress of the Spanish priests. The women sometimes
and arrows and spears. A major characteristic of their culture
wore skirts made from Spanish moss; they also wore feather
was their ornate woodworking-masks, boxes, boats, and
headdresses and painted themselves. Apalachee men enjoyed
plaques. Their religious beliefs were extremely complex.
playing games such as stickball. Spanish manuscripts describe
According to Pedro Menendez, they practiced human sacrifice.
the game as being part of a ceremony which lasted for several
The Calusa did not easily convert to Catholicism. By the early
days. The game was usually played between villages, 40 to
eighteenth century, their number was reduced to less than
50 men on each team. The players used clubs to hit a small
1,000-done in largely by European gunpowder and disease.
ball. The object was to make the ball hit a post (or goal)
Those few who survived were destroyed by the Creeks, who
that was defended by the other village team. Eleven hits
hunted and raided the southern peninsula area in the early
constituted a win. Players were sometimes maimed and killed
eighteenth century. The Tequesta Indians lived in and around
FLYING THE COLORS: FLORIDA FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
267
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF FLORIDA
present-day Dade County and at the time of de Leon's
instead thereof, for the most part of the day.' Dickinson also
expedition in 1513 numbered about 5,000. Like the other
described a ceremony involving dancing and howling: "In
indigenous groups in Florida, the Tequesta ate marine and
the evening
the Indians made a drum of a skin, covering
freshwater fish and turtles, sharks, porpoises and manatees.
therewith the deep bowl in which they brewed their drinks;
One of de Leon's men described how they hunted "sea cows"
beating thereon with a stick, and having a couple of rattles
or manatees: "In winter all the Indians go to sea in their
made of a small gourd put on a stick with small stones in
canoes to hunt for sea cows. One of their number carries
it, shaking it, they began to set up a most hideous howling
three stakes fastened tó his girdle and a rope on his arm. When
and some time after came some of their young women,
he discovers a sea cow he throws a rope around its neck, and
some singing, some dancing. This was continued till midnight,
as the animal sinks under the waves the Indian drives a stake
after which they went to sleep." By the eighteenth century
through one of its nostrils and no matter how much it may
European diseases had destroyed the Jeaga and Ais.
dive, the Indian never loses it because he goes on its back."
The Tequesta also hunted deer and collected fruit and prickly
UNDER THE FLAGS OF SPAIN AND FRANCE 1513-1763
pear. They used bows and arrows and lived in villages located
APRIL 2, 1513
Juan Ponce de Leon discovered Florida.
near the mouths of rivers. The Tequestas had great respect
However, he probably was not the first European to visit the
for their dead. They stored the bones of their deceased in
area: one of the Indians he met understood Spanish.
a temple away from the village. In this temple were masks
Nevertheless, his landing was the first to be documented. He
used in rituals to honor the dead and offerings such as tobacco,
was searching for the island of Bimini, which supposedly had
turtles, and barracuda to appease the dead. Carved wooden
a spring that restored youth to those who drank its waters.
birds' heads were also associated with the temple. The Indians
He also sought gold. He landed on the east coast near the
feared the dead. It was taboo to utter the name of a dead
present site of St. Augustine, claiming for Spain what he
person. Diseases brought by the Europeans such as malaria,
believed to be the fabled island. Because it was the Easter
small pox, and syphilis decimated the Tequesta. By the early
season, he named the land "La Florida," honoring Pasqua
eighteenth century, their numbers had dwindled to fewer than
Florida, Spain's Eastertime "Feast of the Flowers." De Leon
200. The Jeaga and Ais were relatively small groups that
sailed along the Atlantic Coast as far north as St. Johns River,
inhabited the Atlantic coastal regions. The Jeaga lived in and
then turned and sailed through the Florida Keys and along
around present-day St. Lucie County, Florida, and the Ais
the Gulf Coast. Although the Florida peninsula was probably
lived just to the north of them. These groups numbered about
visited by Europeans earlier, De Leon was credited with the
2,000 at the time of de Leon's arrival. Much of what is known
discovery of the area. De Leon was born at Tierra de Campos,
about the Jeaga and the Ais comes from the eyewitness
Spain, about 1640, and had been a member of Christopher
descriptions of Jonathan Dickinson, a shipwrecked Quaker
Columbus' voyage to the New World in 1493. In 1508-09,
who lived with them. Dickinson said they ate fish which they
he explored and conquered present-day Puerto Rico, and by
caught with spears. They traveled on water using canoes and
1510 was governor of that island. He made a fortune in slave-
catamarans. The men dressed in breechclouts made from
trading. However, in 1513 he was ordered by the king to search
woven vegetable fiber. The Jeaga and Ais were hunters and
for the island of Bimini which led to his landing about 175
collectors and did not cultivate crops as did the Timucuans
miles south of present-day St. Augustine.
to the north. During his time with these groups, Dickinson
1519
Francisco de Garay mapped the Gulf Coast as far as
witnessed the brewing and drinking of the "black drink," and
Texas. He sought a water route to the Orient. The governor
in his narratives he described what he saw: "In one part of
of Jamaica sponsored his explorations. His maps gave other
this house where the fire was kept, was an Indian man, having
Spaniards a vague idea of what Florida's west coast looked like
a pot on the fire wherein he was making a drink of the leaves
FEBRUARY, 1521
Ponce de Leon returned to Florida
of a shrub (which we understood afterwards
is called
landing on the west coast, probably at Charlotte Harbor, in
casseena), boiling the said leaves, after they had parched them
an attempt to colonize the area. He and approximately 200
in a pot; then with a gourd having a long neck and at the
colonists went ashore and started constructing houses. De
top of it a small hole which the top of one's finger could
Leon was wounded in a fierce Indian attack. He and his
cover, and at the side of it a round hole of two inches in
followers reboarded their ships and sailed to Cuba-de Leon
diameter, they take the liquor out of the pot and put it into
died from his wounds shortly thereafter. His heirs did not
a deep round bowl, which being almost filled containeth nigh
pursue his claims in the New World. Francisco Gordillo landed
three gallons. With this gourd they brew the liquor and make
near the Cape Fear River, capturing 150 Indians as slaves.
it froth very much. It looketh of a deep brown color. In the
1526
Lucas Vasquez de Ayllon explored as far north as the
brewing of this liquor was this noise made which we thought
Carolinas. He and 600 settlers landed near the mouth of the
strange; for the pressing of this gourd gently down into the
Savannah River and established San Miguel de Gualdape.
liquor, and the air which it contained being forced out of
However, his attempt at settlement was unsuccessful. An
the little hole at top occasioned a sound; and according to
unknown disease killed Ayllon and 450 of his followers-the
the time and motion given would be various. The drink was
survivors sailed to Santo Domingo. Ayllon's explorations
made, and cooled to sup, was in a conchshell first carried
confirmed that Florida was a peninsula, not an island. Panfilo
to the Casseekey, [chief] who threw part of it on the ground,
de Narvaez secured a patent from Charles V of Spain, making
and the rest he drank up, and then would make a loud He-m;
him ruler of the territory from Cape Florida to the Rio de
and afterwards the cup passed to the rest of the Casseekey's
las Palmas on the Mexican border. In Spain, he recruited 600
associates, as aforesaid, but no other man, woman or child
colonists, priests, and soldiers for an expedition to Florida.
must touch or taste this sort of drink; of which they sat
APRIL 14, 1528
Panfilo de Narvaez landed at Tampa Bay.
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF FLORIDA
coast to find the Rio de las Palmas. He and 300 of his men
weighed anchor for Mexico. Thus the first missionary effort
marched inland seeking gold. Unable to find his ships, Narvaez
in Florida ended in martyrdom.
built five boats and attempted to sail to Mexico, which he
DECEMBER 29, 1557
King Philip II of Spain ordered the
mistakenly believed to be near. One by one, storms wrecked
establishment of settlements on Pensacola Bay, in an effort
the boats as they sailed along the Gulf Coast. Narvaez
to protect valuable trade routes between Spain and the New
drowned. Only Cabeza de Vaca and three others reached
World.
Mexico-after seven years of wandering along the Gulf Coast.
AUGUST 14, 1559
Tristan de Luna y Arellano sailed into
They were the only survivors of Narvaez's ill-fated attempt
Pensacola Bay with 13 ships, 500 soldiers, and 1,000 colonists.
to reach Mexico.
The King had ordered him to establish fortress-colonies at
MAY 30, 1539
Hernando de Soto landed at Tampa Bay.
three places: Pensacola, or Ochuse as it was called by the
Hernando de Soto was born in Spain about 1500, a child
Spaniards; Coosa, an Indian settlement in present-day
of impoverished nobility. At 19, he sailed with a small Spanish
Alabama; and Santa Elena, on the Atlantic coast near where
force to Central America, hoping for fame and fortune. He
Ayllon had located San Miguel de Gualape. The last was the
spent 13 years there as a soldier in the service of Spanish
most important because according to the King, "We have
governors. In 1532 he joined conquistador Francisco Pizzarro
learned that Frenchmen under pretext of going to
and helped him conquer Peru. After his triumphant return
Newfoundland may desire to go to Florida
and settle
to Spain, the Spanish crown appointed him governor of Cuba
in our lands, which we must prevent."
and gave him permission to lead a treasure-hunting expedition
AUGUST 10, 1560
De Luna sent two ships to claim and
to Florida. He hoped to find gold as he had done earlier
occupy Santa Elena, but they never reached their destination.
while exploring Peru with Pizarro. De Soto's expedition
The settlers refused to follow de Luna's orders to move inland
consisted of 10 ships and 600 men. They found Juan Ortiz,
to Coosa. Early the next year, de Luna returned to Spain;
the survivor of an expedition sent by Narvaez's wife to find
he left no permanent settlements in the New World.
her lost husband. In a manner reminiscent of the story of
MAY 1, 1562
French Huguenot, Captain Jean Ribault,
John Smith and Pocahantos, a beautiful daughter of Chief
landed at the mouth of St. Johns River, near present-day
Hirrihiqua allegedly saved Ortiz from a fiery death by pleading
Jacksonville. Gaspard de Coligny, Admiral of France and
for his life. Ortiz lived with the Tocobaga Indians and became
zealous Calvinist, sponsored the expedition of three ships
de Soto's interpreter. However, food quickly became scarce,
carrying 150 settlers. He hoped to challenge Spain, France's
so de Soto kidnapped area Indian chiefs to gain food for
major rival-and defender of Catholic orthodoxy. Ribault
ransom. This practice aroused hatred among the natives. De
left a small garrison of 28 men at Port Royal, instructing
Soto explored southern North America as far north as the
them to hold the land for the King of France. However, a
Smokey Mountains and west to present-day Missouri and
fire destroyed their food supplies and the Indians refused to
Oklahoma. Many, including de Soto, died during the
help them. In desperation, they abandoned the garrison by
expedition. He is credited with having discovered the
building a small boat and attempting to sail to France. Spanish
Mississippi River, but he established no lasting settlements.
forces commanded by Don Hernando de Manrique de Rojas
Before de Soto, one motive for mounting expeditions into
found the abandoned garrison and completed its destruction.
Florida had been quick and easy wealth; after de Soto's failure,
JUNE 25, 1564
Rene Goulane de Laudonniere, French
missionary zeal and Florida's strategic importance to Spain's
Huguenot, began settlement on a broad flat bluff about five
trade routes propelled continued exploration.
miles from the mouth of the St. Johns River. He named it
MAY, 1549
Father Luis Cancer de Barbastro, a priest of
Fort Caroline. The expedition included three ships and 300
the Dominican order, landed at Tampa Bay. He hoped to
settlers-among them was the artist Jacques Le Moyne, who
convert Florida's Indians to Christianity, and transform them
had been commissioned by the government to prepare an
into reliable allies of Spain. Several years earlier, he had
account of what he saw in the New World. His published
converted to Christianity and docility the fierce tribes of
account included drawings of the land and the natives in
Guatemala, and the King authorized Father Cancer to organize
northeast Florida. It was one of the earliest and best reports
Florida's first mission. Father Cancer's one unarmed ship
of the region. Timucuan Indians led by Chief Saturiba helped
and its company of priests were supposed to avoid areas where
the French build palm-thatched houses and supplied them
Spaniards had already landed, since that land "was running
with food. The French built a triangular fort of earth and
with blood of the Indians." Either through ignorance or
timbers. Some rebelled against de Laudonniere's strict
disobedience, Juan de Arana, the ship's captain, landed at
leadership, stole two vessels, and began to plunder Spanish
Tampa Bay-the site of Narvaez's previous landing. Two
treasure fleets sailing up the Florida coast. These activities
priests went ashore, but word came back through a survivor
signaled their presence to the Spanish, who accelerated their
from de Soto's expedition that the priests had been put to
existing plans for colonization.
death by the Tocobaga. The ship's provisions were low, and
1565
Ribault sailed to Fort Caroline with seven ships, 500
it was leaking. Father Cancer decided to go ashore and
soldiers and artisans, and 70 women. He strengthened its
establish a mission or die trying. He spent one day writing
defenses. Claiming French invasion of Spanish territory, King
letters, finishing his diary, and praying. After preparing himself
Philip II of Spain sent Pedro Menendez de Aviles to oust
for whatever fate had in store for him, he was put ashore
the French, establish Spanish settlements in strategic places,
in a small boat. As his boat approached the shoreline, a large
and Christianize the Indians. Upon reaching the French-named
group of Tocobagas gathered. They waded into the surf,
River of Dolphins, he renamed it St. Augustine. On September
surrounding Father Cancer's small boat. As he prayed for
8, Menendez claimed the land in the name of the King of
their salvation, they clubbed him to death. Seeing the brutal
Spain, and officially founded what has come to be known
murder from the deck of the ship, de Arana immediately
as the oldest permanent European settlement in the continental
FLYING THE COLORS: FLORIDA FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
269
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF FLORIDA
United States. A few days later, he marched to Fort Caroline,
lay, was whole bodies of pine trees, whereof there is a great
attacking on the morning of September 20, and taking the
plentie, layde a crosse one another, and some little earth
French completely by surprise. About 60 Frenchmen survived
amongst." Drake led 23 heavy warships, 19 auxiliary vessels,
the attack and returned to France-the French painter Jacques
and 2,000 men. The 80 defenders fled the fort when Drake
Le Moyne was among them. Menendez renamed the fort San
put ashore 1,000 men, leaving behind a dozen brass cannons
Mateo, left 300 men to hold it, and returned to St. Augustine.
and a treasure chest containing two thousand pounds sterling.
Several days later, he captured Ribault's remaining forces—
Indians joined the Englishmen in looting and burning the
killing all except those who professed Catholicism: the place
town. After Drake sailed away, the inhabitants of Santa Elena
where this occurred was given the name Matanzas, "Place
and San Mateo helped the survivors rebuild St. Augustine.
of Slaughter." Menendez had achieved his major objective.
1587
Santa Elena was abandoned. Spanish colonists pulled
That same year, English sea dog and slave-trader John
back to St. Augustine, hoping to make it less vulnerable to
Hawkins visited the area. He, along with Francis Drake, looted
attack.
eastbound Spanish galleons of much of their gold and silver.
1596
Gonzalo Mendez de Conzo became governor of
Queen Elizabeth of England, while publicly denouncing their
Florida. He began a program of rebuilding and strengthening
activities, secretly shared in their profits and encouraged them.
the Franciscan missions-essentially for the protection of
Like them, she believed Britain was destined to challenge and
prospective settlers.
defeat Spanish naval and colonial superiority. Eventually Spain
1606
Bishop Altamisano of Cuba toured the northern
sent its Grand Armada to invade and conquer Britain. How-
Florida missions, confirming a large number of Indian
ever, in 1588 the trim English ships destroyed the lumbering
converts and dramatizing the permanence of the Franciscan
Spanish warships. This defeat turned into catastrophe for
mission program.
Spain when a storm wrecked many of the surviving vessels
1612
Bishop Altamisano created the province of Santa
on the rocks of the coast of Scotland. Some believed the
Elena; it included present-day Florida, Georgia, and South
Church of England's God had sent the storm to punish Spain
Carolina and was headquartered on St. Catherine's Island.
and protect England. The defeat of the Spanish Armada was
Father Bautista de Capilla was named the first superior.
a turning point in the history of the colonization of the New
1638
War broke out between the Spanish and the Apalachee
World. But even though Spain had been defeated, she was
Indians. The Indians numbered about 30,000, the Spanish
not conquered, and for many years Spain was the dominant
less than one-tenth that number. However, Indian bows and
power in the waters around Florida.
arrows proved no match for Spanish firearms. The Spanish
1566
Menendez established San Felipe at Santa Elena, near
easily overcame the Indians and used them as slaves to rebuild
present-day Port Royal; he built forts at Tegesta, near present-
and strengthen St. Augustine.
day Biscayne Bay; and he founded a small garrison at
1639
Fort San Luis, near present-day Tallahassee, was built
Tocaboga, near present-day Tampa Bay. However, none of
by the Spaniards in an effort to guard against further Indian
these settlements succeeded for very long. Indian hostilities
uprisings.
made securing food almost impossible, causing the Spaniards
1656
Chief San Martin de Ayococuto and several other
to abandon the settlements.
chiefs from the Timucuans and Apalachees revolted against
1567
Dominique de Gourgues led a punitive expedition
the Franciscans who had attempted to ban the Indian custom
against Spaniards at San Mateo-formerly Fort Caroline-
of polygamy. They killed several Franciscans. Governor Diego
hanging the Spaniards he captured, in revenge for their
de Robolledo captured and punished the Indians, garroting
slaughter of French Huguenots two years earlier. Chief
eleven of them, one by one, in front of their fellow tribesmen.
Saturiba and his people helped the French raid and destroy
This action was taken in an attempt to deter further Indian
San Mateo. The French did not attempt another settlement
rebellion. To a large degree, it worked.
in Spanish Florida until late in the next century.
1668
John Davis, an English sea dog, raided St. Augustine,
1568
The Jesuits repeatedly failed to win many Indian
spreading much devastation. His action caused Spain to
converts in their missionary efforts; however, the catechism
redouble its efforts to secure the area.
was translated into the Yamasee Indian language. By 1571,
1672
The Spanish constructed the Fort of San Marcos as
the Jesuits broke off their missionary efforts in Florida and
an impregnable defense at St. Augustine.
returned to Mexico.
1674
Bishop Gabriel Diaz Vara Calderon visited northern
1573
After the Dominicans and Jesuits failed to Christianize
Florida; he listed 13 missions in the Apalachee country, but
the Indians, the Franciscan missionaries arrived to try their
only 12 to 40 Indians lived in each village near the individual
luck. They endured many hardships, but they succeeded in
missions. He ordained seven priests to serve them,
establishing a string of small missions from Florida to South
commemorating nearly a century of missionary activity in
Carolina.
the area.
1585
St. Augustine marked its twentieth anniversary. It
1680
Directed by the English, a band of Indians attacked
boasted a church, a council house and several stores; its
the mission on Jekyll Island, but they were driven off. Captain
population was about 300 men, women, and children.
Francisco Fuentes and five Spanish musketeers repelled a
1586
Sir Francis Drake, an English sea dog, attacked and
similar attack at Santa Catalina. However, the missions
burned St. Augustine. Governor Menendez Marques had
functioned as an ineffective defensive buffer between the
attempted to reinforce the earthworks around the fort.
English to the north and the French on the Mississippi.
According to an English sailor, it was "built of all timber,
1684
Northern Guale Indians formed an alliance with
the Walles being none other but whole mastes or bodies of
the English-they were attracted by trade goods, high prices
trees set up right and close together in Maner of a pale, without
for furs, guns and ammunition, and whiskey. Unlike the Fran-
any ditch as yet made
The platform whereon the ordinance
ciscans, the English did not interfere with their tribal customs.
270
FLYING THE COLORS: FLORIDA FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF FLORIDA
1686
Tomas de Leon attacked British settlements at Port
attack on St. Augustine. Again, the English colonists failed
Royal, destroying the town and burning nearby plantations.
to take Fort San Marcos.
Charleston was saved from a similar fate when a hurricane
1732
The British crown issued a charter for a new colony
crippled the Spaniards' forces. However, the English had won
in Georgia, the so-called "debatable land" between Florida
their point: Guale had been evacuated and the northern
and Carolina. The Spanish viewed the charter as a threat to
boundary of Spanish occupation was now the St. Mary's River.
the security of St. Augustine.
1687
Governor Quiroga y Lozada reached St. Augustine
1733
General James Oglethorpe, British soldier,
and planned a garrison on the Chattahoochee River.
philanthropist, and statesman, founded Georgia. King George
1689
Captain Primo de Rivera constructed a fort near
II of England granted Oglethorpe and his associates the right
Coweta, present-day southern Georgia. De Rivera hoped to
to hold and settle Georgia. Oglethorpe wanted to settle the
regain the Indians' confidence, to no avail. The garrison itself
country with people who had been in prison for not paying
was short-lived. In 1691 threats of English attacks necessitated
their debts. He envisioned a colony where owning slaves and
its removal. To prevent occupation by the English, de Rivera
drinking beer would not be permitted. However, the location
burned it.
of his grant between Spanish Florida and English Carolina,
1693
Andres de Pez and Carlos de Siguenza y Gongora
combined with the rivalries of the mother countries, turned
sighted Pensacola Bay which they named Bahia de Santa
the moral, humanitarian Oglethorpe into a warrior and greatly
Maria de Galve. Governor Torres of Florida mounted a land
influenced Georgia's course of action in history.
expedition of 25 soldiers and explored the area from Mobile
1736
Fearing British attacks from Georgia, the Spanish
Bay to Pensacola Bay.
constructed Fort Matanzas. From Savannah to San Juan
1698
Andres de Arriola reached Pensacola Bay in late
Island (Saint George) at the mouth of the St. Johns River,
November; he laid out a fort and mounted a battery of 16
soldiers manned hastily built forts. Spanish governor Jose
guns. Fort San Carlos was a permanent Spanish establishment
Simeon Sanchez negotiated a peaceful settlement with
in the region.
Oglethorpe at Fredrica, Georgia. Both agreed to withdraw
1699
De Arriola refused to let a large French fleet into the
from the St. Johns. England gained recognition of its rights
Bay because he was convinced that it was a colonizing expedi-
to the land above the St. Johns. The Spanish crown was
tion. A hurricane literally blew away Arriola's opposition.
shocked at the agreement and outraged by its surrender of
1702
The English colonists of South Carolina were
Spanish lands. Spain repudiated the agreement and recalled
extremely antagonistic toward the Spanish in Florida. Led
Governor Sanchez. Just after his arrival home, Sanchez was
by Colonel James Moore, the Carolinians and their Indian
executed. England commissioned Oglethorpe to be
allies destroyed the missions north of St. Augustine, but failed
commander in chief of the Georgia and Carolina forces. Two
to take the stone fort San Marcos. Moore took many Indians
years later, Governor Guemes of Cuba sent to St. Augustine
as slaves.
400 troops, 12 new iron cannons, and 6,000 pesos to build
1704
James Moore and his followers again invaded Florida
new barracks and patrol boats.
and massacred a large number of Apalachee Indians. They
1739
The British began the so-called War of Jenkins' Ear
destroyed the missions near Tallahassee and Pensacola, taking
in response to Robert Jenkins' claim that his ear had been
1,400 Indians as slaves. Over the next four years, repeated
cut off by Spaniards when they boarded his ship on the Florida
raids by English colonial forces virtually eradicated the original
coast nine years earlier. Jenkins had actually presented
Franciscan mission network. The Spanish governor estimated
Parliament with a severed ear, remarkably well-preserved,
that as many as 10,000 Indians had been carried away as slaves.
considering when it was supposedly cut off. Most people think
However, some Indians went willingly, if not gladly. Once
Jenkins removed the ear on the previous night-from the head
again Moore and his followers could not take Fort San Marcos;
of an unfortunate drunk in London. Parliament was
after a 52 day siege, the departing English wreaked havoc
impressed, at any rate, and declared war on Spain in righteous
on St. Augustine, burning the library of the friars and the
indignation. The other European powers aligned themselves
parish church. The city was without a church for the first
with either Britain or Spain.
time in its history. The English burned the convent and the
1740
General James Oglethorpe moved against Florida. He
chapel of the Franciscans for good measure. Father Martin
attacked on May 12, with seven warships and 1,600 men. On
de Alacano from Nombre Dios, a mission nearby, said that
June 6, British forces had encircled the city, but they could
the English left only the hospital and 20 houses standing.
not take Fort San Marcos. In July, Oglethorpe abandoned
The chapel of the hospital served as the church until 1763.
the siege after seven Spanish warships appeared.
1706
A Spanish-French expedition was mounted against
1742
Hoping to destroy Oglethorpe's forces before they
Charleston in retaliation for English colonial attacks on
could regroup and gain strength, Manuel de Montiano and
Florida. However, the raid was ineffectual. English colonial
Antonio Arredondo initiated a campaign against Carolina
raids into Florida continued.
and Georgia. Their force consisted of 50 vessels carrying 2,800
1719
The Frenchman Sieur Bienville led an expedition
soldiers and seamen. On July 4, Spanish forces attacked
against Pensacola, capturing and burning Fort San Carlos.
Fredrica and were repelled. They suffered 200 casualties and
But he recognized that France's future was in the Mississippi
quickly lost the will to carry on their offensive-despite the
Valley, and he discounted the importance of Pensacola Bay.
fact that they undoubtedly outnumbered Oglethorpe's forces
After a peace treaty was signed in 1721, Pensacola was returned
four to one. These military skirmishes were called by
to Spain, but the French garrison remained until 1723. The
Georgians, the Battle of Bloody Marsh. Oglethorpe returned
boundary between Florida and the English colonies remained
to St. Augustine in September with 12 warships, but the
unsettled.
Spanish repeatedly stifled his advances. On September 11,
1725
Englishman John Palmer led yet another colonial
a storm scattered his fleet. He abandoned his effort to
FLYING THE COLORS: FLORIDA FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
271
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF FLORIDA
conquer St. Augustine.
Apalachicola to the Gulf. East Florida's government was
1748
A peace treaty ended the war between England and
centered at St. Augustine, West Florida's at Pensacola.
Spain but the boundary between Georgia and Florida was
Parliament established a government similar to that in the
left unsettled. Spain refused to give up her claims but did
royal Atlantic colonies-an appointed governor, crown
not press them. England treated the land south of the
approved council and judiciary. The governors received their
Altamaha River as a "neutral ground." Anglo settlers
salaries directly from the English treasury. General James
continued their incursions into Spain's New World domain.
Grant, a leading citizen of South Carolina with extensive
1750
A band of Creek Indians left Georgia and migrated
knowledge of Indians and military affairs, became first
to Florida, settling in the former territory of the Apalachee
governor of East Florida.
Indians. They called themselves simanoli, meaning
1764
George Johnstone, a man with a reputation for
"separatists." This name was later modified to Seminoles.
contrariness, fighting, and dueling became the first governor
They gradually grew in strength, taking in many runaway
of West Florida. The British began systematic development
Negro slaves and remnants of the Apalachee. Even though
of the region by bribing the Indians into treaties with shiny
Oglethorpe adopted a policy of friendship toward the Creeks,
trinkets, guns and ammunition, and medals of all shapes and
many of them left Georgia and joined the Seminoles. The
sizes. In London the Gentlemen's Magazine informed its
Spaniards encouraged the migrations. The Seminoles also took
readers, "The soil of many parts of Florida is remarkably
in the few remaining Timucuan and Apalachee survivors and
fertile and may be cultivated to great advantage. On the shore
in effect subsumed their cultures. The Seminoles spoke a
oysters abound in plenty and the bays abound with fish. The
dialect of Lower Creek or Hitchiti-the language spoken by
inland country is plentifully flocked with cattle, whose hair
modern Seminoles in Florida. They were known for their
is so fine that with a proper mixture of furr or wool it is
pottery making, and they quickly established trade with the
capable of being manufactured into hats or cloth." Some were
Spanish. Furs were traded for whiskey. The British, hoping
persuaded by these pastoral descriptions to settle in Florida.
to manipulate the Seminoles and turn them against the
Denys Rolle, a rich Londoner, recruited "vagrants, beggars,
Spanish, traded them flintlock muskets. According to
and debtors" after failing to attract indentured laborers and
archaeological records, the Seminoles subsisted on feral cattle;
founded Rollestown, near present-day Palatka. A campaign
cattle that earlier Spaniards had brought to Florida and for
was started to raise public funds for building a highway from
one reason or another abandoned. These once domesticated
the southernmost Georgia settlements to several projected
cattle were quite numerous in northern Florida in the middle
settlements in East Florida. Attempting to broaden the peace
eighteenth century.
with the Indians, Governor Grant and Indian Commissioner
John Stuart held a council with the Seminoles. They agreed
UNDER THE FLAG OF BRITAIN 1763-1784
that whites could settle east of the St. John's River and up
1763
In the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Seven Years'
to the St. Mary's River. The Indians were given the interior.
War, Britain returned captured Cuba to Spain in exchange
1767
Dr. Andrew Turnbull, a Scottish physician who had
for Florida, and England controlled the mainland to the
lived for several years in the Mediterranean countries, thought
Mississippi River. On July 20, Captain John Hodges took
that peoples from that area would thrive and be productive
possession of St. Augustine in the name of Britain. Colonel
in the climate of Florida. He recruited settlers from Greece,
Augustin Prevost received Pensacola on August 6. Although
Italy, and Minorca. He and his backers hoped to produce
the treaty promised freedom to practice their Catholic faith
rice, cotton, indigo, and sugar cane on a large scale. He called
to those who stayed, most Spanish Floridians sold their
his settlement New Smyrna. However, trouble broke out almost
holdings and accepted grants in Cuba. Of the more than 3,000
immediately between Turnbull's overseers, who were familiar
Spanish colonists in St. Augustine, only eight remained after
with working slaves, and the new settlers. The Italians and
Britain occupied the town. The first British military
Greeks revolted and the Minorcans moved north to St.
commanders were struck by the poverty of the country. St.
Augustine. The settlement struggled on for several years, but
Augustine contained about 900 buildings and Pensacola
it failed to earn for Dr. Turnbull the wealth he had imagined
contained about 100 huts and a crude barracks constructed
it would. Under the British flag, Florida was becoming
a
of bark. Neither town had any visible source of economic
mixture of peoples, cultures, and politics.
life. The soil was sandy, the climate humid. British Surveyor-
1769
The settlers at New Smyrna cleared seven miles along
General William de Brahm commented, "I cannot help taking
the present-day North Indian River. East Florida shipped pine
notice of a remark which I have read some where
which
boards and timber, oak staves, mahogany, tar, turpentine,
is that dampness or discoloring of plaister and wainscot, the
indigo, rice, deerskins, and 60,000 oranges. The work of the
soon moulding of bread, moistness of spunge, dissolution
farmer, trapper, and woodsman laid the basis for an expanding
of loaf sugar, rusting of metals and rotting of furniture, are
trade with England.
certain marks of a bad air; now, every one of these marks
1770
Peter Chester was named governor of West Florida
is more to be seen in St. Augustine than any place I
after much political confusion there. He held office until the
ever was at, and yet I do not think that on all the continent,
end of the British period.
there is a more healthy spot.' Parliament created East Florida
1773
Governor Chester issued writs for the first elections
and West Florida. The former included the peninsula to the
in West Florida, but disputes over the interpretation of the
St. Mary's River, west to the confluence of the Chattahoochee
terms of offices frustrated the elections.
and Flint Rivers, and south along the Apalachicola River to
1774
Naval stores, deerskins, indigo and oranges accounted
the Gulf of Mexico. The latter extended along the Gulf to
for exports valued at over £22,000 from East Florida. West
the Mississippi, up this river to the mouth of the Yazoo, due
Florida exported skins and furs, and over 22 percent of
east to the Chattahoochee, and down this river and the
England's imported indigo. However, the value of Florida's
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF FLORIDA
exports did not equal the value of its imports.
American advance. Indian affairs and British and American
1776
The British colonies to the north issued a Declaration
adventurers were Governor Zespedes' main concerns.
of Independence, asserting their freedom from British rule.
1786
By royal order, the British company Panton, Leslie
Both provinces of Florida became a refuge for fleeing
& Co. was allowed to remain in Florida and continue its
American loyalists. John Adams and John Hancock were
profitable trade with the Indians. The firm loaned large sums
burned in effigy in St. Augustine. Governor Tonyn made it
of money to the Spanish government in Florida, virtually
clear that loyalist refugees would find a welcome there.
becoming its banker. Upon William Panton's death in 1802,
1777
Small skirmishes broke out between American
the company changed its name to John Forbes & Co. By the
colonists in Georgia and British loyalists in Florida. The raids
War of 1812, the company enjoyed great influence in Florida.
by both sides during the American Revolution had no effect
1795
Spanish power continued to decline in Europe and
on the main outcome of the war. Bernardo de Galvez became
America. The Treaty of San Ildefonso set the thirty-first
governor of Louisiana. He won the allegiance of the Indians
parallel as the northern boundary of Florida and opened the
and gained favor with the American revolutionaries. After
navigation of the Mississippi River, permitting the right of
Spain declared war on Britain two years later, he began a
deposit at New Orleans. Five years later, Spain ceded Louisiana
series of coastal battles which led to the annexation of West
to France.
Florida to Louisiana. Spain's bargaining position at the peace
1804
The Mobile Act, a secret bill passed by Congress,
treaty was strengthened by his victories.
authorized the seizure of West Florida if a foreign power
1783
William Charles Wells published the East Florida
threatened occupation.
Gazette in St. Augustine. It was the first newspaper published
1805
The United States tried to purchase Florida from
in the area. The Treaty of Paris gave the American colonies
weakened Spain, but the attempt failed. After Napoleon made
their independence from British rule. Their territory extended
his brother King of Spain, colonists in West Florida rebelled.
from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River, and from
They founded the short-lived Republic of West Florida.
Canada to Florida. Britain ceded Florida to Spain. Virtually
SEPTEMBER 26, 1810
Delegates of West Florida drew up
20 years of British influence was wiped out. However,
a Constitution, proclaimed independence, and petitioned the
boundaries, place names, a plantation economy, and the
United States for admission into the Union. President Madison
heritage of political and religious freedom survived to give
interpreted the Mobile Act to authorize him to recognize the
a basis upon which Floridians would one day form a state.
Republic of West Florida, but congressional opposition
prevented any formal recognition. Instead, he claimed
UNDER THE SECOND SPANISH FLAG 1784-1821
Florida-from the Perdido River to the Mississippi River-
1784
During the second Spanish occupation of Florida,
as part of the Louisiana Purchase.
many of the British colonists left and moved to the British
JANUARY 15, 1811
Acting secretly, Congress authorized
West Indies. Some travelled all the way to Nova Scotia. Others
the occupation of Florida. The Congress also authorized the
migrated to the United States. Spain's hold on the region,
use of the army and the navy and up to $100,000 for the
however, was tenuous at best. The mix of cultures now in
project. General George Mathews was named as President
Florida forced Spain to mollify its former rigid laws. Incoming
Madison's special agent. A year later, Mathews instigated a
American settlers resisted Spanish rule and looked to the
rebellion at Fort Fernandina. However, Congress refused to
United States for support and guidance. The Spanish colonists
go along with Mathews' machinations, and President Madison
who had left Florida when the British took control in 1763
revoked Mathews' powers as special agent on April 4.
returned. Many runaway slaves from the United States made
Apparently, the congressional action in 1811 referred to entry
their way into the high pines and shimmering palms of the
into East Florida only if local authorities consented or if any
interior. During this time of transition, groups of bandits
foreign power were trying to possess it.
plundered the plantations. These groups of armed men from
JUNE 18, 1812
The United States Congress declared war
Georgia and South Carolina made their way into Florida
on England, but it refused to support the occupation of
allegedly hunting slaves who had run away or been stolen.
Florida. On July 10, 1812, the Patriots, as they were called,
Sometimes these bands turned out to be looters and trouble-
elected delegates to write a Constitution for "The Territory
makers. Confusion and civil unrest marked the second Spanish
of East Florida." A few days later, they held elections and
occupation of Florida, and this social turmoil became an argu-
chose John Houston McIntosh as director of the Territory.
ment for acquisition of the troubled area by the United States.
FEBRUARY, 1813
Tennessee volunteers crossed the St.
JUNE 1784
Manuel de Zespedes arrived in St. Augustine
Mary's River to aid the Patriots. Congress again condemned
as the new Spanish governor. Zespedes and Alexander
the activity in Florida. The Seminoles, backed by the Spanish,
McGillivray, head of a coalition of about 45,000 Creeks,
attacked the Patriots, and the Creeks ràided towns in Georgia
Chicasaws, Choctaws, Cherokees, and Seminoles met in
and Alabama. This was the beginning of what was known
Pensacola. McGillivray was the son of a rich Scottish trader
as the Creek War.
and a half-French Creek woman. He was born in Alabama
JANUARY, 1814
Buckner Harris led 160 Georgians into
and grew up among the Creeks. He was educated in
Alachua country and founded Fort Mitchell. However, his
Charleston, South Carolina, and worked in a countinghouse
efforts were not officially recognized by the United States.
in Savannah, Georgia, before returning to live with his
Indians and Negroes attacked the settlement, killing Harris
mother's people. He was one of the South's wealthiest men
and driving his followers back to the St. Mary's River.
and owned three plantations and over 60 slaves. He had been
AUGUST, 1814
Two British warships anchored at Pensacola
an agent of the British during the Revolutionary War.
and landed Colonel Edward Nicholls, Captain George
McGillivray signed a treaty accepting Spanish protection and
Woodbine, and 200 marines with field artillery, guns, and
a promise of arms and ammunition with which to resist the
swords. They occupied Fort Miguel without protest from the
FLYING THE COLORS: FLORIDA FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
273
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF FLORIDA
Spaniards. Woodbine drilled Indians and Negroes in the
the Napoleonic Wars, assembled a group of veterans of the
streets.
War of 1812 and marched on Fernandina. The Spanish
AUGUST 24, 1814
Andrew Jackson wrote a letter to the
garrison surrendered without firing a shot. McGregor expected
Spanish governor of Pensacola, Don Matteo Gonzalez
aid from fellow revolutionaries in New York, but aid was not
Manrique telling him there were "refugee banditti from the
given. A Spanish attack failed to oust him. Leaving the
creek nation" moving into Florida and "drawing rations from
settlement to foment revolution, McGregor sailed to Tampa
your government and under the drill of a British officer."
Bay. In his absence, pirate Luis Aury arrived and claimed
Jackson demanded they be arrested, confined, and tried for
Fernandina for Mexico. The United States government received
their crimes. "Such should be your Excellencys conduct toward
numerous complaints about the disorder on the Florida
Francis, McQueen Peter, and others forming that matricidical
frontier, and on December 23, a naval squadron sailed into
band for whom your christian bowels seem to sympathise
Amelia River, landing 200 troops. Aury quickly vacated
and bleed so freely.' Jackson continued, "Be warned of my
without mounting any opposition. The United States held
creed: An Eye for an Eye, Toothe for Toothe, and Scalp for
Fernandina in "protective custody" until the end of the second
Scalp." Jackson wanted it understood that the United States
Spanish occupation.
would retaliate if provocations continued.
NOVEMBER 21, 1817
Seminole Indians ambushed a large
OCTOBER, 1814
Andrew Jackson joined John Coffee.
open boat on the Apalachicola River that was transporting
With their forces combined, Jackson led over 4,000 men.
troops and civilians to Fort Scott. Forty soldiers, seven women,
Jackson had decided to invade Florida. "This will put an
and four children were killed. One woman was taken captive,
end to the Indian war in the south," he wrote to James Monroe,
and four men escaped death by jumping overboard and
"as it will cut off all foreign influence." In the same letter
swimming to safety. Thus began the so-called First Seminole
Jackson tried to make clear why he was invading Florida:
War. General Gaines was authorized by the secretary of war
"As I act without orders of the government, I deem it
to pursue the Indians and, if necessary, to cross the Florida
important to state to you my reasons for the measure I am
line "and attack them within its limits unless they should shelter
about to adopt. First I conceive the safety of this section of
themselves under a Spanish post. In the last event, you will
the union depends upon it, the Hostility of the Governor of
immediately notify this Department."
Pensacola in permitting the place to assume the character
1818
Indian attacks, probably instigated by the British,
of a British Territory by resigning the command of the
brought Jackson back to Florida. In a letter to President
fortresses to them, Permitting them to fit out an expedition
Monroe, he suggested that Florida ought to be "seized and
against the U.S. and after its failure to return to the Town
held as an indemnity for the outrages of Spain upon the
refit, and make arrangements for a second expedition. At the
property of our citizens." He continued, "Let it be signified
same time making it to me a declaration that he [the Governor]
to me through any channel that the possession of the Floridas
had armed the Indians and sent them into our Territory.
would be desirable to the United States, and in sixty days
Knowing at the same time that these very Indians had under
it will be accomplished." Monroe did not answer the letter.
the command of a British officer captured our citizens and
Thus, Jackson assumed he was following a course of action
destroyed their property within our own Territory. I feel a
agreeable to Monroe. His battles with Indians and outlaws
confidence that I shall have the consolation of having done
would later be called the First Seminole War. Jackson
the only thing in my own opinion which would give security
commanded 800 regulars, 900 militia, and 300 Indians. On
to the country by putting down a savage war, and what to
this campaign, he burned Indian villages, captured Spanish
me will be an ample reward for the loss of my commission."
forts, and executed several British subjects-two of which were
Andrew Jackson, a major general in command of the seventh
Alexander Arbuthnot and Robert Ambrister. Arbuthnot was
military district of the United States and recent victor over
a 70-year-old Scottish merchant from New Providence who
the Creeks in the Battle of Horseshoe Bend, reached Pensacola
traded with the Spanish and Indians. He felt sorry for the
on November 6. On his own authority, he stormed the town,
Indians and wrote letters to the British at New Providence
and the next day British forces sailed away. Jackson marched
and the Spanish at Havana urging that the plight of the Indians
back to Mobile and on to New Orleans, where he won fame
be improved. He advised them to remain peaceful and orderly,
in the Battle of New Orleans-two weeks after the War of
but he believed their claims to the land were rightful and
1812 officially ended. Nicholls and Woodbine established a
that-based upon the articles of the Treaty of Ghent-Britain
fort on the Apalachicola River at Prosper Bluff. They supplied
had a responsibility to support them. "They have been ill
it with artillery, powder, and shot. When they finally withdrew
treated by the English," he wrote, "and by the Americans,
in the summer, they left the well-armed fort in the possession
cheated by those who have dealt with them." Ambrister was
of Indians and Negroes. The Americans called it Negro Fort.
a swaggering, bragging former lieutenant of the Royal Marines.
1816
Negro Fort was a center for organized raids against
Like Arbuthnot, he supported the Seminoles; unlike
Gulf settlements. It was situated on the Apalachicola River
Arbuthnot, he counseled them to war against the Americans
in Florida about 60 miles from the American border. The
to maintain their rightful property. Jackson accused
fort was held by fugitive American slaves. Many slaveholders
Arbuthnot and Ambrister of inciting the Indians. They were
along the southern frontier thought the fort was a threat to
tried and found guilty by a court-martial. Jackson wrote to
their safety and property. Under Jackson's orders, General
Secretary of War John C. Calhoun, "I hope the execution
Edmund Gaines attacked the fort on July 10. A red hot cannon
of these two unprincipled villains will prove an awful example
ball exploded the fort's powder magazine, killing nearly 300
to the world." Arbuthnot was hanged. Ambrister was executed
free Negroes and runaway slaves. This incident removed any
by a firing squad. When Jackson's Florida campaign was
immediate dangers to American users of the river.
over, forts belonging to a friendly nation were flying the
JUNE 29, 1817
Gregor McGregor, an English veteran of
American flag and two citizens from another friendly nation
274
FLYING
THE
COLORS:
FLORIDA
FACTS
CLEMENTS
1987
©JOHN
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF FLORIDA
had been executed. However, Jackson's activities persuaded
after a Spanish mission San Juan del Puerto or St. John of
Spain that it could not hold Florida much longer.
the Harbor. Created: July 21, 1821. County Seat: St. Augustine.
FEBRUARY 22, 1819
Representatives of Spain and the
Major Events: Ponce de Leon visited the area of St. Augustine
United States signed a treaty ceding Florida to the United
in 1513. Pedro Menendez, a Spaniard, founded a settlement
States. The United States assumed Spanish debts to U.S.
near de Leon's landing in 1565. This settlement became
citizens whose claims totaled five million dollars. The
present-day St. Augustine, the oldest continuously inhabited
boundary between Spain and America was fixed at the Sabine
community in the United States. In 1586 Sir Francis Drake,
River, in what is now Texas. This treaty has come to be known
an English sea dog, led a raid on St. Augustine. He burned
as the Adams-Onis Treaty. However, several years passed before
the town but could not take the fort. The East Florida Gazette,
the treaty was ratified. Spain procrastinated and problems
Florida's first newspaper, was published in St. Augustine in
developed over land grants conferred by King Ferdinand after
1783. In the 1820s, Ralph Waldo Emerson visited St. Augustine
Jackson had withdrawn his troops. The King finally signed
and described it as being made up of "Eleven or twelve hundred
the document on October 24, 1820, and returned it to
people. The Americans live on their offices, the Spaniards keep
Washington. On February 13, 1821, it was resubmitted to the
billiard tables, or, if not, send their Negroes to the mud to
Senate because the original six-month term stipulated for the
bring back oysters, or the shore to bring fish, and the rest
exchange of ratifications had long since run out. The final
of the time fiddle, mask, and dance." In 1871, a mule-drawn
exchange of ratifications occurred on February 22, 1821-
railroad was built between Tacoi and St. Augustine, but it
exactly two years after the signing of the treaty. The acquisition
was 1874 before the first locomotive entered the city. In 1889,
of Florida increased the size of the United States by 50,000
Henry M. Flagler opened the Ponce de Leon Hotel, the first
square miles.
in a great chain of resort hotels along Florida's east coast.
Marineland opened in 1938. It lies partly in St. Johns County
UNDER THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES 1821-1861
and partly in Flagler County and attracts many tourists to
1821
Andrew Jackson (1767-1845) was named by President
the area.
James Monroe to be U.S. Commissioner and Governor of
the territories of East and West Florida. Jackson was born
in South Carolina, and he studied law in Salisbury, North
JULY 1, 1821
Andrew Jackson appointed William G. D.
Carolina. In 1788, he settled in the town of Nashville,
Worthington as acting governor of East Florida. Worthington
Tennessee. He was instrumental in framing the first
was a native of Maryland and a lawyer. Jackson considered
Constitution of Tennessee, and he served that state as its first
his official position ended on May 27, 1822, and gave a farewell
representative in the United States Congress. He was also a
address to the citizens of East Florida on that date.
United States Senator from Tennessee, and he served on the
OCTOBER 5, 1821
Andrew Jackson appointed George
state supreme court. In the Creek Indian War of 1813, he
Walton as the acting governor of West Florida. Walton served
became famous as an Indian fighter, and in 1815 defeated
until the arrival of William P. DuVal on June 20, 1822.
the British at New Orleans. Jackson was elected President
1822
American forces under Matthew C. Perry occupied
of the United States in 1828. As governor of East and West
Key West, which had been held as a private estate since 1815.
Florida, Jackson was issued three commissions by Secretary
This action established the American claim to all the Florida
of State John Quincy Adams: to receive, possess, and occupy
Keys as part of the Florida mainland. Congress passed the
the ceded lands; govern the Floridas; and establish territorial
territorial act for Florida on March 30, and President James
government. The Florida Gazette was published on July 14,
Monroe appointed William P. DuVal (1784-1854) as the first
1821, in St. Augustine. In November, Jackson resigned his
territorial governor. DuVal was born in Virginia. He moved
commission and returned to Tennessee.
to Kentucky and represented that state in the United States
Congress. During his tenure as governor, Tallahassee was made
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
the capital. He served four three-year terms, and Duval County
Name may derive from the Spanish cambiar which means
was named for him.
"to exchange or barter." Some suggest that it was named after
the village the Spanish called San Cosmo y Damiam de
Escambe. Many believe the name comes from an Indian word
JACKSON COUNTY
whose meaning has been lost. Created: July 21, 1821. County
Named for Andrew Jackson who had been Florida's first
Seat: Pensacola. Major Events: In 1559 Tristan de Luna estab-
territorial governor. Created: August 12, 1822. County Seat:
lished the first white settlement near Pensacola (named after
Marianna. Major Events: Robert Beveridge founded Marianna
the Indian tribe, Penzacolas). In 1719 Pensacola was captured
in 1823. He arrived at the town's name by combining the
by French forces but by 1724 the city was under the control
names of his daughters. In 1864 the town was the site of the
of Spanish forces. Pensacola became the capital of British
Battle of Marianna where a "home guard" group comprised
West Florida in 1763. In 1781 Spain had once again captured
of young boys and old men defended the town from invasion
the city. Andrew Jackson took Pensacola in 1814. Pensacola
by Union troops. Dubbed "The Cradle and Grave Company,"
became the property of the United States in 1821 after Spain
this group could not halt the Union advance. The Union forces
ceded Florida. With St. Johns County, Escambia holds the
looted the town but did not burn it. They took with them
distinction of being one of the first two counties established
200 mules and horses and over 400 head of cattle. In the 1930s,
in Florida. Of all Florida counties, it is the westernmost.
the Civilian Conservation Corps developed the Florida
Caverns State Park near Marianna. Legend has it that fish
ST. JOHNS COUNTY
are so hungry in Cottondale that fishermen must hide behind
Named for the St. Johns River, which, in turn, was named
trees when baiting their hooks.
FLYING THE COLORS: FLORIDA FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
275
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF FLORIDA
Tallahassee at Natural Bridge. The Federals lost 21 killed,
approved while he was governor, and it gave the right to vote
wounded, and 38 missing. The Confederates lost three
to all races.
Lifted, and 22 wounded. Tallahassee was the only state capital
JANUARY, 1866
The state legislature enacted "black
of the Mississippi River that was not captured by the
codes" which were based on a differentiation between the
Lision Army during the Civil War. The interior of Florida
races. These codes concerned crime, sexual morality, labor
been saved from invasion at Olustee and Natural Bridge.
contract, vagrancy, apprenticeship, and the establishment of
APRIL president of the state senate, Abraham Kyrkendal Allison
1,
1865
Governor John Milton committed suicide.
Negro schools. In short, the codes attempted to restore the
old order as nearly as possible. A freed slave was free, provided
governor upon the death of
that he did not "break his contract, neglect his family, or
Covernor was a Democrat. He was born in
lapse into vagrancy.' The so-called radical Republicans in
Georgia and was a merchant there. He settled in Apalachicola
Congress saw these codes as proof that the state government
was that town's first mayor. He also served as first county
was substituting economic servitude for slavery. Later that
of Franklin County, Florida, and as clerk of the United
year, the Senate refused to seat William Marvin and Wilkinson
Court. He was a member of the Territorial Legislature.
Call, the two elected United States Senators from Florida.
also served in the Florida State House of
United States Congressional committees investigated
esentatives. At the end of the war he was jailed by Union
conditions in the South. During this time the Freedmen's
During Reconstruction, he was again jailed for
Bureau, a United States agency, gave rations to thousands
idating blacks. He died in Quincy, Florida.
of poor whites and blacks. The agency also supervised labor
APRIL 12, 1865
At Appomattox Court House, Virginia,
contracts, worked to secure justice for freed blacks, and
General Robert E. Lee surrendered the Army of Virginia to
attempted to educate the freed slave in his rights and duties.
forces under the command of Ulysses S. Grant. Two
When President Johnson vetoed a bill that continued and
later, General Joseph E. Johnston surrendered to
enlarged the agency, the so-called radical Republicans passed
General William T. Sherman near Durham, North Carolina,
it over his veto.
effectively ending the Civil War.
1867
Congress passed a series of acts for the reconstruction
of the Southern states. Florida became a part of the third
UNDER THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES: 1865-1987
military district under the control of a military governor,
20,
1865
Old Glory was raised once again and
Colonel J. T. Sprague. Suffrage was given to Blacks and denied
Buttered in the breeze over Tallahassee.
to those who had willingly served the Confederacy. The state
13,
1865
President Andrew Johnson named William
Constitution of 1865 was invalidated. Jubilant freedmen
Marvin (1808-1902) as provisional governor of Florida. Marvin
shouted, "Bottom rail's on top, now!" White organizations
Democrat. He was a native of New York and a lawyer.
such as the Ku Klux Klan and The Order of the White
1835 President Andrew Jackson appointed him United
Camellia were formed primarily to intimidate blacks and keep
District Attorney to Key West. Marvin served in the
them from voting. These secret organizations attempted to
Legislative Council and was a delegate to the St. Joseph's
maintain white supremacy by terror and force. They tortured
Convention. In 1845 the state legislature elected him judge
and killed many blacks.
the
Circuit Court, and two years later President Polk
1868
A new state Constitution was adopted, giving whites
appointed him United States district judge. Marvin had
and blacks suffrage. Jonathan Gibbs, a black leader, was a
apposed secession.
major force in putting together the new document. Eventually,
OCTOBER, 1865
Governor William Marvin called a
it was accepted by Congress. On July 4, Florida was formally
Constitutional Convention which formally annulled the
readmitted to the Union.
recession ordinance, abolished slavery, and wrote a new state
JULY 4, 1868
Harrison Reed (1813-1899) became governor
Constitution. However, the right to vote was restricted to white
of Florida. Reed was a Republican. Reed was born in
21 years old or older.
Massachusetts where he had been a farmer, merchant, and
NOVEMBER, 1865
The new state Constitution was
printer. He traveled throughout the Midwest and, in 1861,
adopted, and less than one month later the Constitutional
lived in Washington D. C., where he worked for the United
Convention ratified the Thirteenth Amendment, which
States Treasury Department. In 1863 President Lincoln sent
abolished slavery. The Constitution of 1865 never became
him to Fernandina, Florida, as a tax commissioner. In 1865,
however, because the United States Congress refused
President Johnson appointed him as United States Postal
agree with President Johnson's plan to return Florida to
Commissioner. He became governor under the new state
prewar status. The Congress divided the South into military
Constitution. Two attempts to impeach him took place while
districts, under the control of appointed military governors.
he served as governor. However, the state senate did not convict
DECEMBER 20, 1865
David Shelby Walker (1815-1891)
him. After his term as governor, he became editor of a
became governor of Florida. Walker was a Conservative. He
magazine, and served as postmaster of Tallahassee.
born in Kentucky and in 1837 moved to Tallahassee,
1869
Harvey J. Harmon was the first black lawyer admitted
Florida, to practice law. He held many offices during his
to the state bar. The state sold three railroads that had
political career, including mayor of Tallahassee, state senator,
defaulted on state bonds. The Florida Atlantic and Gulf
representative, justice of the state supreme court, and
Central Railroad, which ran from Lake City to Tallahassee
superintendent of public instruction. He helped to create
sold for $110,000. It was reorganized as the Florida Central.
system of free public schools in Tallahassee, and he helped
The Pennsylvania and Georgia from Lake City to Quincy and
restore civil government under military rule. After his term
the Tallahassee from that city to St. Marks sold for $1,415,000.
governor, he was appointed a circuit judge and remained
In June, 1869, the first two were reorganized as the
office until his death. The Constitution of 1868 was
Jacksonville, Pensacola and Mobile Railroad. This company
ROING THE COLORS: FLORIDA FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
285
APR 4 90 13:23
FROM FL REPUBLICAN PARTY
PAGE , 002/003
REPUBLICAN MART
Republican Party of Florida
SO
FLORIDA
Stan Smith, Press Secretary P.O. Box 311 Tallahassee, Florida 32302 (904) 222-7920 . fx: (904) 681-0184
TO:
Carolyn Cawley
FROM:
Stan Smith, Press Secretary
DATE:
Wed, Apr 4, 1990 1:48 PM
RE:
Talking points
sinsie why cry out?
RPOF polling currently shows President Bush with more than 70%
approval rating in Florida. The Bush Administration is committed to the
Senate Majority '90 Program. Additionally, the re-election of
Congressman Bill Grant as well as the maintenance of Florida's 11 - 8
majority in congress are top priorities for the national Republican party.
Registration figures: RPOF now has over 40% of the state's registered
voters compared to less than 30% in 1980.
DEM
REPUBLICAN
1980
3,087,427
1,429,645
1990
3,037,896
2,309,398
-49,531
879,753
* these figures from 2/90
1990 political goals: 1) Maintain Governor's mansion (would be first
Republican Governor re-elected in FL since reconstruction.) 2) Capture four seats
necessary to control the State Senate, (three of which are open) and elect Jim
Scott, Senate President 3) Capture the single seat needed for a majority on
the State Cabinet, 4) Maintain or increase our 11 - 8 lead in Congressional
Delegation (protecting incumbents targeted by DNC, Congressmen Stearns,
James, Grant & Ros-Lehtinen) and 5) increase our standing in the State
House where we currently trail 72 - 48. (April 17 special election for
House Seat #22)
State Senate Takeover:
Open seats: (candidates in bold)
(SD 12) Charles T. Canady - (attorney, H44) Curtis Peterson retiring
(SD 13) Seat currently held by Senate President Bob Crawford's (Ernie
HPR 4 90 13:24
FROM FL REPUBLICAN PARTY
PAGE . 003/003
Pg. 2 Stan Smith 4/4/90 memo to Carolyn Cawley
Caldwell - Polk County Commissioner who switched vs. Democratic
House member Rick Dantzler)
(SD 14) Richard T. Crotty - - going after seat being vacatd by George Stuart Jr.
who is seeking the Democratic nomination of Governor.
Of the 17 seats currently held by Republicans - 7 are up for re-election and
appear on stable footing in 1990.
From 1980 - 1990 Republicans have gained seats consistently, except for
during re-apportionment.
80-82 (27 Dems-13 Reps), 82-84 (32 Dems-8 Reps), 84-86 (32 Dems-8 Reps),
86-88 (25 Dems-15 Reps), 88-90 (23 Dems-17 Reps)
Over 46 Democratic elected officials in Florida have switched parties since
President Bush was elected.
1988 fundraising efforts: 1989 RPOF raised roughly 3.5 million. The 1990
budget is estimated to be roughly 6 million dollars.
Re-districting process: Our Goal is to be on a level playing field with the
Democrats after the re-drawing of the lines. Florida will get 3 or 4 new
congressional seats and more federal dollars after 1990 census.
Redistricting - Congress
The Governor has veto power.
Reapportionment
Constitution says that both houses draw their own lines - no one has veto
power
Republican Party of Florida
1990 Statesman's Dinner
0
RECEPTIONS
As of March 20, 1990
RECEPTIONS
ATTENDEES
Patron Reception:
Patron table/ticket buyers and Florida
Capitol Council members.
Foyer
Legislative Reception:
Legislative table/ticket buyers.
Room 6A & 6B
VIP Dignitary Reception:
Congressional, Florida Cabinet, and
Special Guest table/ticket buyers, Florida
Room 8
Victory Committee members and Host
Committee members. (Special Photo
Opportunity for Host Committee members).
Statesman's Reception:
National Statesman, Florida Statesman,
Governor, U.S. Senate, and U.S. Cabinet
DOC 5
table/ticket buyers and Co-Chairmen.
Photo Opportunity:
Co-Chairmen, National Statesman and
Florida Statesman table/ticket buyers.
West Concorse
Governor, U.S. Senate, and U.S. Cabinet
table buyers.
Press Office: Room 1A & B
Staff Office: Room 2A & B or 3 or 4
1,000 ft. 55 Covered Loading Docks/5 Drive-In Ramps
c
RR
RR
C
Storage
Storage
35'X18'H
(35x18)
Storage
Storage
30%16'H
Storage
BORTH
Storage
Storage
RR
RR
2,848
30' 30' H
Telescoping
60'x30'H
Ground Level
90' manykay
Freight Entry
Seating
7-10 p.m.
Receiving
e
90'
Show Offices
Second Floor
Hall E
Hall D
Hall C
Hall B
45,970.sq.ft.
101,540 sq.ft.
78,600 sq.ft.
66,000 sq.ft.
300 1.
Conceasions
(165'x300')
120'
(330'x300')
(250'x300')
226-10x10 booths
542-10x10 booths
0
(220'x300')
385 10x10 booths
339 10x10 booths
Concessions
Max. Seating 3,600
Max. Seating 5,660
Show Offices
30' to beam
30' to beam
40' to beam
40' to beam
Second Floor
Kitchen
90'
Halls Diand E
Max
Seating 11,478
MOVEABLE WALL CORRIDOR
2,848
H.005,09
(3,000 30, It.)
90'
Telescoping
Seating
S
N
Elevator
60'x18'H
C
RR
RR
C
2B
10A
108
100
11A
I1C
Opens To
1.1
Hall B
RR
Atrium
Atrium
Registration Area
Quality
RR
+
Court
12A
Yard
Latin- 5 3-sctry
sand
3
SOUTH
6A
5B
Productions
MBX.
6A
GB
8A
8C
8D
LOBBY
12B
Seating
Hall A
144
48,600 sq.ft.
10'x 13'H
Kitchen
3
12C
(180'x270')
4
Ground Level
Freight Entry
7A
231 10x10 booths
ENTRANCE
BG
8H
30' to beam
12D
15a
TM
RR
Registration
RR
Elevator
RR
Legend
REGISTRATION CONCOURSE COMPLETED 1980 180'x 75
00'x75'
Escalator
9:00-2:00P
GRAND LOBBY
146,350 settes
Stairs
Exhibit Hall
Meeting Room
ENTRANCE
Stairs
Registration
Area
Stairs
Lobby
Support
Registration Area
13
13
E
RR:
(Under Construction)
Stairs
=
=
Moveable
ENTRANCE
Partitions
RR Restrooms
C Concessions
COVERED BUS LOADING
many
20 Buses
+ First Aid
kay
Meeting Rooms
Gallery
window B+C overlooking
Room
Dimensions
Sq Ft (H)
Room
Dimensions
Sq Ft (H)
Room
Dimensions
Sq Ft(H)
1
39'x 36'
1,404 (11')
9
39' 36'
1,404 (11')
20
147' 90'
13,230 (18')
1A
19' 36'
684
9A
19' 36'
684
20A
38' 30'
1,140
1B
20'x36'
20
20
20
756
9B
20' 36'
756
20B
38' 30'
1,140
18
C
RR
2
49' 35'
1,715 (11')
10
87' 39'
3,393 (16')
20C
38' 30'
1,140
Open
To
2A
24' 35'
875
10A
28' 39'
1,092
20D
90' 50'
4,500
Below
2B
24' 35'
875
10B
30' 39'
1,170
20E
38' 30'
1,140
20D
21
3
25' 19'
475 (12')
10C
28' 39'
1,092
20F
38' 30'
1,140
4
24' 19'
456 (12')
11
87' 39'
3,393 (16')
20G
38' 30'
1,140
5
Elevator
20
59'x32'
20
1,888 (16')
20
Ceiling
11A
28' 39'
1,092
21
24' 57'
1,368 (18')
E
F
22
5A
30' 32'
960
11B
30' 39'
1,170
22
24' 55'
1,320 (18')
5B
29'x32'
928
11C
28' 39'
1,092
23
117' 48'
5,616 (18')
RR
window Hall A
6
88' 52'
4,576 (16')
12
134' 60'
8,040 (16')
23A
28' 48'
1,344
6A
44' 52'
2,288
12A
29' 60'
1,740
23B
30' 48'
1,440
Open
6B
44' x 52'
2,288
12B
30' 60'
1,800
23C
30' 48'
1,440
To
7
42' 38'
1,596 (16')
12C
30' 60'
1,800
23D
28' 48'
1,344
Below
Open
Escalator
7A
21' 38'
798
12D
45' 60'
To
2,700
A
180' 270'
48,600 (30')
Stairs
Below
Open
7B
21' 38'
798
13
117 48'
5,616 (16')
A-1
90' 68'
6,120
8
161' 101'
16,261 (22')
13A
28' 48'
1,344
A-2
90' 68'
6,120
23
23
BA
45' 38'
25
23
1,710
13B
30' 48'
1,440
A-3
90' 106'
9,540
RR
A
Stairs
B
D
8B
45' 39'
1,755
13C
30' 48'
1,440
A-4
90' 106'
9,540
3
45' 41'
1,845
13D
28' 48'
1,344
A-5
180' 68'
12,240
45' 41'
1,845
45' 38'
1,710
Second Floor
8F
45' 39'
1,755
8G
45' 41'
1,845
8H
45' 41'
1,845
Orange County Convention/ Civic Center
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF FLORIDA
ESCAME
SANTA ROSA
River
OKALOOSA
WALTON
HOLMES
JACKSON
Escambia
River
SHINGTON
River
GADSDEN
NASSAU
LEON
PENSACOLA
Ochlockons
JEFFERSON
CALHOUN
MADISON
HAMILTON
I
TALLAHASSEE
FORT
BAY
BAKER
LIBERTY
FORT
CAROLINE
SAN LUIS
JACKSONVILLE
WAKULLA
SUWANNEE
GUL
APALACHICOLA
TAYLOR
COLUMBIA
PONTE
NATIONAL FOREST
LAKE
VEDRA
CITY
BATTLE OF
KEY
ST
FRANKLIN
LAFAYETTE
*
OLUSTEE
ST.
JOHNS
FORT
Battles and Military Sites
BRADFORD
AUGUSTINE
GADSDEN
Sante
Forts
DIXIE
GIL-
PUTNAM
Towns
Suwannee River
CHRIST
ALACHUA
Rive
FORT
Other Sites
*
SAN MARCOS
BATTLE OF
LEVY
FLAGLER
GAINESVILLE
MARION
OCALA
NATIONAL
VOLUSIA
FOREST
NEW
st
Withlac
SMYRNA
Dches
CITRUS
LAKE
FORTS
our
River
Johns
IMTER
River
CAPE
CANAVERAL
Fort Caroline: Originally founded by French Huguenot Rene
*
DADE
MASSACRE
SEMINOLE
Goulane de Laudonierre in 1564, it was later captured by the
HERNANDO
ORANGE
Spanish.
Fort Gadsden: Also known as Negro Fort, it was blown up by
PASCO
General Edmund Gaines in the First Seminole War.
OSCEOLA
POLK
Fort Jefferson: Occupied by federal forces in the Civil War, captured
HILLSBOROUGH
Confederate soldiers were imprisoned there.
TAMPA
BREVARD
Fort Lauderdale: Site of military activity during the Second
Seminole War.
Kissimmee
INDIAN RIVER
Fort Myers: Originally named Fort Harvie, it was the main
MANATEE
HIGHLANDS
River
SINKING OF THE
HARDEE
PAN MASSACHUSETS
operational headquarters for United States forces during the Second
ST. LUCIE
Seminole War.
BATTLE OF
SARASOTA
OKEECHOBEE
Fort San Luis: Built in 1639 by the Spanish to guard against Indian
DE SOTO
*
attacks.
GLADES
MARTIN
Fort San Marcos: Built in 1672 by Spanish forces, it was an
CHARLOTTE
Lake
impregnable fortress designed to defend St. Augustine.
MOORE
Okeechobee
PALM BEACH
HAVEN
LEE
HENDRY
TOWNS
FORT MYERS
Jacksonville: Having sprung up in the late eighteenth century, a
fire in 1901 destroyed the town.
Lake City: Home to the University of Florida since 1883.
BROWARD
SUNNILAND
FIELD
FORT
Miami: Incorporated in 1886, it is the largest city in the state and
LAUDERDALE
the center of Florida's diverse cultural heritage.
BIG
&
DADE
Moore Haven: Site of a flood caused when a hurricane forced Lake
CYPRESS
MIAMI
Okeechobee to overflow its banks in 1926, killing 300.
MONROE
New Smyrna: Founded in 1767 by Dr. Andrew Turnbull, it was
a failed attempt to create an agricultural utopia.
EVERGLADES,
Pensacola: Now a military center, a naval yard was established there
St. Augustine: Famous as the oldest existing American city, it was
Tallahassee: Named for the Seminole word meaning "sun town,"
From Aade Massacre JEFFERSON FORT S 1990... the
NATIONAL
PARK
in 1825, and the first U.S. Naval Air Station was built there in 1914.
first established in 1565 by Pedro Menendez.
it was selected as the state's capital in 1823.
0.5800
Tampa: Having grown out of a settlement surrounding Fort Brooke,
its primary importance during territorial days was as a military base.
BATTLES AND MILITARY SITES
OTHER SITES
Battle of Gainesville: Site of a Confederate victory in the American
Civil War.
Apalachicola National Forest: Established in 1936 as one of the
America
state's three national forests, it is Florida's largest with 557,000 acres.
Battle of the Okeechobee: The climax of the Second Seminole War,
it was the largest battle of the war and the only American victory.
Cape Canaveral: First used by NASA in 1958, it has been the site Aranda
Battle of Olustee: Fought in 1864, it was Florida's most significant
of many historic events, including the Apollo II moon mission in
battle of the Civil War. About 10,000 total troops engaged in combat.
1969 and the 1986 Challenger space-shuttle tragedy.
Explantion
Dade Massacre: Major Francis Dade and 108 U.S. soldiers were
Everglades National Park: The nation's third largest national park,
it was dedicated in 1947.
killed in an Indian ambush that sparked the Second Seminole War.
Ponte Vedra: Four German spies came ashore here in 1942. They
Sinking of the Pan Massachusetts: Occurred forty miles off the
were later captured and executed.
southern coast of Cape Canaveral in 1942, and led to strengthened
coastal defense.
Sunniland Field: Located in northern Collier County, Florida's first
oil well was drilled here in 1943.
FLORIDA TODAY
racing, jai alai, and dog and horse racing. Across the state
FLORIDA TODAY
can be found six major opera companies, four major zoos,
When Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon first stepped ashore
and countless theaters, dance ensembles, museums, and, of
in April of 1513, he called the land Florida because of the
course, Walt Disney World and Epcot Center. Florida's 58,560
abundance of flowers he found in bloom. It was the Easter
square miles of land, 7,700 lakes, numerous springs, rivers,
season and he was reminded of his own country's Pasqua
estuaries, swamps and marshes, and over 8,400 miles of tidal
Florida, or "Feast of Flowers." Almost 500 years later, Florida
shoreline, combined with its tropical climate, make the state
is still in bloom. Perhaps more so than ever. A full and mature
perfect for any outdoor activity from tanning to shell collecting
bloom, yet ever growing and changing. While Florida is, for
to bird watching to taking a pleasurable walk. Although the
very good reason, known as The Sunshine State, perhaps the
conquistadors discovered no gold in their journeys through
greatest symbolism is in the launching pads and giant rockets
Florida, Floridians and the rest of the world have discovered
at Cape Canaveral which sent men soaring to the moon. The
that Florida is indeed a land abloom with golden
state itself has soared and shows no sign of leveling off. The
opportunities.
climate and the land have attracted people and businesses
and industry in great numbers. With only 523,000 residents
THE LAND
in 1900, Florida has recorded giant leaps in population in
The state of Florida boasts a coastline over 1,200 miles long.
each decade of this century to reach an estimated total of
Counting the coastlines of its various islands and bays, Florida
11.4 million in 1985 to become the sixth largest state. Official
has nearly 8,500 miles of tidal shoreline. Most of the state's
estimates forecast that it will become the fourth largest state
coastline is made up of rocky or sandy beaches, marshes,
in 1990 with a population of 13.3 million and the third largest
or saltwater swamps. Rocky coasts are also found on Jupiter
in 2000 with a population of 17.4 million. While the available
Island and near Jensen Beach on the southeast coast and
labor force grew by 50 percent in the last decade, employment
near Bradenton on the west coast. The state also covers 54,136
also grew by 58 percent and the unemployment rate stayed
square miles of land and 4,424 square miles of inland water
below the national average. While Florida is well-known for
for a total surface area of 58,560 square miles, ranking Florida
its large population of senior citizens, 80 percent of the work
the 22nd largest state. To the north, it borders Georgia and
force is between 18 and 44 years of age. At a time when the
Alabama and then juts southward, forming the Florida
rest of the United States experienced a four percent decline
peninsula. The Florida Keys, a string of islands composed
in manufacturing jobs, Florida realized a 13 percent increase
of coral reef that dot the waters off the state's southern coast,
in this category. The greatest industrial growth came in
extend 150 miles to Key West. It is Florida's southernmost
electronics and other high-tech areas as the state diversified
point, 90 miles from Cuba. The land in all of the state is
its economic base. Tourism is, and will likely remain, the
generally low, level and flat. Soils are essentially sandy,
number one industry. More than 30 million visitors come to
excessively well-drained, and low in fertility. However, the most
Florida each year to make a $20 billion impact on the state
fertile areas in the upland regions of northern Florida and
economy. Agriculture, long a solid foundation for the state,
south of Lake Okeechobee support a vast amount and variety
also will continue to add to its $16 billion annual contribution
of vegetation. Pine flatwoods predominate as the state's most
to the economy, though its future growth may not be as great
prevalent tree species. The three types of pine vegetation found
as that of other industrial segments. Florida leads the nation
most frequently are longleaf, slash, and pond. In central and
in citrus fruit production with 71 percent of the total and
northern Florida, some types of oak and other hardwoods
ranks second among all the states in both fresh market
are found, while far to the south of the peninsula, mangroves,
vegetables and nursery and greenhouse products. The rapid
swamp forests, and marshes abound. Elevations are generally
growth in population and business has pushed the services
higher in northern and north central Florida. The highest
industry, which includes both personal and business services,
point in Florida is 345 feet in Walton County near the
to a 136 percent growth in the last decade. Florida's 14
Alabama border. In the northern flatwoods and plains areas
deepwater seaports and six international airports make the
along the Georgia and Alabama borders, elevations generally
state the primary gateway to Latin America and a major link
range from sea level to 300 feet. A great deal of land in this
in world trade. Florida has an official state policy to foster
area is devoted to state and national forests and game refuges.
economic development and create a favorable business climate.
The Blackwater State Forest borders Alabama's Conecuh
The state's 5.5 percent corporate income tax is among the
National Preserve, and the Apalachicola and Osceola National
lowest in the nation, and it is one of only six states to assess
Forests cover miles of northern Florida with piney woods.
no personal income tax. But Florida is more than large
Stretching down through parts of Madison, Suwannee, and
numbers of people and a bustling economy. More than 1.6
Gilchrist counties is the north central Florida ridge area, in
million students and 90,000 teachers are involved in
which elevations rise to between 75 and 150 feet and gently
kindergarten through twelfth grade educational programs. The
rolling, irregular hills texture the landscape. Here the land
state has 67 school districts (one per county), 2,111 elementary
is used primarily for vegetable, fruit, and tobacco cultivation,
and secondary schools, 407 adult education centers, 32
with some amount devoted to commercial forestry. In this
vocational schools, nine State University System universities
area, wide expanses of open pine and oak forest vegetation
(with 10 branch campuses), and 120 independent colleges and
can be seen. Most common to the region are turkey oak and
universities. The state offers ideal conditions for year-round
longleaf pine above bluestem and indian grass ground cover.
outdoor sports including fresh and saltwater fishing, hunting,
Northern peninsular Florida concentrates on livestock and
golf, tennis, surfing, scuba-diving, and boating. Spectator
dairy farming as an economic mainstay. Cattle can be seen
sports include high school, college, and professional football
grazing from highways in this southern flatwoods region from
and basketball, spring training major league baseball, auto
south of Duval County on the Atlantic Coast, through the
FLYING THE COLORS: FLORIDA FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
1
FLORIDA TODAY
south central inland area westward to the Gulf coast. Here
every day. This precipitation usually comes in the form of
the land is level and low, ranging from sea level to 75 feet
thunderstorms bringing drops in temperature that help
in elevation. Most of the area is naturally forested, with slash
alleviate both the humidity and the average maximum summer
pine, cabbage palm, and live oak. Further south, vegetation
temperatures of 90°F. The annual average amount of rain
becomes more tropical. The Florida Everglades comprise most
also varies by region. The Keys experience an average rainfall
of the state's extreme southern peninsula and a small section
of 40 inches per year, whereas localities in both the northwest
of the central peninsula inland from the Atlantic coast. Nearly
and southeast portion of the state have reported 80 to as much
half of this area is used as Indian reservations, national parks,
as 100 inches of annual rainfall. Florida's annual average
and wildlife refuges. The Everglades National Park, together
temperatures are more predictable. Mean annual temperatures
with Big Cypress National Preserve and Swamp, covers nearly
vary from 78°F at Key West to the mid 70s on the southern
the entire southern and southwestern tip of Florida. Much
mainland to the upper 60s in the north. Average summer
of the area is in open marshlands, with a small percentage
temperatures are a constant 81° or 82°F throughout the state,
in cropland, growing predominantly sugarcane. The land is
with the inland areas staying a few degrees warmer than the
the flattest and lowest in the state, ranging in elevation from
coast. Gentle Atlantic and Gulf Coast breezes counteract the
sea level to less than 70 feet. Low beach ridges and dunes
often intense humidity (50-60 percent in the afternoon and
rise slightly above the swamps and marshes in the east.
85-95 percent at night) and make heat waves and temperatures
Swamps, or poorly-drained flatlands with tree cover, and
of 100°F or more an extremely rare occurrence. Average annual
marshes, poorly-drained flatlands with grass or shrub cover,
minimum temperatures range from the middle 50s in the south
dot the entire southern peninsula region. Mangrove trees,
to the middle 40s in the north, with an occasional cold wave
growing in the saltwater swamps along the southern and
dipping temperatures down to 15° to 20°F in the north and
eastern coasts, are mixed with bald cypress, the dominant
to 32°F in the south. Warm ocean breezes keep Florida from
species in the area. Also, lush freshwater marsh vegetation
experiencing a harsh winter. Although snow is a rare
such as various types of sawgrass, pickleweed, willow, and
occurrence in Florida, no part of the state is exempt from
maidencane flourish in the organic, calcium-rich soils of
the possibility of crop-damaging freezes. These cold waves
southern Florida.
usually last only two or three days, and a few winters may
pass in succession without widespread freezes occurring.
TIME ZONES Most of Florida is in the Eastern Time Zone.
However, occasionally a winter will bring several cold snaps,
One county, Gulf, lies in both the Eastern and Central Time
interspersed with warm periods. These fluctuations cause the
Zones, and nine counties, Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Holmes,
greatest damage to the state's agricultural industry, because
Jackson, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton, and Washington,
the warm periods render the vegetation susceptible to damage
are in the Central Time Zone. The line dividing the Eastern
by the cold spells. In the southern peninsula, the prevailing
and Central zones generally follows the Apalachicola River.
winds blow east and southeast. Because of local peculiarities,
Most of Gulf County is in the Central Time Zone, though
winds in the northern half of the state are more erratic but
the southern quarter of the county along the Gulf Coast and
generally blow southerly in the summer and northerly in the
the Intracoastal Waterway, including the county seat of Port
winter. Tornadoes occur throughout Florida during all seasons.
St. Joe, observe Eastern Time. All areas of the state, whether
The state averages 10 to 15 tornadoes, waterspouts, and funnel
in the Eastern or Central Time Zones, change from standard
clouds each year, the months of their most regular occurrence
time to daylight time from the first Sunday in April to the
being April, May, and June. Tornadoes frequently occur in
last Sunday in October.
connection with tropical storms, of which the state averages
1.7 per year. Florida has never gone more than two years
CLIMATE Florida is one of the few continental states that
without a tropical storm but once went nine consecutive years
can boast its climate to be its greatest resource. Visitors to
(1951-1959 inclusive) without a major hurricane. The stability
the southern peninsula experience a tropical climate (one in
of Florida's tourist and agricultural industries relies greatly
which the average temperature of the coldest month is 64.4°F
upon Florida's climate-in particular, its sunshine. The sun
or above). Although the northern half of the state does not
shines approximately two-thirds of the possible sunlight hours
offer as warm an average temperature as does the southern
during the year in the Sunshine State. Florida's location in
peninsula, it nonetheless spans a subtropical zone and a
the lower latitudes also works to its advantage: in the winter,
temperate-subtropical transition zone-both of which are
the sun shines longer in Florida than in any state to its
welcome changes to those visitors accustomed to the colder,
immediate north.
temperate climates of the states north of Florida. Indicative
of its subtropical/tropical locale, Florida's climate does not
ENVIRONMENT Florida's natural beauty, mild climate,
exhibit four distinct seasons as states in the temperate zone
and wide variety of natural resources have attracted many
do. Rather, Florida has a rainy and a dry season. The arrival
people to the state. This has placed an enormous stress upon
and duration of each season vary in the different regions of
the environment. The Department of Environmental
the state. The northwest has, in effect, two rainy seasons: the
Regulation, a regulatory agency, is the leading state body
first during late winter and early spring; the second from June
overseeing environmental matters. It has a 1986-87 operating
through September. October brings the least rain to the
budget of $114 million. It is in charge of water quality, water
panhandle. But along the southeast coast, October has some
management, hazardous and solid waste disposal,
of the heaviest rainfall of the year. Throughout Florida,
groundwater, coastal management, and power plant siting.
generally more than half of the annual average rainfall occurs
The Department of Natural Resources manages the state's
during the period from June through September. During this
natural resources. The major cause of surface water pollution
summer rainy season, there is a 50 percent chance of rain
in Florida is runoff from stormwater, although 1,900 industries
FLORIDA TODAY
are permitted to discharge treated industrial waste into
0.12 parts per million throughout the state. Dade County was
waterways. The quality of surface water varies within the state,
the only Florida county to exceed the maximum level of carbon
yet, generally, the water quality is good. Florida requires that
monoxide during 1985. It happened twice.
developers obtain a stormwater permit for their projects, except
for single-family dwellings. The permit requires the developer
THE PEOPLE
to treat either the first half-inch or first inch of runoff. Most
Florida in 1985 became the sixth most populous state as the
developments are now built with stormwater treatment systems
population increased 17 percent since 1980 to an estimated
designed to eliminate up to 80 percent of the pollution. Florida
total of 11,366,000 persons. It was the sixth fastest growing
has also instituted an Outstanding Florida Waters Program
state overall, but the fastest growing among the top 10. The
to provide added protection to certain delicate areas. The
U.S. Department of Commerce projected that it will continue
Department of Environmental Regulation is prohibited from
to be the fastest growing of the larger states with another
issuing direct discharge permits for any body of water
17 percent increase to become the fourth largest state in 1990
designated as an Outstanding Florida Water, such as
with a population of 13.3 million, followed by a 31 percent
Apalachicola River and Bay, the Suwannee River, and the
increase to become the third largest in the year 2000 with
waters around the Florida Keys. Because groundwater provides
a population of 17.4 million. Florida was the 10th largest state
92 percent of Florida's drinking water and is tied to the state's
in 1960, the ninth largest in 1970, and ranked seventh in 1980.
ecological system, any pollution of ground water is an
Since the earliest census in 1900 showed 523,000 residents,
important concern. Instead of landfills, resource recovery has
Florida's population growth always has been above average
become a popular method of solid waste disposal. Six waste-
if not spectacular. The growth each decade was 42 percent
to-energy plants are operating in Florida with each burning
to 1910, 29 percent to 1920, 52 percent to 1930, 29 percent
a total of 6,400 tons of solid waste each day. In 1983, the
to 1940, 46 percent to 1950, 79 percent to 1960, 37 percent
legislature passed the Water Quality Assurance Act to monitor
to 1970, and 44 percent to 1980. Migration as the major factor
groundwater purity. By 1988, 3,200 monitoring wells will be
is emphasized by the fact that about 1.4 million people moved
completed across the state, gathering information on
to Florida between 1980 and 1985, a larger total than received
groundwater quality. Florida has the toughest groundwater
by any other state. This accounted for almost nine-tenths of
requirements in the nation. Florida generates more than
the 17 percent total growth. Or, otherwise stated, the
550,000 tons of hazardous waste each year. This waste is either
population's natural growth was two percent with 15 percent
recycled, neutralized, or sent out-of-state for disposal.
by migration. In 1985, five percent of the total U.S. population
Approximately 104,000 tons of hazardous waste is removed
lived in Florida as compared to three percent in 1960. Its
to a total of 20 different states each year. The Environmental
reputation as a retirement haven also causes Florida to be
Protection Agency has designated 39 sites in Florida as being
the "oldest" state. The median age in 1980 was 34.7 and ,
dangerous enough to fall within the Superfund Program. This
in 1985, 19 percent of the population was over 64. Both of
federal program was established in 1980 to clean up the worst
these figures were the highest among all the states, while
hazardous waste sites in the nation. The state is currently
Florida's 23 percent under age 18 was the smallest such
watching 400 other sites suspected of being contaminated by
percentage. In 1970 the median age had been 32.3 with 15
hazardous waste. Florida also has established several
percent of the population over 64 and 31 percent under 18.
environmental programs. The Conservation and Recreation
In statewide school age trends, the age 5-17 category dropped
Lands and the Save Our Rivers programs are charged with
from 24 percent of total population in 1970 to 18 percent
acquiring environmentally sensitive lands. The state, as of July
in 1980, and to 16 percent in 1984. But while the 0-5 age
1985, has spent over $596 million in the acquisition of some
bracket dropped from seven percent in 1970 to six percent
2.1 million acres and hopes to raise an additional $750 million
in 1980, it increased again to seven percent in 1984. Ranking
through the state's documentary stamp tax to purchase lands
sixth in total population and 22nd in physical size, Florida
important for water management. With a vast coastline,
was 10th among the states in population density in 1985 with
coastal management is an important issue in Florida. The
209 persons per square mile. This compares to the overall
Florida Coastal Management Program is concerned with ten
U.S. density of 67.5 persons per square mile and to the state
primary issues, divided into three broad categories: Resource
with the greatest density, New Jersey, with 1,012 per square
Protection Issues, especially coral reefs, estuaries, and barrier
mile. The Florida counties ranged in density from Pinellas
islands; Coastal Development Issues, specifically ports,
(Clearwater/St. Petersburg) with 2,857 persons per square mile
disposal of dredged material, marine siting, water-related
to Liberty with 5.4 persons per square mile. Between 1970
energy facilities, commercial and recreational fisheries, and
and 1980 there was 48 percent growth in the urban areas of
recreation; and Coastal Storms Issues. The Coastal
Florida and 23 percent growth in rural areas. As of 1980,
Construction Control Line Program is the basis of Florida's
84 percent of the state's population lived in urban areas as
efforts to protect its beaches and manage shoreline
compared to 81 percent in 1970. The urban population
development. New structures must meet design standards to
percentage for the nation was 74 percent in 1980, up only
withstand storm winds and flooding for the 100-year storm
a fraction of a point from 1970. The largest city in Florida,
period. The Department of Natural Resources has established
Jacksonville, ranked 23rd in the U.S. with a 1980 population
long term coastal erosion rates and prohibits the construction
of 540,920. The city of Miami was second in the state and
of large developments which would be eroded away in 30 years.
41st in the nation with 346,865. However, the Miami-Ft.
The air quality is generally good in Florida. In four Florida
Lauderdale Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area
counties, Dade, Duval, Hillsborough, and Pinellas, the level
(CMSA) ranked 11th in the nation with 2.8 million. The
of ozone concentration exceeded the maximum daily limits
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area had a
11 separate times in 1985. The ozone level averages less than
population of 1.8 million and the Orlando metropolitan area
FLYING THE COLORS: FLORIDA FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
3
FLORIDA TODAY
everybody meber mistakes
was at 824,000. The 1980 census reported that of the state's
in 1960, 1968, and 1972. The state went into the Democrat
total population by race, 84 percent were White, 14 percent
column for Truman in 1948, Johnson in 1964, and Carter
Black, less than one percent Indian and one percent Asian
in 1976. Following the 1984 general election, the Florida
and Pacific Islander. Nine percent were of Spanish origin.
Legislature continued to have a Democratic majority. Among
By single ancestry group, the 1980 census reported 1,132,023
the state senators there were 32 Democrats and eight
persons of English descent residing in Florida, 577,462
Republicans. State representatives included 77 Democrats and
German, 432,946 Irish, 272,202 Italian, 135,753 Polish, 119,386
43 Republicans. There were eight amendments on the 1984
Russian, 117,491 French, 52,228 Dutch, 47,444 Hungarian,
ballot and only one, which involved speech or debate privilege,
26,095 Greek, and 22,724 Norwegian. In 1985, the per capita
was defeated. Approved were amendments involving the
personal income in Florida was $13,397, which ranked 19th
exemption of homestead and personal property from forced
nationally as compared to $12,773 and a ranking of 18th in
sale, disbursement of state funds, procedures of judicial
1984. The birth rate per 1,000 population was 14.4 in 1985,
nominating commissions, bonds for state capital projects, and
which was an increase from the average of 13.2 between 1979
public education capital outlay bonds.
and 1981. The mortality rate in 1985 was 10.7 per 1,000
population, a fractional decline from 10.8 in the 1979-81
THE ECONOMY
period. The divorce rate in Florida was 61.8 dissolutions per
Florida's economy experienced tremendous growth in the
hundred marriages, substantially above the national average
1980s, even in the face of a national recession in the early
of 48.9. The office of vital statistics notes that many of the
part of the decade that brought an economic slowdown to
state's dissolutions were granted to persons who establish
most of the United States. A vast influx of people into Florida
residency specifically for this purpose. As other states have
was one of the main reasons for the boost in the state's
liberalized their divorce laws, the Florida rate has declined
from a peak of 74.3 in 1975.
economy. As Florida gained 20 percent in population from
1980 to 1986, making it the nation's sixth largest state, this
rapidly growing consumer market generated a demand for
VOTER PARTICIPATION In 1986, 61 percent of the
new homes, consumer goods and personal services. Between
5,631,188 registered voters in Florida participated in the
1975 and 1985, the labor force increased by 50 percent, and
November general election. In the Senate race, 55 percent voted
there was a 58 percent increase in the number of people
Democratic and 45 percent Republican, while for governor,
employed. There also were changes in Florida's economic
55 percent voted Republican and 45 percent Democratic. In
makeup. Once an economy based on foundations of
the election, then incumbent Democratic Governor Bob
agriculture, tourism, and retirement, Florida began to establish
Graham was elected to the Senate by defeating the Republican
incumbent Paula Hawkins, but was succeeded as governor
a diversified economy in which new nonagricultural jobs were
by Republican Bob Martinez. The other Florida Senate seat
being created at the rate of 200,000 a year. Traditionally, the
largest manufacturing sector in Florida's economy was the
was won by a Democrat in 1982. For the state's 19 seats in
the U.S. House of Representatives, the voters in the 1986
production of food and kindred products. However, this
general election maintained the same ratio of 12 Democrats
mainstay has been replaced as number one by a high-tech
field, the production of electrical and electronic equipment.
and seven Republicans. Five amendments also appeared on
While the nation posted a four percent decline in
the November, 1986 ballot. By margins of approximately two-
manufacturing jobs in 1980-85, Florida saw a 12 percent
to-one, voters rejected casino gambling, but approved a
statewide lottery to become effective January 1, 1988. The
increase. The state ranked third in the number of new plants
voters also approved an amendment which created the office
and third in the total number of new plants and plant
expansions in 1985. With the exception of mining, all of
of statewide prosecutor to be appointed by the attorney
Florida's economic sectors grew in 1986. New businesses were
general, and another requiring the Florida Supreme Court
formed at the rate of 10,000 a year. The retail trade and services
to issue opinions on the validity of ballot initiative petitions.
industries were responsible for 70 percent of the state's 1986
A proposed amendment to the homestead exemption was
defeated. In the 1986 general election, voter turnout was as
increase in private wage and salary employment. More jobs
were added in the business services sector in 1986 than in
high as 72 percent in Bradford County, and the Republican
any other sector. A general growth in all manufacturing has
percentage in the governor's race as high as 73 percent in
Collier County. In the 1984 general election, 75 percent of
been accompanied by a rapid growth in high technology,
making Florida first in the southeast and sixth in the nation
the 5,574,472 registered voters participated. In the presidential
in high-tech employment. Tourism, one of Florida's traditional
race, 65 percent voted for Reagan while 35 percent voted for
Mondale. Voter turnout in this election reached a high of
economic sectors, continued to thrive in 1986, increasing its
number of automobile visitors and domestic and Canadian
83 percent in both Highlands and Indian River counties, with
air visitors by 11 percent. Florida is visited by 35 million tourists
the Republican vote as high as 84 percent in Okaloosa County.
Reagan's winning percentage in Florida in the 1980 presidential
a year, who generate more than $20 billion in sales and pay
election was 56 percent. The state voted with the national
$1 billion in sales taxes. Another economic mainstay,
agriculture, was affected by freezes and the citrus canker
winner in nine out of the 10 presidential elections since 1948.
The lone exception occurred in 1960 when Richard Nixon
disease which hurt crop harvests and opened the door for
foreign products to enter the U.S. market. The strong dollar
won 52 percent of the vote over John F. Kennedy. Thus, in
the 10 presidential elections since 1948, Florida has been in
and decreased demand caused by surpluses also brought
the Republican column seven times and the Democratic
concerns to agriculture. State experts believe that, while there
will be year to year fluctuations, agriculture will continue to
column three times. In addition to Reagan in 1980 and 1984,
the state went for Eisenhower in 1952 and 1956, and for Nixon
diversify, grow, and add strength to the economy. This growth,
though, will be at a slower pace and agriculture will become
4
FLYING THE COLORS: FLORIDA FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
FLORIDA TODAY
lesser part of the overall economy. Florida's international
1985-86, adding 19,800 new jobs, while the health services
trade increased 13 percent in 1986. Exports from Florida were
sector showed a six percent gain with 16,300 new jobs. This
at their highest since 1982 because of increased shipments
continued employment increase came after large gains during
to growing economies in South America. Imports were also
the 1975-85 period when services employment grew 94 percent,
at record levels because of Florida's role as an automobile
construction grew 83 percent and the manufacturing of
importation and distribution center. All signs indicate that
machinery grew 129 percent. Florida was the leading state
Florida's economy will continue to expand. Factors that may
in the Southeast and third in the nation in the number of
spur Florida's economic expansion include an ever-increasing
manufacturing jobs created from 1975 to 1985. Because of
population, low unemployment (six percent in 1986 compared
the large number of retired residents, only 60 percent of
to the nation's seven percent), and increased defense spending
Florida's population was in the labor force as of 1986,
that should continue to boost the high-tech industry.
compared to 65 percent nationally. A breakdown of the labor
force showed that 59 percent of all Whites, 66 percent of all
EMPLOYMENT Florida was one of the states least affected
Blacks, and 65 percent of all Hispanics were in the labor force,
by the national economic slowdown of the early 1980s. Even
as were 72 percent of all women age 20-44 and 93 percent
with a huge population gain and an increased labor force,
of all men in this age group. Even with a lower percentage
the state had an increase in employment of 30 percent between
of residents in the labor force, Florida's per capita personal
1980 and 1986. The nationwide gain was only 10 percent.
income in 1985 was $13,742, which ranked 19th among all
Florida also had a lower unemployment rate during this
the states. This was a 22 percent gain since 1982 which more
period. In 1987, the unemployment rate in the state was six
than kept pace with the national increase in per capita personal
percent lower than the nations's rate of seven percent and
income of 21 percent. Florida's 1986 average entry-level wages
also the lowest rate in Florida since 1973. In the 10-year period
ranged from $3.87 for processing workers to $7.26 for
from 1975 to 1985, Florida experienced a decrease in
professional, technical, and managerial workers.
unemployment of 16 percent. In 1985, the state paid only
$58.54 of unemployment benefits per worker, the second lowest
UNIONS The percentage of nonagricultural workers in the
amount in the United States. The national average was $156.99
state belonging to a union or employee association was 10
per worker. Dade County had the greatest number of
percent in 1982. This ranked fourth lowest among all the states
unemployed residents in December 1986, with 59,710, while
and was well below the national average of 22 percent. The
Glades County posted the fewest, with only 101. The high
1982 figure also reflected a decline in the state as the percentage
and low unemployment rates were in two other counties,
of union membership was 16 percent in 1975 and 12 percent
Hardee and Monroe. With a labor force of 7,824 (6,893
in 1980. Closed shop and union shop operations are prohibited
employed and 931 unemployed), Hardee posted an
in Florida because the state constitution provides that no one
unemployment rate of 12 percent. Monroe, with a labor force
shall be denied the right to work because of membership or
of 34,503 (33,467 employed and 1,036 unemployed), showed
nonmembership in a labor union. As of 1986, Florida was
an unemployment rate of only three percent. As
one of 20 states to have such a Right-to-Work law, and one
unemployment decreased and overall employment increased
of seven to have it as a constitutional provision that requires
in Florida, nonfarm employment grew 61 percent from 1975
a public referendum to change its status.
to 1985, compared to 27 percent nationally. Florida is sixth
in the country in nonfarm employment and the third fastest
AGRICULTURE Florida is a major producer of agricultural
growing state in this economic sector. This nonfarm
products for the United States and for export. As a result,
employment increase may be due to Florida's efforts at
agriculture is a basic industry in the state with an estimated
expanding its high technology employment. This sector showed
economic impact in 1985 of more than $16 billion annually.
a 28 percent increase from 1980 to 1985 in the number of
This places agriculture second only to tourism's over $20
jobs in the manufacturing of electronic computer equipment,
billion annual contribution to the state's eçonomy. Florida,
drugs and pharmaceuticals, measuring and controlling
the 25th largest state in land area, ranked ninth among the
instruments, space vehicles and parts, and guided missiles.
states in 1984 in the total production of all farm commodities.
This made Florida sixth in the nation and first in the southeast
The state was fifth in the production of all crops, which
in high technology employment. Growth in employment across
included rankings of first in citrus, second in fresh market
almost all of Florida's economic sectors is a result of the state's
vegetables and second in nursery and greenhouse products.
dramatic jump in its labor force, an increase of 25 percent
Among individual commodities, Florida's national rankings
from 1980 to 1985, compared to the nation's nine percent
in production included first in orange's, first in grapefruit,
increase. While many states would have been unable to absorb
first in sugarcane, first in fresh market sweet corn, second
this vast influx of people into their economies and would
in tomatoes, third in lettuce, seventh in peanuts and ninth
have experienced an increase in unemployment, Florida's
in tobacco. Although the state ranked 23rd in overall livestock
economy is diverse and flexible enough to use this increased
and livestock products, it was ninth in egg production and
labor force to the state's advantage. Florida's private wage
13th in dairy receipts. The state's top nine commodities, with
and salary employment in 1986 was up four percent over the
each accounting for over $100 million in 1983 farm sales, were
previous year. All of the state's major industry divisions, except
oranges, tomatoes, cattle and calves, sugarcane, dairy products,
mining, experienced employment gains. More than 70 percent
foliage plants, eggs, grapefruit, and broilers. The next seven,
of the net increase in employment was in the retail trade and
each accounting for over $50 million in sales, were soybeans,
services industry divisions. These two divisions account for
peppers, potatoes, celery, 'sweet corn, watermelons, and
half of all wage and salary jobs in the state. The business
strawberries. The next 20 products, each accounting for more
service sector posted a nine percent employment increase in
than $10 million in annual sales, were lettuce, peanuts, other
FLYING THE COLORS: FLORIDA FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
5
FLORIDA TODAY
field crops, snap beans, hogs, miscellaneous fruits and nuts,
percent of that amount in land value. The average value per
cucumbers, squash, tobacco, radishes, tangerines, corn,
acre of farmland and buildings was $1,527 which was the
flowering bedding plants, other livestock, limes, avocadoes,
eighth highest among all the states and more than double
gladioli, forest products, carrots, and hay. These 36
the national average of $679. The estimated market value of
commodities, with sales of more than $10 million each,
all farm machinery and equipment in 1982 was $1.1 billion,
illustrate the size, strength and diversity of Florida's agriculture.
an average of $30,895 per farm and an increase of 22 percent
Its status as a market basket for the nation and the world,
since 1978. Total cash receipts from farm sales in 1984 were
with the resulting favorable impact on the state's economy,
$4.8 billion which reflects increases of less than one percent
is emphasized by the fact that an estimated 96 percent of
from the previous year, increases of 26 percent since 1979 and
its fresh and processed citrus production and 77 percent of
increases of 125 percent since 1974. Government payments
its vegetable production are sold out of state. In 1985, Florida.
of $40.7 million added less than one percent to the 1984 farm
ranked 24th among the states in foreign export sales with a
sales. Farm production expenses totaled $3.2 billion in 1984
total of $417 million. Of this, some $237 million was in citrus
which resulted in net farm income of $1.6 billion. This
and processed citrus in which the state ranked first. Primary
compares with $1.5 billion the previous year, $1.4 billion in
foreign customers included Western Europe, Japan and
1979 and $804 million in 1974. Of the total production expense
Canada. Of Florida's total land area of 34,657,843 acres, 37
in 1984, depreciation, interest, rent, taxes, and repair and
percent or 12,814,216 acres was in farmland in 1982. This was
operation of capital items accounted for 42 percent. Labor,
a decrease of less than one percent from 1978. Of the total
including contract labor and machine hire, was the next highest
land in farms, 4,093,583 acres, including 2,643,147 harvested
expense category at 28 percent. Crop sales of $3.6 billion in
acres, were in cropland; 2,875,028 acres were in woodland and
1984 were 74 percent of total sales. These included fruits, nuts
5,107,751 acres were in pastureland. Other farmland, such as
and berries with $1.2 billion in sales (25 percent of total sales),
house lots, ponds, roads and wasteland, accounted for 737,854
followed by vegetables and melons at $946 million (20 percent),
acres. There were a total of 1,585,080 irrigated acres. With
and all other crops at $600 million (12 percent). Livestock
total farmland steadily declining (down 23 percent since 1950),
and livestock products accounted for $1.3 billion of total sales
the number of farms also decreased significantly from 56,921
(26 percent) including $603 million (12 percent) from meat
in 1950 to 32,466 in 1974, but then it began to increase again.
animals and other livestock, $371 million (eight percent) in
As of 1982, there were 36,352 farms in the state, as compared
poultry and poultry products, and $304 million (six percent)
to 36,109 in 1978.
in dairy products. In 1982, Palm Beach led all counties with
$535 million in total farm sales. It also was first in vegetable
The average farm size declined from 360 acres to 353 acres
sales with $181 million and sugarcane sales of $232 million.
in that five-year period, while the average value of land and
Polk County was first in fruit sales with $173 million and
buildings per farm increased from $407,118 to $552,586. Farms
also led in cattle and calf sales at $27 million. Okeechobee
of less than 50 acres in size accounted for all of the increase
was first in dairy product sales at $66 million, and
in the number of farms and, as of 1982, more than half of
Hillsborough led in the sale of poultry and poultry products
the total number of farms. Among the counties, Hillsborough
at $32 million. Orange County was first in nursery and
had the most farms with 2,748; Osceola had the largest amount
greenhouse product sales at $95 million. State trends showed
of land in farms with 928,502 acres, and Glades had the largest
that the farm value of vegetables and melons in the 1985-86
average farm size with 2,878 acres. Palm Beach County had
crop year increased by 13 percent to $1.2 billion from the
the most harvested cropland with 446,240 acres and the most
previous year. Field crops such as corn for grain, soybeans,
irrigated land with 294,641 acres. Osceola had the most
hay, peanuts and tobacco declined in 1985 while sugarcane
pastureland with 763,365 acres. Individuals and families owned
and cotton increased. Though relatively small, cotton acreage
81 percent of the farms in Florida in 1982. The total of 29,556
harvested was up 32 percent to 22,500 acres, in 1985.
farms was up fractionally from 1978. Corporate-owned farms
increased 23 percent to 3,255 while the number of farms owned
The January 1, 1986 inventory of cattle and calves in the state
by partnerships declined 12 percent to 3,195. The number of
totaled 2.1 million head, down three percent from the previous
farms with other ownership such as cooperative, estate or
year as compared to the national decline of four percent.
institutional increased five percent to 346. The number of
Florida ranks 15th among the states in cattle and calves,
farms operated by tenants declined 11 percent to 2,487, and
although it ranks first in beef cows east of the Mississippi.
those operated by part owners dropped by eight percent to
Florida's dairies produced two million pounds of milk in 1985,
5,938. Full time owners operated 27,927 farms in 1982, which
up seven percent from 1984. Egg production in 1985 totaled
is 77 percent of the total and a four percent increase since
2.7 million, down eight percent and the lowest total since 1970,
1978. But only 43 percent of farm owners claimed farming
while broiler production was 417 million pounds, an increase
as their principal occupation, a decline of two percent in the
of six percent. For the 1985-86 season, Florida led the nation
five-year period. Sixty percent of the farm operators resided
in production of citrus, its biggest single crop value, up 10
on the farms which they operated. Women operated 11 percent
percent to 176 million boxes. This was 71 percent of the
of the farms and had full ownership of nine percent. Blacks
national total. However, following freezes in 1983-84 and
operated two percent of the farms and had full ownership
1984-85, the production was still below that of 194 million
of two percent. Hired farm labor in 1982 totaled 182,471
boxes in 1982-83 and well below the record production of
workers with a payroll of $480,444,000. This was an 11 percent
284 million boxes in 1979-80. Major shifts have occurred in
decline in workers and a 24 percent increase in payroll since
both size and location of the state's citrus industries in the
1978. As of April 1, 1985, the total value of farmland and
1980s. From 1981 to 1986, citrus acreage was down from
buildings in Florida was estimated at $19.9 billion with 88
847,400 to 642,800. More than 200,000 acres were lost in the
6
FLYING THE COLORS: FLORIDA FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
FLORIDA TODAY
two freezes, primarily in the northern sector of the citrus area
by 66 percent and primary metals by 60 percent. As of 1985,
such as Lake, Orange, and Pasco counties. This was partially
printing and publishing ranked as the second largest
offset by acreage increases to the south in counties such as
manufacturing employment category after electrical- and
Hendry, St. Lucie, Indian River, Highlands, and Martin.
electronics, and was followed by transportation equipment,
Urbanization also played a part in the citrus acreage decline
food, and machinery. The changing patterns and shifts in
technology, in Orange and such Lake as counties. a microsprinkler And new low-volume system, has irrigation been the
emphasis in manufacturing in Florida were the result of several
factors. In regard to its historical lack of heavy industry and
major reason for the increase in citrus acreage to the south.
general manufacturing, the state was geographically isolated
A serious complicating factor in the industry is citrus canker.
from sources of raw materials and markets. But with the
An outbreak of this bacterial disease affecting the tree was
decline of heavy industry nationwide and the growing
discovered in January 1986 in 18 citrus nurseries with 84
importance of the manufacture of products which were highly
dditional nurseries exposed. A rigorous eradication program
technical, relatively light in weight, and not dependent on
resulted in the destruction of more than 18 million citrus trees.
nearby sources of raw materials, Florida's disadvantages
State experts forecast that the expansion of orange production,
became its advantages. The state was ready in terms of climate,
the leading citrus fruit, would continue in south Florida, but
available land, air transportation, a deepwater port system,
that the rate of expansion would depend on the price and
a booming population forming an attractive labor pool, and
availability of non-U.S. (primarily Brazilian) supplies. Brazilian
an official policy to foster business growth and stimulate
oranges made their first major entry into the market when
economic development. As a result, the growth of high
they helped fill the void as Florida orange production was
technology has been particularly strong in the state. The
cut in half during the two freeze years. In regard to the overall
number of high technology firms increased by 245 percent
future of Florida's agriculture, a 1986 report by the Institute
from 1975 to 1985 while employment in the industry more
of Food and Agricultural Sciences of the University of Florida
than doubled. High technology employment in Florida in 1985
said there was little doubt that the absolute value of cash
ranked sixth highest among all the states and accounted for
receipts from farm marketings will continue to increase. But
27 percent of the state's manufacturing jobs. Reflecting a
the rate of growth would be subject to more than the usual
diversity, the two largest segments of the state's high-tech
variables of weather, supply and demand. These additional
industry in 1985 were communications equipment and
factors for Florida include population growth rates
electronics components and accessories, while the fastest
considerably above the national average, the emergence of
growing segments were X-ray and electromedical apparatus,
foreign competitors in commodities markets, potential
computer and data processing services, guided missile and
competition for limited water resources between agricultural
space vehicles, and pharmaceuticals. In 1985, there were three
producers and urban residents, and a limited land base.
areas of the state with prominent clusters of high-tech industry.
The Tampa Bay area was involved in aviation, electronics,
INDUSTRY Manufacturing took on new dimensions in
and communications equipment; Central Florida, including
Florida in the 1980s and began to emerge as a major factor
Orlando, the Kennedy Space Center and Melbourne, had an
adding strength and diversity to the state economy.
emphasis on space, defense, simulation, and laser optics; and
Manufacturing employment increased 13 percent in the state
the southern region, including Dade, Broward, and Palm
between 1980 and 1985 as compared to a decline of four
Beach counties, featured computers, aviation, telecommuni-
percent for the nation as a whole. In 1985, Florida ranked
cations, and biomedical. The slowest growing manufacturing
third highest among all the states in the number of new
sector between 1970 and 1985 was that which includes resource-
manufacturing plants opened and plant expansions completed.
based industries. There was an actual decline in leather, textiles,
The total of 185 included 152 new plants and 33 expansions.
paper and allied products, and tobacco manufacturing. While
By 1985, the state had increased its share of national
the processing of food and chemicals and allied products grew
manufacturing employment from two percent in 1970 to three
at a slower pace than in the past, their importance to the
percent in 1985. Within the state, manufacturing accounted
state is emphasized by the fact that these two groups still
for 11 percent of all employment and 13 percent of all personal
ranked first and second, respectively, in value of industry
income. While all sectors of manufacturing grew during that
shipments. Food processing also was first in value added by
period, the largest increases came from industries associated
manufacturing. Two factors pushed printing and publishing
with new technologies as opposed to the state's traditional
from the fourth to the second largest manufacturing sector.
resource-based processing. For example, while food and
The booming population growth stimulated the growth of
kindred products was the leading manufacturing employment
newspapers, and the overall rapid development of business
category in 1970 and grew by some five percent, it dropped
led to increased activity in quick-copy services and in printing
to fourth and was, replaced by electrical and electronic
business-related products such as packaging and computer
equipment manufacturing as number one in 1985. The food
forms. Strong foreign competition from nations with very low
and kindred products category grew at the rate of 159 percent
labor costs caused Florida's textile industry, including apparel
since 1970, but even so was exceeded by two others. The
manufacture, to slip from fifth to seventh place among the
manufacture of instruments, primarily optical and medical,
state's manufacturing industry categories. As in the case of
increased by 200 percent and plastics and rubber products
printing and publishing, the substantial growth in population
by 186 percent. In this same period from 1970 to 1985,
and overall business resulted in 136 percent growth from 1970
machinery manufacturing employment grew by 130 percent,
to 1985 in the services industry. Although the services industry
printing and publishing by 129 percent, lumber and wood
is fast-growing in many areas of the nation, the national growth
products by 93 percent, transportation equipment by 70
rate of 73 percent was still outstripped by Florida. As measured
percent, petroleum products by 69 percent, fabricated metals
by employment, the state's traditional service sector-such as
FLYING THE COLORS: FLORIDA FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
7
FLORIDA TODAY
hotels and motels, and personal services such as laundries,
sale trade establishments in the state in 1985 numbered 25,292.
barbershops and beauty shops-have grown at modest rates
Dade County was the leader in wholesale activity with 6,692
in comparison to professional and technical services. Legal
establishments, followed by Broward with 2,795, Hillsborough
services, with an increase of 294 percent was the fastest growing
with 2,049, Orange with 1,600, and Duval with 1,457.
of these. The miscellaneous services group, which includes
Wholesale sales totaled $65.6 billion in 1982, a five-year
engineering, architecture, surveying, accounting, auditing, and
increase of 91 percent. Durable goods wholesalers numbered
bookkeeping, was up 205 percent. Business services, which
12,793 with sales of $30.7 billion in 1982, an average of $2.4
include business assistance agencies such as personnel, building
million per establishment. A breakdown of durable goods
maintenance, credit and advertising, increased by 275 percent.
wholesalers by category and sales volume showed 2,069 motor
Health services which now comprises almost one-fourth of
vehicles and automotive parts and supplies wholesalers with
the total services industry, grew at a rate of 266 percent.
$8.6 billion; 721 in furniture and home furnishings with $1.2
Stimulating factors included the growth of the older
billion; 1,008 in lumber and other construction materials with
population, and the fact that many affluent Latin Americans
$2.4 billion; 410 in sporting, recreation, photographic, hobby,
come to Florida for health care. Interestingly, there was a
toys, and supplies with $698 million; 331 in metals and
slight decline in actual hospital employment, but large growth
minerals, except petroleum, with $1.6 billion; 1,136 in hardware,
in health maintenance organizations, emergency clinics,
plumbing, and heating equipment and supplies with $1.8
ambulatory centers, hospices, and family practice centers.
billion; 4,386 in machinery and equipment with $8.3 billion,
Economic research specialists have forecast that the service
and 1,128 in miscellaneous durable goods with $1.3 billion
industry will continue to expand at a rapid rate. There were
in sales. There were 6,744 wholesalers of nondurable goods
forecasts that personal, business and financial services will
with 1982 sales of $35 billion, an average of $5.2 million per
account for 40 percent of all job growth between 1986 and
establishment. Among the nondurable goods wholesalers were
1991. And there were indications in 1986 that the motion
648 in paper and paper products with $1.5 billion in sales;
picture, television and recording industry will play an
275 in drugs and druggists' sundries with $1.3 billion; 678
increasingly significant role in Florida. For example, 39 feature
in apparel, piece goods, and notions with $956 million; 2,136
films were filmed in the state and two entertainment firms
in groceries and related products with $13.5 billion; 105 in
announced they will have major new studio production
farm product raw materials with $1.2 billion; 426 in chemicals
complexes in operation by 1989. In addition to the feature
and allied products with $1.3 billion; 504 in petroleum and
film activity, there were 6,256 television commercials and
petroleum products with $9.3 billion; 188 in beer, wines, and
sponsored films, and 2,624 music projects recorded in Florida
distilled alcoholic beverages with $2.7 billion; and 1,784 in
in 1986.
miscellaneous nondurable goods at $3.2 billion. In 1982, there
were 68,723 taxable service industry establishments in the state
BUSINESS Gross retail sales in Florida in 1986 totaled
with sales of $21.5 billion.
$223.6 billion, an increase of six percent over 1985. The 1986
total also represented a 14 percent increase since 1984 and
CONSTRUCTION/HOUSING Florida's housing grew by
a three-year increase of 33 percent. Among the counties, Dade
well over twice the national rate during the 1970s. While the
(Miami) led in gross retail sales with $36 billion, or 16 percent
number of housing units increased by 29 percent across the
of the state total; followed by Broward (Ft. Lauderdale) with
nation, they increased by 73 percent in Florida. The Census
$21 billion; Hillsborough (Tampa) with $16.8 billion; Orange
Bureau listed all of Florida's metropolitan areas among the
(Orlando) with $16.3 billion; and Duval (Jacksonville) with
top 100 in growth of year-round housing units between 1970
$14 billion. The automotive group, ranging from auto dealers
and 1980. Naples ranked first in the nation with a 66 percent
to service stations to boat dealers, was the leading category
increase; Fort Myers-Cape Coral was second with 60 percent;
in sales in 1985 at $37.1 billion, followed by the food and
Fort Pierce was third nationally with a growth of 57 percent.
beverage group at $27.7 billion and apparel and general
Ocala ranked fifth (55 percent), West Palm Beach-Boca Raton-
merchandise at $20.8 billion. Florida ranked fourth in the
Delray Beach was seventh (54 percent), and Sarasota was eighth
nation in 1985 with total taxable retail sales of $89.7 billion.
(51 percent). This rapid residential construction did not stop
Per capita retail sales were $6,489, compared to the national
in 1980. In 1981, construction started on 141,000 new, privately-
average of $5,844. The state's retail trade industry
owned housing units; in 1982, 100,100; in 1983, 180,400; and
establishments numbered 61,305 in 1985. Dade County led
in 1984, 196,700. This recent construction assured that most
in retail activity with 10,420 retail trade establishments,
Floridians lived in relatively new housing. In 1980, 44 percent
followed by Broward with 6,311, Pinellas with 4,108, Palm
of the year-round housing units in Florida had been built
Beach with 4,067, and Hillsborough with 3,552. A breakdown
in the previous 10 years, 80 percent had been built since 1960,
of the state's retail trade industry showed the following sales
and only seven percent had been built prior to 1940. There
volume by type of business in 1982: 3,264 building materials,
were 4,379,000 housing units in Florida in 1980 and 4,270,000
hardware, garden supply, and mobile home dealers with $2.6
billion in sales; 1,591 general merchandise group stores with
were year-round housing units. Of the latter, 12 percent were
vacant, compared with seven percent nationally. Floridians
$6 billion in sales; 9,420 food stores with $12.4 billion in sales;
10,020 automotive dealers and gasoline service stations with
were slightly less likely than most Americans to live in a single-
$16 billion in sales; 7,472 apparel and accessory stores with
family dwelling and more likely to live in a building with five
or more units. While single unit structures accounted for 59
$2.7 billion in sales; 5,634 furniture, home furnishings, and
equipment stores with $2.7 billion in sales; 13,933 eating and
percent of Florida's housing, they accounted for 66 percent
drinking places with $5.5 billion in sales; and 15,558
nationally. Twenty-four percent of Florida's housing units were
miscellaneous establishments with $6.5 billion in sales. Whole-
in structures with five or more units, compared to 18 percent
nationally. Mobile homes also made up a higher percentage
FLORIDA TODAY
of Florida's housing, 10 percent compared to a five percent
terms of numbers employed, the United Kingdom was the
national average. Of Florida's year-round housing units in
largest investor, followed by West Germany, Belgium, Japan,
1980, 84 percent had air-conditioning (55 percent nationally)
Canada, and France. According to the state's Division of
and 77 percent had a central heating system (83 percent
Economic Development, the operations of foreign-owned
nationally), 72 percent were connected to a public sewer (74
firms were predominately grouped in manufacturing, finance,
percent nationally). and 87 percent got their water from a
insurance and real estate, and retail trade. Florida is also a
public system or private company (compared with 84 percent
U.S. center for international finance. A number of U.S. banks
nationally). In 1980, there were 3,744,000 occupied year-round
maintain offices in Florida to finance trade and to accept
housing units in Florida. Of these, one percent lacked complete
deposits from overseas clients. Florida leads the nation in the
plumbing facilities (two percent nationally), five percent had.
number of "Edge Act" banks with 39. The Edge Act is a
more than one person per room (four and a half percent
federal law that allows a U.S. bank to carry on international
nationally), and 10 percent did not have a telephone. Sixty-
operations in a state other than that in which it normally
eight percent of Florida's homes were occupied by the owner.
functions. Many foreign banks also operate in Florida. There
In 1980, the median value of Florida's housing units was
were 51 agencies and representative offices of foreign banks
$45,300, ranking it 25th in the country. The median rent of
from 20 countries in Florida as of December 1986 with assets
Florida housing units in 1980 was $256 a month, a little above
valued at $5.8 billion. Spain, Brazil and the Cayman Islands
the U.S. median of $243. Median prices for housing varied
each had five or more offices.
greatly among Florida's metropolitan areas. The West Palm
Beach-Boca Raton-Delray Beach area was the most expensive.
IMPORTS AND EXPORTS Over $140 billion worth of
In the second quarter of 1987, the median sales price for single-
commodities have flowed through Florida's ports since 1979.
family dwellings was $104,300, the ninth highest in the nation.
Florida's imports and exports set a new record in 1986 with
Other areas among the nation's most expensive markets were
a total value of $22.3 billion, a 12 percent increase over 1985.
Miami with a median sales price of $84,400, Fort Lauderdale-
Exports rose three percent to $8.9 billion, and imports rose
Pompano Beach with $79,000, Orlando with $76,400,
19 percent to $13.4 billion. The growth of trade in Florida
Jacksonville with $65,800, and Tampa-St. Petersburg with
thus surpassed that of the nation as a whole, where total trade
$65,700. In 1986, building permits with a value of $14.4 billion
increased five percent over 1985. Imports grew seven percent,
were reported in the state. Of this total, $8.7 billion were for
and exports grew two percent. Florida's trade comprised four
residential construction, $3.5 billion for nonresidential, $1.7
percent of total U.S. exports and imports in 1985. Florida
billion for additions and alterations, and $502 million for
is well positioned to play a growing role in international trade.
public construction. While these figures represent an increase
It is closer to Latin America than any other U.S. state and
in residential and public construction in 1986, they show a
has 14 deep-water ports, as well as six international airports.
small decrease in overall construction activity. During 1985,
The Florida Bureau of International Trade and Development
the value of building permits reported was $15.2 billion: $8.4
promotes international trade throughout Florida in a number
billion residential, $4.7 billion nonresidential, $1.8 billion
of ways. It conducts export seminars, organizes and conducts
additions and alterations, and $295 million public. The busiest
overseas trade fairs, maintains a toll-free number for potential
counties for construction in 1986 were Palm Beach, Dade,
exporters, and publishes international trade leads and tips.
Broward, Pinellas, and Orange, each with over $1 billion in
Florida's imports reached their highest value ever in 1986.
value of building permits reported. Municipalities issued
Department of Commerce officials attributed primary
permits valued at $1.8 billion in Palm Beach County, $1.2
responsibility for this to Florida's importance as a receiving
billion of it for residential construction. The Census Bureau
and distribution center for European- and Asian-made cars.
reported 319,400 Florida workers employed in the construction
The Port of Jacksonville is the leading port of entry on the
industry in 1984, a 21 percent increase over 1980.
entire East Coast for foreign-made automobiles and trucks.
The value of Florida's imports has risen every year but two
FOREIGN INVESTMENT Florida actively encourages
since 1971, increasing over 1,000 percent in that time. Import
foreign investment in its business enterprises. The Florida
values surpassed $10 billion for the first time in 1984, when
Bureau of International Trade and Development sponsors
they jumped 31 percent over the previous year's. In 1986, forty-
dozens of events each year to encourage such investment, and
two percent of Florida's imports originated in Asia, 25 percent
the state requires firms with foreign ownership to register no.
came from Europe, 16 percent were from North America,
differently than other U.S. firms. The bureau, which works
16 percent came from South America," and less than one
to create a favorable climate for international business in
percent originated from Australia, Oceania, and Africa.
Florida in such areas as manufacturing, distribution and
Florida's leading source of imports continued to be Japan
banking, manages several offices in Florida as well as offices
with goods valued at $4.4 billion in 1986. West Germany with
in London and Frankfurt. According to the Federal Bureau
a value of $1.3 billion, Brazil with $626 million, Italy with
of Economic Analysis, there were 1,030 non-banking firms
$503 million, and Colombia with $478 million were second
in Florida in 1985 with direct (at least 10 percent) foreign
through fifth, followed by Venezuela, Taiwan, the United
ownership. These firms employed 95,188 workers and owned
Kingdom, Canada, and the Dominican Republic. The leading
property and equipment with a gross book value of $9.7
commodity imported was automobiles, making up 30 percent
billion. They owned 570,000 acres of land and leased or owned
of the value of all imports in 1985. This was followed in value
the mineral rights to 1,125,000 acres. The Bureau of the Census
by coffee, petroleum products, trucks, fruits and nuts, and
reported that in 1982 Florida had the sixth highest number
shellfish. Florida's exports, like those of the rest of the nation,
of foreign-owned businesses in the United States. Investors
did not equal her imports. Still, Florida did better than the
from 31 countries owned a stake in Florida businesses. In
United States as a whole. Florida's exports made up 40 percent
FLYING THE COLORS: FLORIDA FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
9
FLORIDA TODAY
of her total trade, as compared with 37 percent for the entire
Deposits in national banks included $22 billion in individual,
country. From 1980 through 1982, exports surpassed imports
partnership, and corporate (IPC) transaction accounts, $50
in Florida, making up 61 percent of total trade in 1980, 60
billion in IPC nontransaction accounts, and $2.8 billion in
percent in 1981, and 58 percent in 1982. In 1983, exports made
public funds. State banks had $5.7 billion in IPC transaction
up just below 50 percent of total trade, and the percentage
accounts, $14.5 billion in IPC nontransaction accounts, and
decreased to 46 percent in 1984 and 44 percent in 1985.
$1.1 billion in public funds. The single mutual savings bank
Florida's exports were valued at $8.9 billion in 1986. This
held $1 million in IPC transaction accounts and $33 million
is better than the 1985 figure, but below the 1981 mark of
in IPC nontransaction accounts. The Florida Division of
nearly $11 billion. Florida's exports rose quickly from 1961
Banking publishes extensive records of state-chartered
through 1981, from a value of $1.2 billion to nearly $11 billion.
commercial bank and trust companies. It reported 241 state-
Exports then fell by 10 percent in 1982, by 21 percent in 1983,
chartered commercial banks on December 31, 1986. Sixteen
and by one percent in 1985. The Florida Department of
new state banks opened during the year, and one federal
Commerce attributed the small increase of exports in 1986
savings and loan converted to a state bank. Fourteen state
to a modest resurgence in shipments to South America. In
banks merged into existing state or national banks, and three
1986, 42 percent of Florida's exports went to South America.
state banks closed during the year. In 1975, the number of
That figure was 34 percent in 1984, after reaching as high
state-chartered banks peaked at 449, but has since declined.
as 46 percent in 1982. North America received 36 percent of
Still, deposits continued to grow from $10.3 billion in 1975
Florida's exports in 1986, Europe 14 percent, Asia six percent,
to $24.9 billion in 1986. Of the 241 banks open in December
and Australia, Oceania, and Africa together received three
1986, 59 were members of the Federal Reserve. There was one
percent. Of the top twenty purchasers of Florida exports in
state-chartered industrial savings bank on December 31, 1986,
1986, all but three were Latin American. Venezuela was the
with assets valued at $28 million. Two new state international
leading destination for Florida exports, receiving goods valued
bank agencies and representative offices opened during 1986,
at $1.3 billion in 1985. Brazil became the second largest
bringing the total on December 31st to 51. There were 519
recipient, moving from fourth in 1985 and tenth in 1983. These
FSLIC-insured savings and loan associations in Florida on
were followed in order by: Columbia, the Bahamas, the
June 30, 1986. They operated 2,416 offices and held savings
Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Panama, the U.S.S.R., the
of $71.7 billion. Dade and Broward counties accounted for
United Kingdom, and Ecuador. Fertilizer was Florida's leading
the highest savings, over $13 billion in the savings and loans
export in 1985 with a value of $1.3 billion, followed by
of each, followed by Pinellas and Palm Beach counties with
aerospace products with $633 million, vehicle parts with $380
over $7 billion apiece. There were 63 state-chartered savings
million, and piston engines with $295 million.
and loan associations on December 31, 1986. While one
association closed, seven new associations opened, and four
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Florida's Regional Interstate
federal associations converted to state stock charter during
Banking Bill took effect on July 1, 1985. It allows a bank
the year, continuing the growth in the number of state savings
or bank-holding company from another state within the
and loans seen since 1981. There were 272 credit unions listed
southeastern region to purchase a bank or bank-holding
with the National Credit Union Association (NCUA) in May
company in Florida, if the home state of the purchasing bank
1986. There were 179 state-chartered credit unions, 10 less
is willing to reciprocate and allow Florida banks and bank-
than in 1985, with total assets of nearly $2 billion in 1986.
holding companies to purchase banks and bank-holding
companies within that home state's borders. Thus far, the
NATURAL RESOURCES Bright sunshine, a warm climate
impact of the new law has not been as great as expected,
and white, sandy beaches are the natural resources best known
though some mergers and acquisitions of Florida banks have
to Florida's tourists. These resources are important to Florida,
occurred. Florida is in the sixth district of the Federal Reserve
not only for the visitors they attract, but also for the crop
Bank system, headquartered in Atlanta. Florida, Georgia,
and forest lands they support. Nearly 45 percent of all land
Alabama, and parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee
in Florida is commercial forest land. There are 15.7 million
comprise that Federal Reserve Bank district. Florida's banks
acres of commercial forests, over 6.5 million acres of which
and credit institutions experienced rapid growth of 172 percent
are in tree farms, making Florida third nationally in tree farm
between 1970 and 1985. In 1984, commercial banks in Florida
acreage. The rapid population growth and urban buildup in
ranked sixth in the nation with total assets of $76 billion.
Florida has led to a slow but steady decline in commercial
Bank loans have risen dramatically, growing by nearly $22
forest land, dropping four percent between 1970 and 1980.
billion between 1982 and 1985. There were 415 commercial
Northeast and northwest Florida are the most heavily forested
banks operating 2,677 offices with deposits of $72.2 billion
regions, 71 percent and 76 percent, respectively. As one moves
in Florida on June 30, 1986. This demonstrates some
south, forestland gives way to pasture and marsh, so that
consolidation of the number of banks along with a continued
forestland covers only 26 percent of central and south Florida.
increase in offices and deposits for the year. During the
The slash pine favored by timber managers is the most
previous year there had been 436 state banks, operating 2,509
common forest type, making up 34 percent of Florida's
banking offices with deposits of $67.7 billion on June 30th.
timberlands. The oak-gum-cypress forest type makes up 27
A breakdown of Florida banks on June 30, 1986, shows 170
percent of the commercial forest lands. Longleaf pine forests
nationally chartered FDIC insured banks with 1,777 banking
declined by 27 percent between 1970 and 1980 and made up
offices, and $55.5 billion in deposits. 240 state-chartered banks
only eight percent of Florida's timberlands by the latter date.
with 894 banking offices had $21.7 billion in deposits, one
In 1984, 454,532,000 cubic feet of roundwood timber were
mutual savings bank with two offices had $35 million in
harvested in Florida. This was slightly below the record 1983
deposits, and five non-FDIC-insured banks had no deposits.
harvest of 461,594,000 cubic feet. The Florida timber industry
10
FLYING THE COLORS: FLORIDA FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
FLORIDA TODAY
has grown from harvesting 257 million cubic feet in 1975 to
a value of $166 million. Most of the production was used
414 million in 1979 to the record harvest of 1983. The largest
within the state. Despite its production, Florida was a net
producing counties in 1984, Taylor, Columbia, Levy and
importer of cement in 1985, and trends indicate that imports
Liberty, are located in the northeast and northwest. Much
will make up a greater share of the market in the future. The
of the harvest, 416 million cubic feet, was softwood, while
production of sand and gravel in 18 counties had a total value
a smaller portion, 38 million cubic feet, was hardwood. Of
of approximately $62 million in 1985. Uses include
the softwood, 246 million cubic feet were used for pulpwood,
construction and glass manufacture. Common clay was
160 million cubic feet were used for saw and veneer logs and
produced in Clay, Hernando, and Lake counties; fuller's earth
10 million cubic feet were used for other products. There were
was mined in Brevard, Gadsden and Marion counties; and
147 primary wood-using plants in operation during 1984, but
kaolin was produced in Putnam County. The total value of
this figure had dropped to 109 by 1985. Of these 109 primary
these clays was $33 million in 1985. Lime was produced in
operations, eight were pulpmills, 79 were sawmills, seven were
Hernando and Sumter counties in 1985. Production declined
veneer mills and 15 were miscellaneous wood consumers. The
from 1984 and, presumably, was worth less than the $9 million
wholesale manufactured value of forest products (stumpage
of that year. Lime is used in water purification, magnesia
value, logging value added, and the value added by primary
recovery from seawater, and paper and pulp manufacturing.
manufacturing) harvested in Florida in 1984 was $2.1 billion.
Nine counties produced peat in 1985. Most of this was used
That value increased to $8.3 billion in income to the state,
for potting soils and nurseries. The total value of peat
including the value added by additional manufacturing,
produced was $5 million. Florida ranked second in the nation
transportation and marketing. This figure fell 17% during
in the recovery of magnesium compound from seawater by
1985 to $6.9 billion. Two counties with minimal harvests of
virtue of its plant in Gulf County. Staurolite was recovered
their own profited most from the timber industry through
in Clay County and used in foundry operations, sand-blasting,
their transportation and manufacturing in 1985: Dade County
and cement manufacturing. Florida ranked third in the nation
and Duval County. The value of forest products was over
in the production of exfoliated vermiculite, which was used
$100 million in 20 counties during 1985 and over $200 million
for concrete aggregate, horticulture, and insulation. Mineral
in 11 counties. Though rarely thought of as a mining state,
sands, including zircon, were produced in Clay County and
Florida ranked third in the nation in the production of nonfuel
shipped to users throughout the southeast. Deposits of oil
minerals in 1985 with production valued at $1.6 billion. Florida
and gas are relatively small in Florida, but some production
ranked first in the production of phosphate rock, second in
occurs in northwest Florida and the Everglades. Fields in
masonry cement, peat, and crushed stone, third in fuller's
Collier, Hendry, Lee, Santa Rosa and Escambia counties
earth, and seventh in portland cement. Two minerals, staurolite
produced 9 million barrels of oil and 9 billion cubic feet of
and zircon, were produced only in Florida. The 1985
natural gas in 1986 from 278 wells. Production has been
production represented a gain of $49 million over 1984. In
declining for the past six years: 42 million barrels of oil were
1986, the value of minerals produced fell nearly seven percent
produced in 1980, 14 million barrels in 1984, and 11 million
to $1.5 billion, and Florida's national ranking dropped to
in 1985. Florida now provides less than two percent of the
fourth. Florida produced 39 metric tons of phosphate rock
nation's natural gas and a negligible portion of the nation's
in 1985, almost 80 percent of the nation's and one-fourth
overall oil production. Being surrounded by water on three
of the world's supply. This represented a seven percent increase
sides, it is only natural that Florida should profit from fishing.
in output and a nearly 10 percent increase in value from 1984.
Florida's commercial fisheries are among the most valuable
Polk County has been the center of phosphate mining for
of all the states in the nation. In 1984, dockside landings of
over 100 years, with additional production in Manatee,
207 million pounds of fish and shellfish were valued at $178
Hillsborough, Hamilton, and Hardee counties. Most of the
million. Added to that is the estimated $2 billion that over
phosphate (90 percent) is used for making fertilizer. About
five million recreational anglers spend each year. Florida had
one-third of Florida's phosphate production was exported.
46 fishery products plants in 1984, nearly 10 percent of the
Much of the phosphate leaves through the Port of Tampa.
national total. Traditionally, Florida depended upon her
In 1984, phosphate and phosphate-related products accounted
natural resources for economic well-being. Today the Florida
for 94 percent of all outbound cargo at the port, making it
economy is much more diversified, but the blessings of
one of the nation's ten busiest. The phosphate industry owned
abundant sunshine and clear water still attract numerous
or controlled 659,000 acres of Florida land in 1984. The
tourists and businessmen to both its Gulf and Atlantic shores.
phosphate industry has been adversely affected by the domestic
farm crisis and the high value of the U.S. dollar of the 1980s,
TOURISM Florida's Atlantic and Gulf Coast beaches,
which decreased domestic and foreign demand for American
diverse attractions, and moderate temperatures continue to
fertilizer. Employment declined from 14,600 in 1980 to 11,500
attract visitors in record numbers. Tourism is the state's number
by 1985. Several companies are now for sale and all are
one industry with an estimated economic impact of more than
operating below capacity. Crushed stone ranked second in
$20 billion per year. State sales tax collection from tourism-
mineral value in Florida in 1985 with a value of $287 million-
related businesses in 1985 totaled $933.5 million, more than
limestone, dolomite, marl and oystershell were produced.
double that of 1980. In 1985, an estimated 32.2 million persons
Altogether, 107 quarries operated in 23 counties with Dade,
arrived in Florida to enjoy themselves, up seven percent from
Hernando, and Broward counties the leading producers,
1984. Florida's 292,414 hotel and motel rooms had an average
accounting for nearly 63 percent of the state's output. The
room rental of $31.25 and the total room revenue from visitors
crushed stone was used mainly for road base, concrete and
amounted to $4.1 billion. Visitors to Florida can be categorized
bituminous aggregate, and cement manufacturing. Cement
as 35 percent vacationers, 39 percent visiting friends or
was the third leading nonfuel mineral in Florida in 1985 with
relatives, and the remainder on personal or company business.
FLYING THE COLORS: FLORIDA FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
11
FLORIDA TODAY
Of the total 32.2 million, about 1.8 million were from either
almost $1.9 billion in pari-mutuel gambling. Over $123 million
Europe or South America. Within the United States,
in state revenues was raised. Horse racing is divided into three
automobile visitors from Georgia comprised 19 percent of
primary categories: thoroughbred, harness, and quarter horse.
the total in 1985. Alabama ranked second with 17 percent
There were 375 thoroughbred performances at four tracks
of the total. The number of travel-generated jobs in 1985 for
in 1986. Over 2 million fans wagered some $438 million during
the state of Florida was 551,400, an increase of six percent
fiscal year 1985-86, and thoroughbred racing contributed 10
over 1984. Total travel expenditures by visitors in 1985
percent to the state's pari-mutuel collection. In addition,
amounted to $24 billion as compared to $22 billion in 1984.
Sunday races were held for the first time beginning April 27,
Florida's top fourteen attractions captured 75 percent of all
1986, at Hialeah Park. Pompano Park in Broward County
visitors to attractions in the state. Epcot Center and Walt
conducted 120 harness racing performances in fiscal year
Disney World, both found in Orange County, accounted for
1985-86, including the Breeder's Crown. Approximately
45 percent of the total. Total attendance at state parks in
500,000 fans wagered $60 million in fiscal year 1985-86.
1984-85 was 14.4 million persons. Sebastian Inlet, in Brevard
Quarter horse racing also was held at Pompano Park, where
and Indian River counties, had the most attendees at 1.5
47 performances took place in 1985-86. Florida has the largest
million in 1984-85. The Kennedy Space Center is one of the
greyhound racing industry in the country with eighteen tracks,
best known of Florida's attractions, and regularly scheduled
over one-third of the nation's total greyhound tracks. Almost
bus tours provide visits to the vehicle assembly building, the
$950 million was wagered by eight and a half million fans
Space Shuttle launch pad, the mission control center, and
in 1986, contributing 64 percent of the state's pari-mutuel
the museum, where displays of rockets, spacecraft, and other
collections. Florida, which had the world's first pari-mutuel
exhibits are found. The Everglades, designated as a national
jai alai almost sixty years ago, held 1,852 performances in
park in 1947, is widely known for its abundance of birds and
1985-86. Four and a half million fans wagered almost $400
wildlife. Several endangered species are found here, among
million, raising 25 percent of the state's pari-mutuel wagering
them the Everglades mink, crocodile, white heron, and bald
collections.
eagle. There are 82 festivals that are highlighted among the
thousand or more occurring in Florida annually. Several
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES The Florida State Beverage
noteworthy events in February are: Speed Week in Daytona
Department was created by the state legislature in 1933 after
Beach, the Edison Pageant of Light in Fort Myers, and the
the repeal of prohibition. The name was changed in 1969 to
Mardi Gras Carnival in Cape Coral. The Florida Strawberry
the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (DABT),
Festival in Plant City attracts 250,000 people every February.
and personnel were placed within the Department of Business
Florida offers both citizens and tourists alike approximately
Regulations. Today, the duties of the division include
10,000 individual public recreational vehicle and tent campsites
regulation and supervision of the alcoholic beverage industries
and 22,000 picnic tables. The federal government in 1980
in the state through the collection of beverage taxes and
administered over three million acres of outdoor recreational
insuring compliance with Florida's beverage laws. In order
land in Florida. The national forests contain 59 developed
to apply for a license to sell alcoholic beverages in the state,
public recreational sites offering a variety of activities including
an applicant must first make an appointment with the DABT
camping, hunting, fishing, swimming, hiking, picnicking, and
district office serving the county where the applicant is located
nature study. Florida's four state forests, Blackwater, Cary,
to obtain necessary forms. After all required forms and
Pine Log, and Withlacoochee, each provide many
documents are reviewed and returned to the office and the
opportunities for hunting, fishing, camping, and other
applicant and all business associates are fingerprinted, the
activities. Of interest to visitors and historians alike are the
district office decides whether the application is complete.
many designated historical sites in Florida. Among the
At that time a temporary liquor license can be issued upon
noteworthy are the Joseph E. Lee Memorial in Jacksonville,
payment of a fee. Temporary licenses then expire upon the
Ringling Museum of Circus in Sarasota, and Cape Florida
approval or disapproval of a permanent license. The licensee
Lighthouse off the Miami coast. Overall, Florida's abundant
is required to be 21 years or older and not to have been
natural resources, and its temperate subtropical climate and
convicted of a beverage violation within the last five years
careful preservation of forests and parklands make it one of
or a felony within the last fifteen years. Licensees need not
the nation's most cherished and enjoyed vacation spots.
be residents of the state of Florida, but out-of-state
corporations must prove that they are registered to do business
GAMBLING In the November 4, 1986 general election,
in Florida. In most counties, "quota" liquor licenses are issued
Florida voters approved a state constitutional amendment
on the basis of one license for every 2,500 persons residing
which created a state lottery. A bill to legalize casino gambling
in that county, based upon the latest federal census figures.
was rejected at the same time. The lottery is to become effective
Quota-type liquor licenses issued before July 1, 1981 may be
January 1, 1988, with tickets available statewide at $1 each.
transferred to another individual upon payment of a transfer
Almost $145 million in lottery proceeds was appropriated for
fee, based upon the documented average annual value of gross
use in public education during the 1987-88 state legislative
sales of alcoholic beverages for three years previous to the
session. The proceeds from ticket sales are divided into a ratio
transfer. not to exceed $5,000. Although all employees of
of: 50 percent for prizes, 15 percent for administration of
establishments which sell alcoholic beverages are not required
the lottery, and 35 percent for public education. The Division
to be fingerprinted, it is against state law for holders of beer
of Pari-Mutuel Wagering and the Florida Pari-Mutuel
package or beer and wine package licenses to employ as
Commission oversee pari-mutuel gambling in the state,
managers or bartenders any person who has been convicted
including horse racing, greyhound racing, and jai alai. In the
during the past five years of any beverage law violations, crimes
fiscal year 1985-86, a total of 16 million patrons wagered
associated with prostitution, dealing in narcotics, or any other
12
FLYING THE COLORS: FLORIDA FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
FLORIDA TODAY
PUBLIC TRANSIT According to the Florida Transit
passengers, and pilots. Its 135 public airports (83 of which
Summary Report for 1984-85, Florida public transit systems
have lighted and paved runways of at least 3,000 feet), 183
traveled a total of more than 64 million miles, used 19 million
private airports, 22 military airports, 11 seaplane bases, 41
gallons of fuel, carried nearly 627 million passengers, collected
emergency hospital helicopter helistops, and one blimp facility
$57 million in total revenue, had a fleet full-capacity of 102,686
represent seven percent of the nation's aviation activity.
persons, and employed 4,600 workers. Local, suburban, and
Fourteen of Florida's military airports are major air bases.
intercity transit systems experienced an overall 7.6 percent
Florida has 23 commercial service airports, 16 of which provide
increase in employment between the second quarters of 1985
scheduled air carrier service. Florida has especially benefited
and 1986. Job losses among taxicab companies and intercity
from the deregulation of the airline industry. In 1987, the
bus lines were counteracted by large gains among companies
state's airports serviced approximately 31 million passengers,
offering suburban and local passenger transportation, such
four million on international flights originating from Florida's
as local airport transportation services and urban transit
six international airports in the cities of Orlando, Miami,
systems. Of the state's 19 public transit systems, five are
Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, and Key
classified as large (more than five million passengers), five
West. Half of Florida's tourists, 15 million, fly into Florida
are considered medium (one million to five million passengers),
by commercial airline or private aircraft every year. The state
and nine are classified as small (under one million passengers).
has 734 aircraft based within its borders and 43,000 licensed
Large systems carry 89 percent of the state's total passengers,
pilots, 19,000 of which are commercial and air transport rated
use 1,500 of the state's 1,900 passenger vehicles, employ 3,900
pilots. Major airlines serve 16 airports in Florida to provide
of the state's 4,600 workers, and collect 89 percent of the
interstate and commuter service. The most heavily traveled
statewide total farebox revenues. Of the five large systems,
intrastate routes are from Miami to Tallahassee, Tampa,
all offer fixed route service, three supplied charter service,
Orlando, and Jacksonville. Miami International, Orlando
and only the Jacksonville Transportation Authority provided
International, and Tampa International were the busiest
demand-responsive service. All five medium systems provided
airports in the state in fiscal year 1984-85 in terms of
fixed-route, demand-responsive, and charter services except
commercial operations, with 205,000, 128,000, and 122,000
the Palm Beach Transportation Authority which did not offer
operations, respectively. Miami International alone serves 20
demand-responsive service. Of the nine small systems, eight
million passengers annually. In 1984, Florida airports
supplied fixed-route service, five offered chartered, and four
processed 649 billion pounds of imports and exports valued
provided demand-responsive. By far, the Metropolitan Dade
at $1.8 billion, with Miami International processing 98 percent,
County Transportation Administration (Metro-Dade) is the
of this cargo. The air transportation industry in Florida created
largest public transit system in Florida, possessing a fleet of
2,300 new jobs in 1985-86, nearly all of which were the result
620 buses that carries 213,000 passengers a day. Annually,
of hiring by certificated air carriers. Dade County accounted
Metro-Dade carries 45 percent of the state's total passengers.
for more than half these new jobs, while Orange and Duval
Metro-Dade is also one of the most advanced public transit
Counties provided 600 and 300 new jobs, respectively.
systems in the country, featuring new Metrorail and
Metromover systems. Metrorail is a 21 mile elevated high-
COMMUNITY SERVICES
speed rail that extends from South Dade County through
EDUCATION Florida launched an intensive campaign in
downtown Miami to points west, with stations a mile apart.
1976 to attain excellence in education by 1989. Educators and
Metromover is a 1.9 mile central city rapid transit system that
school officials adopted the phrase "Flagship State steaming
moves through the downtown business district. Transit fares
ahead" to reflect the momentum of the campaign and to
on the large and medium systems fixed routes range from
show the leadership status Florida has earned among the other
50 to 75 cents, while small systems' fixed routes range from
states. According to the Florida Commissioner of Education,
50 cents to one dollar. Seventy percent of Florida's public
100 identifiable improvements have been implemented in the
transit system revenues come from government aid sources,
public schools. Changes were instituted in curricula at the
29 percent from farebox revenue, and one percent from
middle school and high school levels, including standards for
operating revenue (mostly from charter services). Florida's
admission, progression, and graduation in postsecondary
public transit systems received $189 million in aid in fiscal
education. The commissioner said the state now has the
year 1984-85, $95 million of which came from local
nation's highest standards for obtaining a high school diploma.
government, $1.8 million from the state government, and $35
An investment of $1 million was made to prevent dropouts
million from the federal government. This 1984-85
in grades four through eight. The program was aimed at
governmental aid total represents an eight percent increase
increasing the school's ability to retain students as well as
over governmental aid for 1983-84 and a 20 percent increase
to promote higher standards. The state raised the standards
over 1982-83. Florida public transit system operating costs
for teachers and also adopted programs to make teaching more
in 1984-85 were $179 million, an increase of seven percent
attractive. The incentives include higher average salaries, merit
over 1983-84 operating costs.
pay, career ladders, bonuses for teaching in meritorious
schools, scholarships, and a host of other such strategies aimed
AVIATION Fittingly, the first commercial airline to fly
at attracting and retaining high-quality teachers. The program
between two United States cities was established in St.
that raised graduation standards is known as RAISE (Raise
Petersburg on January 1, 1914 for flights across the bay to
Achievement In Secondary Education). Adopted in 1983, it
Tampa. Since that time, both Florida and the commercial
established minimum credit requirements and grade-point
airline industry have grown exponentially. Florida has been
averages for high school students. Now, a Florida high school
a nationwide symbol for tourism and air travel. Florida ranks
student must have at least a 1.5 GPA and have earned at least
third in the United States in numbers of aircraft, airline
24 credits in order to graduate. There are two other programs
FLORIDA TODAY
are comparable in scope: PREP and PRIME. PREP
school teacher with the same credentials was $19,100 in Monroe
that (Primary Education Program) is a diagnostic and instructional
County. The maximum salary for a public school teacher
program aimed at matching teaching strategies to the needs
holding a Bachelor's degree ranged from $20,500 in Jefferson
of students in kindergarten through the third grade. PRIME
County to $28,869 in Broward. The lowest starting salary for
In Middle Childhood) specifies new curricular
a public school teacher with a Master's degree was $15,220
a through eight, including three
in Dixie County, while the highest starting salary for a teacher
social studies, math, and science.
with the same credentials was $21,000 in Dade. The maximum
An of PRIME is to prepare students for
salary for a public school teacher with a Master's degree
the upgraded high school curriculum. In the fall of 1986, over
ranged from $21,500 in Jefferson County to $31,035 in
1,300 public schools were using microcomputers to promote
Broward. The public education system in Florida received a
computer literacy. In 1,600 schools these computers are used
total of $5.4 billion in revenues for the 1984-85 year. The state
for reading and mathematics applications. Over 1,000 schools
government provided the lion's share of revenue, a total of
computers to teach programming, computer applications,
$2.9 billion (53 percent), while local sources allotted $2.2 billion
science, social studies, and exceptional education. In 1986-87,
(40 percent), and the federal government apportioned $406
Florida had 67 school districts, one in each county, with
million (seven percent). For fiscal year 1987-88, approximately
1,607,320 students enrolled in 2,415 public schools. There were
$144 million in state lottery proceeds were appropriated by
1,282 elementary schools, 370 middle/junior schools, 48
the legislature for public education. In 1984-85, Florida spent
combination elementary and secondary schools, 290 high
$2,964 per student ADA; the national average expenditure
schools, 129 adult schools, 56 vocational schools, and 235
per student was $3,429. The total cost of student transportation
other types of schools, including exceptional student
in 1984-85 was $86 million. The cost per pupil transported
schools/centers and juvenile detention centers. A membership
was $232.86 per year. The 1985 total assessed valuation was
breakdown by race/ethnic group for that year showed 65
$266.7 billion, with an assessed valuation of $161,402 per
percent of the students were White, 24 percent Black, 10
student. There were 204,833 students in private schools,
percent Hispanic, one percent Asian/Pacific Islander, and less
representing 12 percent of the total reported school-age
than one percent American Indian/Alaskan native. In 1985-86,
population for the state in 1985-86. The percentage of private
Florida's public schools graduated 83,029 students. Of these,
enrollment was as high as 18 percent in Palm Beach County.
43,213 (52 percent) planned to attend college. Also, 4,030 (five
Twelve counties reported no private school enrollment:
percent) planned to enroll in a technical trade or other type
Jackson, Liberty, Wakulla, Washington, Baker, Gilchrist,
of school. All public schools in the state are directed and
Hamilton, Lafayette, Union, DeSoto, Glades, and Hardee.
controlled at the county level by a county school board. The
Of the total 1,719 private schools, 956 were religious schools
County Superintendent of Public Instruction is the chief
with an enrollment of 160,023. The largest number of students
officer. Textbooks are provided at no charge to students in
in any one classification was enrolled in Catholic schools,
grades one through 12. Bus service is available to those students
69,616. Military and other non-religious affiliated private
who live in either a suburban or rural area that is two or
schools had a combined enrollment of 44,810. Florida had
spore miles from the school. If a student's parents are not
33 vocational-technical centers administered by district school
residents of Florida, the pupil must pay $50 at enrollment.
boards and 14 vocational schools administered by community
Six Florida secondary schools were singled out by the U.S.
colleges in 1985-86. More than 300 types of programs provide
Department of Education through its National Secondary
entry-level or advanced-skill training for specific careers. These
Schools Recognition Program, which focuses attention on
range from aircraft mechanics to zookeeping. Vocational
schools that have been exceptionally effective in satisfying
programs exist at every public, secondary, and postsecondary
the educational needs of their students. In 1976, Florida
school in Florida, including universities.
enacted the Educational Accountabilities Act. The EAA
requires that students at every grade level be tested to assure
HIGHER EDUCATION In 1980, 68 percent of the
that they meet the minimum standards in reading, writing,
population age 25 and over in Florida had obtained high
and mathematics: The SSAT (State Student Assessment Test)
school diplomas and 15 percent had four or more years of
has shown an upward trend in improvement from year to year
college. The State University System in Florida was born 150
in student performance at every grade level. The average
years ago when Congress reserved land for two higher
Increase in the percentage of students passing the test at every
education institutions in the state. These grants laid the
grade level has been about 15 percent from 1977 to 1984. For
groundwork for the first state institutions of higher learning.
example, in March 1985, 84 percent of the tenth graders passed
In 1905, the Buckman Act, passed by the legislature, formally
the math portion and 88 percent passed the communications
established the State University System. The Florida Board
portion of the SSAT. While in 1977, 75 percent passed the
of Regents, now made up of 13 members, was established
math portion and 73 percent passed the communications
in 1965. The Board of Regents is the governing body of the
portion. If a student does not pass the SSAT, he or she will
University System and its principal role is that of policy-maker.
not be promoted to the next grade level. The average salary
The regents are gubernatorially-appointed and serve six-year
for a public school teacher increased by seven percent to
terms. The State University System is made up of nine
$22,250 in the 1985-86 school year compared to the average
institutions scattered geographically, and differing in size and
salary of the previous year, $20,836. This compared to the
in programs offered. The University of West Florida at
national average teacher's salary of $25,257 in the same year.
Pensacola enrolled approximately 6,000 students in the fall
The lowest starting salary for a public school teacher in
of 1986, while the University of Florida at Gainesville enrolled
Florida, in 1985-86, with a Bachelor's degree was $13,950
more than 35,000 students in that same time period. All nine
(Dixie County), while the highest starting salary for a public
universities offer baccalaureate and selected degrees in the Arts
FLYING THE COLORS: FLORIDA FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
19
FLORIDA TODAY
and Sciences, Business, and Education. They are all accredited
following enrollments at its nine schools: University of
by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The
Florida,35,692; Florida State University, 22,912; Florida A &
majority of new students admitted to the state universities
M University, 5,240; University of South Florida, 27,946;
transferred from public, junior colleges. Most of these new
Florida Atlantic University, 10,705; University of West Florida,
students start at the junior level, upon obtaining an Associate
6,107; University of Central Florida, 16,530; and Florida
degree. All students applying to the upper division at a state
International University, 16,403. The total fall 1986 enrollment
university must have passed the College Level Academic Skills
at the 28 community colleges was 253,261. The combined total
Test (CLAST). Students in the State University System pay
enrollment of the state universities and junior colleges was
tuition and fees on a per credit-hour basis. State residents
384,202 students. Twenty-six counties in Florida did not have
now pay $22.81 per credit-hour for lower division
post-secondary institutions: Baker, Bradford, Calhoun,
undergraduate courses and $26.74 for upper division
Charlotte, Citrus, DeSoto, Dixie, Franklin, Gadsen, Gilchrist,
undergraduate courses. Students pay $41.39 for graduate
Gulf, Glades, Hamilton, Hardee, Hernando, Holmes,
courses. Nonresidents pay $48.57 per credit-hour for lower
Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Liberty, Okeechobee, Sumter,
level undergraduate courses, $75.24 for upper level
Suwannee, Union, Wakulla, and Washington. Following are
undergraduate courses, and $85.71 per credit-hour for graduate
some of Florida's larger independent institutions and their
courses. The most diverse of the state universities is the
respective enrollments for the fall of 1986: University of
University of Florida. It opened its doors to the public in
Miami, 13,281; Nova University, 5,777; Embry-Riddle
1906. The University of Florida, Ohio State University, and
Aeronautical University, 5,390; Florida Institute of Technology,
The University of Minnesota are the only universities in the
5,237; Barry University, 4,658; and Rollins College, 3,817. A
nation which offer so many academic units on a single campus.
sampling of regular, annual tuition and fees for full-time
The university ranks seventh in the nation among state
students at independent institutions in Florida for 1986-87
universities in the number of National Merit and National
shows: University of Miami, $8,889; Nova University, $4,405;
Achievement Scholars enrolled, and also ranks among the
Embry-Riddle University Aeronautical University, $4,080;
nation's top 51 research universities, as classified by the
Florida Institute of Technology, $5,322; Barry University,
Carnegie Commission on Higher Education. The newest of
$6,110; and Rollins College, $7,791. The average salary for
the nine state universities is Florida International University
faculty members increased by 10 percent from 1983-84 to
(Miami), which opened in 1972. Spanning two campuses and
1984-85. In 1983-84, the average salary of a faculty member
25 off-campus locations, FIU offers over 1,600 day and evening
at a state school was $29,700, while the following year it was
courses each term.
$32,650. Consequently, Florida's national ranking in average
professors' salary moved up from 20th to 14th during that
The Florida community colleges trace their beginnings to 1933,
period. In 1979, the legislature established the Florida
when Palm Beach Junior College was established as a public
Endowment Trust Fund for Eminent Scholars. Since then,
two-year institution. It was not until 1947 that the next state-
the State University System has acquired 111 endowed chairs
supported community college came into existence, when St.
for world-class scholars. Also, the legislature has established
Petersburg Junior College changed from private to public.
a Trust Fund for Major Gifts, which provides an additional
In 1947, the state enacted the Florida Minimum Foundation
$50,000 for each $100,000 contributed by a private source.
Program, which allowed for combined state and local funding
According to the Florida Commissioner of Higher Education,
for community colleges. Also, in 1955, the legislature set up
donations by private individuals have reached record levels.
the Community College Council, which recommended a plan
for creating a system of public community colleges in Florida
Recently, Fred Fisher, an alumnus of the University of Florida,
that would provide post-secondary education within
and his wife gave $6.5 million to the UF School of Accounting.
commuting distance of 99 percent of the population. This
The commissioner said that this is the largest single donation
legislative move paved the way for the Division of Community
in the history of the State University System. Florida is one
Colleges in the state Department of Education. Throughout
of the 13 southern states that participate in the Academic
Florida there are 28 community colleges. The Florida
Common Market. The ACM is an interstate agreement for
Community Colleges System has received national recognition.
sharing graduate programs. Residents of member states who
Three of the 28 community colleges have distinguished
are accepted in selected out-of-state graduate programs are
themselves. For example, Florida Keys Community College
entitled to in-state tuition privileges. In 1984-85, 13 graduate
became the only school authorized to teach diver-safety to
students participated in the ACM program in Florida. For
the Army Corps of Engineers. Miami-Dade Community
the fiscal year 1984-85, $12.6 million (one percent) was
College was selected as the number one community college
appropriated from the federal government, while state sources
in the nation. Also, St. Petersburg Junior College was the
provided $671.5 million (57 percent) for educational operations
only one invited to make a presentation on academic excellence
in the State University System. The remaining appropriations
to the National Commission on Excellence in Education. In
for operating expenditures originated from governmental and
Florida, there are now about 100 independent institutions of
private grants, contracts and gifts, $228 million (20 percent);
higher learning. These private institutions differ widely in size,
student tuition and fees, $117 million (10 percent); sales and
with the fall 1986 enrollment ranging from five students at
service of educational activities, $14.6 million (one percent);
the South Florida Baptist Bible Institute (Fort Lauderdale)
auxiliary enterprises, $110.7 million (10 percent); and other
to 13,000 students at the University of Miami. The enrollment
revenue, $16.7 million (one percent). Of these funds, $435.3
at private institutions amounted to some 90,000 students in
million (37 percent) was used for instruction; $180 million
the fall of 1986. During that same period, the State University
(16 percent) for research; $134 million (12 percent) for
System had a total enrollment of 148,941 students, with the
institutional support; and the remainder for other purposes,
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
1930 APR 17 P.Y. 5. 52
PRESCERT HAS SLEN
4/18/45
1
-
I like it
April 17, 1990
INFORMATION
2
But are we
MEHORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
Through:
CHRISS WINSTON cw
sure what lorg shots
From:
MARK DAVIS MD
will be there?
Subject:
Florida GOP
3
Are we sure of
I. SUMMARY
You will address an audience of 2,500 at the Florida GOP attrud
Membus of Congrem
fundraiser at the Orange County Convention Center at 7
Friday, April 20. Your remarks, about fourteen minutes p.m., in
length, will be on teleprompter.
II. DISCUSSION
Administration has done to expand and protect the Everglades,
This is an opportunity to remind Floridians all that your
propose the first revision in our Clean Air laws in more than
decade, and to fight crime. The political section of this draft a
discusses reapportionment, and gives a special emphasis to the
importance of winning four seats in the Florida Senate.
4
perhapes prompter
man should be told
to be ready to wait
where I put * in care
we have not included
10 120 I.S. to he achrowledge
Davis/Martin
April 7, 1990
Title: Florida
Draft: Four
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: REPUBLICAN GOP, ORLANDO
7 p.m., Friday, April 20, 1990
( (Secretaries Mosbacher and Skinner, Governor Martinez,
Senator Mack, Congressman Grant, Lee Greenwood and, of course,
Jeb and Colomba -- great to be back. And will you forgive a
grandad one editorial comment? Didn't George P. give a great
speech?\\ Well, it's good to know that there's at least one
orator in the family ))\\\
( (And Bob Hope -- I hear you're going to be 87 next month.
Can't get over how great you look. I'd ask you for your
secret, but I'm afraid you'd tell me to eat my vegetables.
Jeff
Alec Courtelis -- good to see you. Here's a man who breeds race
Jogt
horses for the same reason he works so hard for the Republican
Party: Only one place will do for Alec -- first place.
RNC
And finally, Jeanie Austin, who's doing an outstanding job -
- along with our great Republican National Committee Chairman,
Lee Atwater. Lee's fighting spirit is certainly an inspiration
to us all. Everyone who knows Lee also knows that this is one
campaign he's going to win.
&
Jeanie, it's also great to be back in your hometown.
RNC
Barbara and I have found it awfully hard to stay away from
Florida. And it's not just the beaches -- it's the company --
the infectious optimism of Florida Republicans. You certainly
have every reason to be in high spirits. After all, it's here in
2
the land of the sun and gateway to the stars that voters are
rejecting the politics of the past. It's here that you are
pioneering the future of America\ -- a Republican future.
I believe we can build this future, a future with a cleaner
environment, great strides in education, more opportunity and
streets safe from crime. And in Florida, you need a governor
with the same vision who will carefully weigh the needs of nature
and man, who will make the most of economic opportunity while
protecting your special way of life. That's the kind of governor
you want 11 That's the governor you've got. And that's the
governor you're going to re-elect -- Governor Bob Martinez.
It is because of Republican leadership that Florida ranks as
sommerce
Number One in the creation of new businesses and jobs --
especially in high-tech X manufacturing. But we call this the
Sunshine State because of your quality of life, not the quantity
of your jobs. From the Panhandle to the Keys, Florida is a
tropical jewel glistening with rivers, marshes, freshwater
swamps, beautiful beaches and mangrove forests. And we intend to
keep it that way.
4:3-7ay
Two weeks ago, the famous South Florida conservationist
Marjory Stoneman Douglas celebrated her 100th birthday. And in
her century, she has seen the vast swamp prairie of the
Everglades wither to half its size. She has watched and worried
(305) Not 247- PaRK MRS. Toll
as crocodiles, turtles and Florida Panther almost disappeared.
She has seen rookeries of wading birds -- once counted in the
millions -- dwindle to mere thousands. She was the first to
3
x
sound the alarm. She made us realize that the Everglades is the
heart of Florida -- we must not let it die.
Floridians want action on the Everglades, and you are
getting it -- from Republicans. Because the State of Florida was
willing to set aside part of the land, and because of the
Nate
leadership of your Republican Congressional delegation in
Washington, I was able to sign into law a bill increasing the
signed
68/81/21
size of the park by more than 100,000 acres. Of course, more
81/21
needs to be done. But we are determined that the Everglades\
Bill
will be everlasting.
( (To protect our natural habitats will also require local
leadership. As you know, I am honoring Americans from all walks
of life who are part of that constellation of volunteers I call
the Thousand Points of Light. So it is my pleasure tonight to
announce our one hundred and twenty-second "Daily Point of Light"
-- Doctor Daniel Keith Odell who lives here, in Orlando.
( (Doctor Odell, a marine biologist with Sea World, has been
applying his knowledge to better the environment by learning how
pollutants can harm certain marine mammals. But he's best known
locally for his efforts in the campaign to save Florida's
manatees. In both efforts, Doctor Odell is working to make
Florida a better place to live. ) )
Still, it isn't enough to preserve nature if our cities are
filthy, the air we breathe foul and our urban beaches desecrated.
RNC
Floridians also want action on a cleaner environment, and they
are getting it from Florida Republicans.
4
You are also getting action at the national level. ( ( In
fact, I am pleased to announce that Tampa Bay will be included
EPA
EPA's National Estuary Program. Under this program, we will
bring together federal, state and local agencies, citizens groups
and others to develop a plan to preserve and protect the aquatic
riches of Tampa Bay. This program will also allow us to
coordinate and focus the activities of many federal agencies, and
fund environmental demonstration projects in Tampa. By working
together, we can preserve and protect Tampa Bay. ))\\\
As you know, I also proposed the first major revision of the
Clean Air Act since 1977 -- one that uses market solutions to cut
EPA
acid rain, smog and other poisons in our air. This will mean
cleaner cars. Cleaner fuels. Cleaner factories. And if
Congress passes our compromise proposal, it will mean cleaner air
for America.
Floridians also want to be safe from crime -- and that is
another reason why they turn to Republican leadership. In
Tallahassee, Republicans have toughened prison sentences and
added the prison space to enforce it. And in Washington, we
worked closely with Connie Mack and your House Republican
delegation to pass part of our Administration's anti-crime
Rogh's
package. We share a simple philosophy: prison sentences should
be at least as tough as the criminals we convict.
Congress has provided money for new prison space and more
federal law enforcement officers. But the Democrat leadership in
Congress has left too much work undone on our violent crime
5
package. So I call on Congress to recognize a truth -- if the
kingpins who deal drugs are dealing death, then let's judge them
for what they are -- murderers.
And finally, Florida wants one thing more -- to give your
children the education they deserve. Your business and education
leaders are already working together to make Florida a world
leader in math, science and computer education by 1999. What you
want to do for Florida, I want to do for all of America.
American students must be Number One in math and science.
Every American adult must be a literate citizen and worker. And
every school in America must have a disciplined environment --
and most of all, be drug free. Education is critical to every
thing we are and can become. And that's why I am proposing the
largest federal education budget in history. \\
So when it comes to social progress, from jobs to a cleaner
environment, to fighting crime or educating yet another
generation -- the party of Lincoln is leading America while
America leads the world.
Sadly, the other party has no firm principles -- and no new
ideas -- to offer the world at this critical time. And that's
why Democratic voters and leaders are crossing over in record
RNC
numbers. Forty-six elected Democrats have crossed over just
since I was elected. Now I know that some political observers
are busy trying to figure out the political calculus behind Bill
Grant's move to our party. I suggest they miss the point.
Bill simply shares the wisdom of Winston Churchill, who said that
6
while some may change their principles for the sake of their
party, a statesman will change parties before changing
principles. And it is because of his commitment to principle
that Bill Grant is a Republican leader today.
Nowhere have our principles been more effective than in the
international arena. Look at the results of our approach. In
the Revolution of '89, we saw freedom dawn in Eastern Europe.
And now we are close -- so very close -- to extending the compass
of freedom across the Americas. Look at the map: There was once
a dictatorship in Panama -- but then came the uprising -- and now
the people rule in Panama. There was once a militant regime in
Managua -- but then came the election, and now the people rule in
Nicaragua. Of course, there is one last hardline holdout in
the West. But with TV Marti, we are bringing the truth to the
people of Cuba. And you know the old saying --the truth will set
you free.
These are historic achievements. And it is Republican
leadership that has brought us to this moment. But to continue
to work for jobs and opportunity, a better environment, a safer
America and a free world -- I need a Congress that will work with
me, not against me. I will need partners in leadership like Bill
Grant and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen ( (ILL-ee-AH-na ROSS LAY-tin-en)),
just as Governor Martinez needs a Republican legislature in
Tallahassee. As you know, we are just four seats away from
(R )Party 7920 222 Flor.
controlling the Florida Senate.
7
The political future of Florida and all of America rests on
winning these seats and re-electing Bob Martinez. The reason is
simple, and it affects the voting rights of every Republican,
every Independent and every Democratic voter. I am talking about
the reapportionment of Congressional districts after the 1990
Census. We must not allow the Democrats to enact another
gerrymander, a form of political manipulation that can also hurt
every minority voter in Florida.
If the Democrats get their way, they' 11 again draw crazy,
twisted lines that cut across communities, towns and even streets
-- without the slightest regard for the will of the people. So
remember this: In Florida, the difference between the party of
big promises and the party of big achievements can be counted by
four seats.
We can bridge that difference. By working together, we can
make sure that Florida will once again go Republican. Thank you
for all that you have done. And thank you for all that you are
pledged to do -- all the way down to the wire, to that Victory
Night in November -- a Republican victory.
God bless you and God bless America.
#
#
#
Davis/Martin
April 7, 1990
Title: Florida
Draft: Four
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: REPUBLICAN GOP, ORLANDO
7 p.m., Friday, April 20, 1990
( (Secretaries Mosbacher and Skinner, Governor Martinez,
Senator Mack, Congressman Grant, Lee Greenwood and, of course,
Jeb and Colomba -- great to be back. And will you forgive a
grandad one editorial comment? -- Didn't George P. give a great
speech?\ Well, it's good to know that there's at least one
orator in the family. ))\\\
((And Bob Hope -- I hear you're going to be 87 next month.
Can't get over how great you look. I'd ask you for your
secret, but I'm afraid you'd tell me to eat my vegetables. 11
Alec Courtelis -- good to see you. Here's a man who breeds race
horses for the same reason he works so hard for the Republican
Party: Only one place will do for Alec -- first place.
And finally, Jeanie Austin, who's doing an outstanding job -
- along with our great Republican National Committee Chairman,
Lee Atwater. Lee's fighting spirit is certainly an inspiration
to us all. Everyone who knows Lee also knows that this is one
campaign he's going to win.
Jeanie, it's also great to be back in your hometown.
Barbara and I have found it awfully hard to stay away from
Florida. And it's not just the beaches -- it's the company --
the infectious optimism of Florida Republicans. You certainly
have every reason to be in high spirits. After all, it's here in
2
the land of the sun and gateway to the stars that voters are
rejecting the politics of the past. It's here that you are
pioneering the future of America\\ -- a Republican future.
I believe we can build this future, a future with a cleaner
environment, great strides in education, more opportunity and
streets safe from crime. And in Florida, you need a governor
with the same vision who will carefully weigh the needs of nature
and man, who will make the most of economic opportunity while
protecting your special way of life. That's the kind of governor
you want That's the governor you've got. And that's the
governor you're going to re-elect -- Governor Bob Martinez.
It is because of Republican leadership that Florida ranks as
Number One in the creation of new businesses and jobs --
especially in high-tech manufacturing. But we call this the
Sunshine State because of your quality of life, not the quantity
of your jobs. From the Panhandle to the Keys, Florida is a
tropical jewel glistening with rivers, marshes, freshwater
swamps, beautiful beaches and mangrove forests. And we intend to
keep it that way.
Two weeks ago, the famous South Florida conservationist
Marjory Stoneman Douglas celebrated her 100th birthday. And in
her century, she has seen the vast swamp prairie of the
Everglades wither to half its size. She has watched and worried
as crocodiles, turtles and Florida Panther almost disappeared.
She has seen rookeries of wading birds -- once counted in the
millions -- dwindle to mere thousands. She was the first to
3
sound the alarm. She made us realize that the Everglades is the
heart of Florida -- we must not let it die.
Floridians want action on the Everglades, and you are
getting it -- from Republicans. Because the State of Florida was
willing to set aside part of the land, and because of the
leadership of your Republican Congressional delegation in
Washington, I was able to sign into law a bill increasing the
size of the park by more than 100,000 acres. Of course, more
needs to be done. But we are determined that the Everglades\\
will be everlasting
( (To protect our natural habitats will also require local
leadership. As you know, I am honoring Americans from all walks
of life who are part of that constellation of volunteers I call
the Thousand Points of Light. So it is my pleasure tonight to
announce our one hundred and twenty-second "Daily Point of Light"
-- Doctor Daniel Keith Odell who lives here, in Orlando.
( (Doctor Odell, a marine biologist with Sea World, has been
applying his knowledge to better the environment by learning how
pollutants can harm certain marine mammals. But he's best known
locally for his efforts in the campaign to save Florida's
manatees. In both efforts, Doctor Odell is working to make
Florida a better place to live. And it's people like him I have
in mind when I say that from now on in America, any definition of
the successful life must include service to others
Still, it isn't enough to preserve nature if our cities are
filthy, the air we breathe foul and our urban beaches desecrated.
4
Floridians also want action on a cleaner environment, and they
are getting it from Florida Republicans.
You are also getting action at the national level. ( (In
fact, I am pleased to announce that Tampa Bay will be included in
EPA's National Estuary Program. Under this program, we will
bring together federal, state and local agencies, citizens groups
and others to develop a plan to preserve and protect the aquatic
riches of Tampa Bay. This program will also allow us to
coordinate and focus the activities of many federal agencies, and
fund environmental demonstration projects in Tampa. By working
together, we can preserve and protect Tampa Bay. ) )
As you know, I also proposed the first major revision of the
Clean Air Act since 1977 -- one that uses market solutions to cut
acid rain, smog and other poisons in our air. This will mean
cleaner cars. Cleaner fuels. Cleaner factories. And if
Congress passes our compromise proposal, it will mean cleaner air
for America.
Floridians also want to be safe from crime -- and that is
another reason why they turn to Republican leadership. In
Tallahassee, Republicans have toughened prison sentences and
added the prison space to enforce it. And in Washington, we
worked closely with Connie Mack and your House Republican
delegation to pass part of our Administration's anti-crime
package. We share a simple philosophy: prison sentences should
be at least as tough as the criminals we convict. III
5
Congress has provided money for new prison space and more
federal law enforcement officers. But the Democrat leadership in
Congress has left too much work undone on our violent crime
package. So I call on Congress to recognize a truth -- if the
kingpins who deal drugs are dealing death, then let's judge them
for what they are -- murderers.
And finally, Florida wants one thing more -- to give your
children the education they deserve. Your business and education
leaders are already working together to make Florida a world
leader in math, science and computer education by 1999. What you
want to do for Florida, I want to do for all of America.
American students must be Number One in math and science.
Every American adult must be a literate citizen and worker. And
every school in America must have a disciplined environment --
and most of all, be drug free. Education is critical to every
thing we are and can become. And that's why I am proposing the
largest federal education budget in history.\
So when it comes to social progress, from jobs to a cleaner
environment, to fighting crime or educating yet another
generation -- the party of Lincoln is leading America while
America leads the world.
Sadly, the other party has no firm principles -- and no new
ideas -- to offer the world at this critical time. And that's
why Democratic voters and leaders are crossing over in record
numbers. Forty-six elected Democrats have crossed over just
since I was elected. Now I know that some political observers
6
are busy trying to figure out the political calculus behind Bill
Grant's move to our party. I suggest they miss the point.
Bill simply shares the wisdom of Winston Churchill, who said that
while some may change their principles for the sake of their
party, a statesman will change parties before changing
principles. And it is because of his commitment to principle
that Bill Grant is a Republican leader today.
Nowhere have our principles been more effective than in the
international arena. Look at the results of our approach. In
the Revolution of '89, we saw freedom dawn in Eastern Europe.
And now we are close -- so very close -- to extending the compass
of freedom across the Americas. Look at the map: There was once
a dictatorship in Panama -- but then came the uprising -- and now
the people rule in Panama. There was once a militant regime in
Managua -- but then came the election, and now the people rule in
Nicaragua. Of course, there is one last hardline holdout in
the West. But with TV Marti, we are bringing the truth to the
people of Cuba. And you know the old saying the truth will set
you free.
III
These are historic achievements. And it is Republican
leadership that has brought us to this moment. But to continue
to work for jobs and opportunity, a better environment, a safer
America and a free world -- I need a Congress that will work with
me, not against me. I will need partners in leadership like Bill
Grant and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen ( (ILL-ee-AH-na ROSS LAY-tin-en))
just as Governor Martinez needs a Republican legislature in
7
Tallahassee. As you know, we are just four seats away from
controlling the Florida Senate.
The political future of Florida and all of America rests on
winning these seats and re-electing Bob Martinez. The reason is
simple, and it affects the voting rights of every Republican,
every Independent and every Democratic voter. I am talking about
the reapportionment of Congressional districts after the 1990
Census. We must not allow the Democrats to enact another
gerrymander, a form of political manipulation that can also hurt
every minority voter in Florida.
If the Democrats get their way, they'll again draw crazy,
twisted lines that cut across communities, towns and even streets
-- without the slightest regard for the will of the people. So
remember this: In Florida, the difference between the party of
big promises and the party of big achievements can be counted by
four seats.
We can bridge that difference. By working together, we can
make sure that Florida will once again go Republican. Thank you
for all that you have done. And thank you for all that you are
pledged to do -- all the way down to the wire, to that Victory
Night in November -- a Republican victory.
God bless you and God bless America.
#
#
#
Davis/Martin
April 7, 1990
Title: Florida
Draft: Three
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: REPUBLICAN GOP, ORLANDO
7 p.m., Friday, April 20, 1990
( (Secretaries Mosbacher and Skinner, Governor Martinez,
Senator Mack, Congressman Grant, Lee Greenwood and, of course,
Jeb and Colomba -- great to be back. \\ And will you forgive a
grandad one editorial comment? -- Didn't George P. give a great
speech?\ Well, it's good to know that there's at least one
orator in the family. ) )
( (And Bob Hope -- I hear you're going to be 87 next month.
Can't get over how great you look. I'd ask you for your
secret, but I'm afraid you'd tell me to eat my vegetables. \\
Alec Courtelis -- good to see you. Here's a man who breeds race
horses for the same reason he works so hard for the Republican
Party: Only one place will do for Alec -- first place. \\
And finally, Jeanie Austin, who's doing an outstanding job -
- along with our great Republican National Committee Chairman,
Lee Atwater. \\ Lee's fighting spirit is certainly an inspiration
to us all. Everyone who knows Lee also knows that this is one
campaign he's going to win.
Jeanie, it's also great to be back in your hometown.
Barbara and I have found it awfully hard to stay away from
Florida. And it's not just the beaches -- it's the company --
the infectious optimism of Florida Republicans. You certainly
have every reason to be in high spirits. After all, it's here in
2
the land of the sun and gateway to the stars that voters are
rejecting the politics of the past. It's here that you are
pioneering the future of America\\ -- a Republican future.
I believe we can build this future, a future with a cleaner
environment, great strides in education, more opportunity and
streets safe from crime. And in Florida, you need a governor
with the same vision who will carefully weigh the needs of nature
and man, who will make the most of economic opportunity while
protecting your special way of life. That's the kind of governor
you want. That's the governor you've got.\\ And that's the
governor you're going to re-elect -- Governor Bob Martinez.
It is because of Republican leadership that Florida ranks as
Number One in the creation of new businesses and jobs --
especially in high-tech manufacturing. But we call this the
Sunshine State because of your quality of life, not the quantity
of your jobs. From the Panhandle to the Keys, Florida is a
tropical jewel glistening with rivers, marshes, freshwater
swamps, beautiful beaches and mangrove forests. And we intend to
keep it that way.
Two weeks ago, the famous South Florida conservationist
Marjory Stoneman Douglas celebrated her 100th birthday. And in
her century, she has seen the vast swamp prairie of the
Everglades wither to half its size. She has watched and worried
as crocodiles, turtles and Florida Panther almost disappeared.
She has seen rookeries of wading birds -- once counted in the
millions -- dwindle to mere thousands. She was the first to
3
sound the alarm. She made us realize that the Everglades is the
heart of Florida -- we must not let it die.
Floridians want action on the Everglades, and you are
getting it -- from Republicans. Because the State of Florida was
willing to set aside part of the land, and because of the
leadership of your Republican Congressional delegation in
Washington, I was able to sign into law a bill increasing the
size of the park by more than 100,000 acres. Of course, more
needs to be done. But we are determined that the Everglades\\
will be everlasting.
( (To protect our natural habitats will also require local
leadership. As you know, I am honoring Americans from all walks
of life who are part of that constellation of volunteers I call
the Thousand Points of Light. So it is my pleasure tonight to
announce our one hundred and twenty-second "Daily Point of Light"
Doctor Daniel Keith Odell who lives here, in Orlando.
( (Doctor Odell, a marine biologist with Sea World, has been
Applying his knowledge to with the enviro by
)
working hard to learn why certain marine mammals are stranded.
And he's also well, been a leader 2, in the Save the Manatee' campaign. ))
2 how pollutantsco cram
known
compain to Florda's mmaters
Still, it isn't enough to preserve nature if our cities are
filthy, the air we breathe foul and our urban beaches desecrated.
Floridians also want action on a cleaner environment, and they
are getting it from Florida Republicans.
DOCTOR oden
is wo sking Froñoa to male
w
You are also getting action at the national level.
(
(In
litter place
fact, I am pleased to announce tonight that Tampa Bay will be to lim.
And is examls
included in EPA's National Estuary Program. This will allow the kinds
taching about win
puron And
A
say
4
Washington to work with Governor Martinez and local governments
to devise and implement a plan to preserve and protect the
aquatic riches of Tampa Bay. ))
As you know, I also proposed the first major revision of the
Clean Air Act since 1977 -- one that uses market solutions to cut
acid rain, smog and other poisons in our air. This will mean
cleaner cars. Cleaner fuels. Cleaner factories. And if
Congress passes our compromise proposal, it will mean cleaner air
for America.
Floridians also want to be safe from crime -- and that is
another reason why they turn to Republican leadership. In
Tallahassee, Republicans have toughened prison sentences and
added the prison space to enforce it. And in Washington, we
worked closely with Connie Mack and your House Republican
delegation to pass part of our Administration's anti-crime
package. We share a simple philosophy: prison sentences should
be at least as tough as the criminals we convict.
Congress has provided money for new prison space and more
federal law enforcement officers. But the Democrat leadership in
Congress has left too much work undone on our violent crime
package. I call on Congress to toughen federal sentences for
those using a firearm in the commission of a felony. I call on
Congress to reform the rules of evidence And I call call on Congress
8
Coyens
3
to recognize a truth -- if the kingpins who deal drugs are
dealing death, then let's judge them for what they are --
murderers. \\\
5
And finally, Florida wants one thing more -- to give your
children the education they deserve. Florida's leadership in
education should come as no surprise. After all, it was in your
state that the great community college tradition was born out of
a unique partnership. Now your business and education leaders
alver
are again working together, this time to make Florida a world
leader in math, science and computer education by 1999. What you
want to do for Florida, I want to do for all of America.
American students must be Number One in math and science.
Every American adult must be a literate citizen and worker. And
every school in America must have a disciplined environment --
and most of all, be drug free.
I was delighted to have the support and advice of Governor
Martinez and his colleagues at the Charlottesville Education
Summit in crafting these goals. Education is critical to every
thing we are and can become. And that's why I am proposing the
largest federal education budget in history.
So when it comes to social progress, from jobs to a cleaner
environment, to fighting crime or educating yet another
generation -- the party of Lincoln is leading America while
America leads the world.
Sadly, the other party has no firm principles -- and no new
ideas -- to offer the world at this critical time. And that's
why Democratic voters and leaders are crossing over in record
numbers. Forty-six elected Democrats have crossed over just
since I was elected. Now I know that some political observers
6
are busy trying to figure out the political calculus behind Bill
Grant's move to our party. I suggest they miss the point.
Bill simply shares the wisdom of Winston Churchill, who said that
while some may change their principles for the sake of their
party, a statesman will change parties before changing
principles. And it is because of his commitment to principle
that Bill Grant is a Republican leader today.
Nowhere have our principles been more effective than in the
international arena. Look at the results of our approach. In
Er.
the Revolution of '89, we saw freedom dawn in Poland and Hungary;
we saw the drama of freedom written by a playwright-president in
Czechoslovakia; and we watched Berliners raise hammers to that
wall of shame.
And now we are close -- so very close -- to extending the
compass of freedom across the Americas. Look at the map: There
was once a dictatorship in Panama -- but then came the uprising -
- and now the people rule in Panama There was once a militant
regime in Managua -- but then came the election, and now the
people rule in Nicaragua. Of course, there is one last
hardline holdout in the West. But with TV Marti, we are bringing
the truth to the people of Cuba. And you know the old saying --
the truth will set you free. III
These are historic achievements. And it is Republican
leadership that has brought us to this moment. But to continue
to work for jobs and opportunity, a better environment, a safer
America and a free world -- I need a Congress that will work with
7
me, not against me. I will need partners in leadership like Bill
Grant and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen ( (ILL-ee-AH-na ROSS LAY-tin-en) )
just as Governor Martinez needs a Republican legislature in
Tallahassee. As you know, we are just four seats away from
controlling the Florida Senate.
The political future of Florida and all of America rests on
winning these seats and re-electing Bob Martinez. The reason is
simple, and it affects the voting rights of every Republican,
every Independent and every Democratic voter. I am talking about
the reapportionment of Congressional districts after the 1990
Census. We must not allow the Democrats to enact another
can
gerrymander, a form of political manipulation that has also hurt
every minority voter in Florida.
If the Democrats get their way, they'l again draw crazy,
twisted lines that cut across communities, towns and even streets
-- without the slightest regard for the will of the people. So
remember this: In Florida, the difference between the party of
big promises and the party of big achievements can be counted by
four seats.
We can bridge that difference. By working together, we can
make sure that Florida will once again go Republican. Thank you
for all that you have done. And thank you for all that you are
pledged to do -- all the way down to the wire, to that Victory
Night in November -- a Republican victory.
God bless you and God bless America.
#
#
#