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These warm and sheltered waters attract one of the most astounding arrays of wildlife found anywhere in the world. Alligators, crocodiles, manatees, sea turtles, more than 350 species of birds, and 700 species of fish can be found in or around Florida's ponds and coastal waters. Since the turn of the century, Florida has also attracted another sort of inhabitant, whose numbers constantly grow More than 40 million tourists now savor the state each year, most of them headed for the good life on its sunny coast. An 8000 Mile Coastline Curving 1,350 miles down the Atlantic and back up the Gulf of Mexico, Florida's coastline expands to over 8,000 miles when the shores of islands, bays, and lagoons are included. The protected waters between these islands and the shore make an ideal habitat for wi1d life, especially fish eating birds such as herons, ibises, and pelicans. Coastal swamps, estuaries, and saltwater marshes create inviting environments for crabs, conches, clams, and oysters. Fertile shoals yield shrimps, lobsters, and scallops. Offshore waters also offer some of the world's best deep sea fishing. The Gulf Stream bestows its favors on Florida. A subtropical climate reigns over the southern end of the peninsula and the Keys, while the rest of the state is temperate. The climate has also made Florida a spectacular year round playground and a magnet for business. As a result, Florida has become one of the fastest growing states. Miami, City among the Palms The ever burgeoning symbol of this boom is Miami. Yet just over 100 years ago, its site was a jungle of alligator infested swamps. The persistence of an ebullient woman from Ohio touched off the explosive change. Julia Tuttle owned considerable property in what is now downtown Miami. For years, She had tried unsuccessfully to persuade railroad magnate Henry Flagler to extend his rail lines south from the tony resort of Palm Beach. In 1894 disaster came to her aid. An exceptionally harsh winter that year froze out tourists and blackened the citrus crop a11 the way down to Flaglers estate in Palm Beach. Farther south in Miami, however, fruit trees were still blooming. Cannily, Mrs. Tuttle sent Flagler a sprig of Miami orange blossoms and offered to give him half her property if he brought in the train. Within six years, Miami had its rail link. At first development was slow; money was tight and World War I dominated national attention. But with the coming of the exuberant 1920's all that changed. Across the bay on a sandbar known as Miami Beach, millionaire developer Carl Fisher bulldozed the man groves, filled in the lowlands, and laid the foundation for one of the most famous resort areas of the century. Tourism continues to thrive today, and contemporary Miami has ripened into a global metropolis. Extract from "America Land Of Beauty And Splendor".The Reader's Digest Association, Inc. Pleasantville, New York/ Montreal. Written by Craig Canine et al.1992. |
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