In part one and two of this series we discussed the early history of the Florida region. Since the days of discovery in the 1631 the land on the panhandle has experience nothing but war and bloodshed. By 1920 things had settled down, national economy was prospering and people were beginning to travel to Florida for its warm climate. Then disaster struck once again.
In 1926 the Great Miami Hurricane (category 4) touched down in Florida, devastating the city of Miami, parts of the panhandle, Alabama and the Bahamas. Then two years later came the Okeechobee Hurricane. It first touched down in Puerto Rico, the Bahamas and traveled up the Florida panhandle. As a category five hurricane, the Okeechobee was the most intense to hit landfall in the US killing 2500 people. To add insult to injury, the people of Florida experienced a period of profound poverty when the Great Depression hit in 1929, and it was almost instantaneous. The economy of the state relied heavily on the raw materials market, so when the stock market fell businesses could no longer trade. Citrus fruits sat and rotted, costing farmers hundreds of thousands of dollars. People once again migrated away from the state in search of work, but just as they were leaving more people from other states would arrive in Florida also seeking jobs.
Other areas of the country experienced brief periods of economic relief, but the country as a whole did not see a recover until the mid-1930's. Unfortunately Florida had to wait until the early 1940's for any kind of relief. The build-up for the United States entry into World War II finally brought industry to the panhandle once again. Geographically, it was a great place for military bases and training. The climate was becoming more alluring to vacationers, especially with the increased availability of air conditioning. The effect of a prolonged economic depression in Florida meant the cost of living was much lower as well, so overall it was a destination for many Americans.
One important characteristic of Florida that does not fit into its history of survival is the existence of differing ecosystems. There are the oceanic coastlines, the forested uplands, the forested wetlands, watersheds, the everglades, river systems and of course the many marine ecosystems. The subtropical climate enables various areas to thrive in warm and wet condition at sea level, as well as elevated dry areas. The Atlantic coast of Florida is very fortunate to be home to the third largest coral reef in the world. Referred to as the Florida Keys, it is strictly protected within the Florida Keys National Marine Society.
Hundreds of endemic species of birds, mammals and marine life find their home in the Florida Keys as well. On the Gulf of Mexico side of the panhandle one will find a different kind of natural environment. Three National Forests span northeastern Florida, all home to species such as the American Alligator, Florida Black Bear and the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker. Manatees are common in the waters off the western side of the panhandle, as are dolphins, Loggerhead Sea Turtles and Marlin.
There is so much more to the Sunshine State than its warring past, hurricane watches and history of slavery. Watch for part four and find out just what there is to see and do in Florida.
In 1926 the Great Miami Hurricane (category 4) touched down in Florida, devastating the city of Miami, parts of the panhandle, Alabama and the Bahamas. Then two years later came the Okeechobee Hurricane. It first touched down in Puerto Rico, the Bahamas and traveled up the Florida panhandle. As a category five hurricane, the Okeechobee was the most intense to hit landfall in the US killing 2500 people. To add insult to injury, the people of Florida experienced a period of profound poverty when the Great Depression hit in 1929, and it was almost instantaneous. The economy of the state relied heavily on the raw materials market, so when the stock market fell businesses could no longer trade. Citrus fruits sat and rotted, costing farmers hundreds of thousands of dollars. People once again migrated away from the state in search of work, but just as they were leaving more people from other states would arrive in Florida also seeking jobs.
Other areas of the country experienced brief periods of economic relief, but the country as a whole did not see a recover until the mid-1930's. Unfortunately Florida had to wait until the early 1940's for any kind of relief. The build-up for the United States entry into World War II finally brought industry to the panhandle once again. Geographically, it was a great place for military bases and training. The climate was becoming more alluring to vacationers, especially with the increased availability of air conditioning. The effect of a prolonged economic depression in Florida meant the cost of living was much lower as well, so overall it was a destination for many Americans.
One important characteristic of Florida that does not fit into its history of survival is the existence of differing ecosystems. There are the oceanic coastlines, the forested uplands, the forested wetlands, watersheds, the everglades, river systems and of course the many marine ecosystems. The subtropical climate enables various areas to thrive in warm and wet condition at sea level, as well as elevated dry areas. The Atlantic coast of Florida is very fortunate to be home to the third largest coral reef in the world. Referred to as the Florida Keys, it is strictly protected within the Florida Keys National Marine Society.
Hundreds of endemic species of birds, mammals and marine life find their home in the Florida Keys as well. On the Gulf of Mexico side of the panhandle one will find a different kind of natural environment. Three National Forests span northeastern Florida, all home to species such as the American Alligator, Florida Black Bear and the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker. Manatees are common in the waters off the western side of the panhandle, as are dolphins, Loggerhead Sea Turtles and Marlin.
There is so much more to the Sunshine State than its warring past, hurricane watches and history of slavery. Watch for part four and find out just what there is to see and do in Florida.
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