Florida State Archives |
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The Sunshine State
Called the Sunshine State for good reason, Florida is known for its tropical sunny weather and beautiful beaches. Ponce de Leon, in search of the elusive Fountain of Youth, was the first European to explore Florida. St. Augustine, founded by the Spanish in 1565, is the oldest permanent European settlement in the continental United States. After Florida's statehood in 1845, officials chose the the orange blossom as the state's flower, which is particularly fitting because oranges are among the main exports of the state.
Because of its sunshine and tropical location, a state surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, Florida attracts millions of visitors each year. Along with 20 state scenic byways, the state's six heritage routes and five national scenic byways are a great way to explore miles of historic trails, its string of coastal lighthouses and beautiful seaside resorts.
