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The State of Florida, in the southeastern region of the United States of America. Most of the state is a large peninsula with the Gulf of Mexico on its west and the Atlantic Ocean on its east. Most of the state has a humid subtropical climate, except for southern Florida, where the climate borders on tropical and the Florida Keys, which have a tropical climate. Florida was named by Juan Ponce de León, who landed on the peninsula on 2 April 1513, during Pascua Florida (Spanish for “Flowery Easter,” referring to the Easter season). Florida’s economy relies heavily on tourism. Florida is situated mostly on a large peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Straits of Florida. It extends to the northwest into a panhandle, extending along the northern Gulf of Mexico. It is bordered on the north by the states of Georgia and Alabama, and on the west, at the end of the panhandle, by Alabama. It is near the countries of the Caribbean, particularly the Bahamas and Cuba. Florida’s extensive coastline made it a perceived target during World War II, so the government built airstrips all around the state. Today approximately 400 airports are still in service due to the coastal geography of the state. Florida is one of the largest states east of the Mississippi. Only Alaska and Michigan are larger in water area.
At 345 feet (105 m) above mean sea level, Britton Hill is the highest point in Florida and the lowest highpoint of any U.S. state. Contrary to popular belief, however, Florida is not entirely “flat.” Some places, such as Clearwater, feature vistas that rise 50 to 100 feet (15–30 m) above the water. Much of the interior of Florida, typically 25 miles (40 km) or more away from the coastline, features hills with elevations ranging from 100 to 250 feet (30–76 m) in many locations. Lake County holds the highest point of peninsular Florida, Sugarloaf Mountain, at 312 feet (95 m).

Of Interest

News from Jacksonville and Northern Florida from WLTV

Tim Tebow speaks at The Providence School

May 17, 2013 11:57 pm

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Tim Tebow was in town Friday night, speaking at The Providence School.

Is there a secret formula to winning the lottery?

May 17, 2013 11:16 pm

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Many successful companies have them: secret formulas to their success. So does the lottery have a secret formula too?

Vacant foreclosure home frustrations

May 17, 2013 8:55 pm

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A big blue tarp over a foreclosed home is one thing, but a an open door has an Arlington neighborhood frustrated.

First Coast News bids farewell to longtime employee

May 17, 2013 8:12 pm

On Friday, First Coast News had to say goodbye to one of its own.

First Coast Cuba: Our connections and should we go?

May 17, 2013 8:02 pm

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The country of Cuba is only 90 miles from the Florida Keys but in many ways we are world's apart. Communism is still the law the land, trade sanctions still exist and ...

Head Start classes could possibly resume

May 17, 2013 7:42 pm

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Parents were angry when they learned Friday would be the last day for Head Start classes, three weeks earlier than scheduled to end. Now officials are working to find a way to...

Jacksonville animals face being euthanized

May 17, 2013 7:33 pm

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The clock is ticking for animals at Animal Control and Protective Services in Jacksonville.

Parent: Son is 'trapped' by school bullying

May 17, 2013 6:47 pm

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- David Thompson, 43, is a protective father concerned about the impact bullying has had on his 12 year old son.

Eighth student surprised with $1,000 Hero Next Door scholarship

May 17, 2013 6:40 pm

Only three more students on the First Coast stand a chance at being surprised with a scholarship for college.

Tamoxifen: Are docs changing to 10 years?

May 17, 2013 3:03 pm

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- We checked with local oncologists to see if they're making any changes in light of the study on Tamoxifen, which recommends a 10-year plan instead of the typical 5-year ...

South Florida News from The Sun-Sentinel

Heat star Wade makes surprise prom appearance | Video

May 18, 2013 5:15 am

So what does an All-Star shooting guard with a bum knee do when he has a night off during the NBA playoffs?    

Ex-Miramar cop convicted for ordering teen to expose herself

May 18, 2013 1:16 am

Not only did the police captain order a 15-year-old to pull down her pants to prove she wasn't having sex in a car, but directed her to spread wider so he could get a better look, a prosecutor said.&a...

The true story of 'Pain and Gain' victims, villains | Video

May 18, 2013 12:40 am

Real-life characters talk about the movie based on their lives Nearly two decades ago, rogue bodybuilders abducted Marc Schiller, tortured him for a month, drugged him and loaded him into an SUV. They...

Swimming Hall of Fame may leave Fort Lauderdale

May 18, 2013 12:35 am

rees    

Courthouse blogger faces Bar scrutiny after criticizing judges

May 17, 2013 11:38 pm

A Fort Lauderdale lawyer whose courthouse blog trades in news and gossip about South Florida's legal community is fighting off an investigation by the Florida Bar after publishing articles that critic...

Hollywood assistant police chief retires two months after being relieved of duty

May 17, 2013 10:59 pm

Assistant Police ChiefJimmy Jones, the subject of an active Internal Affairs investigation into alleged misconduct, will retire this month.    

New chapter for Boca Raton library about to begin

May 17, 2013 10:43 pm

Celebrating 50 years of Downtown Library service and looking ahead to 50 moreSaturday, Boca Raton celebrates 50 years of service at the Downtown Library — just as preparations are underway t...

Unemployment continues to fall as consumer confidence rebounds

May 17, 2013 10:42 pm

A surging stock market and rebounding housing prices are translating into a robust job market in South Florida.    

Prosecutor: Goodman has motivation to flee | Video

May 17, 2013 9:50 pm

Wellington polo mogul seeks end to house arrest before new trialJohn Goodman is staying put on house arrest in his luxurious Wellington estate as a judge considers the polo executive's request for fre...

Boynton police unleash 'Seazed Assets' as latest crime-fighting tool

May 17, 2013 9:12 pm

Boynton Beach 's newest crime-fighting tool can jet down the Intracoastal Waterway at almost 60 mph.    

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