All information provided on this site has been compiled from multiple resources. It is deemed to be reliable, but may change from time-to-time. As we strive to bring to you the most accurate and up-to-date information and links to attraction sites, we welcome you to email us any attractions you would like us to consider posting to our site.
AllFloridaAttractions.com and Florida State information brought to by:
Tropics Real Estate, The Marlene Graham Team
539 - 5th Avenue South - Naples, FL 34102
(239) 261-0153 MarleneGraham@earthlink.net
www.NaplesHomeFinders.com
A LIL' ABOUT FLORIDA
Spanish New World Explorer, Juan Ponce de Leon, landed on a peninsula, of which he named Florida, on April 2, 1513, during Pascua Florida (Spanish for "Flowery Easter," after Spain's "Feast of the Flowers" Easter celebration). A majority of the state is situated on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Straits of Florida. Its signature panhandle extends along the northern Gulf of Mexico, bordered by Georgia and Alabama. With an extensive coastline, Florida is the largest state east of the Mississippi River, and only Alaska and Michigan are larger in water area.
The peninsula of Florida is a plateau of limestone atop bedrock. Extensive systems of springs, underwater caves and sinkholes are found throughout the state. These freshwater resources supply much of the water used by residents. As global sea levels rose and fell over millions of years, soils and sand were deposited atop the limestone as ancient beaches. During the last Ice Age, a drier climate and lower sea levels revealed a much wider peninsula, largely desert. An enormously wide, very slow-flowing river (swamp: combination between marsh and bog) known as The Everglades encompasses the southern tip of the peninsula.
Florida is the 4th most populous state in the United States attracting visitors from around the world as well as corporations and professionals, families, singles and retirees seeking refuge from the bitter cold winter climate of our most northern states. The immense coastline and proximity to the 'Gulf Stream' creates Florida's climate, much of the state being humid and subtropical, with the exception of the southern part below Lake Okeechobee having a true tropical climate. Cold fronts occasionally bring high winds and cold temperatures during late fall and winter. The seasons in Florida are determined more by precipitation than by temperature with mild, relatively dry winters and autumns and hot, wet springs and summers. The Gulf Stream helps to moderate the climate, and although much of Florida commonly sees a high summer temperature over 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees C), the mercury rarely exceeds 100 degrees F (38 degrees C). The hottest temperature ever recorded in the state was 109 degrees F (43 degrees C), set on June 29, 1931. The coldest was 2 degrees F (-19 degrees C), on February 13, 1899. High temperatures for July are typically in the low 90s F (32-35 degrees C). Low temperatures for late January range from the low 40s F (4-7 degrees C) in northern Florida to mid 50s (-13 degrees C) in southern Florida.
Florida's nickname is the "Sunshine State", but severe weather is a common occurrence in the state. Central Florida is known as the lightning capital of the United States, as it experiences more lightning strikes than anywhere else in the country. Florida has the highest average precipitation of any state, largely due to afternoon thunderstorms from late spring through summer and into early autumn. A hot, sunny day may be interrupted with a storm, only to return to sunshine within minutes. Thunderstorms, caused by collisions between airflow from the Gulf of Mexico and the airflow from the Atlantic Ocean, typically pop up in the early afternoons and can bring heavy downpours, high winds, and sometimes even low-intensity tornadoes. Hail may accompany the most severe thunderstorms. One should always seek shelter for the safety of themselves and their family should they encounter a severe storm. Rare are the days when the sun remains hidden behind dark clouds and overcast skies with snow in Florida being even a more rare occurrence. Florida experienced blizzard conditions during the Great Blizzard of 1899. This was the only time the temperatures in the state is known to have fallen below 0 degrees F (-18 degrees C). The most widespread snowfall in Florida history happened on January 19, 1977, when snow fell over much of the state, as far south as Homestead with snow flurries falling on Miami Beach for the only time in recorded history.
Hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30. Florida is the most hurricane-prone US state, with subtropical or tropical water on 3 sides and a lengthy coastline. August to October is the most likely period for a hurricane in Florida. It is rare for a hurricane season to pass without any impact in the state by at least a tropical storm as well as tropical cyclones can pose a severe threat. Please click on this link for additional education on Hurricane and Preparedness: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
Florida is host to many types of wildlife including:
Marine Mammals: Bottlenose Dolphin, Pilot Whale, Northern Right Whale and Manatees
Reptiles: Alligator, Crocodile, Eastern Diamondback and Pygmy Rattlesnakes, Gopher Tortoise, Green & Leatherback Sea Turtles, Indigo Snake
Mammals: Panther, Whitetail Deer, Key Deer, Bobcats, Southern Black Bear, Armadillos
Birds: Bald Eagle, Crested Caracara, Snail Kite, Osprey, Pelicans, Sea Gulls, Whooping & Sandhill Cranes, Roseate Spoonbill, Florida Scrub Jay (State endemic), and many more. Note: Florida is a winter home for most species of migrating eastern North American birds.
A LIL' ABOUT TROPICS REAL ESTATE's MARLENE GRAHAM TEAM
Located in the beautiful tropical oasis of Naples, Florida, Marlene Graham's Team of real estate professionals are ready to help you own a piece of your paradise! They can help you locate the perfect property for you regardless if it is a vacation home, 2nd home, investment property or full time residence. Marlene Graham and her family settled in Naples full-time after making two 50-state journeys as a family during which they were featured on OPRAH, TODAY, THE VIEW, DONNY & MARIE, even CNN. It is a decision they have never regretted. Naples is truly unique and special. And the Grahams should know! Be sure to visit our website for addtional real estate information: www.NaplesHomeFinders.com