Welcome to the Sunshine State, where flip-flops are considered formal attire, alligators stroll the golf courses, and summer never truly ends. Florida, is a land of endless beaches, swaying palm trees, and a few quirky surprises along the way.
Florida has a reputation for being weird. There are alligators, Walt Disney World, and the Mullet Toss, to name a few. This is a book about Florida and its weirdness that’s hundreds of pages long.
In this exploration, we’ll dive into the unique and sometimes strange truths about living in Florida that make it a place like no other.
1. Alligators
While alligator attacks on humans are rare, it is possible to get bitten by one. Alligators are known to have a powerful bite, which crushes bones easily. In fact, only the White Shark has a stronger bite force than an alligator’s. These creatures are also capable of climbing fences.
Alligators are a threat to humans and pets. They are often found near water, where they are easy to spot. A female alligator can lay up to fifty eggs, which she guards aggressively.
Her babies grow up to be about 15 to 20 centimeters tall. The temperature of the nest determines the sex of the hatchlings. As a result, the mother will always stay close to her nest and aggressively defend her babies.
The number of alligators in Florida has increased dramatically over the last several decades. In 1987, alligators were removed from the endangered species list.
Although their numbers dropped, conservation efforts helped them regain their former numbers. Everglades alligator farms have since been established to meet the demand for alligator skin.
2. Grapefruit
Florida grapefruit is grown in the subtropical climate of Florida, where it has mild temperatures, abundant rainfall and sunshine.
The state’s sandy soil makes it possible to grow the sweetest grapefruit in the world. The thin skin and juicy interior of Florida grapefruits are a testament to Florida’s subtropical climate.
3. Walt Disney World
The state of Florida is known as the “Theme Park Capital of the World” and is home to the Walt Disney World Resort.
The state is about the same size as San Francisco and has a thriving economy, an impressive education fund, and a low crime rate. Here are some strange facts about living in Florida.
The climate is very hot and humid year-round. People from all over the world live in Florida.
It is also a lot hotter and humidter than your hometown. If you’re worried about arthritis or other physical conditions, the climate is perfect. The average temperature is 72 degrees year-round.
4. The Mullet Toss
The Mullet Toss is a beach-side annual event that raises thousands of dollars for various local charities. This year’s event will focus on donating money to youth-oriented organizations.
Since its inception, the Mullet Toss has raised more than $20,000 for local nonprofits. The event is organized by age group and has been held for 34 years.
Thousands of people come to Flora-Bama every year to watch the Mullet Toss. The event is held just south of the Alabama border and has become a Florida tradition.
The dead fish are tossed from the Floridian side of the border into Alabama. Many have described the event as an absurd excuse for a big beach party. In any case, the event is smelly.
The Mullet Toss is an annual event where people can compete by tossing a dead mullet into a bucket. The mullet are small saltwater fish that are found in coastal waters in Florida and Alabama.
The contestants are disqualified if they are wearing gloves, have sand on their hands, or step outside the circle. In fact, a man once held the record by throwing a fish 189 feet 8 inches in his preliminary toss and 174 feet 3 inches in the final toss.
5. Insects
If you’ve ever lived in Florida, you probably know that this state is known for its unpredictable weather, humidity, and swamps.
These natural habitats also provide a home for a variety of unusual animals and plants. From alligators to snakes, panthers, bobcats, and cockroaches, Florida has it all. However, there are also some strange truths about living in Florida, including the creepy crawlies you may encounter.
The Florida winters are generally cold, but the summers can be sweltering. This climate means people tend to do most of their outdoor activities in the morning and late evening.
There are a lot of insects in Florida, so you may experience bug bites if you eat outside. In addition, there are very few winter holidays in Florida.
6. The Timucuan People of Florida
During the time of European colonization, the Native Americans of Florida were known as Timucuans. They lived near the coast and hunted animals and grew plants, roots, and fruits.
In the area surrounding Tampa Bay, the largest and most important Timucuan village was located on Tocobago Island.
These people had different language and cultural traditions from one another and were influenced by the influx of Europeans.
For instance, the Ais people were found along the Indian River Lagoon in the 17th century and maintained contact with Spanish settlers in St. Augustine. Another tribe, the Alafay, lived along the Gulf Coast and was closely related to the Pohoy.
Most tribes in Florida were vassals of the powerful Calusa chief Calos. These tribes had complex chiefdoms, and marriages between the families of leaders were a common way to expand their territories and gain allies.
Many of the smaller tribes in Florida, such as the Jobes, lived along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Their numbers were decimated during the early 1700s because of European diseases and occupational pressures.
Native Americans in Florida were also involved in the trade of furs, wood, and other natural resources. The Calusa were excellent sailors and their canoes were made of hallowed cypress logs.
Although they did not cultivate crops, they were exceptional hunters and fishers and received tributes of food from other tribes. Today, you can find many Calusa mound sites and canal works in the Pine Island area, which is located twenty miles west of Cape Coral.
7. Precipitation
If you’ve ever lived in Florida, you know that the weather here is not always sunny and warm. In fact, you can sometimes experience extreme precipitation in the winter.
You may need a heating system to keep your home comfortable. While ice storms and snow are rare, cold temperatures can still occur throughout the year.
The state is subject to both El Nino and La Nina climate cycles. While El Nino tends to produce warmer and drier temperatures, La Nina brings rainy season conditions to the peninsula.
Both El Nino and La Nina increase the frequency of low-pressure systems in the Gulf of Mexico. Both El Nino and La Nina can cause severe weather, and both can impact the state’s weather.
So, whether you’re a native Floridian, a snowbird escaping the winter chill, or just curious about life in the Sunshine State, one thing’s for sure: Florida is full of surprises!
From alligators in swimming pools to year-round summer vibes, it’s a place where the unexpected becomes the norm. Thanks for joining us on this journey through some of the strange truths about living in Florida.
Stay sunny, stay weird, and stay tuned for more fascinating insights!
