Bruno Pugh
Florida is a tropical paradise with its sun-soaked beaches, world-renowned theme parks, and delicious orange juice. But did you know that there are hidden gems even locals are unaware of beyond these popular features? In this gallery, we’ve compiled 15 intriguing under-the-radar Florida factoids.
It’s Possible to Dig a Hole to China From Florida
Not literally, of course. But Florida is so southeastern that if you could somehow tunnel straight through the Earth’s core, you’d end up smack dab in the East China Sea near Shanghai.
Whiter Teeth? Thank Florida’s Sun
Those radiant smiles aren’t just from good dentists. Florida’s sunny disposition, or rather, its abundance of sunlight, leads to higher calcification in tooth enamel, yielding a naturally brighter smile.
Florida is Literally Sinking
No wonder property values fluctuate so much in this state! Thanks to rising sea levels, large swaths of the Florida peninsula are gradually sinking into the ocean—it’s time to pack your life jackets, buddy.
The Chicken Didn’t Cross the Road… It Crossed the Nation!
That familiar Perdue chicken logo? It was inspired by a traveling chicken prank that started with a crate full of Rhode Island Reds bound for Florida.
Everglades Water Isn’t Green
It just looks that way. The tea-colored hue is from tannins released by decaying plants, not algae or pollution. Who knew swamp water could seem refreshing?
Nobody Knows Where Orlando’s Name Came From
This City Beautiful’s etymology is a total mystery. Top theories? It was named for a character from Shakespeare or a soldier from the Seminole Wars. Creative minds are super intrigued!
Streaking Was (Briefly) Legal in Miami
From 1983-86, public nudity laws were unenforceable in Miami after a legal loophole opened the door (and curtains) to naked pursuits. Let’s just say South Beach got pretty breezy.
You Can Canoe Through Urban Miami
Are you into adventure and aimless drifting? Then, launch your canoe or kayak at the Miami River’s mouth and cruise past skyscrapers into urban neighborhoods for the ultimate unique experience.
Dessert Sushi is a Thing in Florida
Who’s craving raw fish? Restaurants here blend Florida’s love of sushi with its abundant sugary fruits to create sushi rolls stuffed with cheesecake, key lime pie, and other sweet treats. A must-try, for sure!
One Park Has Drive-Through Animal Viewing
Safari Wilderness Ranch near Miami lets you experience a safari from the comfort of your car. You’ll watch herds roam from your windows as you cruise through the massive enclosures!
Florida’s State Soil is Severely Lacking
Myakka soil has such lousy nutrients that without replenishing, it’s basically just orange dirt barely able to grow anything—quintessentially Floridian, in a way.
Walt Disney World Covers Same Area as San Francisco
The mind-boggling scale of Disney’s Florida resort is hard to fathom. But if you laid it over the City by the Bay, it would span from the Golden Gate to the Bay Bridge!
You Can Rent Chickens in Florida
Not a typo! Several companies will provide egg-laying hens as temporary rental pets, complete with a coop and feed, for your urban homesteading pleasure. It’s classical Farm livin’ made easy.
The Wild Monkeys of Florida
Ever stumbled across a monkey munching on your patio furniture? Don’t be too surprised—troops of formerly pet primates roam free in parts of Florida after being released or escaping over the decades.
Florida Snow Tastes Like Freedom
While the rare dustings of ‘Florida snow’ don’t last long, many Floridians seek out that ephemeral crunch by eating novelty snow flurries whenever possible. This unique phenomenon occurs when a cold front collides with Florida’s warm, humid air, creating a brief flurry of snow-like precipitation.
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