The southernmost tip of the eastern United Stated is the state of Florida. Here the
climate is mild all year. So when the weather is harsh and severe in the north, many
people, especially older folks, visit Florida during the wintertime. The western side of
Florida lies on the Gulf of Mexico, over which the sun sets to golden-red skies. There
are several famous beaches along this coast, and fisherman have the choice of visiting
freshwater streams and lakes inland, or casting their lines from the beach or boat
at sea in the saltwater Gulf.
Farther south is the Everglades, approximately 13000 sqkm in size, where the Everglades
National Park occupies about 6100 sqkm. The Everglades is a subtropical wetlands,
which one author has dubbed "The River of Grass." It contains a motley collection
of wildlife including reptiles such as alligators and snakes. Plant life includes
varieties of palm trees, orchids, and giant ferns. There 400 species of birds native to
Florida, including rare herons, egrets, pelicans, and different kinds of ducks.
Stretching south of Miami towards Cuba is a chain of islands called the Florida Keys.
These islands are connected by a series of bridges called the Overseas Highway reaching
to the farthest island, Key West. Key West was a summer retreat for US President Harry
S Truman, and is also the site of the homes of novelist Ernest Hemingway.
The cities of Miami and Miami Beach are located at the southern tip of the peninsula on
the Atlantic Ocean. From here northward to Kennedy Space Center are located many
small communities barely separated from each other, where many retired people live in
the warm to moderate climate. Inland is the city of Orlando, a favorite tourist stop
because of the location of Disneyworld and Epcot Center.