You Can Count On Florida

Top Ten Reasons You Can Count On Florida

In 2000, the presidential election put Florida in the spotlight as the entire nation watched. It seems the decision of who will be the next President of the United States rested upon the Sunshine State.

The glare of the media reached blinding proportions, and produced a somewhat tarnished image of the state. All this media attention revolved around the Palm Beach county's butterfly ballot controversy, and the recounting of the ballots cast in Palm Beach and two other Florida counties.

Florida became the target of late night television hosts' best shots, and although those were tongue-in-cheek attacks, the humor got tiresome. Therefore, I feel a need to redeem my state, and what better way than to point out the positives that visitors will experience in Florida.

Here are my Top Ten Reasons You Can Count On Florida:

1. You can count on Florida for International appeal! Florida remains a popular vacation destination of international visitors drawn by the sand, sun, and fun.
2. You can count on Florida for great weather! Our average annual temperature is 81 degrees. In the winter, southern Florida is one of the warmest places on the United States mainland.
3. You can count on Florida for top beaches! Dr. Beach has consistently named Florida beaches to his annual Top 20 Beaches.
4. You can count on Florida for excellent accommodations! Whether you are camping or looking for the finest resort, want to stay near the attractions or at the beach, Florida has the best accommodations at prices that suit every budget.
5. You can count on Florida for more attractions! Although, nine out of 10 of the most visited attractions in Florida are located in Orlando, the entire state has more to see and do than anywhere else.
6. You can count on Florida for super cruises! Miami, the world's largest cruise port, hosts two-thirds of the world's cruise-ship passengers; and, many Florida visitors have discovered casino cruises at Port Canaveral, where you can play your favorite games while you sail the seas.
7. You can count on Florida for spring break fun! For many years Fort Lauderdale served as the hot spot for this annual college ritual. Now, Panama City Beach, Daytona Beach and Orlando are the students' destinations of choice.
8. You can count on Florida for its cultural diversity! Florida is home to a variety of nationalities and celebrates the heritage of many cultures – whether you are Cuban, black, Asian, white, Indian, gay, young, old, or a nudist... you feel welcome!
9. You can count on Florida for variety! Where else can visitors have breakfast with Mickey Mouse; walk through the jaws of a huge alligator; take an airboat ride in a swamp; win money at a casino; stay overnight in a Seminole Indian hut; go deep-sea fishing, water skiing, and snorkeling; camp in January without freezing; board a ship for the Caribbean; take in a sunset celebration; or frolic on a beach? Where else can you do all that and still have not "done it all?"
10. You can count on Florida for its value! Florida appeals to visitors, young and old alike, who find diverse entertainment, shopping, and dining experiences that fit their lifestyle and budgets.

So, let Jay Leno have his fun with Florida's recount, and David Letterman can keep his Top 10 Lists. Although it may be said that Floridians can not count, one thing is certain... you CAN count on Florida!