Florida has captivated many including immigrants, retirees, and sunshine-seekers for its sunny disposition. The region suffers the potential of natural disaster, much like San Francisco, however, and the large population of the coastal counties (90%), poses a huge risk, much like that of California's. A lesson in sustainability from San Francisco to remediate the following: "Vulnerability to hurricanes, a high rate of population growth, dependence on natural gas and coal for 86 percent of its energy, dependence on outside sources for fossil fuel"... and "...Ranking third nationally in total energy consumption."
Florida postcard reflecting its vibrant tourist industry (www.zanebenefits.com)
History's Effects on Demography & Settlement
The population of Florida has grown at almost double the nation's rate from 2000-2010, at 17.6%, when 2.8 million inhabitants were added. The state has a racially diverse profile, with 75% white, 22.5% Hispanic, 16% black, 2.4% Asian, 0.4% Native American, and 2.5 two or more races. The historic diaspora of Cubans to Florida was due greatly in part to Fidel Castro's assumption of dictatorship in 1959, when he overthrew the Cuban government. The other large portion of Florida residents is retirees, as the population of those over 65 exceeds 30% in four counties. They seek the state's warm and inviting qualities. In contrast, San Francisco has been settled by a more diverse source of immigrants, and though it is a city with a large amount of immigrants, it does not have as high a concentration of one immigrant group as Florida does, with 2/3rds of all Cubans living in Florida.
The encroachment of the Seminoles, which lead to a half century of Seminole Wars between whites and Native Americans, caused most indigenous people to be relocated to Oklahoma. Though violence was not as prevalent in San Francisco, the Spanish did have brutal tendencies employed elsewhere.
Little Havana in Miami, Florida, is much like Chinatown in San Francisco. (en.wikipedia.org)
The Seminole Wars (sillysoft.net)
Climate
The Floridian peninsula is a transition zone between the Caribbean and the temperate mainland, and the state has a subtropical location. Annual rainfall in Florida is much more extensive in Florida than in Sn Francisco, with 50-60 inches per year. Rain is common in summer in autumn in Florida, whereas it is more common in winter in San Francisco. With its great amount of sun, Florida has a 300-day growing season, while San Francisco has much lower temperatures and less potential for agriculture. Both locales are host to the possibility of natural disaster; hurricanes and violent storms in Florida, and earthquakes in San Francisco.
South Florida beach. (www.destination360.com)
Economy
The prosperous real estate and tourism economy of Florida is a ubiquitous supporter of the economy of the region. Tourism is also present in San Francisco, but not to such a widespread extent. Florida's location is more well-suited to agriculture than that of San Francisco. Florida produces tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, peppers, during winter, despite the harsh conditions in other states. Citrus is also produced in great amounts, and Florida provides for 68% of the nation's oranges, and 78% of its grapefruit. Though California is the next largest producer, the business is not located in San Francisco. Sugarcane, cattle, commercial fishery, and phosphate production are also part of the state's primary industry. Florida's Space companies have also played an important role in the state, though they are in competition with private companies for space launchings. San Francisco has not had an active involvement in the space industry.
Florida citrus advertisement. (www.floribbean.com)
California Citrus State Historic Park postcard (www.citrusstatepark.org)
Sustainability
In order to secure a healthier and sustainable future for Florida, there will need to be an end to speculative real estate, which lead to the collapse of the market in 2008. Climate change, a factor that could devastate both San Francisco and Florida due to natural disasters must be prepared for in both regions. Population is dense in both areas, but it has reached unsustainable heights in Florida. Like San Francisco, Florida has offered tax incentives to homeowners in return for the use of solar power, and in fact was the leading state in the nation in 2008 in that regard. Efforts like these, including Florida's willingness to accept policies like California's plan for climate change policy, will bring about change if approached correctly.
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