The University of North Florida (UNF) is a public university located in Jacksonville, Florida. A member institution of the State University System of Florida, the university is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate, master’s and doctorate degrees to its students. Located amid a natural preserve in the largest city in terms of land area in the continental United States, the university was established in 1969. Its first president was Thomas G. Carpenter. Initially designated an upper division college for juniors and seniors, UNF eventually began admitting freshmen in 1984. The current president is former Jacksonville mayor John Delaney.

The university currently has an enrollment of more than 16,000 students, and employs over 500 full-time faculty. UNF is organized into five colleges which offer 53 undergraduate degree programs and 28 graduate-degree programs, with noted business, coastal biology, nursing, nutrition, and music programs. Although the majority of students reside off-campus, there are currently six areas of on-campus housing, including the five-story Osprey Fountains which opened in 2009. In Fall 2006, the Social Sciences building became the first facility to be LEED-certified in Northeast Florida, as well as the first "green" building on campus. As of 2010, there are five buildings on campus that have been certified by the U.S. Green Building Council.

UNF has over 140 clubs and organizations for students, as well as an active Student Government and Greek life. The student-run newspaper—The Spinnaker—is published weekly. UNF began intercollegiate sports in 1983 as a member of the NAIA, later moving to NCAA Division II. The university is currently a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference, and its NCAA Division I athletic teams are known as the North Florida Ospreys. Beginning in 2007, The Princeton Review has named UNF one of the best colleges in the Southeast for four consecutive years, and has been named one of "America's Best Colleges" by Forbes Magazine.^[4]

History[link]

The university was founded in 1969 after one thousand acres (4 km²) midway between downtown Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Beaches were set aside for the campus, 500 acres (2.0 km²) of which were donated by Jacksonville's Skinner family.^[5] Until this time, the only publicly funded institution of higher learning was Florida Community College at Jacksonville. J. J. Daniel, Chairman of the Florida Board of Regents, was instrumental in getting the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. Construction on classrooms and buildings began in 1971 and UNF opened in the Fall of 1972 with an initial enrollment of 2,027 Juniors, supported by 117 faculty and more than 150 staff.^[6] Originally, like the other Florida state institutions opened around this time, UNF was designated as a "senior" college, meaning that it would enroll only upper classmen and graduate students.

UNF graduated 35 students in 1973. The school was quick to expand, and it was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1974. The school's mascot, the osprey, was adopted in November 1979 over other choices such as the armadillo, the manatee and the seagull.^[7] The male and female versions of the mascot are known as Ozzie and Harriet.

In 1980, there was a legislative effort to merge UNF with the University of Florida, but a bill proposing this was vetoed by Governor Bob Graham. Freshmen and sophomores were admitted for the first time in 1984. Enrollment at UNF exceeded 10,000 in 1995,^[8] and in Spring of 2000 it broke its commencement record, graduating over 1,000 students.^[9]

The 2000s saw significant development on campus as many new buildings including the Social Science building, Science and Engineering building, College of Education and Human Services building, Fine Arts Center, Student Union, and Osprey Fountains residence hall were built. In 2002, a 13-member Board of Trustees began work to oversee UNF.^[9] Former mayor of Jacksonville John Delaney was appointed President of the university in 2003.

UNF was officially reclassified as an NCAA Division I school for its athletics programs in 2009.^[10]

Campus[link]

UNF has 28 major buildings and six housing facilities on campus. Many of the buildings bear the names of individuals who have made significant contributions to the university. These buildings include the Coggin College of Business, the John E. Mathews, Jr. Computer and Information Sciences Building, and J. J. Daniel Hall. In addition, the current library bears the name of the university's first president, Thomas G. Carpenter. The Green is a central open grassy area on the campus that is popular with students.

The Social Sciences building, which opened in Fall 2006, became the first Northeast Florida facility to be certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Also the first "green" building on campus, it received the 2007 Award of Excellence for University Building by the Southeast Construction Company for Energy and Environmental Design.^[11] There is also a state-protected wildlife and bird sanctuary featuring miles of nature trails and numerous lakes and ponds with an abundance of wildlife on and around campus, from Armadillos to Geese.

The size of the campus has grown to 1,300 acres (5.3 km²). In the Fall of 2007, the university began offering a shuttle service, which travels to various popular places on campus, including the dorms, UNF Hall, parking lots, Carpenter Library, and the UNF Arena.^[12]

A new Science and Humanities building is currently under construction, and is expected to open in the Spring of 2012. A new Student Wellness Center is set to begin construction in January 2011, and will open in Spring of 2012. It will replace the Dottie Dorion Fitness Center.^[13] An addition to the College of Education and Human Services was completed in December 2011. The first floor of the new wing hosts the Disability Resource Center (DRC) where students can go to receive accommodations. The new addition also holds the Institute for Values, Community, and Leadership, the Veterans' Resource Center, and the On Campus Transition Program. A new dining hall is under construction and will be completed in the Fall of 2012. All four buildings are expected to be LEED-certified.

Library[link]

Thomas G. Carpenter Library

The Thomas G. Carpenter Library, or building 12, is named after the University's first president, Thomas G. Carpenter. Groundbreaking began on August 8, 1978 and was completed on October 1, 1980.^[14]

Construction to expand the Library by adding a four story addition began in May 2004. This addition added 79,000 square feet (7,300 m²) and increased the capacity of the Library from 800 to 2,000, bringing the total square feet of the Library to 199,000. Costing $22.5 million, the new addition was opened in December 2005.

Currently, the Library has 328 public workstations, 18 group study rooms, 37 carrels, 19 faculty, 25 support staff, over 1.4 million microform units, over 800 videos, 13,000 electronic journals, over 52,000 electronic books, and over 840,000 volumes. Electronic resources are available off campus for current students, faculty and staff. Free wireless Internet is provided throughout the entire building and laptops are available for checkout to currently enrolled students.^[15]

Student Union[link]

The UNF Student Union, which opened in 2009, contains a two-story bookstore, restaurants, game-room, auditorium, art gallery, ballroom, bank, and amphitheater. It is the home of UNF Student Government, The Spinnaker, Osprey Television, Osprey Radio, the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life, an LGBT Resource Center and other student organizations. The Student Union comprises two buildings, with a covered walkway in between known as "Osprey Plaza". The structure cost $50 million to construct, and is a LEED-certified building. It is also one of the first Gold LEED-certified buildings in Jacksonville.^[16]

Museum[link]

UNF acquired the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville in 2009 as a cultural resource. The affiliation with the museum allows UNF to improve the facility's operations and marketing. Credit bearing art classes and student art shows are currently planned. The deal is expected improve the museum and improves UNF's art and design programs. The acquisition improves UNF's downtown presence and strengthens ties with the city.^[17] Coincidentally, UNF's Downtown Center which operated from 1978 to 1987 was in the building before it became the art museum.^[18]

Academics[link]

Admissions and tuition[link]

In Fall 2009, UNF had an acceptance rate of 64% and a freshmen retention rate of 77%. The average SAT score of incoming freshmen was 1199, whereas the average grade point average was 3.73. The median ACT score was 24.^[3]

For the 2010-2011 academic school year, annual undergraduate tuition was $3,775 for in-state students and $15,417 for out of state students.^[19] UNF is known for its small average class sizes, which is currently 34 students.^[3]

Colleges[link]

UNF is organized into five colleges which offer 53 undergraduate degree programs and 28 graduate-degree programs with a 2003 student-to-faculty ratio of 23:1.

• College of Arts and Sciences. Has an enrollment of 6,570,^[2] making it the largest college by enrollment at UNF.^[20] Academic Departments include Art and Design, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Communication, Criminology and Criminal Justice, English, History, Mathematics and Statistics, Music, Philosophy, Political Science and Public Administration, Psychology, Sociology and Anthropology, and World Languages. Dean: Barbara Hetrick.
• Coggin College of Business. One of UNF's three original colleges. Programs of the college are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The college is home to 90 faculty and staff and 3,188 students.^[2] Undergraduate programs are offered in Accounting, Economics, Finance, Financial Services, International Business, Management, Marketing and Transportation and Logistics. Dean: Ajay Samant.
• College of Computing, Engineering, and Construction. Comprising the School of Computing, School of Engineering, and Department of Construction Management. Enrollment is 1,385 students.^[2] Dean: Peter A. Braza.
• College of Education and Human Services. Also offers a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management. Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Student enrollment is 1,815.^[2] Dean: Larry Daniel.
• Brooks College of Health. Offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition, and Bachelor of Science in Health. Offers master's degree programs in Nursing, Nutrition, Public Health, Health Administration and Science Rehabilitation Counseling. They also offer Doctorate programs in Nursing (DNP) and Physical Therapy (DPT). Enrollment is 2,420 students.^[2] Dean: Pamela S. Chally.

Notable and Flagship Programs[link]

The Department of Music is well known for its Jazz Studies program, founded by jazz euphonium player Rich Matteson and currently headed by saxophonist Bunky Green. The faculty of the Jazz Studies program includes other musicians such as Danny Gottlieb, Dennis Marks, and Lynne Arriale. The UNF Jazz Ensemble 1 is internationally renowned, having performed at the North Sea Jazz Festival, the Montreux Jazz Festival, a two week tour of China, and was twice named the top collegiate jazz band in the nation by Down Beat Magazine.^[21] A special component of the UNF Jazz Studies Program is the Great American Jazz Series, which regularly brings in internationally known jazz artists as residents. This series, along with other opportunities, has enabled students to perform in concert with more than 100 esteemed artists, such as Herbie Hancock, the Count Basie Orchestra, Joe Henderson, Pat Metheny, Michael Brecker, Dave Brubeck, Joe Williams, Dianne Reeves, Mike Stern, Dave Weckl, Christian McBride, Louie Bellson, Billy Taylor, Arturo Sandoval, Jimmy Heath, Wynton Marsalis, Benny Green, Russell Malone, and Branford Marsalis, among many others.^[21]

In Fall 2006, the Coggin College of Business was added to the Princeton Review's Best 282 Business Schools list. Robert Franek, Vice President of publishing, stated: "[w]e chose schools for this book based on our high regard for their academic programs and offerings, institutional data we collect from the schools, and the candid opinions of students attending them who rate and report on their campus experiences at the schools. We are pleased to recommend the University of North Florida's Coggin College of Business to readers of our book and users of our website as one of the best institutions they could attend to earn an MBA."^[22]

Two of the Coggin College of Business flagship programs are Transportation and Logistics and International Business. The Transportation and Logistics program was ranked 13th in the nation by Supply Chain Management Review, paving the way for national prominence. The college came in ahead of the highly regarded programs at Stanford, Harvard, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, and is the leading logistics program in the southeast.^[23] The College has also been recognized by the Princeton Review, winning "Outstanding Business School" in the 2009 and 2010 editions of the "Best 296 Business Schools".^[24][25] Also the College of Business is one of 549 schools that is accredited by the AACSB which honors the best business schools in the world.^[26]

The coastal biology program is a flagship program from the College of Arts and Sciences, and community nursing is a flagship program from the Brooks College of Health.^[27]

Rankings[link]

In March 2006, The Princeton Review ranked UNF number five in their list of America's "Best Value" Colleges.^[28] UNF's status as a "Best Value" College was reaffirmed in 2007,^[29] 2009,^[30] and 2011.^[31] In 2007, 2009 and 2010, the university was named one of the "Best Southeastern Colleges" by The Princeton Review.^[32][33]

Student life[link]

Activities[link]

UNF's Greek life is the largest student entity on campus with approximately 1,300 students and 22 Greek-lettered groups. Fraternities include Delta Upsilon, Alpha Phi Alpha, Chi Phi, Kappa Alpha Order, Kappa Alpha Psi, Kappa Sigma, Alpha Tau Omega, Phi Beta Sigma, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Omega Psi Phi, and Sigma Chi, Sigma Lambda Beta. Sororities include Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Gamma, Delta Sigma Theta, Gamma Eta, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Delta, Zeta Phi Beta, Zeta Tau Alpha, Sigma Lambda Gamma and Sigma Gamma Rho.^[34]

UNF has over 200 clubs and organizations for students.^[35] Intercollegiate club sports such as rugby, lacrosse, and ice hockey team are available.^[36] Students also participate in intramural sports on campus like soccer, ultimate frisbee, and sand volleyball on campus.^[37] The UNF Alumni Association organizes the UNF Presidential Envoys, a group of UNF students that serve as ambassadors for President Delaney and the university on campus and in the community.^[38]

The Game Room is a popular place on campus for students to spend time and play pool, table tennis, board games, and video games. The game room also offers weekly activities such as game tournaments, trivia night, and capture the flag.^[39] Athletic recreation on campus includes basketball and racquetball at UNF Arena, the Dottie Dorion Fitness Center, the UNF skate park, two beach volleyball courts, and golf at the Hayt Golf Learning Center.

Osprey Productions an Agency of Student Government, is UNF's entertainment agency that puts on free events for students. These include concerts, comedy shows, movies, games, karaoke, and open mic nights.They operate using a staff of 10 students and one staff advisor. Osprey Productions is open to all students to join and assist in events on campus. All of the events Osprey Productions has are free for students and their friends at UNF. ^[40]

The UNF Eco-Adventure Program allows students to use the miles of nature trails and multiple lakes on campus. The lakes are open to canoeing, kayaking, and catch-and-release, non-live-bait fishing. Students can also check out free outdoor equipment from the Eco-Adventure check out center.^[41]

Housing[link]

The University of North Florida has six areas of on-campus housing, three of which offer similar, suite/efficiency-like rooms: The Crossings, Osprey Landing, and Osprey Cove; each of these are designed for triple occupancy but currently only house two residents. Additionally, Osprey Hall offers more a traditional, dorm-like environment with double occupancy along with communal bathrooms and showers. Osprey Village offers an apartment-like feel with either double or quadruple occupancy. Osprey Hall, The Crossings, Osprey Landing, and Osprey Cove are designated for freshmen although upperclassmen live there as well, while Osprey Village is an upperclassmen residence.

Osprey Fountains is available to upperclassmen only. The five-story building houses 1,000 students and consists of 365,000 square feet (33,900 m²). The building is divided into two towers, North and South, that each contain two "houses" per floor. It includes a convenience store, grill and common area, kitchens, recreational facility, laundry rooms, swimming pool and a lazy river.^[42] Other amenities include The Morgue, a library like study room; Joe's Diner, a 50's style study room with an iPod compatible jukebox; The B.L.O.C., a beanbag lounge; and The Galaxy, a game room including Xbox 360's, PS3's, and Wii's attached to wide-screen High Definition televisions.

The majority of UNF students reside off campus.

Dining[link]

The University of North Florida currently operates ten dining facilities on campus, plus three convenience stores called "Outtakes." The "Osprey Cafe" is the main buffet style restaurant on campus, and is popular for students with meal plans. Other on campus choices include Starbucks, Sbarro, Freshen's Smoothies and Olo Sushi, and the UNF Hall Bistro. The Student Union has a food court with extra options like Quiznos, Salsarita's, Coyote Jack's, and Chick-N-Grill.^[43] Overlooking a lake, the Boathouse is an eat-in or take out restaurant that offers wine and beer and often has live entertainment. The restaurant is a UNF tradition that first opened on campus in 1973 and has been rebuilt or renovated multiple times.^[44]

Media[link]

The Spinnaker is the student-run newspaper that publishes weekly. UNF's student-run television channel is Osprey TV, which shows full length movies, UNF athletics and events, and original student programming, including a news and features show at 7 pm Tuesday and Thursday. It is channel 170 on the campus. Osprey Radio broadcasts music online, and on channel 171 on campus. The UNF Journal is the official publication for university alumni,^[45] and Inside is an electronic newsletter published monthly for faculty and staff.^[46]

The university is the home of literary journal Fiction Fix, which has published nine issues since its inception in 2002. Issues have included works by authors from UNF, and from across the United States and world.

Iconic Osprey Statue outside of UNF Arena

Athletics[link]

The University of North Florida's intercollegiate teams, known as the "North Florida Ospreys", compete at the NCAA Division I level. UNF began intercollegiate sports in 1983 as a member of the NAIA, then later moved the NCAA Division II, and is currently a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference in NCAA Division I.

UNF competes in 17 sports and won the Sunshine State Conference's all-sports title four times. In 2005 the Men's Baseball team competed for the Division II world series, capturing 2nd place overall. In addition the men's tennis team also was national Division II runners-up. UNF has captured the Peach Belt Conference Commissioner's Cup five consecutive times. The Ospreys have brought home four national titles—men's golf in 1991 and 1993, and women's tennis in 1986 and 1994. UNF's first Division I conference title came in 2008 when the men's golf team captured the Atlantic Sun crown.^[47] The university plans to add a women's golf program in 2013.

On September 2, 2008, the University announced plans for UNF Varsity Village.^[48] The project will cost an estimated $30 million which will provide two new facilities and upgrades to existing facilities. The two new facilities will be a student wellness and sports education center, and a new baseball stadium with a seating capacity of 3,000. The existing stadium, Harmon Stadium will be renovated to include 1,200 seats and used for softball. Other improvements include upgrades to the Arena and Hodges Stadium.

Photo gallery[link]

See also[link]

• List of University of North Florida people

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official website
• Official Athletics website

Coordinates: 30°15′43″N 81°30′35″W / 30.2619°N 81.5097°W / 30.2619; -81.5097

v t e The State University System of Florida Campuses Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University • Florida Atlantic University • Florida Gulf Coast University • Florida International University • Florida Polytechnic University • Florida State University • New College of Florida • University of Central Florida • University of Florida • University of North Florida • University of South Florida • University of West Florida Chancellors J. Broward Culpepper (1954–1968) • Robert B. Mautz (1968–1975) • E. Travis York (1975–1981) • Barbara W. Newell (1981–1985) • Charles B. Reed (1985–1998) • Adam W. Herbert (1998–2001) • Judy G. Hample (2001) • Debra D. Austin (2003–2005) • Mark B. Rosenberg (2005–2009) • John A. Delaney (2009) • Frank T. Brogan (2009– ) Governing body Florida Board of Control • Florida Board of Regents • Florida Board of Governors Other University Press of Florida • Florida Institute of Oceanography • List of State University System Libraries • Bright Futures Scholarship Program • Florida Student Association • Advisory Council of Faculty Senates State University System of Florida - Founded in 1905

v t e Division I college sports teams of Florida Bethune-Cookman Wildcats • Florida International Golden Panthers • Florida Gators • Florida A&M Rattlers and Lady Rattlers • Florida Atlantic Owls • Florida Gulf Coast Eagles • Florida State Seminoles • Jacksonville Dolphins • Miami Hurricanes • North Florida Ospreys • South Florida Bulls • Stetson Hatters • UCF Knights

v t e University of North Florida Academics College of Arts and Sciences • Coggin College of Business • College of Computing, Engineering and Construction • College of Education and Human Services • Brooks College of Health • Jazz Program Athletics Atlantic Sun Conference • North Florida Ospreys • Basketball (Men's – Women's) • UNF Arena • Hodges Stadium • Harmon Stadium • Hayt Golf Learning Center Campus Thomas G. Carpenter Library • Student Union • Housing • Fine Arts Center • Coggin College of Business Administration Building • J. Brooks Brown Hall Student life The Spinnaker • Fiction Fix • Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville People List of UNF people • John Delaney (President)

v t e Jacksonville General Climate  • Businesses  • Downtown  • Government  • Famous Jacksonvillians  • Flag  • History  • Mayors  • Duval County  • Non-profit organizations  • Skyscrapers Neighborhoods Arlington Avondale Bayard Brooklyn Downtown Eastside Five Points Jacksonville Beaches Atlantic* Jacksonville* Neptune* LaVilla Mandarin Murray Hill Nocatee Northside Ortega Riverside San Marco Southside Springfield St. Nicholas Ward Street Bordello District Westside Suburbs Clay County  • St. Johns County  • Baker County  • Nassau County Events Jacksonville Jazz Festival  • World of Nations Celebration  • Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance  • Springing the Blues  • Jacksonville Film Festival  • Planetfest  • Gate River Run  • Mug Race  • Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament  • Gator Bowl  • The Players Championship  • Florida–Georgia football game Attractions Jacksonville Maritime Museum · Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville · Museum of Science and History · Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens · Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum · Jacksonville Fire Museum · Alexander Brest Museum and Gallery · Alexander Brest Planetarium  • Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens  • Education Duval County Public Schools  • Jacksonville University  • University of North Florida  • Florida State College at Jacksonville  • Bishop Kenny High School  • Bishop John J. Snyder High School  • Arlington Country Day School  • Bolles School  • Episcopal School of Jacksonville  • Providence School  • University Christian School Media WJXT-4  • WJCT-7  • WTLV-12  • WCWJ-17  • WJXX-25  • WAWS-30  • WPXC-41  • WBXJ-43  • WTEV-47  • WJEB-59  • The Florida Times-Union  • Financial News and Daily Record  •Jacksonville Business Journal  • Jacksonville Observer  • Folio Weekly Transportation Jacksonville Transportation Authority  • Amtrak  • CSX Corporation  • Florida East Coast Railway  • RailAmerica  • Jacksonville International Airport  • Craig Airport  • Herlong Recreational Airport  • Cecil Airport  • State Road A1A  • I-95  • I-295  • I-10  • US 90  • US 17  • US 23  • US 1 Sports Jacksonville Jaguars  • Jacksonville Sharks  • Super Bowl XXXIX  • Jacksonville Suns  • Jacksonville Giants  • Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville  • EverBank Field  • Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena Parks Fort Clinch State Park  • Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park  • Big Talbot Island State Park  • Little Talbot Island State Park  • Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park  • Anastasia State Park  • Amelia Island State Park  • Fort George Island Cultural State Park  • George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park  • Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park  • Fort Caroline National Memorial  • Castillo de San Marcos National Monument  • Fort Matanzas National Monument  • Kingsley Plantation  • Tree Hill Nature Center  • Jacksonville National Cemetery  • Palm and Cycad Arboretum  • Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens Shopping malls St. Johns Town Center  • River City Marketplace  • The Avenues  • Regency Square Mall  • Jacksonville Landing Hospitals Baptist Medical Center Downtown  • Baptist Medical Center Beaches  • Brooks Rehabilitation  • Baptist Medical Center South  • Memorial Hospital Jacksonville  • Mayo Clinic Hospital  • Naval Hospital Jacksonville  • Nemours Children's Hospital  • Shands Jacksonville Medical Center  • Speciality Hospital  • St. Vincent's Medical Center Southside  • St. Vincent's Medical Center Riverside  • Ten Broeck Hospital  • Wolfson Children's Hospital  • St. Catherine Labouré Manor

One definition of North Florida, excluding the Panhandle

North Florida is a region of the U.S. state of Florida. As its name suggests, it comprises the northern parts of the state. It is one of Florida's three most common "directional" regions, along with Central Florida and South Florida. It includes Jacksonville and nearby localities in Northeast Florida, an interior region known as North Central Florida, and the Florida Panhandle.

Area[link]

As with all vernacular regions, North Florida does not have any officially designated boundaries or status, and is defined differently in different sources. A 2007 study of Florida's regions by geographers Ary Lamme and Raymond K. Oldakowski found that Floridians surveyed identified "North Florida" as comprising the northernmost areas of the state, including both the peninsula and the Florida Panhandle. Additionally, two localized "directional" regions had emerged: North East Florida, representing the area around Jacksonville on the Atlantic coast, and North Central Florida, comprising the central area.^[1] North Florida is one of Florida's three most common directional regions, along with Central Florida and South Florida.^[2] The region includes smaller vernacular regions, particularly along the coast, including the Emerald Coast, and the Big Bend on the Gulf Coast and the First Coast and Surf Coast on the Atlantic.^[1] Lamme and Oldakowski note that the directional region is more commonly used in the interior areas than on the coast.^[2]

Enterprise Florida, the state's economic development agency, divides the state into three economic regions, used within the agency and other state and outside entities, including the Florida Department of Transportation. They identify three regions within the area identified as "North Florida" by Enterprise Florida: Northeast Florida, North Central Florida, and Northwest Florida (representing most of the Panhandle).^[3]

Culture and attributes[link]

Lamme and Oldakowski's survey identifies several demographic, political, and cultural elements that characterize North Florida and distinguish it from other areas of the state. North Floridians considered their area to be part the South and "Dixie"; while Floridians from all parts of the state considered their area part of the South, people in more southern areas typically did not identify with Dixie. Additionally, residents of some parts of North Florida considered their area to be in the Bible Belt, while residents of other parts of the state did not.^[1]

Politically, in contrast to Central Florida, where a majority considered their part of the state moderate, and South Florida, which was more liberal, residents of North Florida overwhelmingly (76%) considered their part of the state conservative; 16% considered it moderate and 8% considered it liberal.^[4] Lamme and Oldakowski's findings track with Barney Warf and Cynthia Waddell's studies of Florida's political geography during the 2000 Presidential election.^[4][5]

North Florida's economy was much more diversified than Central and South Florida, where tourism was by far the most significant industry. While tourism was a significant factor in North Florida's economy, particularly in the Emerald Coast and Daytona areas, other important industries included agriculture in rural areas, education in Tallahasse and Gainesville, and military and finance in Jacksonville.^[6]

Lamme and Oldakowski's survey also found some cultural indicators that characterize North Florida. In general, North Florida was similar to Central Florida and differed from South Florida in these measures. In North and Central Florida, American cuisine was the most popular food, in contrast to South Florida, where ethnic foods were equally popular.^[7] Additionally, while there was little geographical variation for most styles of music, there was regional variation for both country and Latin music. Country was popular in North and Central Florida, and less so in South Florida, while Latin was less popular in North and Central Florida, and more so in South Florida.^[7]

Notes[link]

References[link]

Florida portal

• Lamme, Ary J.; Oldakowski, Raymond K. (2007). "Spinning a New Geography of Vernacular Regional Identity: Florida in the Twenty-First Century". Southeastern Geographer (University of North Carolina Press) 47 (2): 320–340. DOI:10.1353/sgo.2007.0029. 
• Warf, Barney; Waddell, Cynthia Waddell (2002). "Florida in the 2000 Presidential Election: Historical Precedents and Contemporary Landscapes". Political Geography 21: 85–90. DOI:10.1016/S0962-6298(01)00063-4. 
• Anthony J. Catanese Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions at Florida Atlantic University (2006). Charting the Course: Where is South Florida Heading?. Florida Atlantic University. http://www.soflo.fau.edu/course/report.pdf. Retrieved March 30, 2012. 

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State of Florida
Flag Seal
Nickname(s): The Sunshine State
Motto(s): In God We Trust
State anthem: Florida, Where the Sawgrass Meets the Sky
Official language(s)	English[1]
Spoken language(s)	English 74.5% Spanish 18.7%[2]
Demonym	Floridian
Capital	Tallahassee
Largest city	Jacksonville
Largest metro area	South Florida metro area
Area	Ranked 22nd in the U.S.
- Total	65,755[3] sq mi (170,304[3] km2)
- Width	361 miles (582 km)
- Length	447 miles (721 km)
- % water	17.9
- Latitude	24° 27′ N to 31° 00' N
- Longitude	80° 02′ W to 87° 38′ W
Population	Ranked 4th in the U.S.
- Total	19,057,542 (2011 est)[3]
- Density	353.4/sq mi  (136.4/km2) Ranked 8th in the U.S.
Elevation
- Highest point	Britton Hill[4][5] 345 ft (105 m)
- Mean	100 ft  (30 m)
- Lowest point	Atlantic Ocean[4] sea level
Before statehood	Florida Territory
Admission to Union	March 3, 1845 (27th)
Governor	Rick Scott (R)
Lieutenant Governor	Jennifer Carroll (R)
Legislature	Florida Legislature
- Upper house	Senate
- Lower house	House of Representatives
U.S. Senators	Bill Nelson (D) Marco Rubio (R)
U.S. House delegation	19 Republicans, 6 Democrats (list)
Time zones
- Peninsula and "Big Bend" region	Eastern: UTC -5/-4
- Panhandle west of the Apalachicola River	Central: UTC -6/-5
Abbreviations	FL Fla. US-FL
Website	www.myflorida.com

Florida State symbols
The Flag of Florida.
Animate insignia
Amphibian	Barking tree frog
Bird(s)	Northern Mockingbird
Butterfly	Zebra Longwing
Fish	Florida largemouth bass, Atlantic sailfish
Flower(s)	Orange blossom
Mammal(s)	Florida panther, Manatee, Bottle-nosed dolphin, Florida Cracker Horse[6]
Reptile	American Alligator, Loggerhead turtle[6]
Tree	Sabal Palmetto
Inanimate insignia
Beverage	Orange juice
Food	Key lime pie, Orange
Gemstone	Moonstone
Rock	agatized Coral
Shell	Horse conch
Soil	Myakka
Song(s)	"Old Folks at Home" ("Way Down Upon The Swanee River")
Route marker(s)
State Quarter
Released in 2004
Lists of United States state insignia

Florida (ⁱ/ˈflɒrɪdə/) is a state in the southeastern United States, bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. Florida is the 22nd most extensive, the 4th most populous, and the 8th most densely populated of the 50 United States. The state capital is Tallahassee, its largest city is Jacksonville, and the South Florida metropolitan area is the largest metropolitan area in the southeastern U.S.

Much of Florida is situated on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Straits of Florida. Its geography is marked by a coastline, by the omnipresence of water and the threat of hurricanes. Florida has the longest coastline in the contiguous United States, encompassing approximately 1,350 miles (2,170 km), and is the only state to border both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Much of the state is at or near sea level and its terrain is characterized by sedimentary soils. The climate varies from subtropical in the north to tropical in the south.^[7] Its symbolic animals like the American alligator, Florida panther and the manatee, can be found in the Everglades, one of the most famous national parks in the world.

Since the first European contact was made in 1513 by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León – who named it La Florida ("Flowery Land") upon landing there during the Easter season, Pascua Florida^[8] – Florida was a challenge for the European colonial powers before it gained statehood in the United States in 1845. It was a principal location of the Seminole Wars against the Indians, and racial segregation after the American Civil War. Today, it is distinguished by its large Hispanic community, and high population growth, as well as its increasing environmental concerns. Its economy relies mainly on tourism, agriculture and transportation, which developed in the late 19th century. Florida is also known for its amusement parks, the production of oranges and the Kennedy Space Center.

Florida culture is a reflection of influences and multiple inheritance; Native American, European American, Hispanic and African American heritages can be found in the architecture and cuisine. Florida has attracted many writers such as Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams, and continues to attract celebrities and athletes. It is internationally known for tennis, golf, auto racing and water sports.