Portrait of America
A Portrait of Florida: The Florida Keys and Everglades
At the very edge of our continent lies a destination built by unparalleled innovation. Where land gives way to water and America found its legs for natural conservation. In this episode, we reach America’s southernmost point. The Everglades endure because we choose to protect what cannot be replaced. And Key West thrives because early innovation had the persistence to go the distance. From the shipwreck industry to major American military operations, the Florida Keys are symbolic of Florida’s contributions to American history. There’s no place on Earth like the Everglades or the Florida Keys.
America 250: A Portrait of Florida: Miami
Miami has always been more than a city, it’s a symbol of hope. For generations, the Freedom Tower stood as an iconic welcome to the freedom of America. Today, that same spirit fuels one of the most dynamic cities in the world. Miami is a gateway to the world and a major metropolis on the Florida peninsula. Here in Miami, freedom isn’t just symbolized it’s built every day through opportunity, enterprise, and the courage to begin again.
A Portrait of Florida: Cape Canaveral
Cape Canaveral, Florida, has launched more human spaceflights than anywhere on Earth. Near the equator, Earth’s eastward spin gives every launch a head start. From this coast, Americans left our planet, reached the moon, and returned home proving that courage and exploration can push progress beyond Earth’s boundaries.
A Portrait of Florida: Tampa
Tampa is a city shaped by innovation, industry, and dreaming big. Here Americans built an industry that forged opportunity.
A Portrait of Florida: St. Augustine
St. Augustine, the oldest continuously occupied city in the United States, where freedom was tested and where Florida helped influence the course of history long before our nation was born.
Unusual World of Florida
Sun, swamp, and rocket fire — Florida has spent 250 years as the place where America dares to dream its biggest. (Archival footage: State Library and Archives of Florida)
A Portrait of Florida – Pensacola
Pensacola changed hands between Spain, France, and Britain through the 18th century. It became the first multi‑year European settlement in what would become the United States.
Video Gallery
Andrew Jackson Statue in Jacksonville
Thomas Jefferson Statue in Jefferson County
