The Florida Pavilion at the Great American State Fair
Visit the Florida Pavilion at the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, from July 25-July 10. For more information, visit: https://www.freedom250.org/celebration/the-great-american-state-fair
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Florida’s History & Heritage
Powered by Florida Power & Light Florida helped power America’s future through innovation and invention. From Benjamin Franklin’s pioneering experiments with electricity to Dr. John Gorrie’s groundbreaking work in Apalachicola, Florida has long been connected to advances in energy and technology. Thomas Edison’s winter home and laboratory in Fort Myers helped spark local electrification, while Florida Power & Light’s founding in 1925 marked a new era of statewide electric service.
The Manatee: Florida’s Iconic Marine Mammal
Sponsored by Tampa Electric Company Florida’s Marine Mammal, the Manatee, may be the best known of its symbols. Manatees are one of Florida’s most beloved and recognizable species. Often called “gentle giants,” these slow-moving marine mammals inhabit the state’s rivers, springs, and coastal waters. Thanks to continued conservation efforts, the once endangered species continues to outpace expectations and make a comeback. These conservation efforts are a direct result of partnerships with Florida’s businesses and communities, like the Tampa Electric Company. The TECO Manatee Viewing Center in Tampa Bay is a state and federally designated manatee sanctuary. Manatees love warm water. And by a stroke of POWERful luck, Tampa Electric can provide it to them! The TECO Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach circulates water from Tampa Bay for cooling, then sends the water flowing clean and warm back into the bay. In the winter months the manatees leave colder waters to return to this warm and welcoming refuge.
Florida’s Natural Resources
Sponsored by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Florida was one of our nation’s last frontiers. As recently as the early 1900s, the southern interior of the state was a vast and foreboding swampland, largely inaccessible. Efforts to tame the watery landscape took many twists and turns, guided by the needs and capabilities of the day. As the state has grown, efforts to both conserve and restore the “Real Florida” are underway to leave the state to God better than we found it. With more than 7,500 lakes, 12,000 miles of rivers and thousands of miles of tidal shoreline, there is no doubt why fishing in Florida is one of the top activities for locals and visitors. Recognizing the popularity of the sport, Floridians overwhelmingly voted to enshrine the God-given right to fish and hunt in the state’s constitution, along with sweeping protections to ensure the resource is managed in a way that future generations can enjoy the multi-generation tradition. Ready to make your way to the Fishing Capital of the World?
Fresh From Florida: Florida’s Agricultural Heritage
Sponsored by Fresh From Florida & the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
Live More Floridays
A Florida vacation doesn’t take you away from life – it brings you back to it. From historic landmarks, theme parks, and attractions to world-renowned restaurants and wildlife, there is no ordinary day in Florida. Visitors can explore beaches, cities, parks, and waterways, a space station, and theme parks—all within a single state. We call it living more Floridays. Ready to plan your trip to Florida? Check out our recommendations.