5 exploring the states the sunshine state 5 OF OFF T F A ST ! S ! BBCC A A L L B S B 1 S A R R R E R E E A D E A D TOFF OFF S ! ST ! A A L L B B S B 2 S R R R E R E E A D E A D OF ST F OFF ! ST ! A A L L B S B C S R 3 R E R R E E A D E A D OFF ST ! A L B S R R E E A D Note to Librarians, Teachers, and Parents: Blastoff! Readers are carefully developed by literacy experts and combine standards-based content with developmentally appropriate text. Level 1 provides the most support through repetition of high- frequency words, light text, predictable sentence patterns, and strong visual support. Level 2 offers early readers a bit more challenge through varied simple sentences, increased text load, and less repetition of high- frequency words. Level 3 advances early-fluent readers toward fluency through increased text and concept load, less reliance on visuals, longer sentences, and more literary language. Level 4 builds reading stamina by providing more text per page, increased use of punctuation, greater variation in sentence patterns, and increasingly challenging vocabulary. Level 5 encourages children to move from “learning to read” to “reading to learn” by providing even more text, varied writing styles, and less familiar topics. Whichever book is right for your reader, Blastoff! Readers are the perfect books to build confidence and encourage a love of reading that will last a lifetime! This edition first published in 2014 by Bellwether Media, Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher. For information regarding permission, write to Bellwether Media, Inc., Attention: Permissions Department, 5357 Penn Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55419. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Oachs, Emily Rose. Florida / by Emily Rose Oachs. pages cm. -- (Blastoff! readers. Exploring the states) Includes bibliographical references and index. Summary: “Developed by literacy experts for students in grades three through seven, this book introduces young readers to the geography and culture of Florida”-- Provided by publisher. ISBN 978-1-62617-008-7 (hardcover : alk. paper) 1. Florida--Juvenile literature. I. Title. F311.3.O23 2014 975.9—dc23 2013004331 Text copyright © 2014 by Bellwether Media, Inc. BLASTOFF! READERS and associated logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Bellwether Media, Inc. SCHOLASTIC, CHILDREN’S PRESS, and associated logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Scholastic Inc. Printed in the United States of America, North Mankato, MN. STO LA F B F ! 1 R E S A D E R STO LA F B F ! A R E S R A D E A STO BBC LA F B F C ! B R E S A D E R STO LA F STO F A F B L ! B F ! 2 C R R E S A R E S D E Table of A D E R STO LA F F Contents B STO ! LA F B F 3 ! R Where Is Florida? 4 E S R A D E R History 6 E S The Land 8 A D E R The Everglades 10 Wildlife 12 Landmarks 14 Miami 16 Working 18 Playing 20 Food 22 Festivals 24 Little Havana 26 Fast Facts 28 Glossary 30 To Learn More 31 Index 32 Where Is Florida? Alabama Florida is a narrow peninsula in the southeastern United States. It is the nation’s southernmost state on the mainland. Only Hawaii stretches farther south. The Atlantic Ocean lies to the east and south of Florida. To the west is the Gulf of Mexico. Alabama and Georgia border Florida’s panhandle in the north. The capital city of Tallahassee is located in this narrow stretch of land. An archipelago called the Florida Keys curves around the southern tip of the Florida peninsula. This island chain lies along the Florida Straits. One of the islands is Key West. It sits about 90 miles (145 kilometers) north of Cuba. 4 South Carolina Georgia Atlantic Ocean Jacksonville Tallahassee Florida Gulf of Tampa Mexico Everglades National Park Miami N W E Florida Keys Key West S Florida Straits 5 History The Apalachee, Calusa, Timucua, and other Native Americans were the first to live in Florida. Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León and other Europeans reached the peninsula during the 1500s. In 1821, the United States gained control of Florida. Florida became a state in 1845. In 1861, the state fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War. Did you know? Juan Ponce de León originally thought Florida was a large island in? the Bahamas. 6 Florida Timeline! 1513: Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León lands in Florida and claims it for Spain. 1817-1858: Three periods of war occur between the United States and the Seminoles. 1821: The United States officially gains control of Florida from Spain. 1845: Florida becomes the twenty-seventh state. 1861: Florida withdraws from the United States to fight for the Confederacy in the Civil War. 1868: Florida rejoins the United States. 1960s: Many Cubans move to Florida because they are unhappy with their government. 1969: The Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral sends the first person to the moon. 1971: Walt Disney World opens in Orlando. 2010: The Gulf of Mexico oil spill harms Florida wildlife. Walt Seminole Disney World wars opening first moon landing 7 You’ve Just Finished your Free Sample Enjoyed the preview? Buy: http://www.ebooks2go.com .