Anyone see those "Real Florida" billboards?

[KendallKid]

Lately I have been seeing these Billboards that say "The Real Florida" and they usually depict some sort of woodland area and the name of the city or area which they are boostering. So far , and most notably, the billboards have been for North Florida communities such as Palatka and Jacksonville. Both very pretty areas in thier own right(i own land in Paltaka). But i must say that I really find these things offensive. I think every inch of Florida is the Real Florida. I think those Billboards are a shot at places Like South Florida with the beaches and especially Orlando with the theme parks. This kind of billboards just serve to divide this state further. I believe many people think of North and South Florida as two distinct entitities. And i think signs like this further divide this state. the last thing we need is more of that succesion talk of the 90's

[asonj23]

Maybe they should read "The Natural Florida". I agree Kendall, that statement is somewhat misleading.

[RiversideGator]

Secession talk of the 90s? Did I miss something back then??

[depechecureguyorl]

If "The Real Florida" is promoted by VisitFlorida, the state's tourism dept, then I think the slogan is HIGHLY divisive. However, if it's a North Florida visitors/convention bureau, then I don't see the harm in them trying to get a slice of the tourism pie. I don't think it will hurt the tourism giants, Miami and Orlando, at all.

[Florida]

In years past there have been people in South and Central Florida branding this state as if they had sole rights to it. Pastel colors, palm trees every three inches, sandy beaches and sun shades... Typically someone from outside of the state doesn't recognize the Northern Florida Cities with large oaks, rolling hills, and spanish moss as genuine Florida, but we were Florida long before Henry Flagger and his rail road tracks.

My guess is this billboard campaign is only a mere attempt to educate our motorist of our history and diversity, as a state.

I've seen it in these threads... people trying to strip the title of Floridian from those who hail from rural communities, or speak with a southern draw. I'd say this is only in response to years of insults. Northern Florida isn't Southern Georgia as many of you might want to have others believe. Those living in Southern Georgia want more to be like Florida than Florida wants to be like them, to suggest otherwise is an insult to my state.

[KendallKid]

In years past there have been people in South and Central Florida branding this state as if they had sole rights to it. Pastel colors, palm trees every three inches, sandy beaches and sun shades... Typically someone from outside of the state doesn't recognize the Northern Florida Cities with large oaks, rolling hills, and spanish moss as genuine Florida, but we were Florida long before Henry Flagger and his rail road tracks.

My guess is this billboard campaign is only a mere attempt to educate our motorist of our history and diversity, as a state.

I've seen it in these threads... people trying to strip the title of Floridian from those who hail from rural communities, or speak with a southern draw. I'd say this is only in response to years of insults. Northern Florida isn't Southern Georgia as many of you might want to have others believe. Those living in Southern Georgia want more to be like Florida than Florida wants to be like them, to suggest otherwise is an insult to my state.

And you had to ask about the the succession talk? Taurean seems to be taking it personally. The sucession issue came up because South Floridians did and still feel, as if the bulk of their taxes go elsewhere. Which is statistically true. Miami-Dade county recieves as much as Putnum Or Escambia or Hillsborough counties do from the state money wise, yet we have a much larger tax base. So essentially we pay more money but get less back per capita. The notion in the 90's was to succeed from N. Florida and found a new stae called South Florida with its capital in Miami. I dont belive this was ever seriously entertained however but as you can see from Taureans comment there seems to be some jelousy or mistrust issues. In regards to his comment, There may have been people living in North Florida but South Florida was part of Florida before henry Flagler brought his railroad still making it part of "The real Florida." Additionally if you want to go into the subject of people, indiginous tribes have in habited the mouth of miami river for thousands of years. it is MIAMI after all and not Fort Dallas, as they were here long before the Spaniards.

[bobliocatt]

I don't see what the big deal is. Most only see Florida as palm trees, theme parks, sandy beaches and neon lights. So what's the big deal if other regions or cities in the state, attempt to market their area, to catch some of the tourist money passing through on its way to Central and South Florida?

[jack]

And you had to ask about the the succession talk? Taurean seems to be taking it personally. The sucession issue came up because South Floridians did and still feel, as if the bulk of their taxes go elsewhere. Which is statistically true. Miami-Dade county recieves as much as Putnum Or Escambia or Hillsborough counties do from the state money wise, yet we have a much larger tax base. So essentially we pay more money but get less back per capita. The notion in the 90's was to succeed from N. Florida and found a new stae called South Florida with its capital in Miami. I dont belive this was ever seriously entertained however but as you can see from Taureans comment there seems to be some jelousy or mistrust issues. In regards to his comment, There may have been people living in North Florida but South Florida was part of Florida before henry Flagler brought his railroad still making it part of "The real Florida." Additionally if you want to go into the subject of people, indiginous tribes have in habited the mouth of miami river for thousands of years. it is MIAMI after all and not Fort Dallas, as they were here long before the Spaniards.

Dude, this is America. The well off pays for every one else. It is Socialis... oops, I mean Capitalism at it's finest.

J/K

[Florida]

And you had to ask about the the succession talk? Taurean seems to be taking it personally. The sucession issue came up because South Floridians did and still feel, as if the bulk of their taxes go elsewhere. Which is statistically true. Miami-Dade county recieves as much as Putnum Or Escambia or Hillsborough counties do from the state money wise, yet we have a much larger tax base. So essentially we pay more money but get less back per capita. The notion in the 90's was to succeed from N. Florida and found a new stae called South Florida with its capital in Miami. I dont belive this was ever seriously entertained however but as you can see from Taureans comment there seems to be some jelousy or mistrust issues. In regards to his comment, There may have been people living in North Florida but South Florida was part of Florida before henry Flagler brought his railroad still making it part of "The real Florida." Additionally if you want to go into the subject of people, indiginous tribes have in habited the mouth of miami river for thousands of years. it is MIAMI after all and not Fort Dallas, as they were here long before the Spaniards.

Taurean seems to be taking it personally huh? Seems I'm not alone, as someone had to be moved enough to start this thread.

Well its not that I'm over here breathing heavy and pulling at my hair, but there have been times when the arrogance of other more popular communities throughout Florida (I won't say specifically which ones... I have friends) have tried to claim that they, and only they are the "real deal".

No one here has said anything about South Florida not being a part of the Real Florida, I've only highlighted a little portion of Florida history, which happened to be more significant in Northern Florida (from a European standpoint).

Succeed from Florida because Dade-Broward-West Palm Beach have to share a little green with Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Escambia, is like California saying it wants out of the US because Idaho and Montana get a little extra funding. Wealth distribution is one of the things I like most about this country. Those with more assisting those with less. Sounds fair, and for those of us who are religious, it has a Chrisitan ring to it. It's what we're doing right now in Louisiana... sometimes we've got to pull together. However, I will say that your concerns about funding are a direct reflection of the people we've elected to office. Maybe we should change something there.

I applaud Henry Flagger for what he did for this state. Florida is a better place because of people like him, and I love every single inch of it from Monroe to Escambia county.

Like Lakelander said, I don't see whats so big about an ad campaign that only goes to promote Florida communities.

[bic]

You guys can succeed all you want, but if anybody's trying to withdraw from the state, you're going to have to secede.

[KendallKid]

Taurean seems to be taking it personally huh? Seems I'm not alone, as someone had to be moved enough to start this thread.

Well its not that I'm over here breathing heavy and pulling at my hair, but there have been times when the arrogance of other more popular communities throughout Florida (I won't say specifically which ones... I have friends) have tried to claim that they, and only they are the "real deal".

No one here has said anything about South Florida not being a part of the Real Florida, I've only highlighted a little portion of Florida history, which happened to be more significant in Northern Florida (from a European standpoint).

Succeed from Florida because Dade-Broward-West Palm Beach have to share a little green with Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Escambia, is like California saying it wants out of the US because Idaho and Montana get a little extra funding. Wealth distribution is one of the things I like most about this country. Those with more assisting those with less. Sounds fair, and for those of us who are religious, it has a Chrisitan ring to it. It's what we're doing right now in Louisiana... sometimes we've got to pull together. However, I will say that your concerns about funding are a direct reflection of the people we've elected to office. Maybe we should change something there.

I applaud Henry Flagger for what he did for this state. Florida is a better place because of people like him, and I love every single inch of it from Monroe to Escambia county.

Like Lakelander said, I don't see whats so big about an ad campaign that only goes to promote Florida communities.

I never said i wanted to SECEDE(thanks bic) i was just answering the question as to why. I just think billboards like that create a contentious environmnet and that is my personal opion

[RiversideGator]

Kendall: Please cite statistics to prove your contention that South FL sends more out in tax money to the rest of the state than it gets back. Considering that Dade County has a lower per capita income than most of the state, I dont think they are donating money to anyone. Maybe tax money from tourists (i.e. gas and sales taxes) is what you are refering to, but this isnt exactly paid by South Floridians. As for the "Real Florida" thing, I think it is just meant to contrast normal, traditional parts of the state with parts that are more, shall we say, plastic. And no, I am not jealous of Miami or Orlando. As for the real Floridians, parts of my family have been in Florida since the 1850s, by the way. Can any of y'all beat that?

[95-Souf]

I honestly haven

[KendallKid]

I regret making this thread. It seems to have brought out alot of underlying mistrust and old stereotypes that have been dormant and absent from these forums. One of the reasons I frequent Urban Planet is because I feel we all get along. I think my thread opened up something that it shouldnt. Every inch of this state is the real Florida whether or not some parts were inhabited first. Florida stands out as a very diverse state both culturally and geographically. As a matter of fact I LOVE NORTH FLROIDA its so pretty and a welcome change. So i will no longer post in this thread in hope that it dies. Once again, Im sorry. To paraphrase a famous quote"I SHALL POST NO MORE FOREVER" at least no in this thread.

Thank You.

Kent

[Florida]

Kent,

Sometimes I think the use of the quotation box makes things seem a bit more hostile when thats not our intent. I'll try to use it with more caution in the future. I value the opinions shared on these boards, and I've learned a good bit from this one thread alone. You have no need to regret anything when you can get us all talking to one another.

It seems most of us don't often venture outside of our comfort zones just to say hello... we should start, we're all Floridians. North Carolina, New England States and Michigan Forums all seem to do a good job getting to know one another. They stimulate conversation throughout their respective threads and actually become engaged in offering suggestions, opinions, and asking questions about their different cities. I think thats how Florida should be.

----------------------------

With the rise in fuel cost, I don't think I'll be able to see the state the way I've traditionally seen it in these past few years. I use UrbanPlanet to learn about the different ways our Florida cities are coping with growth, and as my eyes and ears in our different cities. I'd love to be active in all Florida subforums, however, there are certain cities that I don't feel welcome in. No specific reason, there's just a vibe.

Am I alone in feeling this? Just curious.

[KendallKid]

Kent,

Sometimes I think the use of the quotation box makes things seem a bit more hostile when thats not our intent. I'll try to use it with more caution in the future. I value the opinions shared on these boards, and I've learned a good bit from this one thread alone. You have no need to regret anything when you can get us all talking to one another.

It seems most of us don't often venture outside of our comfort zones just to say hello... we should start, we're all Floridians. North Carolina, New England States and Michigan Forums all seem to do a good job getting to know one another. They stimulate conversation throughout their respective threads and actually become engaged in offering suggestions, opinions, and asking questions about their different cities. I think thats how Florida should be.

----------------------------

With the rise in fuel cost, I don't think I'll be able to see the state the way I've traditionally seen it in these past few years. I use UrbanPlanet to learn about the different ways our Florida cities are coping with growth, and as my eyes and ears in our different cities. I'd love to be active in all Florida subforums, however, there are certain cities that I don't feel welcome in. No specific reason, there's just a vibe.

Am I alone in feeling this? Just curious.

I very much so appreciate your post Taurean Thank you. And I agree with every last word in your post. You are not alone. I Rarely post outside of the Miami Forum for the same reason as you. I also think of people in the other forums as my eyes and ears in different cities. We are indeed one community. I think, and have said before that our diversity should bind us not separate us. What we are unique in here is that for the most part North Georgia and south Georgia are culturally the same. I might make the same arguement for N. Carolina. This forum has a unique opportunity in that we all have diffrent views because we are so different. We should recognize these differences and explore the ideas associated with them. All the areas in Florida are great. There is no clear winner as to "the best in Florida" ITS ALL THE BEST.

[Florida]

I very much so appreciate your post Taurean Thank you. And I agree with every last word in your post. You are not alone. I Rarely post outside of the Miami Forum for the same reason as you. I also think of people in the other forums as my eyes and ears in different cities. We are indeed one community. I think, and have said before that our diversity should bind us not separate us. What we are unique in here is that for the most part North Georgia and south Georgia are culturally the same. I might make the same arguement for N. Carolina. This forum has a unique opportunity in that we all have diffrent views because we are so different. We should recognize these differences and explore the ideas associated with them. All the areas in Florida are great. There is no clear winner as to "the best in Florida" ITS ALL THE BEST.

That was beautiful.

[KendallKid]

That was beautiful.

HAHA got you all misty did i.

[Florida]

You sure did buddy. I feel sooo close now!