Tourists are attracted to Florida in droves. Coming from the west, I think Florida and California have a lot in common. They're both known for their sun and coast. Both are sources of oranges and have a well developed agricultural industry. Both are popular with retirees. And both have regular natural disasters.

I've been a tourist in Florida many times. And deployed to Florida even more times while in the Air Force.

Last year I had a wonderful time driving around the entire state of Florida. I spen three weeks being a tourist. My first stop was at Ft. Clinch State Park near Fernandina Beach. Not only are Florida's state parks an excellent bargain, but being January it turned out to be an almost private retreat on the beach.

I then headed down to St. Augustine. While I made the mistake of staying at a commercial park and paid for it, I had a great time exploring the alligator farm, Castillo de San Marcos, the Lighthouse & Museum, among other attractions here. Castillo de San Marcos, built in 1672-1695 and serving as an outpost of the Spanish Empire, shows the long European history of this state.

Next was a ride down the Atlantic coast driving by one of Florida's most fammous spots, Cape Canaveral. Signs of rebuilding were evident all along the coast. I'm glad no rockets were blown over.

Having seen the icon of space exploration, I headed inland to Pahokee on Lake Okeechobee. Much of Florida seems to be underwater, and this large lake underscores the feeling. Each year over six million people visit one of the 38 recreation areas that offer day-use facilities, campgrounds, hiking/biking trails, and boat ramps.

After that it was down to Key West at the rest of the Florida Keys. If I didn't have a timetable urging me to leave, I might not have. I stayed at the KOA on Fiesta Key at $100 a night. That can eat into a budget very quickly. But there are an incredible number of things to see as you island-hop up and down the islands.

My favorite part has got to be the drive across the Everglades on the Tamiami trail, which runs from Miami to Naples before turning north to Tampa. Also known as State Highway 41, there are alligators, turtles, and Anhingas.

The Florida panhandle was also a lot of fun and you can find many wonderful parks that are relatively unknown.

There are many more adventures, and I'll get photographs and descriptions up as soon as I can.

Calendar Highlights

May:

• Better Sleep Month
• Mental Health Awareness Month
• Military Appreciation Month
• Teacher Appreciation Month

1st Week
          • Astronomy Week

2nd Week
          • Nurses Week

4th Week
          • Pickle Week

  1 May Day
  2 Teacher Day
  4 Star Wars Day: "May the fourth be with you." 
  5 Cinco de Mayo
13 Frog Jumping Day
14 Mother's Day
20 Armed Forces Day
29 Memorial Day