Florida

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An exciting voyage through Florida’s past awaits readers, filled with surprising insights. Gannon’s passion for the state shines through in a narrative style that avoids overwhelming detail while remaining engaging. He is a lifelong student of Florida's history, acclaimed for his storytelling and writing skills. The book presents the longest recorded history of any state in the U.S. across twenty-seven illustrated chapters. From the indigenous tribes along spring-fed streams to modern environmentalists, Gannon captures the diverse history of Florida, including the first conquistadors and the influx of refugees in 1980. He emphasizes that Florida's history is richer and older than many realize, noting that by the time the Pilgrims arrived in Plymouth, St. Augustine was already a thriving town with significant infrastructure. Gannon's chronological approach brings to life the wilderness, colonists, pioneers, and the vibrant Florida of today, characterized by superhighways, horse farms, and modern attractions. The revised edition also explores the twenty-first century, addressing in-migration, Everglades restoration, education, and the controversial 2000 presidential election. Michael Gannon is a distinguished professor emeritus of history at the University of Florida and has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the field.