E. Lynne Wright

ISBN: 978-0-7627-1054-6
Order Number: GOV298
Price: $14.95

From Ponce de Leon's discovery of the `Land of Flowers` in 1513 to the suspense of the 2000 presidential election, this book takes readers on a behind-the-scenes tour of some of the characters and episodes from the Sunshine State's vibrant past. Here you'll read about how The Mouse chose Orlando as his kingdom, and what it was like to live just 90 miles from Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis. You'll also meet the steadfast queen of Miami's Art Deco district, and the barefoot mailmen who delivered letters on foot between Miami and Palm Beach.Many of the people and events from Florida's past are well known, but many are not.

Did you know that the land of alligators inspired the inventions of Gatorade and the air conditioner? Or that the Nazis invaded Florida during World War II? Do you know what enormous civil rights contribution Marjorie Stoneman Douglas, champion of the Everglades, made to the state of Florida?In an easy-to-read style that's entertaining as well as informative, E. Lynne Wright recounts some of the most captivating moments from Florida's history.

6" x 9", 192 pages, paperback, bibliography, index.