Publisher's Synopsis
Spanish souvenirs...college football...Art Deco...the "Eighth Wonder of the World"...iron horses...sponges...Black culture...roadside architecture...spring training...cattle...the CCC...speedboat racing...horse racing...auto racing...kit houses...diners...the golden age of motoring...orange groves...early aviation... tourist attractions...shuffleboard...dredging...Frank Lloyd Wright...trailer parks...space travel...miniature golf...the story of Florida is written in the hotels and bridges and mills and mansions that define the Sunshine State.Imagine a group of settlers arriving in an undeveloped location. First come shelters in which to live and then structures in which to work and shop. There are buildings for worship and education. As the community grows government buildings are required. With prosperity comes places in which to spend leisure time. And each construction choice crafts a story unique to Florida, a story told in 100 buildings.This picture book looks at 100 pieces of the built world that have shaped Florida from her beginnings. Places and spaces could be famous for their architecture or distinguished by the people associated with them. Some stand out for their engineering. Others are famous just for being famous. All have contributed to the tapestry of the great Florida story.Almost all of the selections within are open to the public, or at least visible from public spaces. So, if you haven't seen these landmarks in person, fire up your GPS and get out and see the history of the Sunshine State standing in plain sight on Florida streets!
