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I lived in Florida in 1959 - 1960, my junior year in high school.  I visited the state for a few months in 1963.  I was not truly prepared for the changes that had taken place in the state when I returned for the first time as a truck driver in 1995.  In fact, that trip was almost a disaster. 

It was late at night and I was tired.  Cruising south on I.95, fighting to keep my eyes open, I missed the signs warning of the upcoming scale/inspection station.  I rolled right by it, noticing the bright lights and wondering what I should do about it.  Within half a mile, I noticed the flashing lights behind me.  I pulled over and waited.  The State Trooper told me to climb out and come behind the trailer.  He had me stand there in the glare of his car's headlights and ordered me to get out my driver's license.  I gave him the folded piece of paper that was the temporary license I had received just two weeks earlier.  After putting the fear of God in me with comments about a $1500 fine, of confiscating the truck and towing it to a holding facility and other dire consequences for failing to stop at the inspection house, he let me go with a warning.  I almost collapsed with relief. Since then I have been in Florida many times, from Jacksonville to Miami, from Panama City to Fort Meyers and many points between.  The following photos show some of the highlights. 

You may copy and save any of the photos from this site FREE.  You may purchase a larger, printable version of the photographs for a modest fee. Simply write to me using the e-mail address at the bottom of this page.

Deserted beach, Gulf coast along the Florida Panhandle. Beach house on the left, apartment house on the right.
Walkway over Rte. 27 in central Florida, from housing development to a shopping mall.	Spanish moss hanging from live oaks.	Spanish-style church, Bradenton.
New rest area on I.95, north FL, I think.	Actual jet on display at rest area.	Part of a large Mall complex on US 27, central Florida.
As close as I got to Disney World - seeing the sign.	Entrance to ranch in central Florida.	Typical orange grove in central Florida.

MFlorida's economy depends in large part on its agricultural products: citrus fruits, vegetables, beef and dairy cattle, and other products that thrive in the state's mild climate.  That same climate also brings millions of tourists to Florida to take advantage of the beaches, amusements parks, boating and fishing.  

Common billboard seen throughout Florida.	One of many cattle ranches in central Florida.	Company that packages and ships mulch? cattle feed?
	Look "Inside the Mind of Mikie Metric."  Read the Blog at  www.mikiemetric.com
Another orange grove, central Florida.		Container shipping area in Tampa.

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