10 Things You Didn't Know About South Florida

983

 

1. Many of the roads here are named after palm trees, flowers, fruit, equestrians or Native American tribes: For example, Flagler, of the Flagler Museum, named the streets in Downtown West Palm Beach after native plants. Streets in the Loxahatchee area are named after citrus plants, as the area was originally mainly orange groves.  


2. Palm Beach County is all about the animals:  There is Lion Country Safari, McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary, the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society, many preserves and boat tours, as well as the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium. 


3. It rains just about every day during the summer: The rain storms are typically short, cool down the outside temperatures, and leave just as quickly as they came.  The rain may be strong, but it is swift, and cools things down.


4. Palm Beach International Airport was rated the third best airport in the country, and the sixth best in the world, according to the readers of Conde Nast Traveler: With a 600,000 square foot terminal, which includes a mall, PBIA has 28 gates and serves close to 6 million passengers a year. 


5. Many famous people live in Palm Beach County: Rob Van Winkle, also known as Vanilla Ice, chose Wellington as his home.  Famous equestrians can also be seen around Wellington, and celebrities and sports stars frequent polo games and equestrian festivals and fundraisers.


6. Golf is a big deal in Palm Beach County: Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus live in the county.  The headquarters for the PGA is even in Palm Beach Gardens.


7. Florida does not have a state income tax: The main taxes for the average resident are property taxes and sales tax.  Florida residents are also not charged an estate tax.


8. The South Florida Fair & Expo center is home to an agriplex, special shows and events and Yesteryear Village, a cluster of historic buildings that have been preserved and are open for tours: Every year, since 1912, more than 500,000 people flock to enjoy the fair, with its rides, concerts, shopping, fair food and more, for 17 days each January.  


9. Palm Beach is home to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center where you learn about sea turtles and then walk on the beach and observe a turtle laying eggs: Tours are available on Wednesday through Saturday evenings in June and July. It is a special, and rare experience, not to be missed.


10. Palm Beach County is one of the largest agricultural counties in the nation: It produces sugar, tomatoes, peppers, rice, vegetables and topical fruit, exceeding $1 billion worth sold annually. 

Facebook Comments