📍 Location & Geography
Florida is a small city located in the northern part of the island of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. The city is nestled in the coastal plains region, surrounded by the municipalities of Barceloneta, Manatí, and Ciales. The city is characterized by its flat topography with a few hills scattered around the area.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Florida, Puerto Rico are approximately 18.3625° N latitude and 66.5628° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Florida is part of the northern coastal valley region of Puerto Rico. It spans an area of about 10 square miles (26 km²), making it one of the smallest municipalities in Puerto Rico. Despite its small size, Florida is divided into three wards: Florida Pueblo, Florida Adentro, and Pajonal.
👥 Population & Demographics
As per the United States Census Bureau, the population of Florida, Puerto Rico was approximately 12,680 as of 2010. The city’s population is predominantly Hispanic, with a majority identifying as Puerto Rican. The city is known for its close-knit community and family-oriented culture.
🏛️ History
Florida was founded on June 14, 1971, making it one of the youngest municipalities in Puerto Rico. The city was named “Florida” after the Spanish word for flower, not the U.S. state. The city was established by a law that divided the territory that was part of Barceloneta and designated it as the town and municipality of Florida.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Florida is known for its tropical climate and lush vegetation. The city is surrounded by rivers, including the Cibuco and Grande de Manatí. The city’s landscape is also characterized by its sugar cane fields, a major part of its agricultural sector. Despite its urbanization, the city has managed to maintain a balance between development and the preservation of its natural resources.
🏫 Education
Education in Florida is managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The city is home to several public and private schools that provide education from kindergarten to high school. The city also has a public library, the Florida Municipal Library, which serves as an educational resource for the community.
🚧 Transportation
Transportation in Florida is primarily by road. The city is served by the Puerto Rico Highways 642 and 22, which connect it to other municipalities. Public transportation is limited, with most residents relying on private vehicles for commuting. The nearest major airport is the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, which is about an hour’s drive from Florida.
📜 Trivia & Events
Every year, Florida celebrates its patron saint festival, the Fiestas Patronales de San Antonio de Padua, in June. The festival is a significant event in the city’s cultural calendar, featuring religious processions, music, food, and dances. Another notable event is the Festival del Azucar, or Sugar Festival, which celebrates the city’s history of sugar cane cultivation.