Florida
(flo-REE-dah)
Florida is known as "La Tierra del Río Encantado" (land of the enchanted river). Originally known as Florida Afuera and belonging to Manatí, Florida was founded on June 14, 1971. Florida was the last founded municipality in Puerto Rico. This town derives its name from the flowers and natural resources that grows in its fields.
Geography
Florida is located north of Utuado and Ciales; south of Barceloneta; east of Arecibo; and west of Manatí.
Florida is made up of 2 barrios (wards/districts): Florida Adentro and Pueblo.
Climate
Florida annual precipitation is 73 inches, and its average temperature is 76°F.
Notable People
There are many well-known "florideños", among them: Francisco Frías.
Restaurants
- La Hamaca Restaurant (Puerto Rican), (787) 829-4891
- La Terraza Fried Chicken (Puerto Rican), (787) 829-0348
- Melos BBQ (American), (787) 829-4780
- Restaurante Las Cabañas (Puerto Rican), (787) 829-3131
- Restaurante Star Light (Puerto Rican), (787) 829-0438
- Restaurante Vida Ventura (International), (787) 829-9096
- Sushill's Fried Chicken (Chinese), (787) 829-1952
Festivals and Events
- Certamen de Aguinaldo - January
- Festival de Reyes - January
- Fiesta Cultural Rio Encantado - October
- Fiestas Patronales de Nuestra Senora de las Mercedes - September
Every year, Florida celebrates a patron saint festival. The festivities include dances, food, parades and religious processions. (787) 822-2600
Symbols
Flag
It consists of three horizontal stripes, with the following colors and widths: green the superior and white the inferior, with five modules of width each one, the center one red, with a width of one module.
Anthem
Florida's anthem was written by Celia Arenas. The title is Florida jardin hermoso...
Education
There are 5 public schools in Florida, education is handled by the Puerto Rico Department of Education.
Demographics *
12,680
Population
12,590 (July 2013 est.)
Land Area: 15.21 sq mi
Density: 833.7 per sq mi
Median Age: 35.2
Economics *
Per capita income (2013)
Puerto Rico: $11,068
Median household income: $16,750
Puerto Rico: $19,624
Persons below poverty line: 54.80 %
Housing, families and educational attainment *
4,494
Number of households
Housing units density: 337.7
Persons per household: 3.22
High school grad or higher: 72.0%
* U.S. Census Bureau 2010 data unless otherwise noted.
Map References
Coordinates: 18.3636° N, 66.5714° W
Zip Code: 00650
Driving Distance from San Juan: 31.8 miles
Driving Time: 1 hour, 13 minutes
