Our state is one of the top tourist destinations in the country. Interestingly enough, it has also been deemed the eighth most dangerous state by The Examiner. In Florida, there are a variety of beaches and theme parks to choose from, but getting mugged or murdered could really put a damper on your family vacation. With that being said, the Sunshine State can be very enjoyable––just remember to wear a bulletproof vest and lots of sunscreen.
The Huffington Post recently published an article listing 23 reasons why Florida is the best state in America. The article mentioned things like the weather, popular theme parks and outstanding sports teams. All of the things they listed were awesome, but what about the negative side of our state?
I am a born and raised Floridian and I love it here. I love living an hour away from some of the country’s nicest beaches and being able to wear shorts and tank tops year-round.
“I feel that Florida is the best state to live in because the environment is perfect. We have a small taste of city life while still enjoying small town luxuries,” said Emma Coss, a junior government and world affairs major. I couldn’t agree more.
However, one of the major cons of living in Florida 
Another issue in Florida that coincides with crime is racial profiling. For example, in November, the Miami Gardens police department was accused of racial profiling for stopping a black man 258 times over the past four years at the store where he works and repeatedly charging him with trespassing, according to the New York Daily News. Another famous example is the Trayvon Martin case.
There are plenty of sociopolitical downsides, but the pros definitely outweigh the cons when it comes to living in the Sunshine State.
Despite the nasty humidity, Florida is known for its amazing weather, according to The Huffington Post. While Northern states were living in a constant state of frostbite this winter, Florida’s temperatures rarely dropped below 50. Most days it’s been sunny and in the mid 70s with a nice breeze, which is probably why we get so many snowbirds.
Florida is also home to some awesome theme parks. The Orlando area draws more visitors than any other amusement park destination in the U.S, according to The Huffington Post. From Tampa to Orlando, we have Seaworld, Busch Gardens, Legoland, Universal Studios and of course, Disney. With reasonable prices for annual passholders, most Floridians have the chance to visit these places year-round.
Last but not least, the news in Florida is filled with the craziest things. For Friday night entertainment, all you have to do is turn on the news and you’ll see two families at Chuck E. Cheese who brawled over prize tickets, according to Buzzfeed, or the man who drank five gallons of vodka and is still alive to tell the tale. But my all-time favorite has to be the Florida resident who was accused of attacking his girlfriend with a banana. Some might see these crazy Floridians as a downside to the state, but I think it’s hilarious.
Florida can be awesome, and it can be pretty terrible sometimes too, but every state has its pros and cons. I couldn’t be happier to be a Floridian and I plan to stay in the Sunshine State for as long as I can. Although, I have a warning for anyone looking to move here: If a little humidity and the sight of men over 50 years old in speedos is a problem, then Florida is definitely not for you.
Caitlin Malone can be reached at caitlin.malone@spartans.ut.edu