Florida -- It's Where I Grew Up

Anna Maria Island, Florida

Florida has, rightly so, been the butt of many jokes (kinda like Jersey but without that awful smell when you cross under the tunnel from Manhattan). The state is a complex one. Much of the central part of the state, where I grew up, is as conservative Southern as it gets. South Florida is one of the most ethnically diverse and vibrant regions of the country. There’s THIS parody Twitter account accurately correctly curates many of us Floridians’ head shakes. It’s also home to the most serial murders in the country and a governor who has had “climate change” removed from all official documentation and Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio and the theme park Holy Land. 

Florida is also home of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Key Lime pie, legendary death metal bands, great natural vistas, the oldest city in the country, and a history that’s tied into the colonial era of the United Kingdom and Spain. 

I’ve been wanting to begin a project based on my home state of Florida. Just a loose collection of photos that reflect the memories of my childhood as well as my many return visits to see friends and family. As I continue going back, I’ll add more to this collection.