In the early 1940s, Floridians numbered a mere 2 million. Florida's
population is predicted to break 20 million by the end of 2015. The state
averages 750 new residents every day.
The results of such rapid growth have been detrimental to the
state’s historical and environmental resources.
Some of the states most valued historical resources were the
creation of two Henrys. Henry Plant and Henry Flagler. In 19th century Florida,
the only means of transportation in the interior of the state was by steamboat or horse. That
changed when the two Henrys began expanding the railroad systems in the state and
building enormous resort hotels like Hotel Ponce de Leon in St. Augustine, now
Flagler College. Its builder, Henry Flagler, created an empire of resorts
stretching from St. Augustine to Miami. One of his hotels was the Hotel
Ormond in Ormond Beach, a grand Guilded age palace. It was razed in 1992 to
make way for a condominium. All that remains today is a cupola
in a park across the street.
 |
| The Hotel Ponce de Leon in St. Augustine, now Flagler College |
 |
| The Ormond Hotel owned by Henry Flagler |
 |
| The surviving cupola from the Ormond Hotel |
The other Henry, Henry Plant, built railroads on Florida's Gulf
coast. His masterpiece, the former
Tampa Bay Hotel, is now home to a museum and the University of Tampa.
Another of his most impressive surviving structures, the enormous Belleview Biltmore Hotel, is at risk of destruction. Its current owners have let it fall into a sad state of disrepair and have applied for a permit for demolition so they can build… wait for it… condominiums! To preservationists' dismay the buildings fate becomes more apparent with every rainfall.
Another of his most impressive surviving structures, the enormous Belleview Biltmore Hotel, is at risk of destruction. Its current owners have let it fall into a sad state of disrepair and have applied for a permit for demolition so they can build… wait for it… condominiums! To preservationists' dismay the buildings fate becomes more apparent with every rainfall.
Ironically in 1988, around the same time as the demolition
of Henry Flagler’s Ormond Hotel, the Walt Disney Company built the Grand
Floridian, an enormous resort inspired by the Victorian era beach
resorts like the soon to be demolished Belleview Biltmore.
My question for Floridians is do we want to preserve our historic resources
for future generations or create memorials to them after they’ve been demolished?
I believe it is important to understand the places and people in our past. To
do so gives us a foundation for making decisions about the future, and keen
insight as to who we are as a society and individuals.
Other examples of disappearing historical resources are less
grandiose. One of the last remaining fishing cabins from Lake Apopka is proudly displayed at the Oakland Nature Preserve near Winter Garden.
In the early 20th century, Lake Apopka was one of the premier bass fishing
destinations in the country, with dozens of fish camps along its shores. But
pollution from agriculture destroyed the fish population and 100s of millions
of dollars are being spent to restore the lake, which is the 3rd largest lake in
the state.
 |
| From the State Archives of Florida |
 |
| Lake Apopka |
Similar efforts are underway to restore the damage we’ve
done to the Everglades, at an even higher price tag. A recent editorial in the
Orlando Sentinel questioned the logic of allowing environmental problems to
grow unchallenged until they are intolerable and require billions of dollars to
correct.
This summer the Indian River lagoon was site of a catastrophic loss of large
numbers of dolphins, manatees, and pelicans. The cause, toxins caused by
excessive nutrient pollution, is well known. Yet state lawmakers seem resigned
to spending millions on studies and quick fixes while ignoring more difficult,
long-term solutions. The old
wisdom that an ounce of protection is worth a pound of cure, does not seem to
be of use in this state. There are those that argue that regulations to protect
the environment are job killers. But it is well-documented that heritage and
eco tourism in the state are multi billion-dollar industries, and these resources
are non-renewable; once they’re gone, they cannnot be replaced.
It’s not just the wetlands that are disappearing: Florida
loses 450 acres of forest and 410 acres of farmland to development every day. Our
current rate of development in is unsustainable if we want to maintain our quality
of life. What can be done to make sure Florida’s abundant treasures aren’t lost
for future generation to learn from and enjoy?
Here are my suggestions:
Here are my suggestions:
Get lost. Go out and explore. Don’t take the Interstate, take the surface roads.
Visit mom & pop business. Shop local. Eat at small diners and visit vintage roadside attractions.
Dive in a spring, take a hike, go jump in a lake. Spend more time enjoying nature.
Learn about it. Read historical markers and books about Florida.
Stop and smell the roses at botanical gardens. Volunteer at your favorite museum, state park or local non-profit.
Speak up, take a stand, write a letter or an email. Only takes a few minutes.
Support the preservation of historic buildings. Frequent businesses that re-use old structures, like this restaurant in an old gas station. The buildings often have character and charm that is absent in newer construction.
But most importantly vote.
Vote like the future of the state depends on it. It does.
Personally, I will be voting in the next election for candidates that support a Florida with intact historical and cultural resources, undeveloped spaces for wildlife and recreation, and most importantly, clean water.
