While we hear a lot of negative news about Florida, we felt it was our duty to remind people what a great state we have here. In fact, maybe we should all take a moment to express some gratitude for the state of Florida, because, without it, we might not have certain things. For instance, did you know that we invented sunscreen as well as opened the first Burger King? These inventions in Florida are certainly worth some recognition. Take a look at seven things Florida did first that we all can be proud of.
1. Open A Burger King Restaurant
You might not know this one, but two cities claim to be the originators of Burger King and both of them happen to be in Florida. This fast-food burger franchise started in 1953 as Insta-Burger King in Jacksonville, Florida. The restaurant struggled financially and eventually was purchased by two Miami-based restauranteurs who changed the name to Burger King.
2. Create A City With The Most Canals In The World
Many people might think that Fort Lauderdale or Venice, Italy has the most canals in the world, but, there is a shocking frontrunner. Cape Coral, Florida has more miles of canals than any other city in the world. We’re talking over 400 miles of canals! That’s a lot of waterways.
Wanna see some of these canals? Check out this aerial YouTube video by Florida Moves Group Coldwell Banker highlighting some of the gorgeous homes along these waterways.
3. Open The First Red Lobster
Raise your hand if you love Cheddar Bay Biscuits from Red Lobster! Well, you can thank Florida for the original restaurant. Opened in Lakeland, Florida in 1968, Red Lobster started as a quiet eatery and then eventually was acquired by General Mills and expanded to over 700 restaurants around the globe.
4. Invent Sunscreen
It’s only right that one of the sunniest states in the country was the first to invent sunscreen. While Swiss student Franz Greiter invented what was dubbed "Glacier Cream" to protect from the sun while mountain climbing, a Miami pharmacist and airman named Benjamin Green was credited with formulating red veterinary petroleum for soldiers to protect them from ultraviolet rays in WWII.
5. Create The Famed Cuban Sandwich
Surprise! The Cuban sandwich was not, in fact, invented in Cuba. This famed sandwich of pressed bread, ham, pork, melted cheese, pickles, and mustard all started with the bread, which was created back in 1896 by a Cuban-Spanish-Italian immigrant in Ybor City, Tampa. Eventually, this fresh bread was used to create the Cuban sandwich which is still a coveted meal no matter the time of day.
6. Offer Up A Bloomin’ Onion At The First Outback Steakhouse
This global restaurant chain had its humble beginnings off of Henderson Boulevard in Tampa, Florida back in 1988. A couple of friends came together to open a casual restaurant with quality food and service. They chose an Australian theme and a relaxed restaurant that has spawned a chain around the globe. Bloomin’ Onion, anyone?
7. Invent A World-Renowned Sports Drink
Do you reach for this thirst-quenching beverage when you’re finished exercising or running around with the kids? You can thank a team of Florida-based scientists for this one. Invented in a University of Florida lab, this drink became a phenomenon across the globe for professional athletes and amateurs alike.
If you wanna know the full story behind the creation of Gatorade, watch this short YouTube video by FOX 13 Tampa Bay discussing how it all started at the University of Florida.
So, what do you think about this list of seven things Florida was the very first to do? Do you want to keep this list going? Share with us a few more Florida inventions or firsts in the comments section!
Did you know that part of the movie Caddyshack was filmed in a tiny town in Florida? Read our previous article about this fun fact about Florida.
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