7 Surprising Firsts That Florida Can Proudly Claim

While we hear a lot of negative news about Florida, so we felt it was our duty to remind people of 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 anything on this list.

These inventions are certainly worth some recognition, so 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. 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 Venice, Italy has the most canals in the world, but Cape Coral, FL, 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.

3. Open the First Red Lobster

Do you love Cheddar Bay Biscuits from Red Lobster? Well, you can thank the city of Lakeland, FL, for the original restaurant. Red Lobster started as a quiet eatery in 1968 but was eventually acquired by General Mills and has expanded to more than 500 restaurants around the world.

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, FL, 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 atmosphere that has spawned a chain around the globe. Bloomin’ Onion, anyone?

7. Invent a World-Renowned Sports Drink

You can thank a team of Florida-based scientists for this one! Gatorade was invented in a University of Florida lab, and is now a staple across the globe for professional athletes and amateurs alike.

Planning a visit to Florida soon? Be sure to use our Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to build the perfect trip.