Florida has experienced rapid and dramatic changes over the years. From nature parks being overtaken by hotels and recreational activities to car washes sprouting up on every corner, the transformation of once quiet, nature-rich areas into hustling and bustling developments is undeniable. Whether you grew up in the ’60s, ’70s, or even as recently as the mid-to-early 2000s, the Florida you once knew has undoubtedly shifted significantly.
For starters, the population has skyrocketed, nearly tripling since 1970, from about 6.8 million to over 22 million today. Urbanization, deforestation, and even increased flooding have followed. New highways cut through once sprawling farms, and land that was once a natural refuge for wildlife has been turned into new housing developments.
Of course, water quality has been affected, too. With overall warmer water temperatures, more sewage runoff, pesticides, oil/gasoline spills, and harmful algae blooms, Florida’s once-pristine waters have become a focal point of environmental concern. Coral reefs are dying, and endangered species that rely on Florida waterways to survive, such as the manatee and leatherback turtle, face increasing threats as their natural habitats disappear. Human health issues linked to contaminated water, such as Vibrio vulnificus infections, brain-eating amoebas, and toxins from algae blooms, are becoming increasingly common, too.