President’s Corner – March 2023 – Happy Birthday to Me!

As far as dates for birthdays goes, March 3rd is pretty great. First, that is MY birthday, but it is also the birthday of the State of Florida! Yes, our very own state celebrated its 178th birthday last week. (I won’t say what mine was LOL! But I am still accepting birthday gifts!)

According to the Florida Historical Society, in 1845, Florida was admitted into the Union as the twenty-seventh state. After over three centuries of Spanish rule, twenty years of British control, and almost twenty-five years as a U.S. territory, Florida became a U.S. state. Floridians had voted in a referendum in favor of statehood in 1838 and a state constitution was approved in 1839. However it was not until the U.S. Congress approved the act in 1845, admitting both Florida and Iowa, that it became official. The State Legislative Council quickly began to organize its first statewide election, which occurred in May of 1845, to elect a governor, a member of the U.S. Congress, seventeen state senators, and forty-one state representatives. The total population of Florida in 1845 was approximately 66,000.

Here is a picture of our first State Seal, 1861-1868.

Whether you are new to Florida, a native Floridian, or a visitor, I think we can all agree that Florida is pretty special. It has something for everyone – great weather, beaches, space industry, agriculture, and people watching is just the best. What would we do without Florida Man?!?

So, until next time, please remember … “And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” (Abraham Lincoln)

Eva M. Rey, President
Central Viera Community Association, Inc.