Florida is no longer the swampy backwater it once was. It is the nation’s third most populous state, with 21 million people, jutting out precariously into the heart of hurricane alley, amid rising seas, at a time when warming waters have the potential to bring ever stronger storms. And compared with the 1920s, when soggy land was sold by mail, the risks of building here are far better known today. Yet newcomers still flock in and buildings still rise, with everyone seemingly content to double down on a dubious hand.
from the NYTimes
In Florida the oranges are sweet as apple pie,
And you can always grab one when a hurricane roars by.
Just wait until the rainfall and the floods begin to sluice --
And citrus trees will float by for your morning orange juice!
A beach house would be pleasant, and the tide will not be long
In cleaning out your basement while you sing a happy song.
If you’re very lucky you might find an alligator
In your pool (or is that just a brand new sinkhole crater?)
Of course a house is pricey in that land of milk and honey.
And buying good insurance costs an awful lot of money.
But Disney World is down the road (which often is congested)
And if your color’s off, why then you just might be arrested.
Ricky Scott is Governor, and he won’t interfere
With chewing up the wetlands for a new condo premier.
So settle back and get some sun, while manatees are slaughtered,
And rest assured your lawn will never lack from being watered!
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