Will South Florida secede to form its own state? Probably not, but it's fun to think about.
Last week we asked you to help choose the symbols and emblems for the new state of South Florida. Most of them were pretty good, except for the state song. We apologize for even suggesting it in the first place.
The State Bird of South Florida: The Flamingo
This was a landslide, with the flamingo netting more than 50 percent of the vote. It's not really a surprise considering the flamingo is already the mascot of the Florida Lotto, the subject of numerous postcards, and on half the crap at souvenir shops. The noble pink bird defeated the roseate spoonbill, egret, brown pelican, and sandpiper. The ibis also made a strong showing as a write-in vote, probably from Hurricanes fans.
The State Motto of South Florida: Liberté, égalité, dalé
This Pitbull-meets-France motto narrowly beat out the Rick Ross-inspired "Everyday We're Hustling." A few write-ins worth mentioning:
- "We're corrupt and proud of it!"
- "A Sunny Place for Shady People"
- "We Live Where You Vacation"
- "Get Outta My Way!!!"
The State Nickname: The Magic State
A dual nod to Miami's nickname and Disney's Magic Kingdom. Notable write-ins: "La Saguesera," "The Heat State," and "State of Confusion."
The New State Song: Jimmy Buffett - "Floridays"
Apparently a lot of you thought the state song should be implicitly about the state, which is the only way we can explain this. It's not even one of the better Jimmy Buffett tunes! We probably should have looked harder for songs actually about Florida. Debbie Deb's "Look Out Weekend" waged a proud second-place campaign, however.
Some write-in suggestions: Phil Collins - "In the Air Tonight," Trick Daddy - "Nann," and a strong showing for Buffett's "Margaritaville," which at least is a more palatable Buffett song.
The State Capital: Miami
In a landslide. Not surprising, considering we have a Miami-based readership. We don't know where we'd build all of those state government buildings, though.
The State Food: Cuban Sandwich
This narrowly beat out key lime pie. We, however, did not specify whether it was the Miami or Tampa version of the sandwich.
The State Drink: Mimosa
It's Florida's current state drink -- with booze. Which makes total sense. Side note: More of you prefer OJ with pulp than without.
The State Tree: The Royal Palm
This particular palm isn't found too often in North Florida, so it's fitting. It beat out a strong showing from the mangrove.
Follow Miami New Times on Facebook and Twitter @MiamiNewTimes.
