Finally a political polling firm has decided to poll on something other than politics. Public Policy Polling surveyed Floridians on another contentious topic: sports. The poll shows LeBron James isn't exactly that popular in his new state, while Florida's favorite pro team is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the favorite college team is the Florida Gators.
Marlins 10%To no one's surprise, hockey is Florida's least favorite sport. Even the Tampa Bay Lightning, which just had an exciting postseason run, gets only 4 percent. The Panthers, who haven't been to the playoffs in ten years, come in at the bottom with 2 percent.
Panthers 2%
Jaguars 16%
Dolphins 16%
Heat
14%
Magic 11%
Buccaneers 17%
Lightning 4%
Rays 11%
Someone else/Don't have a favorite team 0
The numbers in college sports are a bit more clear:
Central Florida 11%
Florida 30%
Florida Atlantic 5%
Florida International
1%
Florida State 19%
Miami
9%
South Florida 6%
Not sure 18%
A 9 percent showing for the Miami Hurricanes is kind of surprising, considering their five championships make them the most historically successful team in the state, pro or otherwise. But UM is a small private school with a relatively small alumni base.