Status of Geography in Florida, 1989

Abstract

As the nation's fourth most populous state, Florida leads the Southeast in student enrollment and in number of post-secondary academic institutions. It also serves as home to many agencies and organizations, both private and public, that employ professional geographers engaging in activities associated with the geography discipline. Consequently, an attempt was made to survey this broad base via questionnaire, as well as personal contact where possible, to assess the status of geography throughout the State. The overall assessment is both encouraging and frustrating. Geography awareness and visibility has been greatly enhanced during the past year at all levels. Though hampered by traditional budgetary and challenges from other disciplines, geography has advanced considerably, and the future is most promising.