From the First Coast to the Emerald Coast: Here’s how each Florida ‘coast’ got its name – TCPalm

Posted On: October 15, 2019

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When talking about regions in Florida, it’s not enough just to say “the Panhandle” or “the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.”

In the Sunshine State, all 8,436 miles of coastline are neatly packaged into 10 specially named “coasts.”

Starting from northeast Florida and traveling south around the peninsula, here’s how each coast got its unique name.

More: 10 interesting things you might not know about Florida

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First Coast

Besides being the first region visitors cross when driving into the state along Interstate 95, the First Coast — which includes St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Orange Park and Fernandina Beach — was the first discovered and colonized in 1565.

The Daytona Beach area also is called the Surf Coast or the Fun Coast.

More: From Jack in the Box to In-N-Out Burger: 7 restaurant chains missing in Florida

Space Coast

Its area code is 321 for a reason.

The Space Coast is the home to the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral, the birthplace of American space flight.

When the space program launched, Cape Canaveral’s location in central Florida proved the perfect location because of its close proximity to the equator, which allows rockets to take advantage of Earth’s velocity if they head eastward for orbit.

Most of the area is within Brevard County. Major cities include Titusville, Cocoa, Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne and Palm Bay.

More: 9 great places on Treasure Coast to watch a launch

More: Haunted Florida: 10 places guaranteed to scare you on Halloween

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket is seen from Vero Beach as it lifts off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station early Thursday morning, Aug. 8, 2019.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket lifts off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station early Thursday morning, Aug. 8, 2019. Rachael Nemecek Parker captured this photo from Vero Beach.

Richard Ragazzon captured this image of the Aug. 8, 2019 United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket launch.

Linda Nelson captured this image of the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket lifts off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station early Thursday morning, Aug. 8, 2019.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket lifts off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station early Thursday morning, Aug. 8, 2019.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket lifts off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station early Thursday morning, Aug. 8, 2019. The rocket is carrying the AEHF 5 communications satellite for the U.S. military.

United Launch Alliance launched its Atlas V rocket on Aug. 8, 2018 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 41.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket is fueled before liftoff from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station early Thursday morning, Aug. 8, 2019. The rocket is carrying the AEHF 5 communications satellite for the U.S. military.

The solid rocket boosters are reflected in the sun after a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket lifts off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station early Thursday morning, Aug. 8, 2019. The rocket is carrying the AEHF 5 communications satellite for the U.S. military.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket blasted off Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 41 on Aug. 8, 2019.

Thursday morning's Atlas V launch as seen from Viera.

An atmospheric effect is generated by a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket as it takes a military communications satellite to orbit from Cape Canaveral on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019.

Exhaust from a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket leaves a teardrop shape in the sky after it lifts off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station early Thursday morning, Aug. 8, 2019. The rocket is carrying the AEHF 5 communications satellite for the U.S. military.

Photographers set up remote cameras in advance of tonight's launch of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The rocket is carrying the AEHF 5 communications satellite for the U.S. military. Mandatory Credit: Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK

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Treasure Coast

Eleven Spanish galleons carrying gold, silver and jewelry destined for the King and Queen of Spain sank off the east coast of Florida in 1715 during a violent hurricane.

The treasures ended up in the sea.

More than 300 years later, treasure hunters on land and sea search for the precious metals, giving the area its nickname.

The Treasure Coast, on Florida’s south-central Atlantic coast, includes Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin counties.

More: Spanish cannon from 1715 Fleet recovered off Fort Pierce coast

More: 9 ways to experience Old Florida on the Treasure Coast

More: Signs you live on the Treasure Coast

A work crew from the City of Fort Pierce along with members of Maritime Research and Recovery hoist a cannon from the 1715 Spanish Plate Fleet out of the water at Fisherman's Wharf on Monday, Aug. 13, 2018 in Fort Pierce. The recovery of the cannon, discovered in the remains of a shipwreck off Sandy Point, is a collaboration between the Keep Fort Pierce Beautiful Advisory Board and the Fort Pierce Lions Club. The restoration of the cannon will take about three years and will be put on display in the plaza at Melody Lane Fishing Pier.

Levin Shavers, a member of the salvage crew with Maritime Research and Recovery, carefully removes the airbag used to float a cannon from the 1715 Spanish Plate Fleet before it is hoisted ashore on Monday, Aug. 13, 2018 at Fisherman's Wharf in Fort Pierce. The cannon, found off Sandy Point, will be treated and cleaned and put on display at Melody Lane Fishing Pier. The process will take about three years.

A 303-year-old cannon from the 1715 Spanish Plate Fleet was recovered off Sandy Point on Monday, Aug. 13, 2018 and removed from the water at Fisherman's Wharf in Fort Pierce. The cannon will be cleaned, treated and restored, a process that takes about three years, and placed on display at Melody Lane Fishing Pier in Fort Pierce.

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Gold Coast

Not to be confused with the gold coins on the Treasure Coast, the Gold Coast is named for the “golden” real estate opportunities in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

It’s in southeast Florida and encompasses Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

Carl Fisher built the Miami Beach Yacht Club in 1924 and was converted into a home. The estate is now for sale for $65 million.

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Lee Island Coast

There’s no Lee Island on Lee Island Coast, which is in southwest Florida, but there are hundreds of smaller islands that make up Lee County.

Other barrier islands include Sanibel, Captiva, Marco Island and Estero. Fort Myers, Naples — Naples also calls itself the Paradise Coast — Bonita Springs and Cape Coral are some of the mainland cities.

A teenage boy runs into the ocean to catch a wave at the Naples Beach on Sept. 3, 2019. Locals and tourists continue visiting scenic spots in Naples, taking advantage of heavy winds and waves bought on by Hurricane Dorian.

Linda Crea, left, and Chris Kozlowski, right, pose for a photo at the Naples Beach on Tuesday, September 3, 2019. They evacuated from St. Lucie on east coast of Florida last Friday. Locals and tourists continue visiting scenic spots in Naples, taking advantage of heavy winds and waves bought on by Hurricane Dorian.

Two teenagers catch a wave near the Naples Beach on Tuesday, September 3, 2019. Locals and tourists continue visiting scenic spots in Naples, taking advantage of heavy winds and waves bought on by Hurricane Dorian.

Teenagers walk along the shore of Naples Beach on Tuesday, September 3, 2019. Locals and tourists continue visiting scenic spots in Naples, taking advantage of heavy winds and waves bought on by Hurricane Dorian.

Brittant Cyr holds Brielle Jonathan, 3, in her arms as she sits at the shore of Naples Beach on Tuesday, September 3, 2019. Locals and tourists continue visiting scenic spots in Naples, taking advantage of heavy winds and waves bought on by Hurricane Dorian.

Michaela Fitzpatrick waves her blanket at the Naples Beach on Tuesday, September 3, 2019. Locals and tourists continue visiting scenic spots in Naples, taking advantage of heavy winds and waves bought on by Hurricane Dorian.

Beachgoers enjoy their moment at the Naples Beach on Tuesday, September 3, 2019. Locals and tourists continue visiting scenic spots in Naples, taking advantage of heavy winds and waves bought on by Hurricane Dorian.

Gulls slides in the wind at the Naples Beach on Tuesday, September 3, 2019. Locals and tourists continue visiting scenic spots in Naples, taking advantage of heavy winds and waves bought on by Hurricane Dorian.

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Cultural Coast

The area south of St. Petersburg is called the Cultural Coast because it’s a popular spot for artists and musicians.

Sarasota is the hub of the Cultural Coast, which also includes Anna Maria Island, Siesta Key and Lido Key, which are the area’s most popular beaches as well.

More: Florida’s skunk ape, headless dinosaur, Coral Castle and other weird, wacky attractions

Marguerite Barnett spins in circles, sending her cape into the air during the community drum circle at Siesta Key Beach on Sunday, January 21, 2018 in Sarasota. The weekly tradition started in 1996 and draws a crowd of performers and spectators.

Drummers keep the beat together during the community drum circle at Siesta Key Beach on Sunday, January 21, 2018 in Sarasota.

Megan Meredith and Victor Rios practice acro yoga together in the center of the community drum circle at Siesta Key Beach on Sunday, January 21, 2018 in Sarasota. Spectators dance and perform in the center.

People start to fill the center of the community drum circle, dancing and performing, at Siesta Key Beach on Sunday, January 21, 2018 in Sarasota. The weekly tradition started in 1996 and draws a crowd of performers and spectators.

Hula hoopers, dancers, and kids run around during the community drum circle at Siesta Key Beach on Sunday, January 21, 2018 in Sarasota.

A drummer plays with taped fingers during the community drum circle at Siesta Key Beach on Sunday, January 21, 2018 in Sarasota.

A woman dances with fans during the community drum circle at Siesta Key Beach on Sunday, January 21, 2018 in Sarasota.

Seagulls fly over the community drum circle at Siesta Key Beach as the sun sets on the horizon on Sunday, January 21, 2018 in Sarasota.

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Sun Coast

It’s easy to see why the region of St. Petersburg, Tampa, Bradenton and Clearwater is named the Sun Coast: it gets the state’s most days of sunshine per year.

The area also is home to clear Gulf beaches with sugary white sand.

Nature Coast

It’s Old Florida at its best on the Nature Coast.

The area describes the Big Bend region of Florida, which includes Wakulla, Jefferson, Taylor, Dixie, Levy, Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties. It includes dozens of state parks, springs, towering oak trees, exotic flowers and several endangered species.

The Nature Coast is known for its abundance of hunting, fishing, bird watching and hiking.

More: Florida bucket list: 20 things you have to do in the Sunshine State

Wakulla Springs State Park historic boat tours are a popular experience for families visiting the park.

One of Wakulla Springs State Park's most popular draws is a 22-foot diving and observation tower. Those brave enough line up on both stories of the tower, waiting their turn to take a leap into the springs.

A turtle sunbathes in algae next to the boat docks at Wakulla Springs State Park.

A young alligator sunbathes along the shores of the Wakulla Spring.

Wakulla Springs State Park is a popular destination for swimming and diving all year round but especially during the summer months.

When school lets out for the summer, Wakulla Springs fills up with children and families looking to cool off. Swimming, diving and historic boat tours are popular activities at the state park.

Common moorhens, also known as Gallinules, are frequently seen and heard at Wakulla Springs State Park.

Cal Lounsbury, 1, looks for wildlife through his binoculars while on a historic boat tour at Wakulla Springs State Park Monday, June 3, 2019.

A young alligator rests of a tree stump in Wakulla Springs State Park.

An alligator swims to shore at Wakulla Springs State Park.

Wakulla Springs State Park provides a place for families to swim, float, sunbathe and dive year-round but is especially popular in the summer months.

Historic boat tours are popular experiences at Wakulla Springs State Park. The 45-55 minute tours include a two-mile float downstream and back to view the park's wildlife like alligators, birds, fish and even manatees.

Wakulla Springs is the world's largest and deepest freshwater spring. It is surrounded by ancient cypress trees. A careful preservation of Florida's natural state, the state park is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

An alligator looks apprehensively at a passing boat filled with families on a historic boat tour of Wakulla Springs.

An anhinga dries off in the sun during a historic boat tour of Wakulla Springs.

Apple snail eggs, laid on the branch of vegetation along the shores of Wakulla Springs, wait to hatch Monday, June 3, 2019.

Historic boat tours at Wakulla Springs provide a panoramic view of the carefully preserved natural environment at the state park.

The Wakulla Springs Lodge was built in 1937. Its interior holds 27 guest rooms, a gift shop and restaurant. Weddings, family reunions and other events are held inside.

Wakulla Springs State Park Tour Guide Ken Clineman leads a historic boat excursion down the spring.

A careful preservation of Florida's natural state, Wakulla Springs State Park is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Many forms for vegetation grow along the shores of Wakulla Springs including the pickerel weed, a purple flower.

Two alligators hang out at the base of a tree along the shores of Wakulla Springs.

Wakulla Springs State Park historic boat tours provide an up close look at Florida's wildlife and nature. Alligators, manatees, birds, fish and turtles are frequently spotted along the way.

When temperatures rise, visitors flock to Wakulla Springs State Park to cool off in the shade on the beach and take a dip in the water.

An anhinga takes flight at Wakulla Springs State Park.

Bugs swim around on the surface of Wakulla Springs.

Common moorhen, also known as Gallinules, are frequently seen and heard at Wakulla Springs State Park.

A turtle sticks its head out in a patch of sunlight at the foot of a tree along Wakulla Springs.

A yellow crowned night heron protects her nest in a tree as a boat tour passes by in Wakulla Springs State Park.

One of the Wakulla Springs tour boats is named "Limpkin," after the bird that served as the park's mascot for many years before it no longer inhabited the park. Now, at least one is back after the return of the apple snail, the limpkin's main source of food.

Young anhinga birds wait for their mother to return to the nest with their next meal in the middle of Wakulla Springs.

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Forgotten Coast

This relatively quiet region of Florida that stretches from St. Marks, about 20 miles south of Tallahassee, southwest to Mexico Beach, has the same characteristics of its neighbor, the Emerald Coast, but without much development.

Cities along the Forgotten Coast include Apalachicola, Port St. Joe and Carrabelle.

However, according to Ed Tiley, former publisher The Forgotten Coastline, a tourist-oriented shopper paper, the coast got its name because it was literally forgotten.

When this particular part of Florida was genuinely economically depressed, a cartoon-type map was published with renderings of businesses along the Gulf Coast, Tiley said in an email.

To the embarrassment of some, and the outrage of others, Tiley said, the entire region

east of Panama City to Tallahassee was blank.

The omission prompted a group of business owners and government officials in the region to create an informal marketing commission. Each member contributed a few hundred dollars to create a regional brochure celebrating the virtues of the region, Tiley said.

The moniker was born.

Hurricane Michael blasted through much of the region last October, decimating the sleepy beach town of Mexico Beach. However, cities and towns are rebuilding and will undoubtedly retain the quiet charm that makes it unique.

RiverTrek paddlers on the final day of their five-day trip down the Apalachicola River.

Cypress knees in Sutton's Lake, Apalachicola River.

State underwater archeologist Roger Smith, left, and FSU graduate student Bert Ho take a break while searching for artifacts at a site on the Apalachicola River. (2002)

Members of the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper group view a sandbar that blocks water flow into Poloway Cutoff on the Apalachicola River near Blountstown.

Boaters take a break at a sandbar along the Apalachicola River near Blountstown.

Erosion that causes steep banks along the Apalachicola River near Blountstown has resulted from dredging, critics say.

Cole Sowa and Jaye Sowa cruising down the Apalachicola River.

Biologists work along the banks of the Apalachicola River doing counts of Fat Threeridge mussels.

A paddling trail icon marks one of the canoe routes along the waterways in the Apalachicola River Wildlife and Environmental Area.

Houseboats on Brothers River, a tributary of the Apalachicola River.

11 paddlers begin 5 day journey down the Apalachicola River.

Drought, low flow from the Apalachicola River and post-spill harvesting have led to dangerously low oyster populations in Apalachicola Bay (2011).

The view of the Apalachicola river from Torreya State Park.

A lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia by the National Wildlife Federation, Florida Wildlife Federation and the Apalachicola Riverkeeper claims the Army Corps failed to properly protect the tri-state ecosystem in the development in its revised manual dictating the control of water flow. The manual was last updated in 1958.

Willie Pelt tongs for oysters in Apalachicola Bay in 2011.

Jerrie Lindsey paddles her kayak down Thank You Ma'am Creek in the Apalachicola River Wildlife and Environmental Area.

Rivertrek paddlers Chris Reed, left, and Tom Herzog make their way into Sutton Lake off the Apalachicola River.

Apalachicola RiverTrek paddler Chris Reed explores Sutton Lake. The lake is connected to the threatened Apalachicola River.

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Emerald Coast

The region from Panama City to Pensacola gets its colorful name from the blue-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Sediment from the Mississippi River that’s dumped into the the Gulf tapers off further east, leaving crystal-clear water with an emerald glow, thanks to the sun’s reflection on harmless, microscopic algae.

Learn more about Florida’s coasts here.

Knox Stephens, 8, of Magnolia, Arkansas, skimboards along Penacola Beach on Friday, July 20, 2018.

Wyatt West, 14, of New Braunfels, Texas skimboards along Penacola Beach on Friday, July 20, 2018.

Wyatt West, 14, of New Braunfels, Texas, left, gives Pensacola News Journal sports reporter Eric Wallace a few pointers as he gives skimboarding a try along Penacola Beach on Friday, July 20, 2018.

Pensacola News Journal sports reporter Eric Wallace gives skimboarding a try along Penacola Beach on Friday, July 20, 2018.

Griffin Wiggins, 9, of Magnolia, Arkansas, skimboards along Penacola Beach on Friday, July 20, 2018.

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Maureen Kenyon is TCPalm’s trends reporter, keeping Treasure Coast residents updated on hot topics and happenings. Do you have a story to tell? Want to start a conversation? Send an email to maureen.kenyon@tcpalm.com, call 772-221-4249 or follow her on Twitter @_MaureenKenyon_.

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