Gay Florida
By Ian Maloney & Mike Halterman
Jacksonville, St. Augustine & Daytona
Q
uick- What Florida City is the most populous? What is the largest city in the US by area? Did you guess Jacksonville? If you didn't you are wrong! Because the city limits of Florida's northeastern most city are so vast, it is actually both, Florida's most populous as well as the US' biggest city. Jacksonville grew up around the naval bases that call the area home and is now the unofficial seat of northeast Florida's gay life. While there is no comparing Jacksonville to Wilton Manors or Miami, it is true that the gays are everywhere, so don't be surprised to find some “family� who call the city home. St. Augustine is the oldest continually occupied European settlement in North America, its history spanning more than 450 years. The city was founded by the Spanish in 1565 and was, for years, the northernmost point on the Spanish mainland which included Mexico, as well as most of Central and South America. It is still a very popular tourist destination as well as being home to a few gay spots that make it worth a night or two if you are looking for a not so far off get away. Daytona Beach is uber famous for its
international speedway, which is home to NASCAR's super bowl, the Daytona 500 which takes over the beach town for a few weeks each February. The city of Daytona Beach is also famous for its hard packed white sand beach that was the original home to stock car racing before its mainstream popularity. The beach is so hard there it's safe and perfectly legal to drive your car onto the beach. During the halcyon days of the 1980's, Daytona Beach was home to some of the most ruckus spring breaks ever. (Think big bangs, big boobs, and tons of sexy straight guys with feathered do's and Op Shorts)
WHERE TO STAY Crowne Plaza Jacksonville Riverfront
Crowne Plaza Jacksonville Riverfront
Look no further for a gay-friendly downtown-