Florida

The State of Florida
This Profile image needs to be updated, but in general she looks like this.
Human Name:	Laura Martinez
Nicknames:	La Florida, Tegesta, "East", America's Gun, America's Mullet, America's...you-know-what. Or just plain "P*nis." (Though she'd rather you didn't call her that...)
Age:	497+ (looks about 19)
Height, weight:	5'3", fairly light weight
Motto:	In God We Trust.
Statehood:	March 3, 1845 (27th)

History

Colonial times

While native tribes lived in Florida for thousands of years prior to European colonization, she was too little to really remember much of it. However, Spain, (accompanied by Ponce De Leon) arrived on her shores on April 2, 1513, six days after Easter and still during Pascua Florida. (a Spanish term for the "Flowery Easter" season) Because of the timing and her "Flowered Land" appearance, they decided to call her "La Florida." (Had Flowers been manly and her a male, I'm sure they would have named her "El Florido" instead.)

The two of them were originally in search for the Fountain of Youth, but they liked the place enough to create the first permanent European settlement in the USA; Pensacola. He was also surprised to know that she spoke his language, because apparently the Spanish have been visiting her for years, but it was never documented. However, Spain wasn't the only Nation interested in her. France was also colonizing the territory at the time. While he was formidable enough for Spain to basically be like "Crap guys, we need to colonize faster!!", usually, things never worked

out so well for France-san. (It's actually funny how Pensacola's nickname is "The City of Five Flags", but France's flag isn't featured at all, even though he DID have some control of Florida)

Then along came England, who eventually gained control over Florida. (Also divided it into East and West Florida, hence her childhood pigtails)

But once America won the Revolutionary War, (Florida had sided with England during the war, which makes sense seeing how I'm sure she was going through that phase of Pixie Dust and Unicorns) England left and Florida was once again reunited with Spain. Though their time together wouldn't last too long, because Spain noticed that Florida had gradually become "More American", as apposed to being a Spanish territory. So, knowing that Florida would be better off under America's care, Spain wound up selling her for $5 million and the amount of Texas America got during the Louisiana Purchase. (Of course, he didn't really tell her he'd be leaving, so she wound up finding out the hard way, nor did she know his reasons for it, as he asked America not to tell her)

Confederacy

This was obviously during her rebellious teenage years, however, she did have her reasons for turning against America. During this time she relied heavily on citrus crops, and, of course, free labor. When she got word that Slavery was fixing to get abolished, she pretty much freaked out, marched right up to him and said "What are you thinking?? I can't afford to hire for that labor; and without that labor, I'll die!" and when your best friend pretty much wants to allow something that could kill or cause harm to you, that's kind of when you decide to leave. She was pretty quick to do so too, seeing as how she was only the Third State to join the Confederacy. (South Carolina being the first, Mississippi being the second)

During the war, there were two major battles faught on her land. ((I've yet to decide where/if she has any scars)) However, her job was mainly to make sure Salt and other supplies made it to the confederates. Also women didn't really fight back then, though lots of them were nurses; so seeing as how she provided important necessities, and is female, I can somewhat see her as more of the South's "Cleric" so to speak. (In RPG terms; South Carolina would be the Swordsman, Mississippi would be the Magic User, and Florida would be the light magic/healer of the group; I mention these three specifically because they were the first to secede, and you can only have 3 in a party in .hack//)

Personality & Interests

Being the Sunshine State, it's no surprise that Florida has a cheery disposition. (Though contrary to popular belief, it rains almost ALL THE TIME there; and yes, it can get freezing cold. But due to the dry air that only exists in winter time, it almost never snows) While tourists get on her nerves, she treats them rather well; even better than some of her locals. She can appear "fake" at times, (she has a bit of a hang-up about that...or angst) but she tends to get along well with all her siblings, and she's pleasant to be around. However, cross her and she'll have to introduce you to her pet Alligator "Chompy" (who currently lives in the Everglades) or she'll send you on a little boat ride to the Bermuda Triangle. (So maybe the next time you decide to call her a P*nis, take that into consideration <3) She was rather spoiled by Spain in the past, and being the 4th most popular state, (population = popularity in this case) she can seem somewhat preppy at times, so to new people she's embarrassed to show what she's really like. (Aka, just a nothing-special, spongy piece of flat land) Also, she's self-conscious about being flat in places, (cough -breasts and buns- cough) but she's somewhat confident in the fact that she has a slender build and "puni-puni" skin. (aka soft and squishy)

While she may seem pretty dim, (people sometimes assume that she is because she's from the south, not to mention it's been said that you can get into UF- or was it UCF? just by spelling your name right...plus the whole..."confusion" thing on the ballots when electing Bush, and of course the infamous "Don't tase me bro!" incident) she will get smart-mouthed if you say something that even she thinks is stupid. After all, a state where NASA is based in is automatically none too bright. (It's just rocket science!)

Florida is a girl with a need for speed, and will race anything that moves. She also enjoys just about every sport there is, and despite being rather competitive because of it, she can be very chill, or relaxed. (She can often be found snoozing in the shade somewhere) For obvious reasons she also likes to swim. (Remember kids, it's the Humidity, not the heat that really makes you miserable)

She also loves Oranges, (and orange Juice) and will often give them to people in the same way that America gives away Hamburgers; to cure all your ailments! (Mickey Mouse hats have a similar calming affect; or so she thinks)

Appearance

Hair Color: Blonde (flippy, usually in a ponytail with her bangs parted on her left side, though they actually don't "part" 'til somewhere around the middle. I'm guessing 'cause she has some of it pulled back too? I really don't know what I was on when I designed her hair to do that)

Eye Color: Light Brown (They almost look Orange, but they're not. Think like Anime!Romano or something)

Skin Color: Fair (due to her European influence; and because most "tan" folk in Florida either go tanning or they're hespanic)

Clothes: While this is subject to change, she usually wears a lime green tank-top with a Flamingo on it, blue short shorts, pink sandles, a bracelet, and a shark-tooth necklace. The color of her outfit can vary though, and you can even be creative with her style, seeing as how her creator is fashion-impared so most of her characters dress simple/boringly.

She looks a lot like Poland (or so I've been told) but in her new Profile image (whenever I get around to it) she'll probably look closer to Hidekaz's recent drawing of Belgium; which he posted in his blog as a series of '09 christmas pictures.

Relationships (based off Mizu's head-canon)

State-tans:

Georgia: While she and him do get along, there's a very strong football rivalry between the two states. It's about as fierce as NY and MA's baseball rivalry really. There's probably a deep history behind it, but part of it may have something to do with their time as Colonies; him having raided her forts 3 times, England and Spain being enemies at the time, etc. However Florida still sees herself as somewhat a big sister to her southern states, (excluding VA, who, really seems more like a big sister to her) so she's there for him if he needs her.

Alabama: Florida sees him as a little brother with a shared football rivalry, though it's pretty mild compared to the one between her and GA. She actually use to be very similar to him as far as livin' the simple life and their terrain went. Though she knows there's most likely something between him and GA, somehow, the three of them manage to get into shinannygins. (Or rather, whenever one of them has a problem, they wind up going to her house. But she's happy to know that they can still count on her and such. )

That about sums it up <3

Mississippi: Another younger sibling; these two were probably rather close, seeing as how both she, Mississippi, and South Carolina were the first to join the Confederacy. She also admires him for being able to open his heart to other people and states, even after being so hurt in the past. Plus his strong spiritual ties are also admirable. They also have similar views on things.

Louisiana: One of the few states she actually gets tongue-tied around, or even nervous; she still thinks highly of him, and wishes that they could spend more time together. They also enjoy fishing very much; though she sometimes worries about him, seeing as how he grew up with having France as a father figure.

Virginia: In Florida's mind, Virginia is an elegant older sister with Southern hospitality; and even outside her mind, this still holds true! They get along very well as they're both conservative, yet Florida herself tends to be more flexible with certain things. (She still goes to VA whenever she needs advice though)

Massachusetts: While Florida still has trouble spelling "Massachusetts" sometimes, these two still have a strong, almost sisterly bond. Though MA tends to see herself as "superior" to her in a way, they both enjoy each others company and even respect their varied opinions on things. You tend to see a lot of FL license plates in MA, and vise versa. (Though the switched version mostly happens during the winter) Not to mention these girls both have a rebellious streak, even if they were forced to fight each other for a time.

New York: Yet another state that FL sometimes has trouble communicating with, and although he may seem cold & cranky, she is still very fond of him. His place is pretty much the one bragged-about vacation spot. For example; in lots of states, you hear about how people go to Florida for a vacation. But guess where Floridians go to? That's right, New York! (She even has a few "I <3 New York (as a friend) shirts in her closet somewhere)

California: Though not much can be said here, these two are so tight that he just HAS to be mentioned. Seriously; were these two separated at birth or something?? They're so alike and yet...so different! However she also sees him as a rival; but mostly because she's secretly envious of him. Beaches, Waves, Hollywood Stars; he pretty much has everything she has, only better! (Or so she believes) Regardless of any jealousy there might be, (and who knows; he might be envious of her in some way) she hardly ever thinks about that because these two are too busy being BFF's. In my mind I can see them dressed like Mickey and Minnie Mouse...

Alaska: Though climate opposites, FL understands Alaska's loneliness, so she tries to cheer her up whenever she can, and be positive. She also enjoys ice fishing with her, just so long as she stays bundled up <3

Axis Powers Hetalia Characters:

Spain: The doting father-figure who showered her with compliments; though at the same time, his cluelessness made him difficult to deal with. (Not to mention he would talk about Romano all the time, and abandoned her twice; the second time without even saying goodbye)

France: Though Charming, to Florida, France somewhat carried a "creepy uncle" kind of vibe. She was fond of him to some degree, but still wouldn't hesitate to laugh at his expense.

England: At first, England had seem very scary, since he raided her forts plenty of times, set things on fire, shot cannons, hurt Spain, etc; however, when he defended her from France, and got to know him a little better, she began to see him as a Charming (perhaps even Dashing) Pirate. There's also a possibility that, seeing as how this is one of the last we see of his Pirate years, Florida may have been the one to soften him a bit, helping him become the English Gentleman you see today.

America: Her current care-taker, or "father figure." However, she almost never calls him "dad" or anything, since to her, it just kinda feels weird. It's like if a friend from High School turned 18 before you did and suddenly decided to adopt you. Though she has rebelled against him, these two are about as much BFF's as her CA are; seeing as how both she and America love football, and other typical "American" pass-times. (Aka, sports in General; plus they both have a ditzy factor that they both know how to use to their advantage)

N. & South Italy: These two are pretty much like Cousins to her, and personality wise, she's like a mix of both of them. After all she is Lazy and Silly, yet can be bratty and sensitive at times. Also, Phillie Sticks were made in Florida; and it's been said that it's like a combination between a Sorbet, and Italian Ice.

Trivia

-Her eye color was originally a mistake on the artist's part. (She wanted them to be whatever Spain's were. She later remembered that they were green, not brown. But she would have looked like England with her blonde hair; and would have looked too much like Spain if her hair were brown. So she said "forget it" and kept the brown eye color)

-Despite acting like Poland at times, she mostly acts like N. & S. Italy (Or Greece and Australia) Mostly because she's silly and likes to snooze, but is quick-tempered around Spain or people even she thinks are being clueless.

-During Florida's design process, for some reason, the creator had only one look in mind. However, once she got her official profile up, MizuTakishima suddenly had a bunch of new, more accurate ideas; one of which was basically a clone of Noto-sama. (A girly boy in drag who has the same eye and hair color as Spain)

-In Florida, most men who are good looking are either gay, or taken. This may explain why she doesn't let herself get too close to anyone in that way.

-Florida is the only place where you can find both Alligators and Crocodiles.

-Due to Indian imports, there are certain species of Fish that you can only find in the Everglades

-She doesn't like Cuba because he keeps coming over without permission.

-However she does let him help her pick Oranges and hangout in Miami.

Creator

This version of a Florida-tan has been brought to you by MizuTakishima