Florida is famous for its pristine beaches and theme parks, but it also has a reputation for its quirky charm and a general weirdness, which is not necessarily a bad thing. These urban legends are a pretty good example.
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The Florida Skunk Ape
The Skunk Ape is basically Florida's version of Bigfoot, with the addition of a terrible odor. Its leading researcher is Dave Shealy, who has spent his entire life living in the Everglades, searching for the mysterious beast.
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Lovebugs
On to a bug that most of us wish was a myth: the lovebug. There's a legend that lovebugs were somehow developed by the government to stem the mosquito problem you're all probably very aware of down here in Florida. Supposedly, they were trying to create only a female bug that would attract male mosquitoes, distracting them from actual reproduction. Unfortunately, they accidentally created a male as well, and the things bred like crazy.
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The Fountain of Youth
You've probably heard stories that conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon was positive that the mythical Fountain of Youth could be found somewhere in Florida. The truth is that these rumors were only recorded after the explorer's death, but let's hope that Florida's water possesses some magical powers that can slow the effects of aging.
