This guide presents examples of Florida's unique natural environments, its attempts to preserve natural areas, and to perform the careful balancing act required to encourage development for its ever growing transient and permanent resident populations without destroying valuable natural resources. The volume offers a look at some of the less publicized industries of Florida. Using the Central Florida region as a case study, the guide introduces the reader to its physical, population, and economic geography along with the land use characteristics of Florida - replete with both potential problems and prospects. Articles include: (1) "Megalopolis in the Making: Urbanizing Central Florida's I-4 Corridor" (Kevin Archer); (2) "Was There Life before Disney? The Historical Geography of Central Florida" (Ary J. Lamme III); (3) "The Landscapes of Kissimmee and Osceola County" (Ray Oldakowski); (4) "Florida's Population: Looking Back and Ahead" (Ed Fernald); (5) "Transportation and Development in Central Florida: The Rise of Orlando in the Transport Hierarchy" (Russell Ivy; Michelle Falasz; Pedro Palimino); (6) "The High-Tech Economy of Central Florida: Genesis, Character, and Role of the Orlando Area Laser Industry" (Eric Young); (7) "Citrus in Central Florida" (Cesar Caviedes); (8) "Everglades at Risk" (Jon Byron); (9) "Geomorphology of the Rivers of Peninsular Florida" (Joann Mossa); (10) "Coastal Geography of Central Atlantic Florida" (Heidi Lannon; Joann Mossa); and (11) "Sinkholes in Florida" (Robert Brinkmann). Ten lessons written by classroom teachers on the geography of Florida conclude the volume. (EH)