Fish Creek, Florida facts for kids

Fish Creek is a small community located in Taylor County, Florida, in the United States. It's known as a "populated place," which means it's an area where people live, but it might not have a formal town government like a city. The name "Fish Creek" was officially recorded by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) between 1976 and 1979. It was added to the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) on October 19, 1979, which helps keep track of names and locations across the country.

Fish Creek uses the zip code 32348, which is shared with the nearby city of Perry.

What is a Populated Place?

A "populated place" is a term used by geographers and government agencies to describe an area where people live. It can be a small village, a neighborhood, or even just a group of homes. Unlike a city or town, a populated place might not have its own mayor or town council. It often relies on the government of the larger county for services like roads and schools.

Exploring Taylor County, Florida

Fish Creek is nestled in Taylor County, a beautiful area on Florida's Gulf Coast. This county is known for its natural beauty, especially its forests and coastal areas.

Natural Wonders

Taylor County is home to parts of the Big Bend Wildlife Management Area, which is a large protected space for animals and plants. You can find many types of trees here, like pine and cypress, and a variety of wildlife. Animals such as deer, wild turkeys, and different kinds of birds live in these forests. The county also has many rivers and streams that flow into the Gulf of Mexico. These waterways are important for the local environment and provide homes for fish and other aquatic creatures.

Life in Taylor County

Life in Taylor County often revolves around its natural resources. Fishing and forestry (growing and harvesting trees) have been important parts of the local economy for a long time. The county seat, Perry, is the largest city nearby and offers shops, restaurants, and other services for residents of Fish Creek and the surrounding areas. People in Taylor County enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, and exploring nature.

Understanding Geographic Information

The name "Fish Creek" was recorded by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The USGS is a science agency of the U.S. government. They study the land, natural resources, and natural hazards.

The USGS and GNIS

One of the jobs of the USGS is to map the country and keep track of geographic names. They created the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). The GNIS is like a giant dictionary of place names in the United States. It includes names of mountains, rivers, cities, and even small communities like Fish Creek. When a name is added to the GNIS, it helps everyone use the same official name for a place. This is important for maps, navigation, and even for emergency services.

What is a ZIP Code?

Fish Creek shares the zip code 32348 with Perry. A ZIP code is a special five-digit number used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to help sort mail. "ZIP" stands for "Zone Improvement Plan." Each zip code represents a specific geographic area. When you send a letter or package, the zip code helps the postal service deliver it to the correct place quickly and efficiently. The zip code 32348 helps make sure mail gets to homes and businesses in Fish Creek and Perry.