Florida's 1st congressional district facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Florida's 1st congressional district |
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Florida's first congressional district. Since January 3, 2013.
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| Area | 4,759 sq mi (12,330 km2) | ||
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| Population (2016) | 762,506 | ||
| Median income | $55,229 | ||
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| Cook PVI | R+22 | ||
Florida's 1st congressional district is a special area in the U.S. state of Florida. It's like a big neighborhood, but much larger! People who live here vote for one person to represent them in the United States Congress. This district is located in the western part of Florida, often called the Panhandle.
It includes all of Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton counties. It also covers parts of Holmes county. Currently, Matt Gaetz from the Republican Party represents this district.
Contents
Understanding Congressional Districts
A congressional district is an area drawn on a map. It helps divide a state's population into groups. Each group then elects one person to speak for them in the U.S. House of Representatives. This is part of the U.S. Congress.
Why Do We Have Districts?
The main reason for districts is to make sure everyone has a voice. It would be too hard for one person to represent an entire state. So, states are divided into smaller areas. This way, each representative can focus on the needs of a smaller group of people.
How Districts Are Created
After the U.S. Census happens every ten years, states redraw their district maps. This process is called redistricting. It makes sure that each district has about the same number of people. This way, every person's vote counts equally.
Florida's First District: A Closer Look
Florida's 1st congressional district is known for its beautiful beaches and military bases. It has a mix of cities and rural areas. The people living here come from many different backgrounds.
Where is the District Located?
This district is in the far western part of Florida. It stretches along the Gulf Coast. This area is famous for its white sand beaches and clear waters. Many people visit these areas for vacations.
Key Counties in the District
- Escambia County: Home to Pensacola, a historic city with a large naval air station.
- Okaloosa County: Includes cities like Fort Walton Beach and Destin. It's known for tourism and military bases.
- Santa Rosa County: Features towns like Milton and Navarre. It has a mix of suburban and rural areas.
- Walton County: Known for its scenic coastal communities along Highway 30A.
- Holmes County: A smaller, more rural county in the northern part of the district.
Who Represents the District?
The person who represents Florida's 1st congressional district is called a representative. This person works in Washington, D.C., at the U.S. Capitol building. Their job is to vote on laws and speak up for the people in their district.
About the Current Representative
The current representative for this district is Matt Gaetz. He is a member of the Republican Party. He was first elected to Congress in 2016. His job is to bring the concerns of the people in his district to the national government. He also helps make decisions about important issues facing the country.
What Does a Representative Do?
A representative has several important duties:
- Voting on Laws: They vote on new laws that affect everyone in the country.
- Helping Constituents: They help people in their district with problems they might have with the government.
- Representing Interests: They make sure the needs and ideas of their district are heard in Congress.
- Working in Committees: They join special groups called committees to study specific topics like education or defense.
Why This District Matters
Every congressional district is important. They are the building blocks of our democracy. They ensure that people from all parts of the country have a voice in how the nation is run. Florida's 1st district plays its part in this big system.
