Florida, Colorado facts for kids
Florida is a small, quiet place in La Plata County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It's not a city or a town with its own government. Instead, it's called an "unincorporated community." This means it's a group of homes and buildings that are part of the larger county, rather than having their own local rules and leaders.
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What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community is a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own official city or town government. Instead, the county government takes care of services like roads, police, and fire protection. Many small communities across the United States are unincorporated.
How are Unincorporated Communities Different?
- No local mayor or city council: Decisions for the area are made by the county commissioners.
- County services: Things like trash collection, water, and sewer might be handled by the county or private companies.
- Fewer local taxes: Residents usually pay county taxes, but not additional city taxes.
- Less strict rules: There might be fewer local laws or zoning rules compared to a city.
History of Florida, Colorado
The community of Florida in Colorado has a short but interesting history. It was named after the nearby Florida River.
Early Days and the Post Office
A post office was opened in Florida in 1877. This was an important step for any community back then. It meant people could send and receive mail more easily. The post office helped connect the small settlement with the rest of the world. However, the post office did not stay open for long. It closed just a few years later, in 1881.
The Florida River's Influence
The community gets its name from the Florida River. This river flows through La Plata County and is an important natural feature of the area. Rivers often played a big role in naming early settlements. They provided water, helped with transportation, and shaped the landscape.
