South Florida
From IBWiki
The Florida War (2004) put a definitive end to the once-powerful state of Florida-Caribbea. It fell apart in many pieces: most island-nations reverted to their pre-Floridian independence (Cuba, Porto Rico) or were liberated by the colonial powers. Florida proper was divided into three zones of occupation: the NAL-SLC occupied the Northern half of the territory, comprising the old provinces of East Florida and West Florida. After popular referrendum, the American Zone was reincorporated as provinces. The South-West was occupied by Ireland, and the South-East by the Scandinavian Realm. After the war, the SR handed over its occupation zone to the Republic of the Two Crowns. The European Zone is still occupied by the European powers.
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Present Status
Currently, the remnants of the former namesake of Florida-Caribbea are still divided between an Irish and RTC Zone. The dividing line runs roughly north-south, with Irish forces holding the West, including the Floridian Keys (but not the Marquesas and Tortugas, which are American), and the Coronal Zone being the east, including Miami. The line follows the west coast of Lake Okechobee, with the temporary capitol of the Irish zone in Tampa.
At the present time, there is no internationally agreed upon plans for the reunification or future constitution of the two occupied zones, however the Irish forces have declared that reunification is their goal. Efforts to rebuild and resuscitate the country have been hampered by the frequent furacanos.
The policy of the RTC has been directed at preparing the Floridians for democratic self-government on the shortest possible term from the beginning. However, both due to its unfamiliarity with the Latin American way and its own inability to take firm decisions, little progress in that direction has been made. Floridian resistance to foreign powers and resentment against their conquerors have also hampered the RTC's efforts. It is unknown what a future change of government in the RTC would bring to Florida.
Irish policy in Florida has been similar, but has met with more success having garnered less resentment through their methods. In the west, the Irish forces now sit as overseers and police, with native Floridian running the various district and municipal governments. While corruption is still endemic and the recent spate of furicanos has done nothing to help the local economy, the situation is improving. Current head of the Irish forces in Florida, General-Commandant Donnacha Ó Maolacha, has stated his hope that a constitution will be drawn up for all of South Florida some time within the next three years. However, due to the ongoing instability of the RTC Zone, the likelihood of this happening remains in doubt.
Movements Toward Independence
In early 2006 the Irish-European Zone announced the fledgling República Conchesa or Conch Republic, an island nation of the Florida Keys. At the time of the announcement by officials, there were no details as to the level of independence the Conch Republic would enjoy. If judging by the Irish behavior to date, it would seem that South Florida is destined to end up like the Holy Roman Empire.
One Proposal suggests that Tampa be the new capital, providing a clean break from the past.
Irish Peacekeeper Plan
In late April of 2006 a plan was leaked to the public by one of the Irish peacekeepers with a proposed map of the future Federal Republic of South Florida. This has been received with mixed response from the Floridians, and has been rejected in its entirety by the RTC contingent in the east. This plan was refuted by the Irish, and it was stated that a true plan would soon be released to the international community.
Some pundits have stated that this bold plan will be rejected by the Floridians, however past experience has shown with the Republica Conchesa that this is not the case. It is expected that the Irish portion will be ready for "liberation" before the end of 2007. It is unclear whether the Irish will put pressure on the RTC to begin preparations to leave South Florida.
The proposed germanization of South Florida is seen by many in the region as the only way to guarantee some form of solidity and peace.
The Oregonian delegation from Saint-Domingo has been seen visiting with Irish forces, and it is highly probable that the Ecotopic Reserve will be established.
In July, 2006 the new proposed flag of South Florida was revealed, sharing colors with Florida-Caribbea but styled on the flag of Castile and Leon [1]. The proposed Confederación de la Florida del Sur is proceeding apace, with several prospective member states moving toward autonomy, as has the Republica Conchesa. Surprisingly, progress has been made in Orlando, but mostly due to aid from East Florida to their Orlando cousins. Only reports of shanty towns in the RTC zone manage to reach news outlets and the RTC occupation force as well as the RTC government remain quiet on the issue.
In late September, 2007 a convention was convened in Tampa under the auspices of the Irish Peacekeeping forces to begin efforts at self-rule, using the Holy Roman Empire as a template. Talks are expected to end some time near mid-November. Representatives from the RTC zone were conspicuously lacking, however a number of former inhabitants of the region turned up to act as observers or delegates if permitted. As the meetings have been closed to the public and press, there is no word as to how the efforts are proceeding.
Borders
South Florida is bordered on the north by the NAL Province of East Florida.
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| República Conchesa | Las Palmas | Rzeba Marze | Orlando | Kissimee | Bahia de la Palma | Costa del Oro | Cabo Sunnibel Campo Ocachobe | Ecotopic Reserve of Los Claros | Tampa del Sul | Campos Naranjas | Tampa | Puerto Plata |
