<P> Much of the state of Florida is situated on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Straits of Florida . Spanning two time zones, it extends to the northwest into a panhandle along the northern Gulf of Mexico . It is bordered on the north by the states of Georgia and Alabama, and on the west, at the end of the panhandle, by Alabama . It is near The Bahamas and several Caribbean countries, particularly Cuba . Florida has 131 public airports, and more than 700 private airports, airstrips, heliports, and seaplane bases . Florida is one of the largest states east of the Mississippi River, and only Alaska and Michigan are larger in water area . </P> <P> Florida's extensive coastline made it a perceived target during World War II, so the government built airstrips throughout the state; today, approximately 400 airports are still in service . </P>

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