Florida named worst state in country by travel website

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – The author of an article that ranks Florida as the “worst state in the country” is responding to social media reaction that’s critical of his list.

Author Kevin Alexander, who writes about restaurants for the lifestyle website Thrillist, says his ranking was purely arbitrary when he first wrote it several years ago. But, he takes a new dig at Florida, saying it still holds up!

The ‘Definitive and Final Ranking Of All 50 States” list is based on “states’ inventions, food and drink, somewhat productive famous people, and unique physical beauty.” Based on those things, Florida lands in last place, or tops the “worst” list. The article says, “When putting together a list such as this, there can be some temptation to defy popular expectations, and go against the grain. However, Florida’s awfulness resume is so staggeringly impressive that it couldn’t go any other way. You were born for this. Embrace it.”

What does the article use to back up it’s claim? It cites the popular “Florida man” twitter feed which – well – makes us look pretty bad.

However, Floridians have taken to social media to let that author know he’s off base. Alexander’s responded on Twitter, “Good people of Florida and my cousins: this completely arbitrary state ranking story is four years old. It’s so old Dave Barry mentioned it in a book my father gave me TWO YEARS AGO. It’s not worth getting re-upset now that it’s resurfaced. (Though it kind of holds up, right?)”

The article, written four years ago, was refreshed and republished on the website in 2017.

According to the ranking, Michigan is the best state in the country, based in part on its beer and scenery. You can find the full list here.