Top 10 Most Mispronounced Cities in Florida

Florida has a mix of city names influenced by Spanish, Indigenous, and European cultures. Many of these names are tricky for visitors, leading to frequent mispronunciations. Here’s a countdown of the Top 10 Most Mispronounced Cities in Florida, along with some interesting facts about each one.

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10. Wewahitchka (wee-wuh-HITCH-kuh)

Known as "Wewa" by locals, this small town in the Florida Panhandle is famous for its Tupelo honey, which is considered some of the purest honey in the world.

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9. Okeechobee (oh-kee-CHOH-bee)

Home to Lake Okeechobee, the largest freshwater lake in Florida, this area is a popular spot for fishing and outdoor activities.

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8. Matlacha (mat-la-SHAY)

This tiny island town near Cape Coral is known for its colorful, artsy vibe, with funky galleries, seafood shacks, and waterfront views.

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7. Loxahatchee (lock-suh-HATCH-ee)

Loxahatchee is home to the famous Lion Country Safari, a drive-through wildlife park where you can see lions, zebras, and giraffes roaming freely.

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6. Dunedin (dun-EE-din)

Named after Dunedin, Scotland, this Gulf Coast city is home to Honeymoon Island State Park and is the spring training home of the Toronto Blue Jays.

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5. Micanopy (mik-uh-NO-pee)

The second-oldest town in Florida, Micanopy has a charming historic district filled with antique shops and is known as the "Town That Time Forgot."

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4. Apalachicola (ap-uh-lach-uh-KOH-luh)

This small fishing town on the Gulf Coast is world-famous for its oysters, producing some of the best in the country.

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3. Ocala (oh-KAL-uh)

Ocala is known as the “Horse Capital of the World” because of its thriving thoroughbred horse industry and beautiful rolling farms.

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2. Miami (my-AM-mee)

Miami is home to the largest Cuban-American population in the U.S., and its vibrant Little Havana district is famous for its food, music, and culture.

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1. Kissimmee (kuh-SIM-mee)

Kissimmee is right next to Walt Disney World, making it one of the most visited cities in Florida. Despite the common mispronunciation (KISS-a-mee), locals know it’s actually kuh-SIM-mee.

Now that you know how to pronounce these Florida cities correctly, you can travel through the Sunshine State like a pro.