Best. State. Ever.: A Florida Man Defends His Homeland

In this collection of essays, Dave Barry travels across Florida to document the eccentricities that define his home state beyond the headlines of the "Florida Man" internet meme. He visits specific roadside attractions and local hubs, including the Weeki Wachee mermaid show, the retirement mecca of The Villages, and the sponge-fishing community of Tarpon Springs. Barry examines the state’s historical reliance on kitsch, the impact of invasive species like giant pythons in the Everglades, and the chaotic energy of Key West's Fantasy Fest. By detailing these locations, he argues that Florida's absurdity is a byproduct of its unique geography and demographic mix.

Readers who enjoy self-deprecating humor and observational satire will find this worth their time. It appeals to those tired of standard travelogues who prefer a cynical yet affectionate look at regional subcultures. Anyone living in or visiting the Southeast will recognize the specific frustrations of humidity and strange local news. The reader finishes the book with an understanding of why Florida remains a magnet for the bizarre and a sense of relief that they are merely an observer of the chaos.