Florida, the Sunshine State, is known for its beaches, theme parks, and diverse culture. But it is also home to some of the potential targets for a nuclear attack, according to various sources. In this article, we will explore which cities in Florida are most likely at risk in a nuclear attack, and why.
Military Bases
One of the main reasons why Florida could be targeted in a nuclear attack is because of its numerous military bases, which host various branches of the US armed forces. Some of the most prominent ones are:
1.) MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, which hosts the headquarters of the US Central Command (CENTCOM) and the US Special Operations Command (SOCOM), as well as the 6th Air Mobility Wing and the 927th Air Refueling Wing.
2.) Naval Air Station Jacksonville in Jacksonville, which is one of the largest and busiest naval air stations in the world, and home to the Navy’s 4th Fleet, as well as several squadrons of maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft.
3.) Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, which is the third-largest naval surface fleet concentration area in the US, and home to the USS Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, as well as several destroyers and frigates.
4.) Eglin Air Force Base in Valparaiso, which is the largest Air Force base in the world by area, and hosts the Air Force Materiel Command’s 96th Test Wing, the Air Force Special Operations Command’s 1st Special Operations Wing, and the 33rd Fighter Wing, which trains pilots for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
5.) Patrick Space Force Base in Cocoa Beach, which is the headquarters of the 45th Space Wing, which operates the Eastern Range, a network of rocket launch facilities and tracking stations along the Atlantic coast.
These military bases are vital for the US national security and defense, and could be seen as high-value targets by an adversary in a nuclear war. A nuclear strike on any of these bases could cause significant damage to the US military capabilities and infrastructure, as well as civilian casualties and environmental contamination.
Nuclear Power Plants
Another reason why Florida could be targeted in a nuclear attack is because of its nuclear power plants, which provide about 12% of the state’s electricity. There are four operating nuclear power plants in Florida, located in the following cities:
- Crystal River in Citrus County, which has one pressurized water reactor (PWR) with a capacity of 860 megawatts (MW).
- Jensen Beach in Martin County, which has two PWRs with a combined capacity of 1,772 MW.
- Port St. Lucie in St. Lucie County, which has two PWRs with a combined capacity of 1,849 MW.
- Homestead in Miami-Dade County, which has two PWRs with a combined capacity of 1,517 MW.
Nuclear power plants are vulnerable to nuclear attacks, as they could suffer from direct damage, loss of power, loss of cooling, or sabotage. A nuclear attack on a nuclear power plant could result in a nuclear meltdown, a release of radioactive material, or a nuclear explosion, depending on the severity of the damage and the design of the plant. A nuclear attack on a nuclear power plant could also affect the surrounding areas, causing radiation exposure, health problems, and evacuation.
Major Cities
A third reason why Florida could be targeted in a nuclear attack is because of its major cities, which are centers of population, economy, culture, and politics. Some of the most populous and influential cities in Florida are:
Jacksonville, which is the most populous city in Florida, and the 12th most populous city in the US, with an estimated population of 929,647 as of 2020. It is also the largest city by area in the contiguous US, covering 874.6 square miles. It is a major transportation hub, with the largest deepwater port in the South, and the second-largest port on the East Coast. It is also a regional center of finance, insurance, healthcare, and military.
Miami, which is the second-most populous city in Florida, and the 42nd most populous city in the US, with an estimated population of 471,525 as of 2020. It is also the core of the Miami metropolitan area, which is the seventh-largest metropolitan area in the US, with an estimated population of 6.2 million as of 2020. It is a global city, with a high concentration of international banks, corporations, media, entertainment, arts, and tourism. It is also a major gateway for trade and immigration, especially with Latin America and the Caribbean.
Tampa, which is the third-most populous city in Florida, and the 48th most populous city in the US, with an estimated population of 399,700 as of 2020. It is also the core of the Tampa Bay metropolitan area, which is the second-largest metropolitan area in Florida, and the 18th largest metropolitan area in the US, with an estimated population of 3.1 million as of 2020. It is a major center of commerce, industry, technology, education, and sports. It is also home to the Tampa International Airport, which is one of the busiest airports in the US.
These major cities are important for the social and economic well-being of Florida and the US, and could be seen as attractive targets by an enemy in a nuclear war. A nuclear attack on any of these cities could cause massive destruction, death, injury, and displacement, as well as disruption of vital services and infrastructure.
Conclusion
Florida is a state that has many potential targets for a nuclear attack, due to its military bases, nuclear power plants, and major cities. A nuclear attack on Florida could have devastating consequences for the state and the nation, as well as the region and the world. Therefore, it is imperative that Florida and the US take measures to prevent, deter, and prepare for a nuclear war, and to pursue nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.