I know what you all are thinking. Florida...the land of swamps, alligators, and Florida Man. The geniuses at Thrillist labeled us the worst state in America "based on everything."

Ok, whatever.

I realize that the bath salt craze, the face-eating zombie, and these guys below haven't helped.

These two were caught stealing a JEA pole just this morning! Citizens watching out and officers cleaning up = partnership! #Irma #JSO pic.twitter.com/q6VKOvPKuU
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) September 13, 2017

But it's OK.

Pleeease just give me a chance to redeem Florida.

So...a lot of people don't know this, but the Florida legislature recently made Publix its state symbol. Yeah, I know it sounds crazy. Picking a grocery store as a state symbol. Are you stupid or something, Florida? But it's a really long story. I would link you an article about it but all those websites are down. Crazy. You'll just have to take my word for it.

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If you are unfortunate enough to live in a state that doesn't have a Publix (they only have stores in seven southern states) you are seriously missing out. Let me share with you four reasons why I, and Florida's lawmakers, love Publix.

1) The stores feel like home.

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If you live in a state with a Publix, you probably instantly recognize the smell. They've got the bakery on the right when you walk in and they are always cooking something! If you're a parent, you should know that kids get free cookies just for stopping by.