It's the water - Because of its location on the St. Johns River, Palatka has always been influenced by the water. It's name is an abridged version of a Native word roughly meaning "cow crossing." A fort was here during the Seminole Wars and the Civil War, and the river still influences life.
Florida today represents a bit of dichotomy -- modern cities that don't really comport to the traditions of the Deep South, surrounded by smaller cities and towns that very much do