People need to understand that central Florida--the I-4 corridor and adjacent counties at least--are different from both north and south Florida. Culturally, demographically, and politically.
It's more Midwestern than New New York or South Alabama. I mean Tampa is definitely a Midwestern city and even has a building dedicated to the retirees of Dearborn(sp?), MI. Anything between the Florida State Fairground s and WDW on I4 is definitely North Florida. I think Orlando is pretty northernized.
It's by no means the Panhandle, but it's not Miami Beach either. It's prime swing territory, and for a reason.