The name wasn't meant to be a political statement, but a symbol of the local community's connection to the environment.

used "Gulf of Mexico" on his map "View of Entire Route of Sir Francis Drake's West Indian Voyage." A 1630 map called the body of water "Gulf of New Spain." The Spanish name evolved into Seno Mexicano.

If the currents in the Gulf are running east-west, as they often are, the water looks brown. Although geographically closer, the Sabine and Atchafalaya rivers contribute their fair share but play ...

That big body of water to the state's left is officially the Gulf of America in Florida now that Gov. Ron DeSantis has ...