There are Panthers in Florida. In recent years, a few have been spotted on Eglin AFB Reservation. It's open during the season for hunters and they get wild hogs, deer and I've heard many say the Panther are still there.
The Army Rangers do some of their 'wilderness survival' training in there during the summer and winter. They've said the Panthers are there too.
We also have a very friendly Black Bear population. Well, not friendly as much as nosey. They come out of the Reservation and are tipping over garbage cans and there are others further west toward Gulf Breeze. The Florida Panther is, for the most part, located toward the Everglades.

Pam