September 30, 2023
Publisher's column
Strategic Economic Development is Florida's Future
Florida's growth is impressive — from the Panhandle to South Florida and all areas in between. The population expansion our state has been experiencing is quite extraordinary, with nearly 1,000 new residents moving here each day. Along with the population boom, business sector growth has followed. When looking at recent U.S. Census data, of the nearly 6 million business applications filed nationally, almost 700,000 of them (nearly 12%) were in Florida.
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Published on 9/1/2023
A Tradition of Excellence
This month’s issue of FLORIDA TREND is one that hits close to home for me. Our Economic Backbone feature focuses on pediatric health care, a topic most of us can...
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Published on 8/1/2023
65 Years and Counting
It is an honor and privilege to lead an organization with roots going back 65 years, and one that is an indispensable authority on the issues, people and ideas defining Florida and its business community.
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Published on 7/1/2023
Success Breeds Success
I have had the pleasure of working with Managing Editor John Annunziata for nearly eight years. John is one of those unique individuals who lights up a room every time...
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Published on 6/1/2023
The Key to Florida's Success
The growth of Florida's economy over the past few years has been impressive. Yes, we have great weather and beaches, but we also have a terrific post-secondary education system, a strong talent pool and workforce readiness programs that are second to none — not to mention no state income tax and a business-friendly environment.
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Published on 5/1/2023
Florida Delivers
Education is the differentiator. It helps define who we are and what is important to us, while providing an opportunity to grow personally and professionally while uncovering new career paths and opportunities. Whether it is in the form of a technical degree, certificate program, micro-credentials, a traditional two- or four-year degree, a graduate degree or post-graduate studies, higher education provides the ladder to help individuals climb higher.
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Published on 4/1/2023
Beacons of Hope
Access to trusted, quality health care is important to all of us — regardless of background or economic standing — especially when it comes to our children.
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Published on 3/1/2023
A Side of Success
Sixty years ago, a 15-year-old boy named George Guito was headed down the path to trouble when he asked for a job at the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City. César Gonzmart, then the third generation of his family to lead the iconic restaurant, hired George as a busboy and later sent him to school to become a butcher — along the way making him part of the family and a de facto brother to sons Richard and Casey.
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Published on 2/1/2023
Lessons Shared
This past December, I had the distinct honor of delivering the commencement address at Florida Southern College in Lakeland.
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Published on 2/1/2023
Delivering for Florida
As you know from my past columns, education is an important topic to me. My parents instilled in me at a very young age the value of a good education. They emphasized that education is the key that unlocks so many doors. Both of my parents were the first in their families to get college degrees. My siblings and I heeded their advice, though we took different paths. My sister earned her master's degree, my older brother and I graduated from a four-year university, one of my younger brothers received an associate's degree and another pursued a technical degree. It didn't matter which route we took, we all understood the importance of a post-secondary education.
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Published on 1/1/2023
65 years and counting
As the end of the year approaches, I like to look back at the past 12 issues of FLORIDA TREND. It gives me a great sense of gratitude and appreciation for our entire staff and the work that they accomplish. Every department — from editorial, art, administration, circulation, marketing, production, digital publishing and advertising — plays a critical role in keeping FLORIDA TREND moving in the right direction.
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Published on 12/1/2022
Standing Together
We will not soon forget the devastation that Hurricane Ian brought to Florida. Our two youngest boys, both finishing their final year at Florida Gulf Coast University, saw firsthand the power of a Cat 4 hurricane as they remained in Fort Myers during the storm. Even though they were safe and well-secured, my wife and I were still naturally on edge. We were glad when they returned safely to our home near Indian Rocks Beach after the hurricane passed.
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Published on 11/30/2022
We've Got You Covered
Every month, our editorial team impresses and amazes me with the quality of the content they produce.
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Published on 10/1/2022
Ensuring a Bright Future
Every issue of FLORIDA TREND has special meaning and purpose. You will always find stories to grab your attention and challenge your thinking. I find myself constantly applying what I've learned and read in Trend to my work and personal life.
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Published on 8/1/2022
A state of higher learning
As a father of four and the husband of an elementary school teacher, I never questioned the importance of a college education for our children. Going to college wasn't up for debate.
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Published on 7/31/2022
Florida's Future is Strong
As publisher of Florida Trend, I travel the state from its most northern regions to its southern tip and all the places in between. As many Floridians know, many of the state's most precious treasures can be found in the lands tucked between the coasts...
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Published on 6/30/2022
A nod to the past - and future
This month's FLORIDA TREND is bittersweet for me. It is the final issue that our longtime executive editor, Mark Howard, and I are collaborating on. Mark has been an amazing leader of our editorial department for nearly three decades. His many accomplishments, awards and recognitions are a testament to his hard work. Mark's mastery of his craft has been inspirational...
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Published on 5/31/2022
Staking a claim to tech
I had the pleasure of participating in the Synapse Summit in Tampa in February. More than 5,600 people attended the summit, which connects entrepreneurs, investors and others in an effort to accelerate Florida's thriving tech sector...
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Published on 4/1/2022
Growth and Opportunity
As our staff returns to the office after having spent almost two years working remotely, I realize how grateful I am for their accomplishments during the extraordinary times we've gone through.
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Published on 3/7/2022
A Welcome Addition
Mark Howard, our distinguished executive editor of 26 years, will be retiring from Florida Trend at the end of March.
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Published on 1/20/2022
A Champion of Our Own
FLORIDA TREND is fortunate to have a team of talented individuals who produce a winning product, both online and in print...
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Published on 12/31/2021
Momentum
It is hard to believe that the holidays are upon us again. And while there is much to be thankful for this year...
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Published on 11/30/2021
Best Wishes to a Friend...
Mark Howard, is one of the finest editors and most decent human beings that I've encountered in my career.
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Published on 10/27/2021
Planning for the New Year
As almost all companies did, we stopped face-to-face meetings over the past 19 months, relying instead on Zoom and other social media tools to keep moving our business forward...
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Published on 9/28/2021
Falling Ahead
In the coming weeks, Florida Trend subscribers will be receiving their annual edition of the Florida 500...
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Published on 8/31/2021
Business Beat - Week of September 29th
