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David Denor, Publisher, Florida Trend
Up Front - The Publisher's Column
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.
The destruction that Ian brought is a jarring reminder of the power of Mother Nature and reminds us all that we must prepare properly and heed the warnings to evacuate.
November brings some unknowns of its own. Our elections on the 8th will help determine the direction Florida moves in.
In our October issue, FLORIDA TREND looked at the growth of voters registering as No Party Affiliation and what the trend might mean to the state.
This month, our editorial team looks at the rising interest among women of color running for office. It will be interesting to see how this trend plays out across the state in the coming years.
Our cover story this month highlights a number of risk-takers, barrier breakers and trailblazers making their marks across Florida. Oh, and they all happen to be women. Learn all about them starting on page 52.
You will also want to read this month’s Economic Backbone, which focuses on Florida’s nursing programs. It starts on page 12. We know all too well the incredible need for nurses across the state. Find out what is being done to tackle the issue.
Part of what makes Florida special is its generosity. The Sunshine State is home to 3,010 foundations with assets topping $23.6 billion. A recent report noted that the annual distributions of Florida foundations exceeded $3.5 billion.
Check out our special section on Florida’s Philanthropic Community starting on page 85.
A hurricane that hits one part of the state — or the country, for that matter — affects us all to some degree.
Southwest Florida bore the brunt of Hurricane Ian’s wrath this time, but all Floridians are feeling their pain.
I hope that we can all do something to help the people of Florida most affected by the hurricane and rebuild the state on an even stronger foundation.
— David G. Denor, Publisher ddenor@floridatrend.com
