October 2014 Contents

Inside Florida Trend's print and digital issue

FEATURES

The Money Issue

The Money's There: Investing Trends in Florida

Florida’s strongest sectors for investing; selling a business; private equity activity; business valuations; and other investing trends.

Faces of Florida Investing

The private equity business in Florida is growing—meet some of the key players.

Bankers to Know

Interviews with prominent Florida bankers.

Community Banks Think Outside the Core

Community banks, hard put to earn profits on traditional lending, are finding new sources of revenue.

Brilliant Deductions: Tax Help for Individuals and Businesses

Find five tax moves individuals can make to cut their tax burden.

Trendlines

Up Front
The Big Race: Florida's Gubernatorial Contest

"Whether you prefer incumbent Gov. Rick Scott or his Democratic challenger, former Gov. Charlie Crist, the victor will set in motion a domino effect..."

Florida Icon
Louise Gopher

The former director of education for the Seminole Tribe of Florida talks about the value of education in her life and other lessons learned.

LIFESTYLE
Busy Hands: Howard Solomon is a Florida Original

With constant tinkering, Solomon has grown his Solomon’s Castle into a 12,000-sq.-ft. roadside attraction near the town of Ona.

Dining
Belgian Food and Drink is Front and Center

Belgian chefs have begun to put their best food forward, with a clear Belgian imprimatur.

Tallahassee Trend
Disney Places its Bets

The theme park giant is funneling money to candidates who back Sen. Joe Negron for Senate President.

Of Counsel - Florida Law
Matchmakers: The Makings of a Merger

A September 2013 phone call between two old friends set into motion the merger that has created one of the 100 largest firms in the nation.

Editor's Page
Inadmissible Evidence: No Data Showing GMOs are More Dangerous Than Non-GMOs

Executive Editor Mark Howard looks at arguments for and against the use of genetically modified organisms -- most commonly referred to as GMOs.

Political Dominoes

Dominoes: The Fallout From Rick Scott Vs. Charlie Crist

The choice that Florida voters make on Nov. 4 will wind up tipping dominoes across Florida’s $75-billion state government.

Driving for Dough in Florida’s Golf Resort Industry

Sheila Johnson’s big move into Florida’s golf resort industry began with a cold call

Around the State

Statewide
Scott Rothstein: Expert at Corruption

Five years ago, south Florida banker Scott Rothstein’s $1.4-billion Ponzi scheme blew up.

Miami
Miami is a Hotbed for International Hotels

With a steady stream of international tourists contributing to record occupancy rates, hospitality companies are developing hotels in Miami-Dade at a fever pitch.

Southeast
Revitalization Spreads South in Delray Beach

Delray Beach brought about a revival of its downtown earlier than most Florida cities.

Southwest
For Rent: St. Petersburg's New Apartments Offer Urban Lifestyle

If construction schedules hold, more apartments will be built in downtown St. Petersburg this year than in the past five years combined.

Central
Apopka’s New Mayor Made ‘Rookie Mistakes’

Real Estate experts point to Lake Nona and The Villages as drivers of good growth.

Northeast
Change of Heart: Jacksonville Mayor's Alvin Brown's Supporters Switch Sides

Disenchanted with Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown’s performance, businessman Peter Rummell is backing Brown’s Republican opponent this time around.

Northwest
Port Project: Pensacola Adds Manufacturing Facility

DeepFlex, in partnership with Offshore Inland Marine & Services, is establishing a new manufacturing facility on 3 ½ acres at the Port.

International
Into Africa: Trading with African Companies

Detailing Florida companies' performance on the African continent and how they are tapping into huge number of potential consumers there.