December 2016 Contents
Inside Florida Trend's print and digital issue
Sea World
A new management team is trying to rebuild SeaWorld. Can the iconic attraction succeed without killer whale shows?
Trendlines
Up Front
Saying 'Goodbye, hello'
This month we say goodbye to one longtime employee and hello to our new associate publisher here at Florida Trend.
Florida Originals
Ghost story: Protecting the rare ghost orchid
A rare plant draws plenty of visitors to a state park in southwest Florida, including some who don't want to just look at it.
Icon
Susan Benton
"Growing up in Miami, I understand and appreciate the importance of diversity. Florida is an amazing place because of its diversity."
Dining
Golden Spoons — Florida’s Best Restaurants
Florida Trend’s annual Golden Spoon awards recognize the state’s best restaurants, including the 21 best newcomers on the culinary scene statewide.

Stretching out - expanding culinary diversity
The trends that defined the state's restaurant industry this year included continuing challenges for well established white-tablecloth temples and big chains.
Of Counsel
Trash to treasure
Michael Goldstein touts 'high returns' in brownfield redevelopment near Palm Beach International Airport.
Tallahassee Trend
Untraceable campaign funds
It’s increasingly hard to tell who’s paying for the attack ads and mailers that appear during political races.
Editor's Page
Division of powers
North Carolina's HB2 battle potentially foreshadows future conflicts between the state and local communities in Florida.
Innovation
Company Profile
On the move: Innovations at a web-based logistics company
A Tampa man starts a web-based business that lets retailers and others take advantage of excess space on trucks to ship their products.
A look at some of Florida's most innovative new companies.
Economic Backbone
Medical Tourism
Global Med
Tourists have long flocked to Florida for recreation. More recently, medical facilities have become an attraction.
Corporate Travel
Special Advertising Section
A Guide to Meetings and Conferences
Now is the time to book your perfect meeting venue and take advantage of special rates and savings.
Around the State
Statewide
Life after citrus
With citrus devastated by greening, some growers are letting their land sit idle. Others are trying new crops.
Miami
Broken bond
Ongoing securities violations makes Miami the only municipality the SEC has sued twice.
Southeast
Building on tradition in St. Lucie County
Port St. Lucie is hoping a renovated stadium will be a hit with baseball fans.
Southwest
Hive rustlers
A series of bee-hive thefts has stung Florida’s beekeepers.
Central
Following the Business
The largest theme park association moves its headquarters to Orlando.
Northeast
New lives: Rescuing women from the sex trade
A Jacksonville non-profit business attempts to rescue women from the sex trade.
Northwest
Parting thoughts from UWF's Judith Bense
Judith Bense is retiring at the end of this month after more than eight years as president of the University of West Florida.
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