Let’s Talk About Florida – Dreams in the New Century

To have lived in Florida between 2000 and 2010 was to be an eyewitness to history. From the presidential election of 2000 to terrorist cells embedded in Hollywood and Pompano Beach, from four hurricanes in 2004 to algae blooms and increasing alarm over the Everglades and water, from Ponzi schemes and the culture of flipping to foreclosure boat tours of Cape Coral and “For Sale” signs in Lehigh Acres, from the Deepwater Horizon and Silver Springs to the Zika virus and coral bleaching, from “Por Salvar a Elian!” to “Stand Your Ground,” from “Tim Tebow for President” bumper stickers to scandals and last-place finishes, Florida seemed to be the center of the universe. Perhaps the most head-slapping moment occurred in 2010, when demographers forecast that very soon Florida would surpass New York as the nation’s third-largest state. Almost one in ten Florida residents once called New York home. Florida is the Petri Dish State.

Moderator: Author Gary R. Mormino