Florida's Megatrends: Critical Issues in Florida

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"The authors have synthesized their vast knowledge and understanding of Florida's modern history, politics, and people, woven them around Florida's challenges and opportunities, and laid them before us in a fascinating and informative read."--Wendy Abberger, executive director, Leadership Florida

"A much-needed overview of the critical and conflicting trends that have shaped and will continue to shape Florida in the twenty-first century."--Terri Susan Fine, University of Central Florida

Florida began the twentieth century rooted in the Confederacy--the least populated of the southern states, with a rural, agricultural, frontier society. By the end of the century, Florida had become the most populated, urban, and culturally diverse state in the South--and the fourth largest in the nation. Florida's Megatrends is a lively overview of the forces that forged Florida in the twentieth century, the trends that are projected for the first quarter of this century, and how both will shape Florida in the future.

The transformation of Florida began with railroad barons and developers from northern states who triggered the 1920s land boom. Waves of migration and immigration continued throughout the twentieth century. With a constant influx of new residents from the Caribbean and Latin America, combined with the African-American and Native American population, Florida has become one of the most racially and ethnically diverse states in the nation. The state's economy is no longer dominated by agriculture but by tourism, construction, commerce, and technology.

In Florida Megatrends, two of Florida's most respected scholars examine the evolution of the state, the remarkable changes that have shaped it, and the relevant concerns facing Florida in the future from political, historical, sociological, economic, and environmental perspectives.

David R. Colburn is provost of the University of Florida. He is a professor of history and executive director of the Reubin O'D. Askew Institute on Politics and Society.

Lance deHaven-Smith is the director of the Reubin O'D. Askew Institute on Politics and Society, executive director of the Local Government Commission II, and professor of public policy at Florida State University.