Having survived the implosion of the Florida Boom in 1926, Florida was well on its way to recovery when the factors of the Great Depression ushered in the 1930s. While Florida was certainly affected by the economic downturn — tourism had fallen from three million annual visitors to one million (143 million in 2024), other areas of the economy such as citrus, phosphate, and cattle, were more resilient. Defying those odds, Winter Haven would see its citrus industry continue to

As a child, Mike & Mike’s Desserts Co-owner and CGO Mike Mitchell spent his time measuring and mixing with his mother in the kitchen – making her signature red velvet cupcakes. “He saw the love that his mom was passing along in every bite,” according to his story online. From helping his mother early on, “I understood this from a deep level,” Mitchell said. He launched Mike & Mike’s Desserts in Miami while attending school for his Bachelor of Arts degree. He initially used hi

Much of the success Pati Mills has seen in her life can be attributed to knowing the right people at the right time – the same kind of associations she cultivates with her networking group the Greneteam Gals. Her life has been an interesting one. “I bought my house on the lake with a six-car garage with my art. How many artists do you know that can do that?” said Pati, smiling. “And, I never had a contract.” She has her seaplane license and her first public speaking engagemen