When it comes to influence, it’s hard to ignore Florida. The third most-populous state in the nation attracts tourists, retirees, conventions, and the occasional weird criminal. Even with all the attention the Sunshine State gets, when it comes to presidential politics, the focus is white-hot on one area in particular — Central Florida. So, during this election season, INFLUENCE Magazine thought it might be timely to join the other 66 million(ish) tourists and make a visit in and around Orlando. We assigned stories about political trends (think blue-ish), local politicians, the area’s growing Hispanic influence, disruptive industries, the massive tourism tax revenues … And then, Pulse happened. Every story had to be revisited; so much had changed. And yet, somehow, what seemed an unrelieved tragedy shifted to another story — one of heroics, leadership, kindness, grace, and generosity. Orlando and its environs was changed, obviously, but a fine spirit came to the fore, captured in the hashtag #OrlandoStrong. The stories in this section are different than what might have originally been written, but they give us an even truer vision of the vibrancy and soul of Central Florida. SUMMER/FALL 2016 INFLUENCE | 73
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