Wow! Is it 2012 already? What is YOUR New Year’s Resolution? To write an article for Florida Land Development News, you say? Excellent choice, as we are always diligently seeking out authors and informative content that the development and real estate industries, respectively, can use. It is always important, in this ever-changing industry to keep up with what is happening. I am pleased each time that I hear that an article in Florida Land Development News has given someone new insight or has helped to solve a problem. Now on to the issue:
Al Zichella of K.D. Merrick tells us about the new reality for developers and offers some sound advice in his article "Sometimes when a door shuts, a window is opened". When we all have our heads down working hard, it is tough to remember that every challenge and obstacle is also an opportunity. Al's article does a good job of pointing this out and makes one think about our positive future in front of us. I have known attorney Patrick White of the Porter Wright law firm for many years. Patrick brings us some great information about HB 337 that you really should pay attention to. Check out his article “HB 337, Public Private Partnerships: A Development Boom or Bane.” The development community seems to be just scratching the surface on the potential use of these partnerships. I also want to point out this article is very well researched and there are many citations we could not include in the print edition but that are available on our website. As with many subjects that seem dry, the content of this article is well worth your time to read and understand.
Dr. Paul Van Buskirk is a new addition to Florida Land Development News but he is well-known across the State of Florida and beyond. He brings us some new insight to forecasting growth and population in his article "Accurate Population Forecasting is Necessary". I find Dr. Van Buskirk's work fascinating and extremely accurate in terms of forecasting especially over linear forecasts methods. I highly recommend large developers and municipalities consider using his methods when forecasting future demand. Check out his website: www.interactivegrowthmodel.com.
Amanda Brock of Henderson Franklin is a good friend of Florida Land Development News. Her article “Why Property Taxes are Worth Another Look" is a great tax-time review of what options are available to reduce property taxes. When Amanda proposed this article I thought it was a great idea. I hope you agree!
Mike Timmerman of Fishkind & Associates brings us the latest and greatest housing data complete with an on-line map for you to reference while reading his material. The data shows, for the latest quarter anyway, the northern part of our state is having a tougher time, while the southern portion seems to making up for lost time. How is your market shaping up?
We hope you enjoy this issue and please, reach out to us and tell us how we did. We love feedback of all types.
If you’d like to write an article for Florida Land Development News please call me at (239) 263-1100 or email me at editor@floridadevelopmentnews.com.
And finally, I extend my most sincere gratitude to all of the authors and sponsors who have rallied to join us in bringing you this publication over the past several years. Without you, this would not be possible.
I look forward to working along side of you to produce many more issues of interesting, accurate and useful information.
Have a safe and prosperous new year!
With many thanks,
David H. Farmer, PE, AICP
Editor
Florida Land Development News
