February Letter From the Editor
I wanna go fast.
Speed is the very essence of the community in which we live. It is a driver in our economy, a force in our identity and the foundation of our legacy. It is our leading export, carried by television networks to homes across the globe, it inspires us to harness its power and it is at the very core of the future that is being shaped today. What an exciting time to be from Daytona Beach.
Reenergized and refocused from the time we took to refresh many aspects of our operation, Floridian View is now poised to go fast. Refueled by new partnerships, a new pit crew, some spectacular new drivers and a state-of-the-art new garage on the way – we could not be more excited to be in the 2012 racing circuit. The publication has been fine-tuned, the website has been given a mid-model make over and the app is now in the shop having a new performance package installed.
Like the legendary Ricky Bobby famously said, “You can’t have two number ones because that makes eleven.” Mr. Bobby was right and our quest for excellence has only intensified with the expansion and continued growth. In our race, we are in the pursuit of quality. A track where there are no checkered flags, it is an endurance race where we only score when you connect with us, one of our partner advertisers, one of our drivers. Our crew chief, car chief and drivers want to hear from you. Share your stories, impressions and send us your cheers or jeers as we make pit stops each month.
In this issue, we celebrate all things speed. In an FV exclusive, we spend the evening hanging out with Daytona 500 Champion Trevor Bayne at his condo north of Charlotte, NC. We explore the amazing growth and importance of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University as they potentially lead us into a new economy. We celebrate 50 years of racing at the Rolex 24 Daytona, rubbing elbows with Hollywood stars such as Patrick Dempsey who come to our community to experience what we are all about. Additionally, you will find an expanded new Business View, a new segment for local car collectors featuring attorney David Damore, re-imagined design throughout and much more. Our dynamic editorial team has been working pedal to the metal.
I want to take this opportunity to introduce you to my top crew members, FV Associate Editor Karmen Van Derven and Creative Director Brittany Demers, without whom all of these incredible changes would not be possible. Ensuring that our new standards of quality are met, they have worked tirelessly with their teams to present this much improved product. I could not be more grateful for them.
Now, put on your seat belt. This ride is only just approaching turn one.
