In Our Expert Opinion: Recent Episodes
SVN | Saunders Ralston Dantzler Real Estate
The land and commercial real estate industry can be challenging. Commercial agent, practicing attorney, and certified office delight Linda Schultz welcomes agents, owners, and other industrialists to share their expert opinion every other week.
Data center development is changing how certain land assets are evaluated while influencing seller motivations. For landowners and investors, the question is not simply whether a property has acreage, frontage, or development potential. In most cases, the first question is whether the site can support the power and infrastructure demands that drive data center use.
Tyler Davis, Spencer Smith, and Jerrod Parker discuss the unique value drivers behind data center development, including the role of power availability, transmission access, utility requirements, local policy, community response, and due diligence. The conversation offers a high-level look at how this rapidly evolving sector may shape opportunities for landowners, investors, and developers.
Learn more at SaundersRealEstate.com.
Water quality regulations have always played a significant role in agricultural land management across Florida. In this episode, Tyler Davis and Brandon DuRant of Saunders Real Estate are joined by Robert Angus and Allan Charles of Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A. to discuss the regulatory framework surrounding water quality, including Basin Management Action Plans and Best Management Practices (BMPs), and how these apply to farm and ranch operations.
The conversation outlines how BMPs function as a compliance pathway, the role of agricultural classification in property taxes and land use, and how programs tied to water policy and citrus health are affecting landowners. The discussion provides practical context around how these factors intersect with day-to-day land management and broader land use considerations in Florida.
Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A. is a long-standing strategic partner of the Lay of the Land® Conference.
Learn more at SaundersRealEstate.com and LLW-Law.com.
Our Lay of the Land® Conference in Columbus, Georgia, offers a comprehensive look at the factors influencing land values and management across Alabama and Georgia.
The day opened with a policy-focused discussion on issues shaping land ownership, including trade dynamics impacting agricultural profitability, conservation initiatives, and the role of private property rights. Additional sessions explored recreational land value and how buyer preferences have shifted, as well as the financial, operational, and family considerations involved in succession planning for land ownership.
A development-focused panel examined the forces driving demand for residential, industrial, and emerging uses, and the following lenders discussion provided a practical look at debt and capital, walking through real-world financing scenarios tied to agricultural operations and rural land purchases. The event concluded with a data-driven perspective presented by Saunders Land advisors, connecting verified land sales data with observations from recent transactions across Alabama and Georgia.
Learn more about our upcoming conferences at LayOfTheLandConference.com.
Chapters
(00:02:15) Policy Issues Shaping Land Ownership
(01:03:01) Recreational Land Value Optimization
(01:49:42) Succession Planning for Landowners
(02:47:06) Growing Demand for Development Land
(03:34:05) Lenders Discussion on Debt and Capital
(04:22:17) Lay of the Land® Market Update
This special episode features recorded sessions from Day 2 of the 2026 Lay of the Land® Conference, focusing on the policy decisions, infrastructure investments, and land sales data influencing Florida’s real estate market. Florida Senate President Ben Albritton delivers a legislative update addressing property tax reform discussions, conservation funding priorities, and broader policy considerations impacting landowners and investors across the state.
James M. Driggers, P.E., District One Secretary for the Florida Department of Transportation, then outlines the state's Advanced Air Mobility strategy and the continued development of SunTrax as a testing and implementation hub for emerging transportation technologies. The program concludes with Saunders Real Estate advisors presenting the 2026 Lay of the Land® Market Report, offering expert analysis of verified transaction data across key asset classes and examining how land market activity shifted over the past year.
Learn more about our upcoming conferences at LayOfTheLandConference.com.
Chapters
(00:00:41) Legislative Update
(00:15:50) SunTrax and Florida's Air Taxi Network
(00:42:15) Lay of the Land® Market Report
Recorded live in Lakeland, this episode features panels from the 2026 Lay of the Land® Conference, including expert-led discussions on the economic, investment, and policy dynamics shaping the Florida land market. The program opens with an economic outlook delivered by Jerry D. Parrish, Ph.D., Chief Economist for the Metro Atlanta Chamber, examining interest rates, capital flows, and broader market conditions influencing transaction activity.
From there, breakout sessions explore commercial property investing fundamentals, utility-scale solar energy development in Florida, the feasibility considerations behind unlocking land value through mining, and a focused discussion on tax reform and estate planning strategies. Together, these conversations provide timely insight for landowners, investors, and advisors navigating a market adjusting to new capital conditions.
Learn more about our upcoming events at LayOfTheLandConference.com.
Chapters
(00:01:42) Florida's Economic Outlook
(00:52:19) Commercial Property Investing 101
(01:43:48) Solar Energy Development in Florida
(02:44:19) Unlocking Land Value Through Mining
(03:14:32) Tax Reform & Estate Planning
Tyler Davis sits down with land advisor and career forester Mike Matre to discuss a complex Georgia land transaction he brokered earlier this year. The conversation centers on the California Woods property in Stewart County, 1,443 acres of rugged, remote terrain featuring dramatic vistas, strong hunting opportunity, and landscapes influenced by past timber activity and long-term ownership. Mike walks listeners through the full arc of the sale, from the property’s unique topography and off-grid nature to how those characteristics required a very targeted approach to the market.
The episode explores how an early offer from a neighboring TIMO (Timberland Investment Management Organization) led to a strategic pivot, ultimately dividing the remaining acreage into four smaller parcels and significantly increasing demand. Mike shares lessons on on-the-ground due diligence, effective marketing for rural properties, pricing strategy, and navigating today’s Georgia timber market, including the impact of recent mill closures and continued demand for recreational land.
Learn more at SaundersRealEstate.com.
This episode features recorded sessions from the 2025 Lay of the Land® Conference, held in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The discussions bring together experts in agriculture, forestry, and land investment to examine the trends shaping Arkansas’s land economy today.
Topics included challenges facing farm and cropland producers amid rising input costs and tighter lending conditions, the outlook for timber markets and forest management, and implications from the Farm Bill. Each panel offers practical insight into how landowners and investors can adapt in a changing environment. Speakers also share perspectives on long-term land value, sustainable practices, and verified real estate sales data from across the state.
Chapters
(00:00:20) Current Trends and Challenges in Arkansas Agriculture
(01:01:27) Arkansas’s Forestry Outlook
(01:53:39) Kyle Cunningham, State Forester
(02:36:47) Lay of the Land Market Update
Recorded live in Thomasville, this special episode features a collection of panel discussions from the 2025 Lay of the Land® Georgia Conference. This annual event focuses on empowering landowners, investors, and industry professionals with clear, data-backed insight into the state's evolving land market.
This year's Georgia land conference hosted a lineup of experts discussing timber pricing trends, recreational and transitional land activity, agricultural challenges, conservation strategies, and tax policy updates. In this episode, you’ll hear key takeaways from each panel, including verified land sales data drawn from the Lay of the Land® Market Report and firsthand insights from the very advisors tracking deals and trends across the state. From estate planning strategies to seedling selection in forestry, this episode offers a comprehensive, boots-on-the-ground view of the forces shaping land values and investment potential across Georgia.
Request an invite for next year's conference at LayOfTheLandConference.com.
Chapters
(00:02:26) Managing Timber for Recreational Value & A Changing Pulpwood Market
(00:53:53) Tax Reform & Estate Planning • Opportunities & Strategies
(01:28:09) Georgia Agriculture • Trends, Challenges, and the Road Ahead
(02:17:18) Lay of the Land Market Update
In this podcast episode, David Hill is joined by fellow land advisor Chance Creighton for a timely discussion on the approaching deer hunting season and agricultural harvest cycle in Arkansas. Together, they explore how hunters and farmers are preparing for a season shaped by heat, early activity, and shifting conditions in the field.
The conversation expands into implications for dove hunting as well as the resurgence of the state's black bear population. They later shift gears to discuss farming in Central Arkansas, offering timely insights on early harvest trends, corn and soybean yields, and how this year’s weather is affecting rice and cotton crops. In closing, David also spotlights the upcoming Lay of the Land® Arkansas Conference and what attendees can expect from the event.
The Arkansas land conference will be held on October 17 in Fayetteville. Register today at: SaundersLand.com/Arkansas-Conference.
Learn more at SaundersRealEstate.com.
Dr. Ryan Askren is the Director of the Five Oaks Agriculture Research and Education Center—one of Arkansas’s most renowned duck hunting lodges. As a waterfowl and wetland conservationist and an expert in habitat management, he joins David Hill for a conversation that dives deep into the world of waterfowl preservation.
They explore the vital role of wintering grounds, greentree reservoir management, and the Farm Bill, along with practical steps private landowners and hunters can take to support healthier duck habitats. Dr. Askren also shares insights from his extensive research on waterfowl behavior, shifting migration patterns, and the future of duck populations.
Learn more at SaundersRealEstate.com and FiveOaksRec.org.
In this podcast episode, host Tyler Davis sits down with the team leading Saunders Real Estate’s growing presence in the Carolinas. Bill Frisbie, Regional Managing Director for North Carolina, and Kenneth Chesson, Senior Advisor, discuss their backgrounds in farmland investment and rural land sales, as well as their growth strategy for the firm. They’re joined by Brandon DuRant, the firm’s Agriculture Managing Director, who shares his expertise in land management and ag services from his base in South Carolina.
Together, they explore the opportunities and challenges facing landowners in both states—from fragmented farm ownership and shifting commodity markets to rising interest in conservation, solar, and transitional land. The conversation also dives into how Saunders Real Estate is expanding its management and consulting platform to support landowners, REITs, and investors through boots-on-the-ground services that go far beyond brokerage.
Learn more at SaundersRealEstate.com.
In this episode, Tyler Davis is joined by Kasey Mock, Owner and CEO of Mock Ranches in Texas. Their conversation shares valuable insights into the Texas land market, breaking down the state’s diverse regions and economy, evolving buyer profiles, and the fragmentation and development trends along the I-35 corridor.
Together, Tyler and Kasey compare trends between Texas and Florida, touching on conservation easements, 1031 exchanges, water access challenges, and the realities of rural land ownership in a fast-growing market. They also dive into what defines a trusted and professional land advisor today and the importance of setting client expectations.
Learn more at SaundersRealEstate.com.
This episode was recorded prior to the devastating floods that began on July 4 in Kerr County, Texas, and surrounding areas. Our deepest condolences and continued prayers go out to all those affected by this tragedy.
Austin Fisher, Regional Managing Director in Georgia joins Tyler Davis, President of Saunders Real Estate in a conversation that explores the fast-moving Georgia land market and its implications for landowners. With deep experience in both development and land stewardship, Austin shares how our team is helping landowners navigate everything from timber and recreational tracts to transitional development opportunities.
Together, they explore the factors shaping Georgia’s future—from forestry and infrastructure growth to the rising demand for private landownership—and how Saunders is building a trusted presence across the state with a team of specialists in every land asset class. The episode also spotlights the newly released Lay of the Land Georgia Market Report and offers a preview of the upcoming Georgia conference.
The Lay of the Land Georgia Conference will be held on August 21 in Thomasville. Register today at: SaundersLand.com/Georgia-Conference.
Learn more at SaundersRealEstate.com.
Alexander Alford is the Director of Construction & Development at ROMAIR, a real estate development, design, and construction company based in Northwest Florida. ROMAIR is primarily known for crafting high-end communities and luxury homes along the state's 30A corridor.
Hosted by David Hill, Regional Managing Director of Saunders Real Estate in Arkansas, the episode explores ROMAIR’s journey from custom homebuilding to large-scale master-planned real estate developments. David and Alexander discuss the complexities of resort-style construction, the importance of craftsmanship, and the unique challenges of development in the Florida Panhandle. Alexander also shares ROMAIR’s vision for future growth, offering insight into how they’re looking to expand their footprint across the Southeast.
Learn more at SaundersRealEstate.com and ROMAIR.com.
Ben Mills is the Vice President of Sales at Carden & Associates, one of the largest crop insurance agencies in the nation. With decades of experience working directly with farmers and ranchers across the Southeast, Ben brings a grounded perspective on the challenges and opportunities within agricultural risk management.
Hosted by Trent Saunders, Senior Advisor at Saunders Land, this episode covers how crop insurance can apply to various operations, including citrus, tomatoes, peppers, row crops like corn, cotton, soybeans, and peanuts, and even livestock. Ben shares practical strategies for managing weather-related risks, explains how recent Farm Bill changes affect coverage, and clears up common misconceptions around eligibility, actual production history (APH), and the complexity of crop insurance policies.
Carden & Associates is an event sponsor of the Lay of the Land Georgia Conference on August 21, 2025 in Thomasville. Register today at: SaundersLand.com/Georgia-Conference.
Learn more at SaundersRealEstate.com and CardenInsurance.com.
Zack Porter is the Vice President and co-owner of Boa Safra Ag Services, a tech–enabled service specializing in Legacy Nutrient Deductions (LNDs). These federal tax deductions allow agricultural landowners to write off the value of essential nutrients already present in the soil at the time of purchase or inheritance of their property.
Hosted by Tyler Davis, this podcast episode covers everything from IRS compliance and Section 180 deductions to forensic agronomy and the growing use of LNDs in deal structuring and long-term land investment strategies. Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of how LNDs work, who qualifies, and how this often-overlooked tax strategy can unlock meaningful savings and enhance returns on agricultural land investments.
Learn more at SaundersRealEstate.com and BoaSafraAg.com.
This episode is intended for informational purposes only. Neither Saunders Real Estate nor its featured guests guarantee the sufficiency of the content in this episode or that it complies with current law. The content within this episode is not a substitute for legal advice or legal services or tax advice or tax services, and you should not rely on this information for any legal purpose without consulting a licensed lawyer or tax professional.
This episode features a casual conversation spotlighting the exciting momentum at Saunders Real Estate. Tyler Davis, President of our firm, and David Hill, Regional Managing Director in Arkansas, are “Talkin’ Shop,” sharing a behind-the-scenes discussion on what our team is seeing, building, and planning across the Southeast.
From standout recognition at the RLI National Land Conference to the upcoming Lay of the Land Market Reports and Conferences coming to Georgia and Arkansas, Tyler and David share company updates, market trends, and some personal stories along the way. They also discuss several of our new team members in Arkansas, the firm’s growing presence in North Carolina, and their expectations for the Global AgInvesting (GAI) conference in New York City, which took place on April 22-24, 2025.
Learn more at SaundersRealEstate.com
Andrew Diaz is a partner at Gaylord Merlin Ludovici & Diaz, one of Florida’s leading voices on eminent domain law. With decades of experience representing landowners, Andrew brings clarity to what can often be a complex and frustrating process.
Hosted by Tyler Davis, President of Saunders Real Estate, this episode explores the foundational rights of property owners, recent trends in eminent domain, and what landowners should know if they receive a notice of taking. Andrew also shares real-world case studies from his work, breaking down exactly how full compensation is determined and won for his clients.
Gaylord Merlin Ludovici & Diaz is a long-standing strategic partner of the Lay of the Land Florida Conference.
Learn more at SaundersRealEstate.com and GaylordMerlin.com.
Kyle Porter is the founder of Normal Sport, a news media company that offers a blend of golf coverage, fresh perspectives, and heartfelt storytelling to over 15,000 newsletter subscribers. In this podcast episode, Kyle joins Tyler Davis and David Hill for a slightly different conversation that explores entrepreneurship, branding, and calculated risk-taking.
While their discussion is not heavily focused on real estate, it still delivers meaningful takeaways on dedication, resilience, and strategic decision-making that can apply to all aspects of business. Mixed in with some fun conversation on the upcoming Masters Tournament, the episode offers valuable insights into building a business, identifying market opportunities, and leveraging storytelling to engage an audience.
Learn more at SaundersRealEstate.com and NormalSport.com.
In this special episode, we continue our coverage of the 2025 Lay of the Land Florida Conference, bringing you the final recorded breakout sessions from the event. Hosted by Saunders Real Estate on February 27-28 in Lakeland, Florida, this annual event brings together landowners, policymakers, and industry professionals to share the latest land market trends.
Through these collected recordings, experts share an update on Florida’s diverse agricultural sectors, strategies for land value appreciation and rezoning, and innovative ways to monetize land encumbered by conservation easements. The episode also explores the evolving landscape of conservation funding, policy, and the long-term impact of initiatives like The Florida Wildlife Corridor.
Learn more and request an invite for next year's conference at LayOfTheLandConference.com.
Chapters
(00:00:27) Perspectives on Florida's Agricultural Sectors
(00:58:15) Strategies to Increase Land Values
(01:49:12) Monetizing Encumbered Land
(02:48:08) Conservation Land Values, Funding & Policy
This special episode features a collection of recorded breakout sessions from the 2025 Lay of the Land Florida Conference, held on February 27-28 in Lakeland, Florida. This annual event, hosted by Saunders Real Estate, brings together industry leaders, landowners, and policymakers to discuss the latest trends shaping Florida’s land and commercial real estate markets.
Through expert-led conversations, this episode offers a deep dive into critical topics, including water resource management, conservation strategies, and evolving tax policies that impact landowners and investors. Additionally, it provides a comprehensive analysis of Florida’s land value trends presented by Dean Saunders. Whether you’re a seasoned industry professional or exploring land investment, this episode delivers valuable insights to help you navigate the land real estate market in Florida.
Request an invite for next year's conference at LayOfTheLandConference.com.
Chapters
(00:00:26) Florida Waters: Balancing Growth and Resource Management
(00:55:45) Navigating the Tax Policy Landscape
(01:54:23) Lay of the Land Market Report
Steven Callaham, CEO of Dundee Citrus Growers Association, is a champion of Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS)—an innovative approach to protecting crops from citrus greening disease. In this episode, Steven joins Todd Dantzler, Managing Director & Partner at Saunders Real Estate, to share insights into why CUPS may be a potential game-changer for the Florida citrus industry.
From the science behind the screen structures to the benefits of a controlled growing environment, this conversation delves into how CUPS is helping citrus growers increase yields, improve fruit quality, and combat industry challenges. Todd and Steven also discuss advancements in variety trials, specialized equipment, and state support, along with the future of citrus farming in Florida.
Learn more at SaundersRealEstate.com and Dun-D.com.
Zane Mueller, Research Advisor at Saunders Real Estate, joins this podcast episode to share about our company's dedicated research team and how they add value through verified sales data. These real-time market insights, along with a new proprietary mapping system have given our advisors and clients an unmatched competitive advantage in the land real estate market.
In talking with Tyler Davis, President of Saunders Real Estate, Zane also discusses the Lay of the Land Market Report, a highly-respected resource that compiles verified sales data and key market trends to provide unparalleled analysis into land values across specific states. This report, along with the upcoming quarterly market reports for Florida, ensures that advisors and clients have access to the most current data to inform their decisions.
Learn more at SaundersRealEstate.com.
Calling in from the United Kingdom, Sophie Green is a contemporary artist and conservationist known for her hyper-realistic animal paintings that raise awareness and financial support for issues surrounding animal welfare and the environment. She shares her experiences swimming with manatees in Florida, her Arctic expedition to observe polar bears, and the inspiration behind her new "Commodities" collection, a poignant critique on humans' exploitation of wildlife.
While her work has captured the attention of organizations like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute, she was also commissioned by Dean Saunders to create a painting for The Saunders Art Collection. Her painting, entitled "Florida's Gentle Giant," features a graceful manatee swimming through sunlit waters.
Learn more at SaundersRealEstate.com and SophieGreenFineArt.com.
Austin Alderman is an Attorney with Dean Mead law firm who specializes in land development, trust and estate litigation, and tax law issues in Florida. As an eighth-generation Floridian with roots in cattle ranching, Austin brings a unique perspective to the often complex world of taxes, blending his agricultural background with his legal expertise.
Hosted by Tyler Davis, President of Saunders Real Estate, this podcast episode covers the impact of the recent election on tax policy, specific tax provisions impacting real estate and agriculture, the Corporate Transparency Act, and other tax-related topics that could significantly impact businesses and investors going into the new year.
Learn more at SaundersRealEstate.com and DeanMead.com.
This episode is intended for informational purposes only. Neither Saunders Real Estate nor its featured guests guarantee the sufficiency of the content in this episode or that it complies with current law. The content within this episode is not a substitute for legal advice or legal services or tax advice or tax services, and you should not rely on this information for any legal purpose without consulting a licensed lawyer or tax professional.
This special episode features curated recordings from the Lay of the Land Florida Conference held on February 28-29, 2024. This annual event is designed for landowners, investors, and industry experts seeking to understand trends and opportunities within the Florida land market.
Please see the chapter markers within this episode to navigate the various sessions and topics.
Register for next year's conference at LayOfTheLandConference.com.
Chapters
(00:00:26) Agricultural Investments
(00:55:45) State of Timberland
(01:54:23) Developer Response to Current Market and Beyond
(02:48:35) Lay of the Land Market Report
With nearly 50 years of experience, Greg Hay is a reforestation advisor with ArborGen and is the newly-elected President of the Arkansas Forestry Association. In this podcast episode, Greg joins Arkansas Managing Director, David Hill, to share his expertise in logging, conservation, carbon credits, and timberland investment in Arkansas.
David and Greg also explore the lucrative opportunities in timberland investment in Arkansas, discussing the competitive returns it offers compared to traditional asset classes and its potential for income diversification through hunting leases and carbon credits.
Learn more at SaundersRealEstate.com.
This special episode is a compilation of selected session recordings from our annual Lay of the Land Florida Conference held on February 28-29, 2024. This event is a must-attend for landowners, investors, and industry experts as we share exclusive market data affecting the factors shaping Florida’s land values, trends, and development opportunities.
Please see the chapter markers within this episode to navigate the various sessions and topics.
Request an invite for next year's conference at LayOfTheLandConference.com.
Chapters
(00:00:26) 30 Years of Conservation Easements
(00:55:45) How Transportation is Shaping Florida's Economic Growth(01:54:23) Mineral Rights
(02:48:35) Report from the Hill
Anna is an environmental and land use attorney with Dean Mead law firm in Florida. She has over 30 years of experience working on both sides of the fence – for local government and currently in private practice. In this podcast episode, Anna sits down with Tyler Davis to discuss land use and zoning as it relates to securing entitlements, environmental considerations, affordable housing, and some of the common challenges faced with land development.
This episode provides several best practices for landowners, developers, and real estate professionals seeking to understand the intricate balance between land development and environmental law.
Learn more at SaundersRealEstate.com and DeanMead.com.
Hosted by Arkansas Managing Director David Hill, this episode welcomes Chance Creighton, an avid sportsman with deep roots in Arkansas agriculture, to discuss the state's appeal as a prime location for both farm and recreational investment. The conversation covers some of the state's main crops—soybeans, corn, cotton, and rice—and explores various specialized farming techniques adapted from the state's unique geography and climate.
While supported by a robust farming industry, Arkansas land investment also derives value from its excellent hunting and recreational opportunities. David and Chance discuss these lucrative land investment strategies in depth, as well as the various conservation programs and agricultural incentives that the state offers.
Learn more at SaundersRealEstate.com.
This special episode is a compilation of selected session recordings from our annual I-4 Corridor Commercial Conference held on October 3, 2024, in ChampionsGate, Florida. Attendees learned from expert panels, attended engaging breakout sessions, and networked with industry leaders, making it a key event for understanding the region's economic trends.
Please see the chapter markers within this episode to navigate the various sessions and topics.
Learn more at I4Commercial.com.
Chapters:
(00:00:49) Tourism
(00:33:15) Residential/Multifamily
(01:11:00) Industrial(01:55:37) Property Management
(02:43:36) Transportation
This podcast episode delves into the intricacies of land use, real estate, and environmental law with attorneys Robert Angus Williams and Lauren Brooks of Lewis, Longman & Walker. They discuss the crucial steps of environmental due diligence, including the importance of Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments.
Robert and Lauren also discuss the role of environmental lawyers in navigating legal challenges as well as various strategies for managing properties impacted by environmental issues. The episode provides important insights into navigating environmental challenges and legal strategies in property transactions.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and LLW-Law.com.
David Hill is the Regional Managing Director of SVN | Saunders Ralston Dantzler Real Estate in Fayetteville, Arkansas. In this episode, David sits down with Tyler Davis, President of the firm, to discuss David’s transition into real estate and the unique dynamics of the Arkansas land market.
David and Tyler also dive into some of the firm's future plans for the state, particularly in Northwest Arkansas. They emphasize the importance of onboarding local expertise in specialized real estate markets, such as poultry farming and forestry, to effectively meet clients' needs.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
Cathy Salustri is an accomplished author who writes about the hidden and beautiful corners of Florida. Her work includes the books Backroads of Paradise: A Journey to Rediscover Old Florida where she retraces historic driving tours to connect the past and present of this diverse state, and Florida Spectacular: Extraordinary Places and Exceptional Lives where she uncovers the state’s natural beauty and fascinating history.
In this podcast episode, Cathy shares insights from her travels along Florida’s backroads, emphasizing the rich cultural and natural heritage of the state. She discusses the contrasts between Florida’s tourist hubs and its serene landscapes, placing deep importance on sustainable development for a growing population.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and CathySalustri.com.
This podcast episode was originally published on February 21, 2024.This episode dives into the intricate world of ecology and environmental consulting with Jacob Taminosian, a Senior Ecologist at Passarella & Associates. The discussion spans from wetlands classification to wildlife conservation, emphasizing the crucial role these ecosystems play in flood attenuation, water filtration, and habitat preservation.
Taminosian also sheds light on the challenges faced by endangered species like the Florida panther and the delicate balance required between development and conservation. These insights provide a comprehensive overview of the complexities inherent in real estate development within ecologically sensitive areas.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
This podcast episode was originally published on February 7, 2024.
This episode is joined by Brad Lunz, President of The Lunz Group, a full-service commercial architectural and interior design firm established in Central Florida. With his extensive expertise in commercial development, Brad shares his knowledge on the future of commercial real estate, emerging office space trends, the challenges of a labor shortage, and the rise of hybrid work scenarios.
Brad is also the CEO of The Apiary, a Lakeland-based creative services and animation studio. Throughout the episode, he provides insights into various projects, such as Catalyst, a collaborative platform involving LEDC, the Lakeland CRA, and the Lunz Group, which pioneers groundbreaking digital twin technology for urban planning within the city of Lakeland.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
This podcast episode was originally published on May 17, 2023.
Zach VanHook is a Forester at Kissimmee Valley Foresters in Polk County, Florida. In this episode, Zach educates our listeners on the importance of prescribed burns and other land management practices.
Later in the conversation, Zach also helps define what mitigation banks are and why they are important for preserving natural land in Florida. To optimize the value of their property, landowners should understand these land management practices and how to implement them effectively.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and KissimmeeValleyForesters.com.
This podcast episode was originally published on June 14, 2023.
When navigating the complexities of land use in Florida, it is crucial to obtain the appropriate legal representation before making any decisions. In this episode, Robert Angus Williams, Shareholder at Lewis, Longman & Walker, shares the importance of the Florida Right to Farm Act as well as his experience with permitting, wetlands, and real estate law.
Throughout the state of Florida, Angus works with landowners, businesses, and governments to achieve their goals within the bounds of local, state, and federal regulations. Tune in to learn how his firm strikes the balance between government policy and client objectives.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and LLW-Law.com.
This episode was originally published on January 18, 2023.
Elaine Imbruglia is the President and an environmental consultant at Modica & Associates, Inc. As an environmental consultant, her career is crucial in protecting the beautiful and natural ecosystems of Florida.
In this episode, Elaine dives into her typical ecological tasks as well as some of the interesting and endangered species she encounters. She also explains how Modica & Associates has provided both public and private entities with environmental services in ecological assessments, permitting, and environmental planning.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com or call Elaine at 352-394-2000.
This episode was originally published on January 4, 2023.
Eminent domain can be a threatening legal procedure for the Florida landowner. In this episode, attorney Andrew Diaz, partner at Gaylord Merlin Ludovici & Diaz, joins the podcast to discuss eminent domain and the process of protecting landowner’s property rights.
Throughout the conversation, Andrew unpacks the legal intricacies of eminent domain, sharing real-life cases and offering strategic advice on how landowners can safeguard their properties against government acquisition. Gaylord Merlin Ludovici & Diaz always ensures their client's property receives proper valuation and legal representation when faced with eminent domain.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and GaylordMerlin.com.
In this episode, Linda and Chad are joined by Matt Hestad of the Georgia Forestry Association. With extensive knowledge in the lumber and timber industry, Matt offers a comprehensive overview of the economic and environmental significance of forestry in Georgia, a state that leads the nation in several forestry-related categories.
Delving deep into the industry's $41 billion economic impact and its support of around 140,000 jobs, Matt discusses both the historical context of forestry in Georgia and the modern-day challenges it faces, such as mill closures and inflation pressures. He also highlights innovative advancements, such as sustainable aviation fuel and mass timber, which are setting the stage for future growth and sustainability in the sector.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and GFAgrow.org.
Hunter Forbes, a land advisor at SVN | Saunders Ralston Dantzler Real Estate, blends his passions for hunting, fishing, and land management into his professional life. In this podcast episode, he delves into his experience in land management, highlighting different strategies for landowners to enhance the utility and value of their properties.
Both a real estate advisor and land manager, Hunter is uniquely equipped to navigate clients through the intricacies of land ownership—from securing a purchase to implementing sustainable management practices for hunting and recreation. Through personal stories, he shares some of the challenges and rewards of managing large estates and hunting lodges while also highlighting the importance of fostering connections with landowners and outdoor enthusiasts.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
This episode emphasizes the critical efforts needed to protect and restore Florida's springs and waterways with Ryan Smart, Executive Director of the Florida Springs Council. As the head of a nonprofit dedicated to preserving these vital natural resources, Ryan discusses significant challenges facing Florida springs, such as pollution and excessive water withdrawal.
The conversation also explores the importance of community involvement and legislative action in conservation efforts. Ryan highlights how local advocacy and legal representation are essential in driving policy changes and ensuring effective enforcement of environmental laws. Public awareness and participation are crucial in sustaining the natural beauty and crucial ecological functions of Florida springs, as well as promoting environmental stewardship and conservation.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and FloridaSpringsCouncil.org.
In this episode, we explore agritourism with Lena Juarez, Founder of JEJ & Associates and Executive Director of the Florida Agritourism Association. Lena discusses the significant role agritourism plays in Florida's economy, combining two of the state's top industries: tourism and agriculture.
She also highlights how recent legislative changes have enhanced liability protection for farmers, enabling them to host a variety of public events and create new income streams. From u-pick operations to weddings on farms, agritourism is shown as a dynamic sector that not only supports farmers and ranchers but also contributes to community building and education.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and VisitFloridaFarms.org.
Jeff Bewsher is a Senior Advisor at SVN | Saunders Ralston Dantzler and a Certified Wildlife Biologist at Legacy Wildlife Services. In this episode, Jeff takes listeners on a deep dive into the world of hunting lease management and its crucial role in land conservation and real estate.
With his unique expertise, Jeff highlights how hunting leases offer both sustainable wildlife management solutions and valuable revenue streams for landowners. The episode explores the challenges and opportunities within the industry, providing invaluable insights for anyone interested in land management, wildlife conservation, and real estate.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and LegacyWildlife.com.
This episode is a recorded discussion from the annual Florida Lay of the Land Conference. The discussion brought together leaders in consulting forestry, timberland real estate, forest landowners, and the timber industry to discuss the current state of timberland in Florida. Jack Vogel of Natural Resource Planning Services moderated the session, inviting expert panelists Greg Driskell of SVN | Saunders Ralston Dantzler, Wesley Carter of Loncala, Mike Daniel of Robbins Manufacturing, Ken Griner of Usher Land & Timber, and Eric Handley of Usher Land & Timber.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and LayOfTheLandConference.com.
The exclusive Lay of the Land Market Report continues to be the single source of verified Florida sales data used to evaluate real estate market trends and land values throughout the year. Recorded at the annual Florida Lay of the Land Conference, this presentation was delivered by Dean Saunders, Founder and Managing Partner of SVN | Saunders Ralston Dantzler.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and LayOfTheLandConference.com.
This presentation was recorded at the annual Florida Lay of the Land Conference. From enhancing connectivity to fostering economic hubs, the panel aims to unravel the relationship between transportation initiatives and Florida’s flourishing economic growth. Led by Vickie Chachere, this episode features Ed Washington of Port Tampa Bay, Ryan Cronin of CITY Furniture, and Tim Weisheyer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and LayOfTheLandConference.com.
Recorded at the Florida Lay of the Land Conference, this panel provided valuable insights into how real estate developers and industry leaders are adapting to challenges, seizing opportunities, and strategizing for the future amidst the evolving economic environment. Moderated by Gary Ralston of SVN | Saunders Ralston Dantzler, the discussion was joined by Noah Breakstone of BTI Partners, Timothy P. Hultgren of D.R. Horton, and Bobby Anderson of Alliance Residential Company.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and LayOfTheLandConference.com.
Against the backdrop of Florida’s unique agricultural landscape, our seasoned panelists delve into the current market conditions shaping the business of farming and land-based investments. Recorded at the annual Florida Lay of the Land Conference, this panel discussion was moderated by Jeff Cusson of SVN | Saunders Ralston Dantzler and features panelists Johan Dam from Farm Credit of Central Florida, Rhett Rogers of Rayonier, and Brett Smith of Gladstone.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and LayOfTheLandConference.com.
At the annual Florida Lay of the Land Conference, this recorded session brought together policy experts and industry insiders to provide attendees with a comprehensive overview of the current and impending legislative landscape impacting landowners in Florida. Led by Tyler Davis of SVN | Saunders Ralston Dantzler, the discussion featured Ben Mills of Carden & Associates, Mike Joyner of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, Michael Minton of Dean Mead, and Austin Alderman of Dean Mead.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and LayOfTheLandConference.com.
Follow up blog by Dean Mead: Corporate Transparency Act Unconstitutional, Judge Rules
This panel was recorded at the annual Florida Lay of the Land Conference. During this discussion, our expert panelists dived into the complexities and opportunities surrounding mineral rights in Florida, exploring the legal, economic, and environmental dimensions. Moderated by Trent Saunders of SVN | Saunders Ralston Dantzler, the panel was joined by Wendi McAleese of American Government Services and Lenord Johnson of Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and LayOfTheLandConference.com.
Recorded at the annual Florida Lay of the Land Conference, these visionary leaders and key figures each held pivotal roles in pioneering the use of conservation easements in Florida. Together, they discussed the inception and evolution of the Green Swamp Land Authority, celebrating the transformative impact of Florida land preservation over the past three decades.
Led by Eric Draper, this panel featured Dean Saunders of SVN | Saunders Ralston Dantzler, Claude Smoak, Charles Lee, Rick Dantzler, and Charles H. Houder III.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and LayOfTheLandConference.com.
Frank Wooten is the co-founder of Vence, a virtual fencing system developed for rotational grazing and livestock management. A brand within Merck Animal Health, the Vence tool controls cattle movement, manages grazing, and creates virtual fences to dictate grazing behavior and monitor animal location and movement without physical barriers.
In this episode, Wooten shares the benefits of virtual fencing, highlighting its potential to modernize ranching practices while reducing labor in the process. Wooten also discusses some of the challenges that this new technology has faced within the ranching and agricultural industry.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
Learn more at Merck-Animal-Health-USA.com/Species/Cattle/Vence.
This episode dives into the intricate world of ecology and environmental consulting with Jacob Taminosian, a Senior Ecologist at Passarella & Associates. The discussion spans from wetlands classification to wildlife conservation, emphasizing the crucial role these ecosystems play in flood attenuation, water filtration, and habitat preservation.
Taminosian also sheds light on the challenges faced by endangered species like the Florida panther and the delicate balance required between development and conservation. These insights provide a comprehensive overview of the complexities inherent in real estate development within ecologically sensitive areas.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
We're joined by Brad Lunz, President of The Lunz Group, a full-service commercial architectural and interior design firm established in Central Florida. With his extensive expertise in commercial development, Brad shares his knowledge on the future of commercial real estate, emerging office space trends, the challenges of a labor shortage, and the rise of hybrid work scenarios.
Brad is also the CEO of The Apiary, a Lakeland-based creative services and animation studio. Throughout the episode, he provides insights into various projects, such as Catalyst, a collaborative platform involving LEDC, the Lakeland CRA, and the Lunz Group, which pioneers groundbreaking digital twin technology for urban planning within the city of Lakeland.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
Tyler Davis, ALC is the CFO of SVN | Saunders Ralston Dantzler. In this episode of In Our Expert Opinion Real Estate Podcast, Tyler joins the show to share some company growth strategies for new markets.
The conversation explores business succession planning, expansion strategies, and the importance of hiring and training the right people. Tyler also emphasizes the significance of education and knowledge-sharing in the industry, providing valuable insights into the world of real estate and business growth.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
Bryant Peace, ALC is the Regional Managing Director at SVN | Saunders Ralston Dantzler's Thomasville, Georgia office. An expert in both land management and real estate, Bryant joins this podcast episode to share his industry experience moving from Florida to Georgia, highlighting the attraction of the southern real estate market.
During the episode, Bryant delves into the latest real estate trends and essential land management strategies that have helped his clients succeed in the current market. As a land broker and advisor, Bryant also educated our listeners on how to create the most value out of their land assets.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
As we approach the end of another year of podcasting, Linda and Chad reflect on the diverse list of guests and their favorite topics from the past year. This episode is more casual than our typical episodes, offering a blend of real estate insights, humor, and personal anecdotes.
Throughout 2023, the podcast has invited experts from many different fields including wildlife management, archaeology, real estate law, and much more. Linda and Chad's candid reflections on the past year, along with their appreciation for the guests, provide a nice hour of entertainment for the audience.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
In this special episode of In Our Expert Opinion, Linda is joined by the Partners of SVN | Saunders Ralston Dantzler, Dean Saunders, Gary Ralston, and Todd Dantzler. Recounting the events and real estate trends of the past year, the episode covers a wide range of topics, including company expansion, Florida's population growth, and some of the challenges and opportunities within the current real estate market.
As the episode continues, the Partners discuss topics on networking events, market reports, property management, and the importance of surrounding yourself with a good team. In an ever-evolving real estate environment, this episode gives an insider point-of-view on the brokerage's most recent year.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
In this episode, Linda is joined by Tim Bosetti, Senior Project Manager and Environmental Engineer at A-C-T Environmental & Infrastructure. As a strategic partner with SVN | Saunders Ralston Dantzler, A-C-T has helped the firm with various properties that require environmental assessments.
With this particular discussion, Tim enlightens our audience on A-C-T's services regarding environmental issues and remediation in Florida's real estate landscape. Environmental remediation, along with other practices, helps to ensure safe and sustainable development for commercial real estate.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and A-C-T.com.
Jay Vogel is an Environmental Services Manager at Natural Resource Planning Services (NRPS) and a real estate agent at SVN | Saunders Ralston Dantzler. With this breadth of knowledge, Jay is an expert in all things forestry, wildlife, conservation, and environmental services.
In this podcast episode, Jay shares his expertise on some of the key land use strategies that landowners utilize to monetize their property. The conversation covers hunting leases, timber management, conservation easements, and much more.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and NRPSforesters.com.
Michael Minton and Dennis Corrick are shareholders at Dean Mead who specialize in agriculture and real estate law. In this episode, Michael and Dennis join the podcast to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the solar industry, including land leases, regulations, and innovative land use.
The episode also touches on the personal and professional journeys of the guests and their perspectives on tax planning and real estate law. Overall, it's an engaging and informative episode that provides insights into the world of solar energy and its intersection with real estate law in Florida.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and DeanMead.com.
In this episode, Linda and Chad are joined by Tim Holden, a seasoned real estate appraiser who specializes in conservation easements. Located in the state of Florida, Tim holds vast expertise in valuing and appraising conservation easements.
While conservation easements help protect Florida's natural resources, Tim aims to highlight the compensation aspect of these deals. The discussion also touches on the profound impact of conservation easements on property values, the meticulous process of appraising them for government agencies, and the overall demand for easements in the state of Florida.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
French Brown is a shareholder and Florida tax lawyer at Dean Mead. As an expert in this field, French frequently lobbies the Florida Legislature and is very involved with all major tax legislation within the state.
In this podcast episode, French informs our listeners on the latest legislative updates that affect Florida's commercial real estate and tax landscape. Key takeaways from this comprehensive overview include topics of agriculture sales tax exemptions, commercial property taxes, and the unique business rent tax in the state. The episode has something for everyone, so don't miss out on this informative discussion.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and DeanMead.com.
From our annual I-4 Corridor Conference, the Regional Economic Development and Planning panel discusses how economic development remains a critical focal point for governments, businesses, and communities alike. In this episode, the region's economic development and government leaders explore innovative approaches and best practices that promote growth, resilience, and economic prosperity.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
Led by Senior Advisor Augie Schmidt at our annual I-4 Corridor Conference, the panel covered market updates regarding inventory, transaction volume, and values. Each panelist discussed successes and challenges, upcoming technological advancements, potential for economic growth, and market impacts of changing interest rates.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
From our annual I-4 Corridor Conference, leaders from Central Florida's higher education institutions delved into the pivotal role that universities and colleges play in bolstering the economy, fostering entrepreneurship, and aligning with the evolving needs of the job market.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
In a recorded session at the SVN SRD annual I-4 Corridor Conference, the panel's discussion focused on housing trends, rent rates, demographic and housing appetite trends, affordability challenges, The Live Local Act, senior housing, and entitlement/permitting challenges. Additional discussion focused on the impact of interest rates, construction costs, and equity markets.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
This episode is a brief reprieve from our typical expert format with some fun, casual conversation with Partner and Managing Director Todd Dantzler, CCIM. Joining the podcast for the second time, Todd is thrilled to promote his podcast, “Todd’s Podcast.”
On his new platform, Todd invites friends, colleagues, elected officials, and other influential figures he’s met throughout his life and career. Todd aims to give his listeners great stories, laughs, and inspiration for their week.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and ToddDantzler.com.
In this episode of In Our Expert Opinion Real Estate Podcast, Linda and Chad are joined by Sarah Miller, the Regional Director for the Northeast and East Central Centers of the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN). Hosted by Flagler College, FPAN is made up of regional centers in Florida that are dedicated to preserving the state's rich archaeological heritage.
During this discussion, Sarah shares about her work at FPAN as well as provides insights into Florida's ancient cemeteries, the balance between archaeological preservation and development, and some of the common challenges within her line of work.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and fpan.us.
Resource links:
- Florida Master Site File- https://dos.myflorida.com/historical/preservation/master-site-file/
- Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN) - https://www.fpan.us/
- Seminole Tribe of Florida - https://www.semtribe.com/stof
Based in Southwest Georgia, Mike Matre, ALC, RF, ACF, is an expert forestry consultant and real estate advisor at SVN | Saunders Ralston Dantzler. Mike specializes in helping landowners manage their timber and wildlife.
In this episode, Mike discusses the importance of implementing adequate land management practices like prescribed burns which can add great value to a property while helping landowners meet their land investment goals.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com
Paul Noris is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Central Florida. In this episode, Paul visits the studio to discuss the impacts of rising interest rates and how historically-low rates, which are not the norm, are not a sustainable business model for banks. He also raises awareness about the modern-day bank fraud method of phishing emails while explaining how AI is helping prevent these fraudulent activities.
Paul also shares why you should be working with a community bank for commercial real estate lending.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and bankofcentralflorida.com.
Brett Cyphers is a Partner at Anfield Consulting and the host of the "Water For Fighting" podcast. In this episode, Brett educates listeners on the important role that water management districts play in real estate development and permitting. Listen as Brett dives into the significance of preserving water resources in Florida as well as the different issues he encounters while helping protect the state's vital natural resources.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
Find Brett at AnfieldFlorida.com or WaterForFighting.com.
In this episode, Linda and Chad sit down with Mike Damboise, a dedicated real estate agent who has worn multiple hats in his career. As a skilled helicopter pilot and successful 1031 exchange investor, Mike offers a distinctive perspective to each of his prospective clients. Join the conversation as Mike shares his unique experiences as a cattle rancher, commercial real estate investor, and a dedicated real estate agent.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
When navigating the complexities of land use in Florida, it is crucial to obtain the appropriate legal representation before making any decisions. In this episode, Robert Angus Williams, Shareholder at Lewis, Longman & Walker, shares his experience working with landowners, businesses, and governments to achieve their goals within the bounds of local, state, and federal regulations. The firm strives to strike a balance between government policy and client objectives.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and LLW-Law.com.
David Hitchcock, ALC, CCIM, joins Linda and Chad in the studio to discuss his extensive experience representing Central Florida residential development clients with his business partner, Clay Taylor.
He covers the importance of understanding land use and zoning, knowing area planners, and verifying proof of funds.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
Zach VanHook is a Forester at Kissimmee Valley Foresters. In this episode, Zach educates us on the importance of prescribed burns and other land management practices. VanHook also helps define what mitigation banks are and why they are important for preserving natural land in Florida.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and KissimmeeValleyForesters.com.
In this episode, Senior Advisor Craig Morby joins the pod to discuss his transition into commercial real estate as well as his experience within the multifamily sector. Over his career, Craig has observed various trends within multifamily while specifically becoming involved with the rising popularity of mobile home park investment in the Central Florida market.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
In a live session at the 2023 Lay of the Land Conference, Senior Advisor Jeremiah Thompson leads a discussion covering Florida Forever and Family Lands Protection Program and the state’s funding of these programs. Panelists include Dean Saunders, Callie DeHaven from the Florida DEP Division of State Lands, Crenel Francis of the USDA NRCS-FL, Keith Rowell from the FDACS.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and LayoftheLandConference.com.
Focusing on Florida’s agricultural market, industry experts discuss the impacts of their specific fields within this evolving market.
The discussion is lead by Senior Advisor Richard Dempsey, ALC, CIPS and includes panelist Glenn Beck of Beck Brothers Citrus, Jimmy Bielling of the Florida Forestry Association, David Hill of Southern Hills Farms, and John Williamson of Williamson Cattle Company.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and LayoftheLandConference.com.
In this episode recorded at the 2023 Lay of the Land Conference, Founder and Managing Director Dean Saunders talks candidly with David Auld, President and CEO of D.R. Horton, about changes in the residential market through their careers. David provides insights on creating and maintaining a competitive company culture over his 40-year career with D.R. Horton.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and LayoftheLandConference.com.
At our annual Lay of the Land Conference, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, Wilton Simpson, highlighted the importance of protecting Florida's farmland, the balance between state and federal government, and updates from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and LayoftheLandConference.com.
From our annual Lay of the Land Conference, Dean Saunders invites some of Florida's leading developmental authorities to discuss the state's ever-increasing need for housing and the strategy for development in this growing market.
Dean is joined by Noah Breakstone, Managing Partner and CEO at BTI Partners, Daniel B. Green, Principal at Wheelock Street Capital, and Jim Bavouset, EVP National Land Operations at Lennar.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and LayoftheLandConference.com.
Amy Wiggins is the President and CEO of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce. In this episode, Amy joins Linda and Chad to discuss the role of city Chambers in all aspects of business growth and community development. She offers her expert advice and wisdom on how an influential Chamber of Commerce stays involved in its community and why Lakeland, Florida citizens hold such a fond appreciation for their hometown.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
Josh Sheppard, who specializes in South Florida operations, joins Linda and Chad to discuss his start in commercial real estate. He discusses his work with dispensary companies and those who are looking for commercial development sites. Josh explains the complexity of cannabis real estate and the highly-valued Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (MMTC) licenses.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
As the Director of Community and Economic Development for the City of Lakeland, Brian Rewis is heavily involved in the city's economic activity and diverse communities. From Code Enforcement, to Affordable Housing activities, to Building Inspection, Brian's passion for Lakeland has earned him a wide range of expertise. In this episode, Linda and Brian discuss the trend of development, affordable housing, and the impact both have on shaping the city.
Learn more at https://www.lakelandgov.net/departments/community-economic-development/
Elaine Imbruglia is the President and Environmental Consultant at Modica & Associates. As an Environmental Consultant, her career is crucial in protecting the beautiful and natural ecosystem of Florida. In this episode, Elaine dives into her typical ecological tasks as well as some of the interesting species she encounters.
Learn more by calling 352-394-2000.
Eminent domain can be a threatening legal procedure for the Florida landowner. In this episode, attorney Andrew Diaz, joins Linda to discuss eminent domain and the process of protecting landowner’s property rights.
Connect with Andrew Diaz at GaylordMerlin.com.
Our 2022 episodes have officially come to an end. The podcast hosted in-house by Linda Schultz, and Chad Mills has covered several hot topics in commercial real estate, from property management to trends within the land market.
During this episode, Linda and Chad reminisce on some of their favorite moments from the almost 1,000 minutes of content we've recorded over the year. And we finally all learn what Michael Huntley does at SVN | SRD. Be sure to check out our past episodes; we're confident you will find something you'll enjoy.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
Keat Waldron, ALC dives into his predictions for the land real estate market for the coming year. He also discusses how he always knew he wanted to establish a career in real estate. With his history in ranch and agriculture, Keat naturally landed in land brokerage and has found success.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
Rafael Mendez, CCIM the newly appointed Managing Director of the SVN SRD Orlando office, joins Linda and Chad in the studio to discuss the commercial real estate market, current office space trends, and the expansion plans into the Orlando area.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
Trent Saunders, ALC sits down with Linda and Chad to discuss where his love of land originated and how starting from ground zero at SVN SRD provided a complete understanding of real estate brokerage.
Trent explains how he always works in his client's best interest, ensuring their needs are met.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
From Research Analyst to SVN SRD Golden Boy, Augie Schmidt joins the pod to discuss how football and his work in researching commercial real estate laid the foundation for his successful career - specializing in industrial properties throughout Central Florida.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
Everyone's favorite advisor, Zeb Griffin, joins Linda and Chad in the studio to explain why the ALC designation is important, his passion for land and hunting, and how his very first cold call led him to SVN | Saunders Ralston Dantzler. Zeb also helps explain the details of our SVN SRD Land Management program.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
Jim Edwards joins Linda to discuss his work that helped redevelop downtown Lakeland, Florida. Jim lobbied for zoning changes and incentivized and reduced barriers for private investors.
He shares how his experiences in revitalizing several downtown cities, his formal education in Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, serve him well in his career now in commercial real estate.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
SVN SRD Partner and Managing Director Todd Dantzler, CCIM visits the studio and talks about his family's history in real estate and the minimum wages earned while counting trees in the groves with his dad. We learn of Todd's experiences that span from fraternity president, aspiring race car driver, to county commissioner - all while practicing real estate.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
Linda is joined by Larry Montanus, Advisor & Business Broker at SVN | Saunders Ralston Dantzler Real Estate. Larry shares his prior role in Europe’s largest packaging company, including his travel on the Concorde. He discusses his experience with mergers and acquisitions and how that translates to his current industrial and commercial real estate work.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
Gary Ralston, Managing Director at SVN SRD, is the country's most designated practicing commercial realtor. He brings a wealth of industry knowledge (and real estate analytics) to the brokerage and his clients. He provides a glimpse into his passion for data during the episode but dives deep in his new YouTube series, DataBreak with Gary Ralston.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com. Check out DataBreak with Gary Ralston on YouTube.
In a recorded session at the SVN SRD annual Lay of the Land Conference, Elaine Imbruglia of Modica & Associates and Susan L. Stephens of Stearns Weaver Miller discuss current wetlands and wildlife issues. They discuss environmental regulatory topics as it relates to commercial real estate such as State 404 Permitting, anticipated changes in federal wetland jurisdiction, status of gopher tortoise permitting and recipient sites.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and LayoftheLandConference.com.
Dan Brooks is the adopted son of SVN SRD. Really he's the Property Manager & Facilities Director. He has served in various roles with the firm, starting as a market researcher, then drone pilot, and now serves as property manager. Dan discusses why it's important to have open lines of communication with clients and tenants.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
SVN SRD Senior Advisors Dean Saunders, Richard Dempsey, Bryant Peace, and Dusty Calderon are joined by Florida Senate President Wilton Simpson at our annual Lay of the Land Conference held in Lakeland, Florida. The panel reflects on the 2021 land real estate market and tries to make predictions for 2022. President Wilton Simpson discusses current state initiatives and what Floridians can expect to see in the near future.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and LayoftheLandConference.com.
COO, Jonathan Barreras, sits down to discuss how the SVN SRD organizational structure and company culture help agents, both new and experienced, succeed in commercial and land real estate. In addition to being the company's unlicensed but practicing in-house therapist, expansion into the Orlando market is a key initiative for Jonathan in 2022.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
From our annual Lay of the Land Conference, the Estate and Trust Planning session covered tax policy updates from Washington and focused on pro-active steps landowners can take to save on taxes and smartly plan their estates.
CFO, Tyler Davis, lead discussions with Michael Minton, Chair of Dean Mead’s Agribusiness and Solar Energy Industry Team and Hugh Dailey, North Central Florida Market President of MIDFLORIDA Credit Union.
The panel had in-depth conversions on expiring tax deductions, Section 1031 exchanges, Estate Tax Rates and Exemptions, how to avoid probate & estate administration, and the Corporate Transparency Act. Those in attendance left with many takeaways to apply to their personal tax and estate situations.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and LayoftheLandConference.com.
Dean Saunders, Founder & Managing Director at SVN SRD returns to explain where the idea of the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program originated. Linda learns the real story of Dean's office fire.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
Eric Ammon has been in commercial real estate his entire career. Eric shares some wild stories and experiences with a large insurance company where he worked as an investment property manager overseeing joint venture partnerships across the country and then eventually running the asset management department.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
A self-proclaimed numbers guy, Senior Advisor David Hungerford, sits down with Linda Schultz and discusses his path into commercial real estate. While he earned a degree from Linda's rival school, the real learning took place on the job and through professional organizations like CCIM.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
Advisor Jeremiah 'JT' Thompson discusses his work in gathering annual sales data that is included in the SVN SRD land report which continues to be the single source of verified Florida sales data used to evaluate market trends and land values. The data is presented each year at the Lay of the Land Conference. He also introduces Linda and Chad to the concept of carbon sequestration (capture) and how it's playing a larger role in land real estate.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
Lauren Smith has grown up in the business. Literally. Daughter to the Gary Ralston of SVN Saunders Ralston Dantzler, Lauren has made a name for herself and currently runs the Property Management division for the firm. She shares her approach on setting expectations with both owners and tenants.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
Linda Schultz sits down with the Founder & Managing Director, Dean Saunders. In this episode, Dean talks about his time in the Florida House of Representatives, where he proposed and became one of three main sponsors of Bert J. Harris Private Property Rights Protection Act. This legislation later evolved into Florida’s conservation easements programs.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
Tyler Davis, CFO at SVN SRD, teaches Linda (and the rest of us) about the challenges and requirements in starting an asset management company and the importance of having solid property management services, knowledgable leasing agents, and extensive real estate experience.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
Richard "The King" Dempsey is the most tenured real estate advisor at SVN Saunders Ralston Dantzler Real Estate. While Richard prefers transactions dealt only in cash, he has plenty of experience in smaller deals that often lead to bigger headaches. He shares the difficulties in knowing when a lead is worth pursuing and how modern technologies make it easier and, occasionally, more challenging.
Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.
Our annual Lay of the Land Conference archive is full of helpful expertise for landowners. In this podcast from the 2018 conference, Brendon Dedekind, CCIM, provides a high-level view of Central Florida’s industrial market.
Brendon said his clients come into Florida looking for a piece of land where they can build a million square feet in 12 months. We don’t keep that kind of product sitting around on the shelf.
If you own land near road infrastructure that are extensive tracts of land, you must position the land well. Decide if industrial is the highest and best use, and then get that land set for production and industrial. The first one that's ready to deliver is usually the person who gets the last look by the institutional buyers.
Read more at SVNsaunders.com.
On April 7, the US Treasury Department released a nineteen-page document outlining some of the key provisions in President Biden’s Made in America Tax Plan. In the weeks since, additional provisions and guidance have been released and discussed.
While the effects of the proposed tax changes are different for each industry, they will undoubtedly impact commercial real estate in Florida. In this video, Tyler Davis analyzed a few of the key proposed changes affecting property owners in the state of Florida.
To download these slides or print out a summary article, please visit: https://www.saundersrealestate.com/the-biden-tax-plans-potential-impacts-on-florida-commercial-real-estate/
Our Lay of the Land Conference archive is full of helpful expertise for landowners. In this podcast from the 2018 conference, Paul Romanowski, the Florida Region President of DR Horton, Inc., reviewed the residential development market.
Paul provided this overview of the residential market in Florida, which has continued strong growth since the time of this recording. In 2017, the market represented about $140 billion worth of sales and industry, with about one-quarter of the activity in new homes.
Read more at thelandjournal.net.
Different forms of air conditioning and refrigeration have been around for centuries. Still, it wasn't until one Floridian came up with a unique idea in the 1840s that progress began, leading to today’s modern air conditioning.
Watch the video of this story on thelandjournal.net.
Millions of citrus acres have been lost to greening, thousands of jobs have been lost, and billions of state income have been lost. Millions of dollars have been spent both by the government and private citizens and companies on research for a cure, but none have been found to date.
Read this article and others at thelandjournal.net.
Zora Neale Hurston lived her life to the fullest and became a significant figure in Florida history. Not only was she an extremely accomplished and respected writer, but she spent almost twenty years as an anthropologist, collecting and preserving the cultures she studied. Today her books are mandatory reading in high schools and colleges around the world and a treasured resource of Black history.
Read this article and find more articles and videos about Florida land and history at thelandjournal.net.
While not as famous as Blackbeard, Black Caesar gave the shores of Florida's east coast the nickname the Gold Coast by burying his gold on the beaches. His infamy grew large enough to gain the attention of Blackbeard, who recruited him to join his crew. After being captured in Africa and sold into slavery, Black Caesar’s journey from tribal chief, to slave, to piracy began.
Read more and find more great Florida history at thelandjournal.net.
As you look forward to Super Bowl LV in Tampa on Sunday, have you ever wondered about the history of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers team name? To understand the significance of buccaneers in Tampa’s culture, you must first know the story of the notorious pirate named Jose Gaspar. While a lot of people will visit Tampa Bay this year to watch the Bucs and Tom Brady play in the Super Bowl, another annual event is essential: the Gasparilla Festival.
You can read this article and find more great content about Florida history on TheLandJournal.net.
Negotiating conservation easements can be tricky and will have a permanent impact on the owner of private land. Dean Saunders, ALC, CCIM, is a real estate broker and conservation easement expert. He sat down with us to explain how to negotiate conservation easements.
Saunders used an example scenario in conservation easement negotiation. These negotiations are an important part of coming to an agreement between a landowner and a land trust or government agency at the state and federal level.
Read more or watch the video at thelandjournal.net.
Alfred duPont and Edward Ball Created a legacy in Florida that is felt to this day.
Edward Ball, the last of the Florida robber barons, died at age 96, still running his company and fighting every day for the control he’d always enjoyed. At the end of his life, he was in a legal battle with his own company over whether or not a frail older man should still be allowed to run such a large enterprise.
But who was Edward Ball? Where did he amass his fortune? And why is he a controversial figure?
To understand where Edward Ball came from, you have to know about Alfred Irénée duPont.
Alfred I. duPont is known today for the Nemours Foundation and the Nemours Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, but he also played an important role in Florida’s history.
Watch the video at thelandjournal.net.
Dean Saunders, ALC, CCIM, the founder and managing director of SVN | Saunders Ralston Dantzler Real Estate, began working with real estate conservation easements a quarter-century ago. Though more common now as a means of preserving land and protecting wildlife, at the time, the practice was far more limited.
Watch the video at thelandjournal.net.
Before the Daytona 500 was held at the Nascar International Speedway, the beaches of Daytona were home to auto racing. With its humble beginnings, it's remarkable how auto racing went from causal competitions on the beach to a billion-dollar industry.
Watch the video at thelandjournal.net.
As the middle class evaporated, the rich continued to move into the city to be around other wealthy families, and the poor continued to move to the outskirts. Cheap labor kept the hub of St. Augustine running, but it created severe inequality among its residents. This divide is a large part of what led to creating the civil rights movement in St. Augustine. See the video at thelandjournal.net.
In this episode, we’ll hear from Dean Saunders, who served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1992 to 1996 and initiated legislation for Florida’s Bright Futures scholarship program.
He describes his initial inspiration for what would eventually become the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program. A lottery-funded, merit-based scholarship for Florida high school seniors.
At the time, proceeds from the Florida Lottery had mostly been given directly to the individual school districts around the state. However, during a recession that hit in 1990, those funds were more widely distributed throughout the government, causing those that had voted for the Florida Lottery to feel a sense of betrayal.
Listen as Saunders tells us the whole story of this important Florida legislation and watch the videos at thelandjournal.net.
While sandy beaches are usually the first images that come to mind at hearing the word “Florida,” many born-and-raised Floridians have found that they prefer the particular delights offered by natural springs.
In this episode, Trent Saunders talks about Florida’s historic natural springs. Year after year, people flock to these idyllic spots and we’ll hear about some of the most visited springs in the state.
Watch the video at thelandjournal.net.
In the fourth part of our series of interviews, Deitche discussed the possible connections between the Tampa mafia and the event that has drawn the most speculation in modern history, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963.
Since the day that Kennedy died, speculation has run rampant about who was behind the assassination. The Warren Commission officially designated by President Johnson to investigate the assassination came to the conclusion that it was undertaken by Lee Harvey Oswald, a lone gunman who was later arrested. Oswald himself was murdered by Dallas nightclub owner Jack Ruby on November 24, 1963.
One group that has often been theorized about in regards to involvement in the Kennedy assassination is the organized crime syndicates including those that operated in Tampa under the leadership of Santo Trafficante Jr. at the time.
Get more great content about Florida History at https://blog.thelandjournal.net/tag/florida-history
The Land Journal recently sat down with Scott M. Deitche, author of Cigar City Mafia, to talk about the history of organized crime in Tampa. In this installment, Deitche described the low decline of organized crime that took place from the 1970s to the late 1990s.
Deitche started off by describing what he referred to as the "first wave" of Cuban mafiosos that flourished in South Florida throughout the early 1960s. This first wave included men connected to the Trafficante family that were a part of the Anti-Castro movement and even took part in the Bay of Pigs invasion.
Deitche then went on to describe how organized crime morphed throughout the next couple of decades, expanding its role in selling drugs such as cocaine as the popularity of illegal gambling decreased in the face of the now legal Florida Lottery.
Get more great content about Florida History at The Land Journal.
As a leading expert on conservation easements, Dean began the interview by defining Conservation Easements as "a legal document that travels with the property. From a practical perspective, it is an agreement between two parties for restricted use of that property."
"For example," Saunders continued, "somebody owns a ranch. They may not want to see it developed. And it may be adjacent to a state park and the state may have an interest in protecting that property and making sure that it's not ever developed. But the landowner doesn't want to sell it, they want to give it to their family and their heirs."To read more and watch video go to thelandjournal.net.
In part two of Dean Saunders' telling of how conservation easements developed in Florida, he explained that his idea gained little traction until 1992 when Dean was elected to the Florida legislature. He decided to do a trial run of a conservation easement program in the Green Swamp area in Polk and Lake counties. Learn more about Florida conservation at thelandjournal.net.
In a recent interview, Dean Saunders discussed how agricultural events in the 1980s inspired him to create legislation that evolved into Florida's conservation easement programs. To learn more about Florida conservation programs, visit thelandjournal.net.
The Land Journal recently sat down with Dean Saunders to discuss conservation easements. Saunders outlined three reasons why the state buys conservation easements from landowners.
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Avoidance of managing costs.
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The property remains on the tax rolls.
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The property still stimulates the economy.
Read the article and watch the video at thelandjournal.net.
While Florida is acclaimed for its sunny beaches and warm weather, it is also infamous for the more disastrous side of its climate. And few weather events are as disastrous as hurricanes. Read this article and watch the video at thelandjournal.net.
In the early 1920s, Florida experienced a real estate boom. Prices were soaring. People were moving here in droves. Life was good. But it couldn’t last forever. With the Great Depression just around the corner, Floridians had no idea that economic desolation loomed just ahead. There were several events in Florida prior to the Great Depression that exacerbated its devastating effects. Read this and other great articles about Florida land and history at thelandjournal.net.
The Land Journal recently sat down with Scott M. Deitche, author of Cigar City Mafia, to talk about the history of organized crime in Tampa. Stay tuned for more installments in this series and check out the associated videos at The Land Journal.
At this year's Lay of the Land conference, a panel of experts spoke about the importance of water management in the State of Florida. The panel included Brian J. Armstrong. P.D. of the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), Drew Bartlett of the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), Dr. Ann B. Shortelle of St. John's River Water Management District (SJRWMD), and Hugh Thomas of Suwanee River Water Management District. These four experts have years of experience in water management from districts stretching all across the state of Florida. Find more great articles at thelandjournal.net.
At this year's Lay of the Land Conference, a panel of experts gave helpful tips to landowners. The panel was headed by Dean Saunders and included Bart Arrington of Mosaic Company, Mallory Lykes Dimmitt of Lykes Brothers, Inc., Bill Calton of Weyerhauser, and Erik Jacobsen of AgReserves. Speaking on the purpose of the panel, Saunders stated that he "tried to find a good panel of large landowners that have a presence in Florida with different land ownership structures." Read an article about this podcast and find other great articles at thelandjournal.net.
Even as we endure a time of uncertainty in the midst of the current pandemic, it is good to keep in mind that transportation and public transit are incredibly important for the future economic growth of Florida. The Land Journal recently sat down with a panel of experts to discuss the importance of transportation and transit infrastructure in the State of Florida. Read this article and others at thelandjournal.net.
Florida's Space Coast is not only home to the Kennedy Space Center and NASA, but it played a unique role in the Space Race. The US and the USSR were in the heights of the Cold War. While this period may have lacked in armed conflict, the two countries made up for in an epic space-bound competition. Read this article and more at https://blog.thelandjournal.net/florida-history-nasa-and-the-space-coast
On January 10, 1861, a few short months before the onset of the Civil War, Florida became the third state to secede from the Union. Due to its geographical position as the southern-most Confederate state, Florida's role in the Civil War was limited. However, this did not mean that there were no battles to be fought in Florida. See the article at the video for this podcast at thelandjournal.net.
The underground railroad was a pathway used by runaway slaves to escape the shackles of slavery and pursue a life of freedom. Traditionally the railroad headed North towards freedom but a small portion of runaways instead turned South, towards Florida.
Read this article and many more on The Land Journal at https://blog.thelandjournal.net/florida-history-the-black-seminoles
Now that a century has passed since the Florida Land Boom, it is time to take a look back and see what can be learned especially as we face the potential economic implications of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Read this article and many more on The Land Journal at https://blog.thelandjournal.net/a-century-later-florida-land-boom-retrospective.
Kevin Maggiacomo serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of SVN International Corp. and is responsible for the company’s mission and vision. Propelling SVN’s expansion across the globe, Maggiacomo has facilitated SVN’s growth from 7 US offices in 2001, to more than 200 offices in 8 countries today.
At this year's Lay of the Land Conference, Kevin Maggiacomo gave a presentation on Commercial Real Estate trends across the nation and what they might mean for landowners and investors.
At this year's Lay of the Land Conference, Dean Saunders spoke on real estate market trends here in the state of Florida.
Since 1985, Dean has specialized in Florida land and conservation easements. He served in the US Senate as Agricultural Liaison, Special Assistant, and Director of External Affairs to US Senator Lawton Chiles, then Governor Chiles (D-FL). From 1992 to 1996 he served in the Florida House of Representatives, where his strong passion for supporting landowner property rights and conserving the integrity of a property’s natural resources culminated in his authorship of groundbreaking conservation legislation. He comes from an eighth-generation Florida agricultural family, earned a BSA from the University of Florida in Fruit Crops, Food and Resource Economics, and is a recognized Florida land and conservation easement authority.
Saunders began his presentation by describing his desire to analyze real estate trends in a more accurate and efficient manner than it had previously been. This desire was the genesis for the Lay of the Land Conference. He spoke about the importance of verifying sales and using the collected data in order to analyze market trends based on more concrete numbers.
You can download a copy of the Lay of the Land Market report here.
In 2012, Colorado passed groundbreaking legislation to legalize cannabis and regulate its use similar to alcohol regulation. Based out of Colorado, Kirk shares about the details of the state's approach and some of the results of the legislation.
At the 2020 Lay of the Land Conference, Gary M. Ralston, CCIM, SIOR, SRS, CPM, CRE, CLS, CDP, CRX, CRRP, FRICS is Managing Director of SVN Saunders Ralston Dantzler Real Estate – the premier commercial services provider in Central Florida. Gary is a recognized subject matter expert on retail and commercial properties, a successful real estate developer, investor, and group investment sponsor.
Gary began by noting that Florida is "probably the best place to be in business and in real estate today." He pointed to the increase of our state population as the prime reason for his claim. "More people," he said, "more demand for real estate."
In another installment of our Lay of the Land Conference series, this podcast on hemp regulation includes an in-depth Q&A session with:
- Ricardo Alvarez, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
- Kirk Goble, The Bell 5 Land Company
- Dan Russell, Dean Mead Law Firm in Orlando
As lawmakers and business communities continue to create the infrastructure for a booming hemp industry, there are obstacles that must still be overcome.
At this year's annual Lay of the Land Conference Marian P. Johnson, Executive Director at the Florida Chamber Political Institute, spoke about the shifting demographics here in Florida and how they might affect Floridian politics.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently spoke about his environmental strategy at this year's annual Lay of the Land Conference. The Governor discussed a number of topics including Florida Supreme Court Appointees, the rise of skilled labor, and the steps that he has taken to protect Florida's environment.
Carson Futch sits down with representatives of ACT Environmental to discuss concerns and things a buyer should look at when trying to purchase a piece of property.
A Sand Skink is a type of Lizard that lives in sandy soil along the ridge of Central Florida. The skink can have a great impact on the value and uses of a property. Elaine Imbruglia, President of Modica and Associates, talks us through the giant impact a tiny lizard can have on a property.
Holly Bell and Zachary Brym talk about Hemp as an alternative crop in Florida. Zach gives an update on the status of the UF/IFAS Hemp Pilot Project while Holly Bell, The Director of Cannabis for Florida, explains the current state of the Medical Cannabis market and medical marijuana edibles.
With solar power becoming a hot topic in the Sunshine State, Saunders Real Estate associate Jeff Cusson sits down with Michael Minton, an expert at Dean Mead Attorneys at Law to discuss the ins and outs of solar farms. Topics range from economic considerations and site selection to predictions of the industry's future in Florida.