Letter from the editor

Take Your Pick. So much for going on your spring break with a sassy shift this season. The real question is how to get those gams in shape for the less-is-more, hiked up short shorts and band-aid skirts. Fashion is taking us for a ride with bright colors that cover the spectrum ("Play On Color," page 100) as well as with smart, contemporary sculptural shapes that will carry you across the continent on a chartered jet ("Back To The Future" page 114). Even if you can't wiggle your big toe into one of these choices, just remember, Erika Sussman, our style editor, promises the comfort look is big and will surely disguise the lumps and bumps that appeared from nowhere this winter. For me, that big, billowy look just makes me a little bigger, so I'm hanging in with the snug tees that show shape - regardless of the midriff that's a reminder that June is just around the corner. And although I can slip into some slacks, a jacket and a big belt for distraction now, by summer, when the mercury reaches into the 90s, those extra 20 pounds better be gone.
    For true spring turn-ons, check out our flora and jewelry spread "Jewels In Bloom" (page 88). These beauties tempt even the busiest Floridian to visit all the fabulous orchid shows around the state and even get out to the growing fields of South Miami to pick their own veggies and fruit. And as long as you're picking, take a look at the spring collection of sunny colors for home furnishings ("Rainbow Brights," page 108). These pages sing change. Patterns are not for the shy. Take the plunge and cover all your cushions in contrasting florals, stripes and plaids that dare you to escape from the safer and boring whites and beiges.
     No question about it: Florida is the hotspot for snowbirds right through May, but full-time residents get to take in the greener-than-green pastures and bluer-than-blue waters all year round. FIM Senior Writer Shawn Bean did a little digging on Jacksonville eco builder St. Joe and in "It's Not Easy Being Green" (page 64) he reports on how this incredible developer has converted thousands of acres into green space. With the tax laws gradually changing for real estate in this sunny destination, we'll see a lot more reasons to buy into the magic of this kingdom. Developers appear to be holding back until something happens, but I'm not sure anything is going to happen to the real estate climate around the country anytime soon. So take the plunge and buy a spectacular condo or sprawling estate on the water and live it up. Showy boats will be zooming around the bay and the Keys soon, tennis buffs are playing hard to get, and polo stars are discreetly capturing the attention of a truly stunning group of Europeans and Latin Americans. Pick your VIP sport, even if it's just for the show of it - our wrap-up of where to go and who to see
in the sports scene begins on page 124. You don't have to buy a million-dollar horse or yacht to enjoy the action. These sports are open to everyone; just get your tickets early; the regulars buy for the season.
     As promised, we're planning lots of excitement throughout this year for our 10th anniversary. Check out our website (www.floridainternationalmag.com) and if you'd like to be informed about our upcoming events,
log on and register. If you're not a subscriber yet, don't wait; our promos in this issue allow you to get your subscription before newsstands and at a huge savings. If you want to comment about anything in Florida International Magazine, including my letter, which can use a little containment, please email your suggestions to ideas@floridainternationalmag.com. This spring, free your inner self and make a decision to do something you always wanted to do. Fly a kite, take a balloon ride, get extravagant and take the time off for that much deserved getaway.

Esther Q. Jackson
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief