Before the Civil War, Florida's population hovered around 200,000. Over the next century, it increased dramatically, rising to just under three million by 1950. During the next fifty years, however, it exploded, increasing more than 500 percent to almost sixteen million. By the end of the twentieth century, the state had one of the nation's largest economies. The Sunshine Economy traces the development of the industries that spurred this major growth. It describes how Florida progressed from being one of the least populated states in the country, with an economy based on forestry products and open-range cattle farming, to the fourth most populated state, with an economy based on sunshine, tourism, retirement, citrus, and vegetables. William Stronge draws on the vast amount of statistical information available on Florida to tell the history of the remarkable transformation of the state's economy. His work is essential in understanding how Florida became a major national economic force. His insights highlight the significance of the tremendous reduction in transportation costs in driving much of the state's economic development. His perspectives also enrich our understanding of Florida's experiences during the Great Depression and the rampant inflation of the 1970s.

"For every problem there is a solution--simple, neat, and wrong." H. L. Mencken made this observation years ago, and it is quoted at the beginning of Fred Blakey's study of Florida's phosphate industry. Few people would disagree that there is a real environmental crisis facing the world today. The cause is unrestrained growth of the population, of economies, and of the exploitation of natural resources. The author points out that this viewpoint is foreign to a people who have equated growth with progress, and bigness with goodness. Only recently have Americans conceded that their resources are not inexhaustible. Blakey tells us that we have been bombarded with solutions to a problem that professionals view as not yet fully understood nor adequately defined. Americans face the problem not only of pollution, but of management, of values, of their very way of life. If the earth is to provide the materials for the survival of man's society, then a prudent society must provide for an intimate understanding of the earth. Phosphorus, the topic of this study, is an element necessary for all forms of life. Long before carbon, nitrogen, or oxygen supplies become critically short, the supply of phosphorus will be exhausted. When this happens, Blakey assures us, life will end, and he demonstrates that we are losing ever-increasing amounts of this vital element every year. This work presents a microscopic view of the ecological problems and prospects in the conservation and use of the mineral. Specifically, it is a history of the Florida phosphate industry. If the record of the Florida phosphate industry is any guide, then ecological disaster need not occur, but enlightened use of phosphorus and all other natural resources would seem to be imperative. The author tells us it is necessary to redefine some of our traditional priorities, beliefs, and values. Failure to do this indicates a willingness to continue to accept solutions that are "simple, neat--and wrong."

Some no. consist of preprints of the U.S. Bureau of Mines Mineral yearbook chapter on Florida.