Reflections from the EDC of Sarasota Annual Meeting

I recently attended the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota’s Annual Meeting, where Michael Simas, President & CEO of the Florida Council of 100, shared highlights from the organization’s Beyond Sunshine report. The Council represents more than 150 companies with over 1.3 million employees and provides guidance on Florida’s most critical economic issues.

The report outlines a forward-looking strategy to add 200,000 higher-wage jobs, generate nearly $100 Billion in GDP, and create 400,000 additional jobs by 2030.

Michael Simas shared that Florida’s story is evolving from sunshine and beaches to smart strategy, high-value industries, and investing in people.

A New Lens on Florida

Like many, I’ve often heard the saying that “Floridians are paid in Sunshine.” Michael Simas’s presentation painted a richer picture. Beyond Sunshine suggests that Florida’s future depends on leveraging its regional strengths to build high-value industry clusters and on investing in the people who power them.

This presentation encouraged me to look up the full Beyond Sunshine report–created by McKinsey for the Florida Council of 100–and it gave me a deeper appreciation for the breadth of ideas behind Florida’s growth plans.

Education as One Key Theme

The report covers multiple themes, but I found myself particularly drawn to its discussion of education. According to the study, Florida’s education system–ranked #1 in the nation overall and #1 in higher education for eight consecutive years–has become a critical part of the state’s talent strategy. High post-secondary attainment, strong alignment between programs and industry needs, and coordinated public-private partnerships all contribute to a highly attractive workforce pipeline.

The Beyond Sunshine report repeatedly highlights talent as Florida’s differentiator, noting the state is competing globally for entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and young families.

For me, this reframed education not simply as a public good but as an economic engine for the state.

Bright Futures in a Different Light

A prime example is the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. Funded by the Florida Lottery, it provides substantial tuition coverage–often 75% to 100%–for Florida residents attending in-state public or eligible private colleges and universities.

I had always viewed Bright Futures mainly as a generous scholarship. After hearing the presentation and reading the report, it now seems like one of Florida’s most effective tools for keeping top talent in the state, reducing “brain drain,” and attracting new families. High-achieving students stay here to study, intern, and launch careers in priority sectors like tech, healthcare, and aerospace, strengthening the workforce pipeline envisioned in Beyond Sunshine.

A Roadmap for Sarasota’s Future

Lower student debt, faster time to degree, and better alignment with workforce needs can make graduates more inclined to build their futures in communities like Sarasota. This synergy between industry and education supports the creation of higher-wage jobs and helps our region compete globally.

My main takeaway from the Annual Meeting: Beyond Sunshine and programs like Bright Futures offer promising ideas for how Sarasota and Florida can attract, develop, and retain the talent needed for sustainable, high-wage growth.