A Woman’s Wear Daily article about recent downturns in Florida’s retail business caused by environmental and economic woes, quoted Jeffrey Humphreys, director of the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the Terry College of Business, and James Cobb, a professor of history. “We’re seeing the beginning of a shift,” Humphreys said. “Affordability in Florida is becoming an issue. The cost of living is high, insurance tripled and property taxes are soaring. People are starting to reassess cost and risk.” Cobb, speaking about natural phenomena, added: “Hurricanes are just the last straw. The image of Florida, from the ’60s and ’70s, as inviting, is from a bygone day. Florida has become the worst example of over development and other problems that are causing people to consider more stable
environments.”
