The Evolution of Florida's State Structure: Adkins and Legislators Reshaping Governance

“Adkins portrays a significant turning level within the growth of contemporary Florida and has achieved an awesome job of bringing to life so most of the individuals who achieved this huge rewrite of our structure.”—Talbot D’Alemberte, former president of the American Bar Affiliation and creator of
The Florida State Structure

 

“Deftly captures the story of the politics and highly effective personalities who created a extra fashionable authorities construction for Florida.”—Neil Skene, former editor and president of Congressional Quarterly, Inc.

 

Mid-twentieth-century Florida was a state in flux. Its explosive development could possibly be seen in quickly burgeoning cities and suburbs, the event of the Kennedy Area Middle throughout the area race, and the approaching building of Walt Disney World. Florida’s antiquated 1885 structure was no match for the dramatic modifications that befell within the make-up of the state throughout this time.

Despite the acknowledged shortcomings of the previous Florida state structure, efforts were made to overhaul it. A small group of rural legislators, known as the "Pork Chop Gang," controlled the state and blocked numerous attempts to modernize the system. However, due to court-ordered redistribution of legislators and the dedicated work of state leaders like Adkins, the state structure underwent modernization, and the executive branch was restructured.

In her book, 'Making Trendy Florida,' Mary Adkins delves into the historical significance and impact of the 1966–68 revision of the Florida state constitution. Through compelling storytelling, Adkins utilizes interviews and thorough analysis of speeches and transcripts to vividly portray the strategic maneuvers, political plays, and behind-the-scenes moments that were integral in crafting and introducing a new state constitution. This meticulously researched narrative sheds light on the constitutional debates and legislative processes that shaped what is now the nation's third-largest state.