July/August
2000 Issue
New
Horizons
Each passing year that I spend enjoying the tranquil and tropical lifestyle
found in Southwest Florida, I am continually amazed at the amount of changes
taking place around me. The traditional tourist season is far from the
tradition it once was: An increasing number of European visitors are ensuring
that our little corner of the world can count on less of an "off-season"
than in years past. Some of the homes in our neighborhoods, once considered
ideal island hideaways, are being demolished to make room for palatial
residences that no one could have foreseen ten years ago. No matter how
one feels about the factors governing change on the islands and along
the entire Lee Island Coast, one thing can’t be denied—change
is inevitable.
My main task as Publisher of Times of the Islands
is to be constantly thinking about new and innovative ways to reflect
the changes happening around us on our pages. What are the key concerns
and points of interest our readers care about…? Who are the people
on our islands and beyond that will shape their future, and how will they
do so…? What are the things people really would enjoy learning more
about…?
Since its inception in 1996, Times of the Islands
has sought to be a valued source of information, inspiration and conversation
on all topics that affect our lives. A magazine that provokes our readers
to think, plan and dream, and that reflects the spirit of our community,
providing well-researched and valuable insight into the people and places
that make the island life so unique.
In this and subsequent issues of Times of the
Islands, you may begin to see some subtle changes between our covers.
I believe our most important goal is to stay ahead of the curve on developments
that will undoubtedly alter how we all interact with one another. From
the subscriber who delights in discovering the unknown island treasures
within each newly delivered issue, to the advertiser who—and rightly
so—expects a reasonable return on his advertising investment, Times
of the Islands’ talented team promises to do everything it can to
meet their needs. We know change is in the air: It’s our mission
to stay abreast of those things around us which we feel you wish to know
about, and present them with our distinctive sense of style and flair.
Our new Managing Editor, Kelly Madden, has already
been working diligently towards the delicate task of implementing relevant
but nevertheless exciting changes. Kelly brings a wide array of creative
writing, marketing and design experience to our magazine. Together with
newly appointed Editor Jill Tyrer, a name well-familiar within the islands’
journalistic milieu, they will continually strive to bring you the type
of stories and articles that, over the years, have captivated you. Watch
for more of the insightful information and fascinating features on island
history, exotic travel experiences and profiles that have become our hallmark.
I invite you to join us on our continuing journey
as we endeavor to celebrate those things that first stirred our love of
the islands. Will there be events and developments in the years ahead
that will change the way we work, play, and live? Count on it. Rest assured
Times of the Islands will have a collective eye on those changes,
while keeping the interests of our readers and business partners at heart.
Friedrich
N. Jaeger, Publisher