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About Laura

“I love my adopted home state of Florida, and I love the people and passions I find here!”
— Laura Mize
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My Passion

The Sunshine State is about so much more than beach resorts and theme parks. We have real, rich history that stretches back centuries — including the founding of the oldest European-established city in what is now the United States of America, and a once-controversial entry into the Union. Since those great milestones, Floridians have been busy building the third-most-populous state in the nation, and imbuing it with its own unique character.  

Writing about that character is my joy. I relish showing the REAL Florida to my audiences – whether through exploring 500-plus years of history in my first book, Florida Made: The 25 Most Important Figures Who Shaped The State (coauthored with former U.S. Senator George S. LeMieux), following a former Army Ranger medic making a new life with his very unusual ranch, or documenting the journey of a Midwest-born brewer determined to bring the flavor of locally brewed craft beer to Collier County. 

Floridians are fascinating people from all over the world, making innovative products and taking unique journeys right here in our lushly beautiful backyard. Telling their stories and spreading their passion is what I do best.

My Background

Before going out on my own to work as a freelance journalist, I was a reporter for The Palm Beach Post and also spent some time working on the health news team at the University of Florida. Since then, I have enjoyed writing for a variety of news outlets and select corporate and academic clients.