EDITOR'S LETTER

Every fall the air is filled with excitement. No matter how much we may hate to see the summer go, a great energy of newness always follows. Some may consider the height of season to be from Thanksgiving through spring, but for others who live in and around Palm Beach throughout the year, life here continues at a clip.

This year we launch our PBC&G 2006-2007 calendar year with a feature entitled "Deconstructing Palm Beach". The genesis of this article began with a staff discussion on how architecture and interior design have evolved here over the years. This led to a further discussion of the sociology of the area and how urban renewal has transformed many areas, especially West Palm Beach. In addition, more and more people are living year round in communities throughout Florida. More than 15 years ago, my family moved permanently to Hobe Sound and Jupiter, respectively. I noticed then that it was not just the wealthy or retirees that called Florida home all year; I was constantly seeing younger couples and families. And today this has escalated.

The energy here has continued to skyrocket as writer, art critic and collector Douglas Maxwell attests in his article previewing Art Basel Miami Beach. Florida, with its urban renewal and influx of people of all ages and design preferences, has been revitalized.