Nobody likes to see their hometown slagged in the press, but if anyplace needs to engage in a little self critical soul searching, it's Tampa Bay. So it's good to hear that Portland economist Joe Cortright drew an attentive crowd to a discussion of "green" urban living last week.  Portland Oregon is often cast as model of civic enlightenment. Portland has light rail. Portland has conquered urban sprawl. Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!

How far have we fallen that Tampa area business leaders had to travel to Charlotte, North Carolina to see how it's done?  The Queen City is nice enough, but it's distinction as a headquarters for giant banks doesn't exactly stir the soul. Even so, the Tampa delegation  apparently marveled at their ultra low office vacancy rate and a Dean and Deluca store.  Charlotte's Mayor even crowed about reducing the sort of strip mall sprawl lorida specializes in, calling it "corridors of crap". Ouch.

As humbling as it might be, there's good reason to take our medicine and learn from other cities.  As Tommy Duncan of Sticks of Fire points out, the influx of families and retirees to Florida is not going to stop anytime soon. It's just too beautiful here. With an estimated 1,000 new Florida residents arriving each DAY, we get a chance to reshape our community every morning.  If that involves taking some bitter medicine from mayors of other cities, I'll hold my nose and take it.