The State of Florida is open for business and building a name for itself as a hub for the space industry, supersonic jets and autonomous vehicles. Jimmy Patronis, the state’s Chief Financial Officer, is the man who manages all the budgets, keeps the trains running and even serves as the fire marshal. He sits down with host Grayson Brulte to talk about the revitalization of the “Space Coast” and how emerging technology companies can succeed in Florida.

Before the conversation kicks off though, Grayson gets Jimmy to explain his ongoing Twitter pursuit of Elon Musk to bring SolarCity to Florida. The two segue into how the “Space Coast” has revitalized itself into the “Comeback Coast” as private sectors have come to Florida to start businesses and add jobs. Jimmy explains the role that government plays in this process to help industries grow and prosper.

The conversation explores the commercialization of space flights and how space tourism can bolster Florida’s economy; what’s next for supersonic jets now that Aerion has planted its flag in Florida, fulfilling Jimmy’s obsession with Concordes and supersonic flight; and how the state’s policies are attracting self-driving vehicle companies to relocate to Florida, which will ultimately lower insurance policies for residents.

Jimmy digs into how government, and specifically the CFO, can support these burgeoning industries, from ensuring that R&D in space exploration stays in-state to the liability protection bill in the Florida Legislature that will help businesses and the investor community to attracting manufacturing companies to the state.

Grayson and Jimmy close out the conversation by discussing what Florida’s economy looks like now and in the future, and how a well-funded pension, a stable economy, and a government that’s open for business can provide new opportunities.

Connect with Jimmy Patronis on Twitter at https://twitter.com/JimmyPatronis.

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