50 Most Powerful People 2017

Our annual list focuses on the government officials, business people, educators, performers and others who are shaping our community.

They educate our children, protect our communities, decide how our tax dollars will be spent, and entertain us in areas ranging from sports to the arts. They are the people on our annual 50 Most Powerful list, and in the past year, many of them took on an added role—comforting a community in the wake of unspeakable tragedy. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer is our No. 1 overall pick once again this year, and we also have selected 15 people who are not yet on the list but bear watching in the coming year. (Our thanks to Orlando City Soccer Club for allowing us to photograph selected members of the list at the new soccer stadium.)