50 Most Powerful People 2016

Our annual list comprises politicians, entrepreneurs, educators, artists, philanthropists and others who are instrumental in shaping our community.

This year, for the first time, our 50 Most Powerful list is divided into six categories, ranging from Government & Politics to Giving & Community Voices. In many cases, the influence of the selected individuals stretches across multiple areas. But what they all share is the power to change our lives and our community’s future. For the fourth consecutive year, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, profiled by writer Jim Leusner, is our overall No. 1 most powerful person. We also have selected 15 leaders who are not yet on the list but bear watching in the coming year.