Michael D. Minton

Shareholder, Dean Mead, Fort Pierce

Dean Mead is a business law firm providing full-service legal representation, government relations and lobbying throughout Florida. It has five offices employing 117 people, including 51 attorneys in multiple practice areas — and community service and philanthropy have been core focuses since the firm’s inception. Minton joined the firm in 1982, serving as President from 2007 to 2013. He’s currently chair of the Agribusiness Industry and Solar and Renewable Energy Teams.

EDUCATION: University of Florida (BS, LLM, JD)

IF I WERE GOVERNOR: I’d get the water right! Florida should correct the water management system to stop harmful discharges of fresh water to estuaries such as the Indian River Lagoon and the St. Lucie Estuary and maintain fresh water as a valuable resource within a water management system. For 20-plus years I have worked on a project that would reconnect the Indian River region with the St. John’s region. The Fort Drum Marsh needs to be restored to return a more natural flow of water to the north where it is needed instead of to the east where it harms the Indian River Lagoon.

READING: A Land Remembered, by Patrick D. Smith

INSPIRING FLORIDIAN: Gov. Lawton Chiles … Recognized as one of the last great statesmen, he always attempted to do the right thing even though it may not have been in lockstep with his political party. Serving for 40 years in public life, he fought to improve health care for all Floridians, especially children.