Women Shaped Florida's Economic Landscape

From citrus groves to working waterfronts, these female entrepreneurs left an enduring mark.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 12:00am

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This article highlights four pioneering women who helped build Florida's economy through diverse business ventures, from ranching and agriculture to pottery and seafood. Bertha Palmer, Mary Ward, Eleanor Searle Whitney McCollum, and Karen Bell each made significant contributions to the state's economic development in their respective eras, demonstrating women's pivotal role in shaping Florida's commercial landscape.

Why it matters

The stories of these women challenge the traditional narrative of Florida's economic history, which often focuses on male-dominated industries like railroads and land speculation. By spotlighting the entrepreneurial achievements of Palmer, Ward, McCollum, and Bell, the article sheds light on the vital, yet often overlooked, role that women played in building Florida's diverse economy.

The details

The article profiles four women who left an indelible mark on Florida's economic development. Bertha Palmer, a Chicago heiress, purchased vast tracts of land in Sarasota and modernized agricultural operations, introducing improved cattle breeding and diversified farming techniques. Mary Ward, an artist from Tennessee, established one of Manatee County's earliest pottery enterprises, tapping into the region's natural clay resources to create a nationally recognized art business. Eleanor Searle Whitney McCollum, a member of the prominent Whitney ranching family, helped preserve Florida's ranching heritage amid rapid development. And Karen Bell, a lifelong commercial fisherwoman, owns a seafood business while advocating for the preservation of Cortez, one of the Gulf Coast's last remaining working fishing villages.

  • Bertha Palmer purchased land and began her agricultural operations in the late 19th century.
  • Mary Ward founded her pottery business in Manatee County in 1914.
  • Eleanor Searle Whitney McCollum managed her family's ranching operations throughout the 20th century.
  • Karen Bell continues to operate her seafood business and advocate for Cortez's working waterfront in the present day.

The players

Bertha Palmer

A Chicago heiress who became one of the most influential landowners in early Sarasota, investing in ranching and land development that laid the groundwork for the region's agriculture and real estate expansion.

Mary Ward

An artist from Tennessee who established one of Manatee County's earliest pottery enterprises, tapping into the region's natural clay resources to create a nationally recognized art business.

Eleanor Searle Whitney McCollum

A member of the prominent Whitney ranching family, she helped preserve Florida's ranching heritage amid rapid development, playing a leadership role in sustaining one of the state's oldest industries.

Karen Bell

A lifelong commercial fisherwoman who owns a seafood business and advocates for the preservation of Cortez, one of the Gulf Coast's last remaining working fishing villages.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The stories of these pioneering women challenge the traditional narrative of Florida's economic history, highlighting the vital role that female entrepreneurs played in shaping the state's diverse commercial landscape, from agriculture and ranching to art and seafood. Their legacies demonstrate that women were not merely passive observers, but active drivers of Florida's economic development.