From swampland to a powerhouse of global trade and media

Countries & Cities · Published 13 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Doral, Florida, began as a 2,400-acre tract of marshland purchased in the 1950s. It evolved from a golf course and hotel into a major hub for global trade and media. This transformation was fueled by a fierce community push for independence that turned a rural area into a city.

Around $49,000 was paid by property developers Alfred and Doris Kaskel for 2,400 acres of marshland during the 1950s. Their original vision was a golf course and hotel, leading to the opening of the Doral Country Club in 1962. The city's very name is a portmanteau of the couple's first names, Doris and Alfred.

The community's growth was marked by distinct phases. A residential spurt began in the early 1980s with the development of Doral Estates and Doral Park. However, rapid expansion faced hurdles, including a county-imposed building moratorium from 1983 to 1985 intended to protect water wells. Once lifted, the area saw massive growth, leading residents to lobby for incorporation in 1995. They were motivated by high tax rates and a desire for better services, eventually winning a vote to incorporate in January 2003.

Today, Doral is a major economic engine. Its proximity to Miami International Airport has made it a magnet for importers, exporters, and corporate headquarters, including Carnival Corporation and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s Miami Branch. It is also a media hub, housing the headquarters of Univision Network/Fusion and WFOR-TV. The city's productivity is notable; a 2017 study estimated the local economy generates over $1.35 million in sales revenue per resident, making it one of the most productive economies in Florida.

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