One prominent Florida-based Cuba expert says if the communist island nation becomes a democracy, there could be some economic benefits to the Sunshine State. Cuba is home to 11-million people and few outsiders have had the opportunity to tour the country that sits 90 miles off Florida’s coast. If Castro’s nearly half-century run as president comes to an end, University of Central Florida professor Luis Martinez-Fernandez says it opens up important tourism possibilities for this state and Cuba.

“Miami and Havana are in many ways twin cities. And I don’t see why tourism could not be constructed in terms of a regional package.”

Martinez-Fernandez is also director of U-C-F’s Latin American, Caribbean and Latino Studies. He spoke on Gulf Coast Live and said if Cuba becomes a democracy, there are other economic possibilities too. He points to the Cuban workforce, which he says is very disciplined and skilled.