British billionaire Joe Lewis, who as head of the Tavistock Group played a critical role in Central Florida’s development, was pardoned by President Donald Trump Thursday after pleading guilty last year to insider trading charges.

Lewis was a driving force in the creation and expansion of Orlando’s Lake Nona area, including the Medical City hospital and university hub there, as well as the luxury Isleworth community adjacent to Windermere.

According to the New York Times, a White House official said Lewis, 88, had requested the pardon to allow him to receive medical treatment and visit his grandchildren and great grandchildren in Florida.

Tavistock founder Joe Lewis leaves Manhattan federal court, Wednesday, July 26, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Lewis, whose family is al

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