According to Mr. Bove, Barnett Banks must also make acquisitions to maintain its dominant market share in the Sunshine State. He said First Union Corp. and four small banks are also looking hard for acquisitions. "With 700 people a day moving to Florida, the small banks have become a reasonable size for acquisition." said Mr. Bove. "I expect acquisitions to occur in the next 12 to 18 months." Mr. Bove also upgraded Harbor Florida Bancorp, First Palm Beach Bancorp, and Seacoast Banking Corp. He urged investors to buy shares in at least five to six small banks and thrifts in Florida to take advantage of coming merger activity. "I wish we covered more Florida banks," said Mr. Bove. "I would put 'buys' on all of them."