“Florida Simply Makes Sense”: eVTOL Growth Amplifies Momentum for Advanced Air Mobility in Polk Polk County is emerging as a place where the future of transportation is moving from concept to commercialization. At the center of that momentum is SunTrax, Florida Department of Transportation’s 775-acre research and development campus in Auburndale. Originally developed to advance connected and autonomous vehicle […]
As licensure and certification examination results are reported for the 2025 academic year, Polk County’s higher education institutions continue to demonstrate strong student achievement across a variety of disciplines. Information shared by Polk State College, Florida Southern College, Southeastern University, Keiser University, and Webber International University reflects consistently strong pass rates, including 100% pass rates on several examinations. […]
Meet the CFDC Summer 2026 Marketing Interns: Fresh Perspectives, Creative Energy, and Bright Futures
This summer, the Central Florida Development Council hosted three interns from across Polk County. Rylan Bevis, Alexandra Otremsky, and Emily Smith had the opportunity to work alongside our marketing team, supporting social media, graphic design, investor relations and more. During their time with CFDC, they gained hands-on experience, contributed to meaningful projects, and helped share the stories of economic development in Central Florida. In this interview-style feature, get to know our interns, hear about their backgrounds and career goals, and discover what they learned during their time with CFDC. […]
A strong tourism and creative industries sector does more than attract visitors. It strengthens local economies, creates vibrant communities, and enhances the quality of life that residents value and businesses seek when deciding where to invest. As tourism continues to grow, it serves as a catalyst for economic impact by driving investment, supporting businesses, and showcasing the unique assets that make a destination an […]
Selected by fellow CFDC members, the 2026 winner will be announced at the CFDC Annual Meeting on September 24. The event will be hosted at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus, Skylight Hangar. This year’s Success in Large Business Award will go to one of four businesses that have been nominated based on their dedication and impact on the Polk County community. Companies must have at least 100 […]
The winner, selected by fellow CFDC members, will be announced at the CFDC Annual Meeting on September 24. The event will be hosted at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus, Skylight Hangar. This year’s finalists for the Central Florida Development Council’s Jim Brantley Economic Development Award represent some of Polk County’s most accomplished small businesses. Three are repeat finalists, […]
As Polk County continues to experience record growth, companies that can deliver complex infrastructure and construction projects efficiently have become partners in the region’s success. Among them is Norlee Group, a specialized electrical, mechanical, technology systems, engineering, and underground infrastructure firm serving clients throughout Florida and the Southeastern United States. By bringing multiple disciplines together […]
Prepared from PCPS Press Release Polk County Public Schools (PCPS) continues to strengthen the foundation of Polk County’s future workforce. Recently earning another solid B district grade from the Florida Department of Education for the 2025-26 school year, the district also posted significant academic gains. PCPS maintained and improved its B grade rating despite increasingly […]
Everyone’s heard about Route 66, the 2,448-mile highway from Chicago to the Santa Monica Pier in California. Now consider Florida’s Route 60 Scenic Highway, 56 miles of small-town America in Polk County, followed by a plan to extend it the entire 164-mile route from Vero Beach to Pier 60 in Clearwater Beach. Rob Kincart wants to rebrand State […]
Polk County’s colleges and universities recently awarded over 3,500 post-secondary degrees, further strengthening the county’s growing talent pipeline. These graduates represent the next generation of healthcare professionals, engineers, educators, business leaders, public servants, and technology specialists who will help meet workforce demands across the region. Many graduates will remain in Polk County to begin their careers, continue their […]