Kyle Story exudes a certain easiness now that the U.S. Departments of Agriculture’s October 2018 forecast for the 2018-19 orange crop predicts a 76 percent increase in the number of boxes compared to the Hurricane Irma-ravaged 2017-18 crop. “I am optimistic about the healthy crop that I see in well-maintained citrus groves,” said Story, vice […]
Central Florida is one of the most important trade communities in the world, and it’s in a unique position to benefit from ongoing conversations on the topic, said Bill Lane, executive director of Trade for America. “Whether you’re on the right or left politically … on things that are really important to your community, you […]
Striking a balance between importing products not readily available in the United States and exporting products we make is critical, but the new push to impose tariffs is upsetting the tightrope walk. Tariffs are the topic at the Polk Goes Global IV: International Trade Symposium, which will be held from 7:30 a.m. to noon November […]
When a city turns 100, it’s time to celebrate, and Frostproof City Manager Lee Evett clearly is proud of the rockin’ party his city hosted on a summer weekend in 2018. From watermelon and pie-eating contests, bands, water events, a parade, and fireworks, residents clearly enjoyed a day full of fun. Missy Hadden, the library […]
Howard Drake thinks manufacturing is poised to see “explosive growth” in the near future, which is why an upcoming CFDC breakfast focused on the industry is important. The Central Florida Development Council’s Competitiveness & Advocacy Committee and the Polk County Manufacturing and Supply Chain Alliance are joining forces to offer those in the industry and […]
Solutions to problems facing our cities, states and national government are not created by sound bites, social media posts and character assassination, but by people who can engage in civil discourse and work together to move our country forward. That was the message Wednesday from Southeastern University President Kent Ingle as he announced SEU is […]
Kyle Story is a fourth-generation farmer and Polk County Farm Bureau member who knows adapting to changes in his industry, including protecting the environment, are critical to surviving and prospering. Now, for instance, The Story Companies mulches all of its trees when they no longer produce citrus. “Now, citrus is more like farming,” he told […]
Working off the resounding success of the first event, Southeastern University’s College of Arts & Media is planning a second Sinfonia on a most special day. Just nine months after Hollywood film composer Joseph DeBeasi premiered an original score at Sinfonia: Connecting the Arts & Community, the college will once again host DeBeasi as he […]
When a farm cares, everyone wins. That’s just one message the Florida Farm Bureau Federation hopes to impart with its CARES program (County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship), designed to “recognize progressive farmers and ranchers who have taken voluntary action to protect our environment. We encourage other farmers to follow in their footsteps to preserve […]
Sometimes, it’s not just about baseball. When you’ve spent 82 years with someone, you get to know them pretty well. And when the relationship revolves around trust and appreciation, outcomes can be impressive and powerful. Such is the case with the relationship between the city of Lakeland and the Detroit Tigers, who are ending their […]