Each year, Aviation Month, highlighted in May, recognizes the vital role aviation plays in connecting communities, supporting commerce, and creating high-quality careers across the country. In Polk County, Florida, the industry continues to gain altitude as new investments, emerging technologies, and strategic infrastructure position the region as a rising force in aviation, aerospace, and defense. Polk […]
This year’s two-day Leadership Mission to St. Petersburg and Pinellas County marked our largest mission to date. Designed to strengthen regional partnerships and highlight economic development opportunities, the experience gave attendees an inside look at the innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaborative leadership driving growth within the St. Pete area. From executive presentations and behind-the-scenes company tours […]
This post was adapted from the Company’s press release. Florida’s credit union landscape is set for a major transformation as Suncoast Credit Union and Launch Credit Union announce plans to merge, creating one of the largest member-owned financial institutions in the state. The merger, expected to take effect in 2027, reflects a shared commitment to expanding […]
This move will make Downtown Winter Haven the home of Florida’s largest headquartered bank. This article is based off a press release by the company. Another major investment in the future of Winter Haven is officially underway. On May 4, 2026, SouthState Bank N.A., in partnership with Six/Ten LLC, announced plans for a significant downtown development that will strengthen Winter Haven’s position as a […]
New campus supports in-demand degree programs and strengthens workforce pathways across Polk County The continued growth of higher education opportunities in Polk County reached an important milestone with Southeastern University opening a new campus in the heart of Winter Haven. Located in the city’s downtown core, the 13,000-square-foot facility represents a strategic investment in accessible education, workforce development, and long-term […]
New facility at SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo campus will enhance STEM programming, workforce development, and Central Florida’s growing aerospace industry. Polk County’s momentum in aviation, aerospace and defense continues to accelerate—and a newly unveiled expansion plan for the Florida Air Museum signals just how high that trajectory can go. As airplanes streamed through the sky at the 52nd Annual SUN ‘n FUN fly-in, visitors and aviation enthusiasts […]
Economic growth thrives where preparation meets opportunity—and that momentum is clearly on display in Polk County. On March 16, 2026, CSX Corporation announced the addition of 21 new rail-served properties across 10 states to its highly selective CSX Select Site program. Among them, the Fort Meade Rail Ready Industrial site in Fort Meade, Florida earned a prestigious Silver-level […]
Bank of Central Florida Opens New Loan Production Office in Tampa Bay Over nearly 20 years, Bank of Central Florida has grown from a local vision into a driving force in the community. Its people-first approach, exceptional service, and dedicated team members have a history of being differentiators in the banking world. Now, the Bank is bringing that same concierge […]
Esteemed Higher Ed Leader Dr. Anne B. Kerr Appointed as Interim President of Polk State College Dr. Anne B. Kerr, a legendary higher education leader and President Emerita of Florida Southern College, has been appointed as the interim President of Polk State College. Dr. Kerr will pilot Polk State through its next chapter. “Polk State is poised for […]
Florida Poly continues to innovate, opening a new esports arena for their tech oriented students. This legacy will impact generations of students, giving them a place to hone their esport skills, compete on a national level, and develop real world skills such as teamwork and communication with their peers. Florida Polytechnic University is no stranger […]