Tourism in Polk County is booming. There are an increasing number of sporting activities, new venues and the opening of newer attractions like Bonnet Springs Park. The future looks bright – something well worth celebrating on World Tourism Day, September 27. Between April 2024 and March 2025, 5,552,500 tourists visited Polk County. This is compared […]
Dave Shepp’s work ethic, knowledge, ability to connect with people on every level and 30 years in Polk County have made him a successful presence at The Southern Group and, for the past year, as chair of the Central Florida Development Council board. Shepp ends his year as Chair of the organization at the CFDC […]
Every year, the United Way of Central Florida kicks off its annual campaign. It seeks to educate the public on the work it does and the agencies, organizations and people it serves while raising money to continue its mission to make Polk County a better place for all. “The kick-off represents the official start of […]
Polk County has benefited from Duke Energy’s Florida Site Readiness program, and it’s showcasing three sites that the energy-production company has studied for industrial development. It’s the company’s way of supporting economic development in the counties it serves. Prepared by the CFDC and published by the Central Florida Media Group in Central Florida Ag News. Communities with studied […]
PulteGroup, the third-largest U.S. homebuilder, has entered Polk County, currently constructing homes in the Silverlake community in Lake Alfred. It expects to add more communities to that portfolio in the next year or two. Bill Pulte started his company with a single home in 1950. Now, after 75 years, Pulte has constructed more than 750,000 […]
CFDC Annual Meeting Keynote Speaker Shares Wealth of Experience from Margaritaville Leadership Roles
Brad Schwaeble, Chief Operating Officer of Margaritaville, is the Keynote Speaker at the Central Florida Development Council’s Annual Meeting. The CFDC Annual Meeting will be held Sept. 25 at Camp Margaritaville Auburndale. In keeping with the Jimmy Buffett/Margaritaville theme, the dress code is island-inspired business chic. Camp Margaritaville RV Resort in Auburndale became part of […]
Like the rest of Polk County, Fort Meade continues to grow. Its population has increased from 5,100 in the 2020 Census to an estimated 5,341 in 2024. City leaders expect it to continue to grow. “Fort Meade is poised to flourish as a vibrant, walkable community where family-friendly nightlife and local charm converge,” said Lekia […]
Lakeland Regional Health Earns a Distinguished 3-Star Rating from Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS)
Lakeland Regional Health has earned a distinguished three-star rating from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). The award is for its patient care and outcomes in isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedures. The three-star rating, which denotes the highest category of quality, places Lakeland Regional Health among the elite for heart bypass surgery in […]
The Baldwin Group, a national company with a location on Bartow Road in Lakeland and headquarters in Tampa, is an entrepreneur-led advisory firm that provides a wide range of insurance and risk management services. Officially known as The Baldwin Insurance Group, it does everything from: “We serve both businesses and individuals, focusing on customized solutions […]
The winner is announced at the CFDC Annual Meeting on September 25. Camp Margaritaville RV Resort in Auburndale is hosting the event. Two businesses are construction companies and multi-year finalists. One is a newcomer to the awards and the fourth has just recently entered the Polk County market. Together, they are the four small businesses […]