News

Florida Celebrates Economic Development Week

January 23, 2024 News

As Polk County continues to grow, the Central Florida Development Council continues its mission to attract new companies and retain those finding success within the community. Manufacturing companies continue to find success in Polk County. A robust talent pipeline, business friendly climate, available land and access to 300 miles of rail are keys to Polk […]

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Local Themepark Continues to Expand, Developing New Attractions for Guests

January 18, 2024 News

LEGOLAND Florida Resort is preparing to open an aquarium and a Ferrari “build” area in 2024, and the excitement is building.   President Frank Idris said Sea Life Aquarium will open in the fall of 2024. “It’s a proven benefit across other resorts,” Idris said, “and it further supports resort positioning that all of our major […]

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Lewis Environmental Continues to Expand, Providing 24/7/365 Environmental Services

December 19, 2023 News

Lewis Environmental has a presence nationwide, including in Polk County, and that’s critical to providing clients with safe, reliable and comprehensive environmental services.  Started in 1996, Lewis Environmental opened its Lakeland office in November 2014, said Senior Vice President Brandon D. Smith.  “One of our clients from the Northeast was expanding their operations into Florida, […]

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Rodda Construction Tackles Challenging Jobs in Polk County

December 18, 2023 News

Rodda Construction is building on its past, maintaining what it does well to ensure projects are completed honestly and ethically, on time and on budget.   That’s why it should be no surprise that one of the biggest happenings in 2023 is a return to normalcy.   “Things have stabilized from the industry perspective. It’s not like […]

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Local Business Owners Lend Expertise to Further Polk’s Economic Opportunity

December 8, 2023 News

VOSS, CLARK JOIN CENTRAL FLORIDA DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL BOARD  Jeremy Voss of SpringerVoss Construction and Brandon Clark of The Ruthvens have joined the Central Florida Development Council’s board of directors.   The two replace outgoing past presidents Todd Dantzler and H.D. “Jake” Polumbo, both of whom termed out.   “Todd and Jake provided skilled leadership to the board […]

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Ridgeback Continues Expanding Its Services, Serving Central Florida and Beyond

November 28, 2023 News

A leader in Polk’s Mechanical Engineering industry, Ridgeback strives to bring more value to its customers and employees. Brannon “Bo” Patzer grew up working for his father in the mechanical industry until his father sold the business and retired in 1997. A decade later, on Aug. 15, 2007, he and his wife, Mieka, were presented […]

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New Manufacturing Plant Being Built in Lake Wales Florida

November 26, 2023 News

ADVANCED DRAINAGE SYSTEMS PLANS PIPE MANUFACTURING PLANT IN LAKE WALES  Advanced Drainage Systems (ADS) is entering Polk County in a big way, building an innovative advanced pipe manufacturing facility in Lake Wales that will provide 200 jobs at salaries that are approximately 15% above average annual wage within the city.  Polk County’s central location made […]

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City of Mulberry is Becoming a Destination and the Depot 303 will add to its Attraction

November 24, 2023 News

Mulberry has emerged from a sleepy little town to a growing center of arts, entertainment and, coming soon, culinary delights.  About three years ago, City Manager Rick Johnson started wondering whether the popular food truck rallies would end as the price of gas and insurance continued to rise. “I wanted a place where the trucks […]

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Florida Southern College Leader Lands on Prestigous 40 Under 40 List

November 24, 2023 News

One local woman has been named to the 2023 class of the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 – a rising star who, at 34, she is already vice president of student life at Florida Southern College.  Lauren Albaum, 34, “is dedicated to empowering students, fostering growth and positively impacting their academic and professional […]

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Crews Bank & Trust’s Unified Brand Showcases New Name for Local Customers

November 16, 2023 News

Wauchula State Bank has a new name, Crews Bank & Trust, but you’ll still see the same familiar faces at all its branches, and you’ll still experience its “customer first” culture.  So why did it change names? It wasn’t bought by a larger bank, which is what some people ask, said Andrew Foreman, senior vice […]

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