By Susan Shalhoub Polk County - Polk County has big plans - Central Florida Development ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Polk County
By Susan Shalhoub
Polk County has big plans.
Areas like downtown Lakeland have a built-in, cool vibe that
can’t be easily formulated — Lake Wales and Winter Haven
PHOTO COURTESY VISIT CENTRAL FLORIDA
have an organic character that makes them unique. Paired
with strong leadership and economic development, Polk is
poised to be unstoppable.
FLORIDATREND.COM MAY 2020 41
POLK COUNTY
Downtown Winter Haven
“We have 17 very
unique cities and
dynamic business
leaders, with creative
redevelopment groups
that are supported
by the city and care
Multifaceted Economy, Location
about value and Are Polk County’s Strengths
profit, not just profit.”
– Mike Herr
A central location along I-4 and focus on innovation, technology and
City Manager,
manufacturing create a place to have a real impact.
City of Winter Haven
Citing its business-friendly climate With its beginnings in a University of
and balance of economic growth with South Florida (USF) startup program, the
smaller-community character, Sean Malott, company grew in San Francisco, outsourc-
president and CEO of the Central Florida ing manufacturing before deciding on
Development Council, calls it a great time Lakeland for its research and advanced-
to be in Polk County. He and other busi- manufacturing hub. It became official
The trade, transportation ness leaders see connectedness, diversity, last year, with the company investing in
and utilities industry communication, innovation and location renovation, acquiring a Lakeland address
category showed as key in Polk’s upward mobility. The fact and initially hiring 12 people.
Polk County’s highest that the county is on the smaller side is an
percentage of average The city offered tax incentives in return
attribute, he says.
annual employment, for high-paying jobs, Malott says. The
25.3%, in 2018. “You can locate in Polk County and job creation effort overall is the result
have a community rallying behind you to of a partnership with his organiza-
-Florida Legislature help you be successful,” Malott says. “It’s tion, Molekule, USF, Florida Polytechnic
Office of Economic and possible to have a real impact here, while University and the Lakeland Economic
Demographic Research in a larger metro market, it’s easier to get Development Council.
lost.”
Cities here and the entities within them
Connectivity is what makes the differ- work together.
Top employers — such ence, Malott says, especially connections
as Publix Super Markets between businesses and higher educa-
(12,500 employees), tion, yielding workforce strength. With
Walmart (4,250), Lowe’s some seven higher education institutions
(1,056), Amazon (900+), producing world-class graduates, compa-
Rooms To Go (800) and nies are looking to put those graduates to
Advance Auto Parts (615) work here, he says.
— have distribution/
warehousing operations As a result of these partnerships, every-
in Polk County. one benefits.
-Central Florida Companies welcome
Development Council Malott gives innovative air-filtration
system maker Molekule as an example of Citizens Bank & Trust, founded in 1920, helped
connectedness. develop the area around Frostproof.
42 MAY 2020 POLK COUNTY / FLORIDA TREND CUSTOM CONTENT
Polk County is a distribution hub. A Central Florida Innovation District is planned. Agriculture remains an economic driver.
25%
EMPLOYED: TRADE
#1
FASTEST GROWING MANUFACTURING JOBS
#8 26%
EMPLOYED:
TRANSPORTATION METRO AREA (LAKELAND/WINTER HAVEN) AGRICULTURE
UTILITY (LAKELAND/WINTER HAVEN, 2018)
Diversified markets SUMTER CO. Orlando Orlando
Greg Littleton is president and International
LAKE CO. Airport
CEO of Citizens Bank & Trust, which Kissimmee ORANGE CO.
has made Polk County its home for N Gateway
Kissimmee OSCEOLA CO.
Airport
100 years. Active in various eco-
nomic-development efforts, he sees
PASCO CO. Polk City 4 Davenport
great opportunity in the county’s
diverse industries — especially for Haines City
POLK CO.
an area long dependent on citrus, Tampa Auburndale
International Lakeland
phosphate and tourism. Airport Winter
570
MAP TERESANNE COSSETTA RUSSELL
“I don’t think anyone realized the Haven
Tampa Lakeland Linder
potential,” he says. International Airport Lake Wales
60
Flo
Bartow
HILLSBOROUGH CO.
Littleton calls steel producer
rid
a’s
27
POLK CO.
Nucor’s investment in Frostproof —
Tu
rn
a $240-million micro-mill to recycle River Ranch
pik
e
75
scrap metal — “a huge win for our Fort Meade Frostproof
side of the county and city.” Streamsong
He also points to SunTrax, MANATEE CO. HARDEE CO. HIGHLANDS CO.
Auburndale’s under-development
test facility for innovative trans-
portation, led by the state’s Bobby Green sees its location as part Green also points to the Polk
Department of Transportation and of Polk’s appeal. He notes that in Cooperative Water District as an exam-
Turnpike Enterprise, as an example of the late 1800s, when South Florida ple of cities working together as they
Polk County looking ahead to markets Railroad came through Polk County, head into the future. The cooperative
of the future. the area held advantages because of has identified water-supply projects
The Central Florida Development where it was placed. It’s an asset that and has moved forward together in
Council is planning an innovation remains. addressing needs.
district near Florida Polytechnic With Polk “smack dab in the middle Another example of a united front,
University to recruit tech companies to of the state, between the Atlantic the cooperative makes it a great place
the area with residential, business and and the Gulf, between Tampa and to locate a business and a great place
research opportunities. Orlando, which are two of the best to live.
Polk has innate economic value, as airports in the world,” he says, “it’s
“If it is good for one of our cities,
well. just right for companies needing
it’s likely good for Polk County,” he
quick delivery. It makes sense, then,
says. “And if it’s good for Polk County,
Location logistics that Amazon and Publix have located
it’s good for all our cities.”
Longtime Auburndale City Manager here.”
FLORIDATREND.COM MAY 2020 43
POLK COUNTY
“Polk County is the Restored historic downtown Winter Haven is home to galleries, restaurants, shopping,
the musical venue Derry Down, historic Ritz Theatre and Theatre Winter Haven.
best place for business
in good times and
difficult times. Our
Downtown Revitalizations Focus
cities are resilient and on Third Spaces
work tirelessly to see
Lakeland and Winter Haven are among those in Polk County
businesses achieve
their goals and be investing in their downtowns.
supportive when they Leaders realize that for cities to be suc- Catapult Lakeland, meanwhile, is a
cessful, they need more than just offices downtown co-working facility on Lake
are struggling.” and schools. People need places where Mirror. Having recently relocated and
– Lindsay B. they can dine, walk and shop. These “third tripled in size, its 38,000-square-foot,
Zimmerman spaces” maximize a community’s environ- state-of-the-art space includes a com-
VP of Investor ment and enrich the lives of those who missary kitchen for food startups and a
Relations & Marketing, call it home. manufacturing area.
Central Florida Lakeland Community & Economic “They can grow their business without
Development Council Development Director Nicole Travis — who initially having to invest in equipment and
was responsible for streamlining city per- infrastructure,” says Christina Graham,
mitting procedures by soliciting feedback executive director of Catapult Lakeland.
from local engineers, builders and contrac- “One of our goals is that entrepreneurs
tors — says the focus is a serious one. use this as a starting space and launching
pad — and that they move out, hire and
“Our downtown is expanding,” she says,
occupy space here in Lakeland.”
adding that municipal leaders know the
importance of working together
to leverage strengths for third
spaces and other initiatives.
Travis mentions Lakeland’s
parks and the Lake Mirror prom-
Downtown Winter enade, with its wildlife, sculp-
Haven won the ture and Hollis Garden within,
2019 Great Places for example.
in Florida People’s
Choice Award from The Joinery offers retail and
the Florida Chapter restaurant options. Munn Park
of the American hosts events like food-truck ral-
Planning Association. lies and car shows, with activities
like open-mike sessions at Swan
- American Planning Brewing.
Association
Swan Brewing in Lakeland features 30 taps.
44 MAY 2020 POLK COUNTY / FLORIDA TREND CUSTOM CONTENT
FLORIDAPOLY.EDU CYBERSECURITY THAT PROTECTS YOUR PRIVACY Academic, research, and internships go hand-in-hand at Florida Poly. Our alumni are turning internships into jobs at prestigious organizations across Florida. Computer Science alum Travis Hills ’19 interned at Saddle Creek Logistics Services and is now an information security analyst for the Lakeland company. His education in cybersecurity and on the job training equipped him for his role protecting the data of many of the company’s top brands, and their customers. Saddle Creek provides supply chain solutions for companies such as Rack Room Shoes, Tony Robbins, and Ipsy. Our alumni are making the world a better place. |floridapoly.edu|
POLK COUNTY
Redevelopment
is underway
in historic
downtown
Lakeland along
Massachusetts
Avenue.
PARKING GARAGE AND OFFICE | 01.24.2020
Street View from N. Mass. Ave. LIC: AAC001580
Ashley Cheek, vice president of busi- over 40% of ticket holders travel into the
ness development for private nonprofit county to catch a show, she says.
Lakeland Economic Development Council
Part of the national Main Street
(LEDC), says Catapult has set the stage for
program, Main Street Winter Haven bases
downtown revitalization.
downtown efforts on historic relevance.
“We’ve learned to be scrappy because
Another example: Its tours of archi-
we haven’t had a lot of money here.
tecture by Gene Leedy, a founder of the
We’ve had to be nimble to recalibrate.
Sarasota School of Architecture design
We’re accustomed to having tough
style. A Winter Haven resident, the major-
conversations,” says Kim Long, executive
ity of Leedy’s structures are here.
director, Polk Vision.
The redesign of part of the city’s South
“We have to have employees to support
Central Park area, meanwhile, wrapped
businesses,” says Cheek. “But we also have
up in 2018, adding open space, preserv-
to give people experiences,” like third
ing parking and leveraging the city’s grid
spaces provide.
system. Streetscape improvements include
human and canine drinking fountains,
Winter Haven
interactive visitor kiosks, shaded bike-
Winter Haven has four branding pillars repair areas and landscaping.
in its downtown revitalization, according
to Katie Worthington Decker, president “It changed the traffic flow and cor-
Dynamic emerging and CEO of the Greater Winter Haven rected an old highway through down-
downtowns, surging Chamber of Commerce: Downtown is town, which did not feel very welcoming
Our Stage, with an arts focus; Lakeside to cross,” says Strang of the project.
cultural tourism and
Lifestyle; Family-Friendly Destination (it She sees more residential space down-
natural outdoor assets
is, after all, home to LEGOLAND); and town in Winter Haven’s future.
are making Polk Collaborative Business Community.
County an increasingly “People want to live close to where
The community’s accomplishments are they work, cycle, shop and eat. We’re near
enviable spot to grow racking up. the lake, near the hospital … you could
a business, or a family.
Anita Strang, executive director of Main live right downtown and access most
Street Winter Haven, cites Gram Parsons everything.”
Lake Wales’ Main
Derry Down as a downtown Winter Haven
Street America
success story. The historic music venue
program is said to be — named for the former member of The
Florida’s first. Home Byrds and the father of Cosmic American “Any business moving to
to Bok Tower Gardens, Music, Gram Parsons — was restored in
the Lake Wales Main 2016. Lakeland can depend on being
Street downtown “It’s cultural tourism,” says Strang, “and a partner with the city.”
revitalization strategy has done exactly what we were hoping
for: It’s providing space for live music and – Nicole Travis
focuses on the city as a
it’s used in a partnership with Polk County Director, Community & Economic
living work of art. Development,
schools’ Young Musicians program. We
track ticket sales through ZIP codes.” Just City of Lakeland
46 MAY 2020 POLK COUNTY / FLORIDA TREND CUSTOM CONTENT
Relationships are important.
So is the one with your banker.
Expertise You Can Trust.
When it comes to your business, having a banker who you know and
trust is very important. Our bankers have been building relations in Polk
County for more than 30 years. This is a direct reflection of our
commitment to the local community and our desire to share this
experience so you can make informed decisions regarding your banking
needs. We have 13 branches and a team of 16 relationship managers
creating remarkable experiences. That’s why we call what we do more
than banking, it's building relationships for the long term.
CenterStateBank.com
EXPERIENCE • DEPENDABILITY • RELATIONSHIPS
POLK COUNTY
SunTrax, a project of Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise,
provides an oval track for testing self-driving vehicles.
“Companies are
coming here to
Distribution/Transportation
locate, not just to Technologies
recruit.”
– Sean Malott Polk County’s location
President & CEO,
Central Florida and workforce make it
Development Council
central in getting things
from here to there.
Though built-in resources like
In Davenport, highway, railway and central
Walmart’s two- access have been part of the
building e-commerce fabric of Polk County for what
fulfillment center that seems like forever, its position-
The first Publix Food Store was opened in 1930 in Winter
opened in 2017 was ing is not taken for granted. Haven. Today, Publix has more than 1,100 super markets.
the first in Florida. Business and government lead-
It’s 2.2 million square ers here see the value of the
feet — about the size county’s placement, and work to
of 20 football fields. maximize its benefits. technology in a new way, making use of
cameras and sensors in ways they’ve been
-Central Florida SunTrax is a facility right off I-4, which is
used in theme-park ride technology in the
Development Council destined to become a center for transpor-
past.
tation innovation, with a 2.25-mile oval
track to safety test autonomous vehicles. The SunTrax facility broke ground in
The 475-acre research-and-development 2017. Phase One, with a price tag of
In February of 1951, facility will also include a 27,000-square- $42.5 million, was completed last May,
Publix — founded in foot warehouse building, 20,000-square- Senior says. Phase Two began last fall,
Winter Haven — built foot Welcome Center with offices and with a budget estimate of about $100 mil-
a warehouse and classrooms, and a sensor test chamber, lion. The entire project is due for comple-
office complex near says Kelda Senior, SunTrax business devel- tion at the end of 2021.
U.S. 92 in Lakeland. opment manager, Florida Department of
At 125,000 square Senior says that the close proximity
Transportation (DOT).
feet, it was billed of Florida Polytechnic University, which
as the most modern “Phase 3 is a sensor chamber that tests specializes in STEM subjects such as
structure of its kind in conditions for torrential downpours, autonomous vehicles, will be of value to
the nation. wind … all of which autonomous vehicles students there. She also notes proximity to
have to navigate through here in our attractions will aid in getting startups or
-Publix blog Florida environments,” says Senior, as well established manufacturers to Polk County,
as conditions such as fog and dust. She hopefully with family in tow.
notes that the sensor chambers use old
48 MAY 2020 POLK COUNTY / FLORIDA TREND CUSTOM CONTENT
POLK COUNTY
Manufacturing & Agriculture of making things is alive, well and
growing in Polk.
According to Polk State College,
Manufacturers value area’s assets; agriculture endures there are well over 440 manufac-
turers here, including Publix Super
Markets; The Coca-Cola Company;
Food, chemical, paper goods, building shipping and a commitment to improv- phosphate crop fertilizer maker
materials and more are all made right ing innovation and technology — not to Mosaic; Pepperidge Farm; TriCircle
here. With an ideal central location for mention a skilled hiring pool — the art Pavers; and Nucor, the largest steel
producer in the U.S.
Victory set in steel
Nucor’s arrival in Frostproof last
NEED WAREHOUSE SPACE? year was a stunning accomplish-
ment for the area’s economic out-
CALL THE RUTHVENS. look, winning the Central Florida
Development Council (CFDC) a 2019
Urban Deal of the Year Award from
We are your Central Florida Warehouse Specialists the Florida Economic Development
from 1,000 – 200,000 square feet. Council.
The 400-acre site in Frostproof
was ideal for a rebar micro mill to
863.686.3173 RUTHVENS.COM recycle steel, for myriad reasons,
Nucor Steel Florida Inc. Controller
Corey Allain says, including room
for potential growth, rail and
highway access, and scrap-metal
facilities.
Agriculture legacy lives on
Since the 1800s, agriculture and
mining have been economic driv-
ers, in areas of citrus, phosphate
and cattle. According to the Polk
County Farm Bureau, the citrus
industry is dominant here, with
farmland comprising about 45% of
county land overall.
Family
owned According to the University
since of Florida Institute of Food and
Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), there
1957 are 77,520 jobs in agriculture or
related industries in Polk County,
26.8% of all jobs here.
“Agritechnology and
Kevin Logue Greg Ruthven, CCIM Brandon Clark Matt Ruthven, CCIM
diversification in
Operations Manager President Vice President VP of Sales & Leasing
commodities are game-
changers.”
– Nelson Kirkland
Member,
Polk County Farm Bureau
Board of Directors
50 MAY 2020 POLK COUNTY / FLORIDA TREND CUSTOM CONTENTACCOMPLISH THE INCREDIBLE
Situated amid 16,000 acres of stunning scenery and hushed seclusion in Central Florida, Streamsong is a one-
of-a-kind meeting and incentive resort created in complete harmony with its natural surroundings and deeply
committed to the highest aspirations of today’s business elite. Modern meeting spaces, dramatic outdoor special
event venues, 54 holes of nationally-ranked golf and so much more. It’s no surprise Streamsong has become the
preferred inspiration destination for many of today’s biggest, brightest and fastest-growing organizations.
Let us help you accomplish the incredible.
1000 Streamsong Drive • Bowling Green, Florida 33834 • 863.428.1000 Ext. 6512 • streamsongresort.comLAKELAND OFFERS A NUMBER OF WAYS TO INCENTIVIZE #7 BEST
NEW INDUSTRY, EXPANSION & CONSTRUCTION
PLACE TO MOVE
IN THE US
#6 SAFEST U.S. News
PLACE TO LIVE
U.S. News OUR CITY & CRA
COLLABORATE WITH
DEVELOPERS
HOME TO THE NOAA LAKELAND LINDER
HURRICANE HUNTERS & INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
THE NEW AMAZON AIR #1 FASTEST DELIVERS A $574 MILLION
GATEWAY FACILITY GROWING CITY ECONOMIC IMPACT
IN THE US TO THE REGION
Bloomberg
#1 MOST
PHILANTHROPIC NESTLED BETWEEN #1 TOP CITIES
CITY TAMPA AND ORLANDO TO BUY A HOME
Philanthropy.com ON THE I-4 CORRIDOR Business InsiderOUR EXCEPTIONAL TALENT #1 HOTTEST THE CITY OF LAKELAND
POOL IS FUELED BY 6 HAS ONE OF THE LOWEST
HOUSING
UNIVERSITIES, COLLEGES & OPERATING MILLAGES IN
TRADE SCHOOLS & IS HOME
MARKET IN FLORIDA AT 5.4644
TO THE CENTRAL FLORIDA THE US
AEROSPACE ACADEMY Realtor.com
MAKE THE MOVE. MAKE YOUR MARK.
As the largest municipality in Polk County, with a population of 108,000, Lakeland gives you more
reasons to make the move. Not only are we perfectly poised on the I-4 High Tech Corridor, we’re
in the perfect position to help you make your mark in Central Florida. With a business-friendly
environment, a diverse community and a growing job market, Lakeland is affordable, adaptable
and most importantly—available. We invite you to come see what all the talk is about!
Are You Ready to Talk Lakeland?
Send us an email at
MakeYourMark@LakelandGov.net
and let’s start a conversation.POLK COUNTY
The Lakeland Linder International Airport leases space to NOAA’s hurricane hunters.
Transportation Assets Mesh with
“Investments such as
SunTrax will allow Innovation
for the development Industry and education partnerships add jobs and value.
and safe deployment
Set in its prime location between 800 to 1,000 jobs, the shipping giant has
of technologies that Tampa and Orlando, the county has a an option to develop another 60 acres as
comprehensive network of railroads well, according to Airport Director Gene
will reduce congestion and roads. These longtime assets — still Conrad. “With the Florida Department
and move people in place today — are now alongside
futuristic projects, such as SunTrax in
of Transportation reporting airport
economic impact now at $574 million
and goods more Auburndale. annually, with Amazon, in about three
years it could be well over $1 billion a
While Polk’s rail lines are a nod to its
efficiently.” past and present, SunTrax, run by Florida’s
year,” Conrad says.
– Nicola Liquori Turnpike Enterprise, has its wheels decid- The airport’s master plan, now under
Executive Director & edly in the future. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
CEO, review, includes another 70 acres that
“Users may be auto manufacturers
could be used for large hangars for
Florida's Turnpike from different parts of the country,” says
aircraft maintenance and repair, Conrad
Enterprise Kelda Senior, SunTrax business develop-
says — creating even more jobs and value
ment manager, calling the test facility
to companies here.
the first of its kind in the Southeast. The
area holds great benefit for projects like The airport is also a hub for STEM-
SunTrax, she says. “The talent pool is related aerospace education.
here, with high-quality state university
Its Aerospace Center for Excellence
systems,” says Senior, creating a ready-
(ACE) just broke ground on Project
made local workforce.
SkyLab, a $4.6-million expansion of learn-
Combined, airports
ing and exhibit space, backed by partner-
in Lakeland, Bartow, Opportunity that’s airborne
ships with higher education institutions.
Winter Haven and Lakeland Linder International — the ACE’s six-day Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo,
Lake Wales have an state’s 19th busiest airport — has its held each spring, funds scholarships for
economic impact future as a hub of education and industry aviation-training. The airport also hosts
of more than $878 well defined. It leases out 1.2 million Central Florida Aerospace Academy, Polk
million. square feet of space to various organiza- State College aerospace programs and
-March 2019 Aviation tions, including the National Oceanic and Traviss Technical College.
Economic Impact Study, Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for
its “hurricane hunters,” specialized hur- “This is what differentiates us,” says
Florida Department of
ricane forecasting aircraft. Conrad, noting aviation workforce
Transportation
shortages. “These programs don’t exist
With Amazon utilizing 47 acres for its anywhere else.”
$100-million air-cargo hub and bringing
54 MAY 2020 POLK COUNTY / FLORIDA TREND CUSTOM CONTENTD I S C O V E R
t h e larges t col lect ion of
F R A N K LLOYD WRIGH T
arch itecture in t he world
Explore the genius of America’s greatest architect through his most fully articulated vision: the National
Historic Landmark campus of Florida Southern College. Located in the heart of sunny Central Florida,
the campus is home to thirteen remarkable Wright structures, including the previously unbuilt Usonian
Faculty House; Wright’s largest water feature, the stunning Water Dome; and the iconic Annie Pfeiffer
Chapel, its interior richly restored to its1940s prime. Daily tours available.
Visit flsouthern.edu/fllw today to learn more or call 863.680.4597.POLK COUNTY
Polk County is a well
known warehousing/
distribution hub for
larger companies.
Polk: Where to Be for Warehousing
Top companies opt for warehouse/distribution in Polk County.
Companies like Amazon, Walmart, the way, says Greg Ruthven, president statewide. I-95 is close, U.S. 27 is
Publix, FedEx, IKEA, Best Buy, and director of The Ruthvens, which probably 14 minutes away. Lakeland
Gatorade, Havertys and Saddle Creek builds and leases warehouses, and has doesn’t have the traffic Orlando does
Logistics — along with many oth- for decades. — and Tampa’s getting to be just as
ers — opt for warehouse/distribution bad as Orlando,” he says. “It’s the
He says road corridors in Polk are a
operations in Polk County. No. 1 reason Lakeland is called the
big enticement for companies.
Distribution Hub of Florida.”
The area is a hotbed of warehouse
“It’s perfect for distribution
and distribution space, with more on The workforce here is another
YOU ARE
We are so grateful for
our exceptional team
members, who give
their hearts when we
need them the most -
especially during the
COVID-19 pandemic.
myLRH.org.Top Employers in Polk County
Publix Super Markets12,500 employees
Walmart 4,250 employees
Lowe’s 1,056 employees
Amazon 900+ employees
Rooms To Go800 employees
- Central Florida Development Council statistics.
driver, he says, with jobs rela-
tively easy to fill, adding that
the business-friendly climate is
another huge bonus.
Up and coming
Amazon — which already has
fulfillment centers in Davenport
and Lakeland — also has one in
Auburndale under construction.
Amazon has said the location,
where items will be picked,
packed and shipped, will create
over 500 full-time jobs beginning
at $15 an hour with immediate
benefits.
Ruthven East Lakeland
Industrial Park, meanwhile, with
tenants Walmart and Southeast Since 1948, Peterson & Myers, P.A. has provided value to our clients’
Pet, will be 428,092 square ideas by developing unique solutions to complex issues in a variety of
feet total when completed this areas of practice, including:
summer, Ruthven says. The third
building in the park, near I-4, is
slated for completion in July.
The projects are not a com-
● Agriculture
plete list of the warehousing and
logistics facilities in the works in ● Corporate & Business
Healthcare
Polk but represent the scope of
opportunity found here. ●
● Land Use & Development
“Larger companies ● Litigation & Trial Practice
are coming in with
● Real Estate
huge distribution
warehouses and Please call us or visit our website for more information about our time-
tested legal experience.
really putting us on
Lakeland Winter Haven
the map.” Winter Haven
225 East Lemon Street, Suite 300 242 West Central Avenue
– Greg Ruthven Lakeland, FL 33801 Winter Haven, FL 33880
President & CEO, (863) 683-6511 (863) 294-3360
The Ruthvens
www.PetersonMyers.com
FLORIDATREND.COM MAY 2020 57
Peterson_Myers ad.indd 1 4/7/20 8:24 AMPOLK COUNTY
Rendering
of Lakeland
Regional
Health’s new
Behavioral
Health &
Wellness
center, set to
open in 2021.
“We are very much a
learning organization.
Health Care Access on Upward Track
We open up our doors Polk County’s main health care entities are all growing, expanding
[to students] and allow and innovating to maximize the care and research they offer.
them to have good
hands-on experiences Lakeland Regional Health “We are excited about expanding our
network. In these facilities alone, we are
Lakeland Regional Health — which owns
— hopefully with Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center investing $15 million,” says Brian Adams,
— celebrated the opening of its larg- AdventHealth market CEO. “Our invest-
us — but beneficial est expansion to date in 2018: The Carol ment represents a long-term commitment
Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and to health care in Polk County.”
regardless of where Children, a $275-million facility.
BayCare Health System
they go.” “This kind of care was something not
Non-profit BayCare owns Bartow
available here,” says Danielle Drummond,
– Danielle Drummond Regional Medical Center in Bartow (72
the non-profit, independent health care
President and CEO- beds), along with Winter Haven Hospital
organization’s president and CEO-elect,
elect, (458 beds) and Winter Haven Women’s
who will succeed Elaine C. Thompson.
Hospital (61 beds). Through medical and
Lakeland Regional “Patients and families were having to leave
pharmacy residencies, along with commu-
Health Polk County,” for surgeries and treatment.
nity-education efforts, the hospitals work
Drummond says partnerships with orga- to train and inform.
nizations like Nemours Children’s Health
BayCare investments continue beyond
and the Mayo Clinic Care Network have
With over 5,400 total hands-on trainings and sessions on relevant
helped make the new facility and other
team members, Lakeland health issues. According to its website,
system improvements possible.
Regional Health is the the company has $1.76 billion in capital
Lakeland Regional opened its Biplanar improvements planned across its 15 cam-
second-largest private
NeuroInterventional Suite in 2018. puses in the 2017-2021 time period.
employer in the county.
It was chosen as the The system plans a 96-bed Center for It’s work that has already begun.
2019 Florida Caregiver Behavioral Health & Wellness in 2021, on
Last year, BayCare renovated Bartow
of the Year by Florida the south side of its medical-center campus.
Regional, an acute-care hospital. It also
Hospital Association.
achieved accreditation as a Level-1 Adult
AdventHealth
-Lakeland Regional Health Cardiac Lab.
Altamonte Springs-based AdventHealth
now owns AdventHealth Lake Wales (160
Bartow Regional Medical Watson Clinic
beds) and AdventHealth Heart of Florida
Center is accredited as Lakeland multispecialty medical group
Regional Medical Center (193 beds), in
a Center of Excellence Watson Clinic, which has been in existence
Davenport.
for practicing the gold for eight decades, has over 220 board-
standard of robotic There are 1,200 employees between the certified physicians. The new Watson
surgery. two facilities. Clinic Urgent Care South opened this year
AdventHealth has invested $100 million to walk-in patients with non-emergency
- Surgical Review conditions. It has X-rays and scans on site,
Corporation for the entities, now part of its portfolio of
50 hospital campuses across nine states. with weekend hours.
58 MAY 2020 POLK COUNTY / FLORIDA TREND CUSTOM CONTENTFLORIDA
within REACH
There’s a reason why Publix Super Markets, LEGOLAND® Florida Resorts
and Florida’s Natural all call Polk County home.
With its strategic central location, Polk delivers the connectivity,
competitive costs and workforce talent your business needs to thrive.
For a confidential consultation, please contact
Jennifer Taylor, VP of Business Development
at (863) 937-4430, ext. 105.
TALLAHASSEE JACKSONVILLE
ORLANDO
300+ 10 TAMPA
MILES OF RAIL MILLION PEOPLE POLK COUNTY
IN POLK COUNTY WITHIN 100 MILES
3 3 MIAMI
DEEPWATER INTERNATIONAL
SEAPORTS AIRPORTS
WITHIN 75 MILES WITHIN 60 MILES
CONNECT TO NEW OPPORTUNITIES CFDC.ORG • (863) 937-4430POLK COUNTY
“The median starting
salaries of our first
class of graduates are Florida Southern College , Polk State College and Florida Polytechnic University
50% higher than the
average across the Education Institutions Prepare
Florida University
System.”
Students for Growing Fields
– Randy Avent Schools guide students entering the workplace.
President,
Florida Polytechnic Polk County schools are growing enroll- are in the works.
Institute ment, facilities and partnerships with area
Warner University and Webber
industry to provide needed workforce
International University are both in Lake
skills. Experts say that targeting key areas
Wales. Warner trains graduates to work
like aviation aids in job placements that
in high-paying area jobs. “If students stay
enrich the local economy.
“We partner in the community, they are contributing
Founded in 2012, Lakeland’s Florida financially,” says Andrea Thies, vice presi-
with area Polytechnic University is the only public dent of advancement at Warner University.
polytechnic university in the state. Focusing
Webber students hail from 29 states and
corporations in on STEM subjects, with two graduate
48 countries, and the school has been rec-
programs, nine undergraduate programs
areas of advanced and 31 concentrations, Florida Poly is an
ognized by The Princeton Review as a Best
in the Southeast and Best Value college.
active player in area economic develop-
manufacturing ment. Its strategic plan includes creation of Keiser University, with an overall enroll-
a research park for business, education and ment of 20,000, has a Lakeland campus and
and engineering government partnerships. degrees ranging from associate to doctoral,
and others.” Florida Southern College — a top col-
in over 100 fields.
lege for producing Fulbright U.S. students Southern Technical College of
– Angela Garcia
for the second consecutive year — offers Auburndale provides programs such as
Falconetti
majors such as registered nursing, elemen- heating, ventilation and air conditioning
President, Polk
tary education and teaching. This year, The (HVAC), welding, medical assisting and
State College
Princeton Review named it one of the best electrical trades.
on-campus schools for earning an MBA. There are also programs in place like
Polk State College, with campuses in Polk Career Academies for public middle
Lakeland and Winter Haven, and high school students.
The oldest private has an enrollment of about
college in Florida, 16,000. More than 70% of
Florida Southern graduates stay in Polk County,
College was founded working in manufacturing,
Anne Kerr
in Orlando in 1883 as aerospace, business, health President,
South Florida Institute. care or education. Florida Southern College
-Florida Southern College Southeastern University Florida Southern College President Anne
of Lakeland, a Christian Kerr has made significant increases to the
college, offers affordable number and quality of majors offered at
degree tracks in areas such as FSC as well as enrollment, now at over
Polk State College has finance, aviation and nursing. Photo courtesy of
a 96.9% job-placement Florida Southern 3,500. The campus is a testament to the
Last year its total enrollment legendary design of Frank Lloyd Wright.
and transfer rate, the College
was 9,894, quadrupling in the
second highest in the past eight years. New dorms Leading the school since 2004, Kerr helps ensure FSC is a
Florida College System. and office space have been resource for not only Polk County, but the world in terms of
- Polk State College built, and a welcome center academics, history and innovation.
and track-and-field facility
60 MAY 2020 POLK COUNTY / FLORIDA TREND CUSTOM CONTENTA healthy tomorrow
begins today.
Life is a journey, and Watson Clinic is here to help
you navigate each challenge along the way. From
general examinations and preventative screenings
to comprehensive disease management, we
empower you to live your healthiest life.
Your health.
Your future.
YOUR
863.680.7000 • www.WatsonClinic.com •POLK COUNTY
“We are in the
people business
and always looking
for the right
individuals to build Cultural Resources
a career with us.”
– Jim Bullock Polk County’s dedication to cultural programming, revitalization and
Director of Sales
& Marketing, recreation promote a high quality of life.
Streamsong
From the Bok Tower Gardens, to the
Smithsonian-affiliated Polk Museum of Art
at Florida Southern College, to the historic
Polk Theatre, to the Imperial Symphony
Performers at Orchestra, arts and culture has always been
the Polk Theatre strong here.
included Tommy Explorations V Children’s Museum is
Dorsey, Gene Autrey, relocating to Lakeland’s Bonnet Springs
Glenn Miller and Park next year to expand its play space and
Elvis Presley. hands-on exhibits. It’s the only facility of its
-The Polk Theatre kind in Central Florida.
“We have over 100 arts events every
month in Polk County,” says Meri Mass,
Students from executive director of the Polk Arts Alliance,
Florida Dance ranging from theater and music, to pot-
Theatre in Lakeland tery and painting. The alliance, recognized
have gone on to join by the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs, Bok Tower Gardens has hosted more than 23 million
organizations such advocates for arts resources and programs. visitors since 1929.
as the Joffrey Ballet,
Cultural tourism attendance is up about
Ballet Met, Memphis Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter
30% since 2012, when a grant program to
Ballet and other Jim Salestrom, of country-rock band
fund arts marketing here was approved.
companies. Timberline — a member of Dolly Parton’s
Arts groups collaborate with one another
-Florida Dance Theatre to maximize every dollar. band for over a decade — performed a
concert at the Lake Wales Arts Center.
Stage set for success Both Mass and Allen note the impor-
Home to the largest Lake Wales Arts Council has expanded its tance of a strong arts community as an
collection of Frank programs over the last few years. economic driver.
Lloyd Wright “We provide fine-arts educational oppor- Art education and art exposure for
architecture all in tunities through camps, classes, community young people are part of the mission of the
one place, Florida outreach components and providing access alliance and the council.
Southern College to award-winning performance artists,”
“These kids are learning skills that can
Historic District is says Lake Wales Art Council Executive
take them right into the workforce,” says
a National Historic Director Andrew Allen.
Allen.
Landmark.
-Florida Southern
College
62 MAY 2020 POLK COUNTY / FLORIDA TREND CUSTOM CONTENTBonnet Springs Park rendering, the Polk Theatre and Polk Museum of Art
Robust Recreation LUXURY VACATION
HOME RENTALS
3-6 BEDROOM POOL
Polk is a world-class destination for training and HOMES WITH RESORT
competition, from baseball and basketball to water skiing AMENITIES.
and golf.
Host to the Detroit Tigers, the
area has a rich history as Spring
Training Central for major-league
baseball and its Class-A affiliate
team, the Lakeland Flying Tigers.
Professional basketball is big
in Polk County as well, with the
Lakeland Magic. BALMORAL
But that doesn’t mean that EVENT CENTER
Central Florida’s Polk County WEDDINGS
Sports Marketing (PCSM) isn’t CELEBRATIONS
maintaining its reign as Water
Ski Capital of the World, as MEETINGS
The stadium in Tiger Town is the spring
well, says Marc Zimmerman, the training home of the Detroit Tigers.
+ MORE!
organization’s senior economic
development manager. Or that
college sports aren’t also popular Zimmerman cites $158.4 million in
here. When it comes to sports, economic impact from Polk County
economic leaders look to maximize sports events in 2019, a number
opportunities. that’s steadily rising.
FELTRIM SPORTS
SPORTS EVENTS
FIELD RENTALS
CAMPS + TOURNAMENTS
866-584-5527
WWW. BALMORALRESORTFLORIDA.COM
WWW.FELTRIMGROUP.COM
The Streamsong resort is a world-class golf resort in Bowling Green.
FLORIDATREND.COM MAY 2020 63POLK COUNTY
Athletic hubs
The $25-million AdventHealth
Fieldhouse and Conference Center
opened in January in Winter Haven.
At over 58,000 square feet, the facil-
ity has six basketball courts, twice
as many volleyball courts, a black-
box theater, fitness center, Olympic
AdventHealth pool and concourse area. The new
Fieldhouse and
Conference Center Feltrim Sports Village in Haines City,
meanwhile, hosts sports camps and
competitions, with an all-turf soc-
cer and football stadium that seats
2,500. The sports village is part of
WINTER
a resort, Balmoral. Developer and
Feltrim Group CEO Garrett Kenny calls
Balmoral a “horizontal hotel,” with
HAVEN
single-family pool homes for rent.
The resort’s event center, for things
like celebratory dinners, is planned to
open this summer.
You (and your company) Florida Youth Soccer and Florida
State Soccer associations are head-
belong here. quartered right in Auburndale.
Polk City is also home to the USA
Winter Haven lies at the Water Ski & Wake Sports Foundation.
center of Florida's Super It’s opened Elite Cable Park at Lake
Region with a population of Myrtle, for lessons and competitions,
part of the new USA Water Sports
7.2 million within an hour's Complex that is under construction.
drive. Ranked as the most Bowling Green’s scenic Streamsong
diversified economy in is a golf resort built on 16,000 acres
Florida combined with our by award-winning architects — on a
former phosphate mine. The resort,
central location, our which attracts international visi-
downtown voted the 2019 #1 tors, includes a 228-room hotel and
Great Place in Florida and the restaurants.
pro-growth, collaborative LEGOLAND’s 150-acre theme park
business environment all in Winter Haven is getting ready to
officially open its new, second hotel —
prove why YOU should be which has a pirate theme.
here. “I’ve been in Polk County for 20
years,” says Kenny of Feltrim Group. “I
like to operate where development is
coming to rather than where it’s been.
I see huge potential in Polk.”
L e a r n m o re a t w h e d c . c o m Balmoral Resort offers guests a unique
luxury stay in an upscale community.
64 MAY 2020 POLK COUNTY / FLORIDA TREND CUSTOM CONTENTPOLK COUNTY
People to Know
Build relationships in the community with Polk County business leaders.
Dr. Steven Achinger Rob Clancey Tim Hoeft
Managing Partner, Watson Clinic President, Bartow EDC Managing Principal, Straughn Trout
Architects
Brian Adams Gene Conrad
Market CEO, AdventHealth Airport Director, Lakeland Linder Kent Ingle
International Airport President, Southeastern University
Bart Allen
Attorney at Law, Peterson & Myers John Corbett Mark Jackson
President & CEO, CenterState Bank Executive Director, Visit Central Florida
Bradley Dantzler Patricia Jackson
Randy Avent Mayor, City of Winter Haven City Manager, City of Polk City
President, Florida
Polytechnic University Dale Dreyer Cyndi Jantomaso
EVP and Regional President of Central President & CEO, Haines City Economic
Bill Beasley Florida, CenterState Bank Development Council
Polk County Manager, Polk County
Todd Jones
Nathaniel Birdsong Danielle President, Publix Super Markets, Inc.
Mayor Pro-Tem, City of Winter Haven Drummond
EVP/COO, Lakeland
Regional Health
Steve Boyington
Principal, The Lunz Group Garrett Kenny
Chandra Frederick Founder & CEO, Feltrim
Assistant County Manager, Group
Jim Bullock Polk County Board of County
Director of Sales & Marketing, Commissioners
Streamsong
Eugene Fultz Anne Kerr
David Bunch Mayor, City of Lake Wales
SIOR, Hauger Bunch President, Florida
Southern College
Ryan Buskirk Angela Garcia
President, Lake Wales Main Street
Falconetti Kevin Kieft
President, Polk State
President/CEO, Lake Wales
College
Area Chamber of
Jacqueline Byrd Commerce and EDC
Superintendent of Bobby Green
Schools, Polk County City Manager, City of Auburndale
Public Schools Joe LaCascia
Mayor, City of Polk City
John Helms
Mark Cabrera Executive Director, Bartow Municipal
President & CEO, SaddleCreek Greg Littleton
Airport Development Authority
President & CEO, Citizens Bank & Trust
Stacy Campbell-Domineck
President and CEO, CareerSource Polk
Mike Herr
City Manager, City of
Bradley Lunz
Winter Haven
President, The Lunz Group
66 MAY 2020 POLK COUNTY / FLORIDA TREND CUSTOM CONTENTOUR GUARANTEES
Florida Southern College goes beyond the conventional college experience,
guaranteeing each student an internship, a travel-study experience, and graduation
in four years. These signature opportunities, combined with our exceptional faculty
and stunning historic campus, create a college experience unlike any other.
flsouthern.edu/guaranteesBruce Lyon
President, Winter Haven
Economic Development
Council
Sean Malott
President & CEO, Central
Florida Development
Council
Meri Mass
Executive Director, Polk Arts Alliance
Nicole McDowell
Interim City Manager, City of Frostproof
Richard Mogensen
General Manager, Streamsong
Bill Mutz
Mayor, City of Lakeland
Steve Nierman
President, Winter Haven Hospital
STAY INFORMED Paul Noris
President & CEO, Bank of Central
Florida
DAILY PULSE & AFTERNOON UPDATE James O’Rourke
President and CEO, The Mosaic
HEALTH CARE | EDUCATION | REAL ESTATE Company
MOVERS & INFLUENCERS Nick Plott
Regional Manager, Local Government,
Community Relations and Economic
Development, TECO Energy
FREE! Sign up today and don’t Jake Polumbo
miss a single enews alert! President, Two Blue Aces
floridatrend.com/alerts Tim Pospichal
Mayor, City of Auburndale
Greg Ruthven
President, The Ruthvens
68 MAY 2020 POLK COUNTY / FLORIDA TREND CUSTOM CONTENTSteve Scruggs Martin Sullivan
President, Lakeland Economic Mayor, City of Frostproof
Development Council
Lindsay
Zimmerman
Jennifer Taylor VP of Investor Relations
Terry Shaw VP of Business Development, Central and Marketing, Central
President & CEO, AdventHealth Florida Development Council Florida Development Council
Emery Smith Marc Zimmerman
VP of Citrus Marketing and Industry
Senior Economic
Relations, Ben Hill Griffin Elaine Thompson Development Manager,
President/CEO, Lakeland Polk County Tourism and
Regional Health
Patricia Steed Sports Marketing
Executive Director, Central Florida
Regional Planning Council Leon Topalian
President & CEO, Nucor Corporation
Nicole Travis
Anita Strang Director of Community & Economic
Executive Director, Main Development, City of Lakeland
Street Winter Haven
Drew Wilcox
Bud Strang Vice President, Nucor Steel
CEO, Six/Ten Corporation Florida, Inc.
EXCEPTIONAL LAND INVESTMENT
22-Acre Downtown, Mixed-Use Jewel
Nestled between bustling Downtown Lakeland,
beautiful 170-acre Bonnet Springs Park* and
the city’s civic and entertainment complex. Build-Ready LAKE MIRROR
LAKE MORTON
DOWNTOWN
• Ideal Master-Developer Site
• Opportunity Zone
• Corner of Two Arterial Streets LAKE WIRE
• 2 Miles to I-4 High Tech Corridor
d .
s B lv
• Impact Fees Exempt or Credited S ik e
SITE Future
• Major Medical Centers Ge +22-ACRE Multi-Modal
or Hub
ge
• 5 Colleges and Universities Je
nk
ins
Bonnet Springs Blv
d. CSX RR
Park*
* Under Construction
David Bunch, SIOR
Lakeland, Florida 863-255-7891
hauger Hauger-Bunch.com Lisa Abberger, SIOR, AICP
bunch REALTOR ®
863-682-6147 863-738-4332
FLORIDATREND.COM MAY 2020 69You can also read
