b"TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATIONFEATURE| e d i t i o nPOWER POLK COUNTYS FUTUREINNOVATIONisnolongerafutureaspirationforPolk Countyit is happening now. At the heart of this momen- Tending Traditiontum is the Central Florida Innovation District (CFID), a 3,000-acre hub where research, technology and talent con-verge to drive economic growth and global competitiveness. From autonomous transportation to next-generation fla-vors science, CFID is shaping industries that touch everydayWinter Haven Garden Clubslife. In April 2025, IFF opened its Citrus Innovation Center at Florida Polytechnic University, Floridas only public uni- Dedication Blooms Outside Libraryversity dedicated to STEM degrees. Using advanced technol-ogies, the center is developing innovations in foods and bev-erage flavoring, fragrances, body care and related consumer productsbuilding on Polk Countys agricultural legacy.by REBEKAH PIERCESunTrax Air & Ground test and verification facility fur-ther cements Polk Countys role as a national leader in trans-portation innovation. Developed by the Florida Department of Transportation and Floridas Turnpike Enterprise, SunTrax serves as the state headquarters for Advanced Air Mobili-ty research, including electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. With dedicated airspace, intelligent trans-portation systems and collaborative research facilities, Sun-Trax accelerates testing, workforce training and commercial-ization for next-generation mobility.The economic impact of this innovation ecosystem is sig- Inificant. A recent study by economist Rick Harper estimatesIF YOURE A REGULAR at Richards Coffees or have ever found yourself wandering that Florida Poly generates $952 million annually in Floridastoward the Winter Haven Public Library, theres a good chance youve noticed the scenery. economy. Notably, 85% of that impact stems from alumni'sIts hard to miss: the dramatic explosion of color right outside the entrance didnt get earning power. While the average Florida job paid aboutthere by accident, either.$48,579 in 2025, positions most closely aligned with Flori-da Poly degree averaged $90,235 statewidedemonstratingThe display is the handiwork of the Garden how advanced education translates directly into higher-wageClubofWinterHaven.Since1927,thegroup jobs.(with19chartermembers)hasbeenworking Momentum continues to be built. In December 2025,quietlybutproudlytomakethecitygreener, Florida Poly partnered with The Skyway Organization tobrighter, and much more pleasant to look at. spark powerful developments in advanced manufacturing,Thats nearly 100 years of planting, weeding, materials science, aerospace and workforce development,and designing, and its an anniversary that Jenifer according to a press release. The two will work together onThornhill, the Library Garden General Chairman research projects, grant applications, technology demonstra- who is in her third year planning the garden, says tions and more to offer students more educational opportu- theyre excited to celebrate in January 2027. nities and to support faculty research and Skyways engineers.That same year, the university opened its 40,000-square-footGaryC.WendtEngineeringCenter,featuringcut-From the beginning, the clubs ting-edge R&D labs, autonomous technology space and col- missionhas been tolaborative environments designed to accelerate discovery. itspromotean interest in Polk Countys research strength is also reflected in people. Five Florida Poly professors were named to Stanfordgardening and Florida Universitys Worlds Top 2% Scientists list for their contribu- horticulture, support the tions across nanotechnology, transportation systems, power electronics, rare earth recovery and computational intelli- conservationof natural gence. Alumni are pushing boundariesresources, encourage civicago, following the relocation of the library to its as well, including a 2019 graduate nowresearchingbioprintingbeautification , and fosterdowntown spot in July 2004.anopportunityto Themovepresented solutions for heart valve repair. strong friendships extendtheclubsmissionintoahighlyvisible Innovationthriveswhere vision, talent and opportuni- among its members.public space, Thornhill explains.ty align. In Polk County, thatThe project had an avid champion from the alignmentisclearandtheJenifer Thornhill start,withThornhillcreditingMaryGray,a CentralFloridaInnovationFrom the beginning, the clubs mission hasbelovedWinterHavenHighSchoolteacher, District is leading the way. been to promote an interest in gardening andGardenClubmember,andLibraryBoard by SEAN MALOTT Florida horticulture, support the conservation ofmember, as the individual who encouraged the This column is sponsored by the Central Florida Development Council, and thenatural resources, encourage civic beautification,club to take on the project as the grand opening opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFAN or of its advertisers. and foster strong friendships among its members,date for the library approached.BIO: Sean Malott is President & CEO of the Central Florida Development Council,Thornhill explains.Since then, the club has cared for every aspect which he has led since 2016. He has directed economic development and worked onThe Garden Club became involved with theofthegarden,choosingwhatcultivarswillbe business partnerships in a variety of roles through his career. He has a bachelor's degreeWinter Haven Public Library more than 20 yearsgrown, considering how each plant will influence in business management from Purdue University.the spaces design, and partaking in all the regular 10 | CFAN FloridaAgNews.com"