It’s important to put the veto in perspective. As The Ledger pointed out, 25% of the Governor’s vetoes this year fell in Polk County. Last time I checked there are 67 counties in Florida. Sound equitable to you? Of course not, which further illustrates that this veto has nothing to do with education policy, spending policy, fiscal restraint, or budgetary prioritization. It has everything to do with the politics surrounding a fledgling administration mired in contradiction and unpredictability.

I frankly don’t plan to venture here into the political workings of a US Senate campaign and how they translate into the folly of inconsistency that has become the Administration. But suffice it to say, it’s mind boggling. Check out this press release which the Governor issued on June 11, 2008 marking his enthusiastic support of the campus name change and the critical first round of construction funding. To quote him, “I look forward to the great work…from this promising institution.” Huh?

That press release came the year after the very first Charlie Crist veto of construction dollars for USF Polytechnic. He issued that release and the region breathed a collective sigh of relief. We had convinced him. He endorsed us – and endorsed us publicly. What ensued were two solid years of construction funding with the Governor’s seal of approval.

If you have found yourself reading along just fine up until now, yes, you might have just stumbled on a mental speed bump of sorts. But what I’m telling you is correct. This Governor has now vetoed and signed construction dollars for the same project twice. I couldn’t make something this outrageous up. This is the inconsistency this region and decision-makers across the state are wrangling with. How do you do business with an administration that exhibits this type of irrationality? The truth is, you can’t. And you shouldn’t.

USFP’s chief Marshall Goodman on Thursday issued a candid statement to supporters reiterating the region’s commitment to the campus master plan, to the bold vision that USFP offers and to continuing the important fight to bring first rate economic advancement to Polk.

I congratulate him as well for reminding folks that while the vision of vertical construction on the Williams site has suffered a temporary setback of sorts, the mission remains strong and the delivery of the highest quality education by world class professionals flourishes. You see, the Governor left in tact the operating fund increases contained in the state’s budget. So, onward we march. You will see expansion of the high-tech business incubator efforts throughout the region, the hiring of some of the most qualified faculty ever assembled and the continuation of a mission that has been endorsed so enthusiastically by a loving community and a committed region.

And come January, the inconsistency that has become the Crist Administration will fade from power. Advocates, citizens and leaders will engage and we’ll succeed. The campus will be built. The Polytechnic vision will thrive and the region will claim victory because we remained fervently committed to bold vision and economic transformation.

photo credit: Tom Hagerty for Metro I4 News

Onward We March is a post from: Metro I-4 News

But the convention is a big deal for the region – I’m even comfortable arguing that it’s bigger than the Super Bowl. And my argument here has not really as much to do with specific economic gain for the region as it does perception and display for the region, if we handle it well. Because of the 24 hour national and cable news cycle, the host city – and its region – are truly on display for an entire week. In recent history, the conventions kick off the race to the Presidential election’s finish line. It’s when the electorate really begins to tune in and pay attention. And arguably, this time around, all eyes will be on the Republicans since we‘ll have the challenger in the race. So, as America wakes up to pay attention to politics at the highest level in our land, what will they see as they switch on Tampa Bay in High Def?

I hope they see a truly high-tech corridor. I hope we show off higher education. I hope they see transportation infrastructure. I hope our airports are on their best behavior. I hope Ybor City shows off Tampa’s Hispanic heritage. I know St. Pete/Pinellas will show the world the charm of the Suncoast. I hope that Plant City, Eastern Hillsborough/Polk show off our agricultural roots and transforming economies. I hope the Florida Southern visitor’s center is packed with patrons. I hope the high tech students at USF Poly ensure our convention values state of the art innovation and technology. I hope the political science students at USF St. Pete and the main campus play a significant role, as Dr. Susan McManus makes a semester’s worth of impact. I hope the side trips to Disney, coincide with side trips to Legoland. And I trust that the entire I-4 corridor will claim this event as their own.

If I learned one thing from my experience in Minneapolis, distance isn’t a factor. I stayed as far away as you could from the convention center (not by choice), but that didn’t matter. The events surrounding the main event were held all over the twin cities and we found ourselves shuttling back and forth and throughout the region as we visited the different venues. All that to say that convention visitors in 2012 will literally inundate the entire Bay Area region. If our region treats them warmly and welcomes the intense international spotlight, it will make all the difference in the world. I truly hope that as we send the GOP nominee off to the races, we show the visitors and viewers around the globe why we truly are the world’s leading super-region. The Region’s Convention – what a chance to shine!

photo credit: ShootsNikon

The Region’s Convention is a post from: Metro I-4 News

I wrote back in February of the status of our regional airport vis-à-vis the larger airports we find ourselves sandwiched between. I still think there is a ton of room for improvement in internationalism at Tampa “International” Airport. But I said in February that commercial and charter service needed to be expanded in our region, and that I believe Lakeland stands well positioned to be a major player in that endeavor. In addition to my thoughts specifically about Lakeland’s great positioning for regional aviation activity, I generally think the old-fashioned hub and spoke commercial air travel model is in for a rude awakening. It’s just not an efficient way to move people about the country. The Day Jet folks believed this too, but found themselves ahead of the curve and drowned out by the timing of introducing a new concept in a early stages of this “Great Recession” we’re hopefully emerging from now.

I met Gene Conrad almost immediately after he took the helm of our regional airport. And something about him told me he was going to be a good fit for Lakeland Linder. In fact, in his Q and A with The Ledger back in February, he told us that long range planning and steady, incremental success were the keys to the future for Lakeland Linder.

Fast forward to Friday. As I figured, Gene Conrad wouldn’t waste much time grabbing the bull by the horns and beginning to fill the gap. Conrad, Steve Scruggs and the City Administration announced the Sky King deal. In just two months, the Airport has managed to erase a significant percentage of its operating deficit with the opportunity to turn it into a huge surplus in federal draw downs when the passenger piece of the deal is realized.

Even if the passenger side of this deal never bears fruit, a regional charter company headquarters with a fleet of 737’s represents a big win for Lakeland because it lands us clearly on the radar screen of the American business and aviation community. So, on one hand “I told ya so.” And on the other hand? Well, they’re watching us…and they ought to be.

photo credit: hyku

They’re Watching Us…And They Ought To Be is a post from: Metro I-4 News

But I got back to Tallahassee tonight after our short mid session break and wanted to take a few minutes to at least apologize for my mistaken ambition, and to provide a 50,000 foot view of my experience so far this year.

First of all, it’s been a quite interesting session for me on a personal level. The unsteadiness that my profound grief caused last session has given way to the realization that my growing 4 year old is more and more affected by his daddy’s absence. So, as my service remains a personal challenge, the work is still fun, I believe I’m making a difference and that keeps me coming back.

I spent the first part of session focused on a complex piece of legislation designed to make the campaign process more transparent and accountable. I’m currently working with our staff to craft higher-education policy which will codify the end of protracted constitutional litigation between the Board of Governors and the Legislature over university governance. As well, I’m working hard on an energy package designed to provide incentives for renewable energy investment in our state. So, when you couple these legislative initiatives with the daunting task we face of balancing the state’s lagging budget, it’s certain to be a high-paced race to the finish.

As I’ve mentioned before, I never intended this space to be focused on legislative policy, but I thought I’d at least take a few minutes to let readers know what I’ve been up to and why I have been seemingly missing in action. I continue to be very encouraged about some exciting initiatives happening throughout our region and I look forward to providing more commentary on regional issues as session comes to a close.

Thank you for continuing to read this column and I am hopeful that you will check back shortly as I return to a more regular pace before long.

photo credit: giveawayboy

Mid Session is a post from: Metro I-4 News

On to regionalism. From the “see I told ya so” category, you have to read this post from Homebuilder News. In it Lennar announces huge investment in our region, including new jobs and housing starts. They credit the High Speed Rail project as the prime incentive for their investment.

Related, The Sentinel and other news outlets this week reported that the University of Florida’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research declared that the recession has ended, but as importantly, that population growth will return to Florida. The report echoes information I discussed here a couple of months ago from economists over at UCF. UF agrees with them that our region will lead the state out of the recession as well as lead the way in population growth.

I can tell you that the folks at Lennar aren’t stupid. On the contrary, they know what they’re doing and they invest where they know they’ll be successful. Our region is poised to come out of the recession attracting job creators whom we hope will fill up the housing starts with high-skill, high-wage occupants. But please remember: private sector investment flows to regions where the capital is welcomed, and leveraged by quality planning and infrastructure investment.

The time to cooperate with each other to ensure we are making the right investments in the right places through a 50,000 foot long-range vision for our super-region is now more than ever. If we take the opportunity that economic recovery presents to plan for the future by making smart decisions it will make all the difference in the world. So, as you read about the day-to-day fights and short term challenges, I urge you to take a deep breath and remember the long view.

photo credit: westpark

Take the Long View is a post from: Metro I-4 News

On a personal level it’s a disappointment because many of the best spring training games fall during the week – when I’m in Tallahassee. Attending Spring Training games was always a highlight of my year when I was a Lakeland City Commissioner. The Detroit Tigers train in Lakeland at Joker Marchant Stadium. The partnership between the Tigers and the City of Lakeland represents the longest-running spring training relationship in Major League Baseball. And make no mistake, the remodeled Joker Marchant Stadium is a fan favorite among Grapefruit League patrons.

The Lakeland Chamber carries on another one of the best traditions in the sport – an official welcome party, the Tiger Barbeque. This Thursday night folks from all over the community will gather to welcome the team to Lakeland for the 64th year. That’s right, I said 64. It’s a tradition that bolsters a regional heritage worth celebrating.
While Spring Training surely is a big deal for our region, it’s vital to our state as well. With a total economic impact of over $750million. The Grapefruit League means big business for Florida. I hope to report more on this as the legislative session moves forward because we find ourselves in what the USA Today describes as a “tug of war” with Arizona for who can do a better job luring Major League teams to their state.

The trouble is we’re losing the war at the moment. Arizona is attracting teams at a faster clip than we are. In fact, for the first time in history they’ve caught us – there are now as many teams training in each state. Lakeland is a legendary leader thanks in large part to Parks and Recreation Directors Joker Marchant and Bill Tinsley who recognized the value of the team-city relationship. I know times are tough for Florida’s budget, but we really do need to do our part to acknowledge their leadership and vision by keeping the tradition alive. Play ball.

photo credit: Tom Hagerty for Metro I4 News

Play Ball is a post from: Metro I-4 News

Here’s the deal in a nutshell: Under the federal Clean Water Act, states are expected to develop numeric nutrient criteria. Nutrient pollution, i.e. excess nitrogen and phosphorus levels in water bodies, can cause harm to aquatic ecosystems and threaten public health. Through the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) and its water management districts, Florida has established robust standards and enacted programs to support water quality. In September of 2007, DEP produced a Numeric Nutrient Criteria Plan which outlined its approach for developing numeric nutrient criteria throughout the state. This plan was submitted to and agreed upon by the US Environmental Protection Agency. But in the summer of 2008, along comes the environmental group EarthJustice filing a lawsuit in federal court against the EPA Administrator alleging that the agency had failed to comply with its responsibility under the Clean Water Act to force Florida to expeditiously adopt numeric nutrient criteria. As a result, EPA hastily issued a proposed rule in January 2010 establishing numeric nutrient criteria for Florida water bodies and giving us until this October to comply with the new regulations.

In my opinion, Florida Citrus Mutual said it best “…the lawsuit-driven proposed numeric nutrient criteria coming from EPA are 1) technically and scientifically unsupported; 2) arguably economically unattainable, creating major hardships for every sector of Florida’seconomy and local governments; and 3) not reasonably related to the health of flora and fauna (i.e. freshwater and marine-based plant and animal life) of Florida’s waters.” More info from Citrus Mutual here.

Moreover, a consortium of Florida’s water and wastewater utilities estimate costs to implement this baseless numeric criteria range from $650-$750 per year, per household in Florida. And that’s just households. Imagine the cost to small businesses? (pdf)

I am working diligently with my colleagues in the Florida House to petition EPA for an extension of the comment period and for additional public hearings throughout our state. But the bottom line here is this: Floridians can’t afford this, nor can our small businesses, and nor can our agriculture industry, which would be unfairly punished in this scheme. In fact, agriculture is leading our state out of this economic recession (more on that later) and it continues to play a major role in our regional economy. Environmental and industry leaders have praised the state’s efforts to improve water quality. Why not allow the rigorous standards we already have in place sufficient time to prove effective. Now just isn’t the time to impose this clumsy, heavy-handed piece of bad government on folks.

photo credit: Stuck in Customs

Talk about too much government… is a post from: Metro I-4 News

But I just got home from the joint Lakeland Kiwanis Clubs’ Pancake Festival. Winter Haven Kiwanis held theirs as well today, and Bartow Kiwanis held one on Feb 6th. Dozens of Polk charities benefit from these events put on by hundreds of Kiwanis volunteers each year.

And how great is Lakeland’s Pig Fest? Tens of thousands visit from all over the country to this official barbeque chapionship benefitting the Junior League. Kim and I and the children had a ball this year – both Friday night and Saturday offered loads of fun at Pig Fest. You know, it always competes with Tampa’s Gasparilla celebration, but it does just fine thank you very much! In fact, we thought this was the best Pig Fest ever.

What’s more, Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City is right around the corner. We love the strawberry festival. Kim would rather eat strawberries than anything else in the whole wide world and Seth3 makes sure we remember that Dora hosts a Strawberry Festival (Fess-tee-VALL) too! This year I’m particularly excited that Natalie Burgin, the sister of my good friend and fellow Florida House Member Rep. Rachel Burgin, is this year’s Strawberry Queen!

Lake Wales has Mardi Gras this weekend, Davenport hosts an annual Quilt and Tea Festival, Bartow hosts Bloomin’ Arts, Winter Haven has the fantastic Bach Festival , Lakeland loves Mayfaire, Dade City just held the Kumquat Festival and there are dozens more throughout the region.

And my point is this: If you recall from the Op Ed I wrote back in January, I mentioned that in this conversation I hoped to start about regionalism, I thought it pivotal to inculcate our individualism and local culture and to never lose the unique charm that defines each of the communities in our diverse, but connected region. So let‘s keep the festivals!

Don’t Lose the Festivals is a post from: Metro I-4 News

But, as I see it, we’re on the cusp of killing the goose before we ever get a golden egg. These two stories unfortunately foretell what amounts to a food fight over where a proposed Polk County High Speed Rail stop should be located.

• Officials Differ Over Best Location of Polk County Stop for High-Speed Rail

• Haven Chamber Backs USF For High-Speed Rail Stop

The fact is that we’re lucky we’re even getting a stop. As you know, the Federal government didn’t give us enough money to build the entire system. And California’s application was also partially funded. Already pitching for the next round of funds, Gov. Schwarzenegger touts its system as the only “true” high speed rail. And the trouble is, he’s correct. Ours won’t go as fast as his. Why? There are too many stops for it to achieve speeds over 200 mph on such a short route. But we are fighting with ourselves about where our stop – one that will slow the system down – will be. That just doesn’t seem smart to me.

My perspective: We need to respect and thoughtfully participate in a process with FDOT through which we carefully analyze the available alternatives for the rail stop. We should foster a timely, yet analytical process that details the costs, benefits, advantages and disadvantages of every proposed alternative. We should respect the outcome of a contemplative process and be thankful that we’ll benefit at all from a stop on the region’s bullet train – no matter where it is.

photo credit: SAsqrd

A silly fight…from my perspective is a post from: Metro I-4 News

Leading Florida economists tell us that with the weakened dollar and Florida’s increased profile as an international exporter, the climate seems ripe for more internationalism. So why not Tampa Bay? No doubt it sounds as if the approach used by authority members for opening the discussion may have missed the mark. But, disregarding that, it seems that the economic restructuring we’re experiencing might offer an appropriate time for the authority to re-open the books, have the discussion and redouble it’s efforts toward international travel.

On the local level, the whole discussion of the airport intrigues me. I have long thought that the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport is Lakeland’s most under-utilized asset. But the airport is a “tweener”. See, much of Lakeland’s economic development success is a credit to our location between the economic centers of Tampa and Orlando, who each boast first rate commercial airport facilities. Company exec’s tell us all the time how important it is that employees and management alike can benefit from the convenience offered by these two transportation hubs. So, where does that leave us?

I recently attended a seminar by economist Hank Fishkind here in Lakeland. Dr. Fishkind briefly mentioned the ability of a large, commercial airport to transform a community, as is happening right now in Panama City. Jim Studiale, Lakeland’s Community Development Directly correctly pointed out that Lakeland is simply very unlikely to rely on heavy commercial air traffic because of the two major airports east and west. I’ve long believed that a more intese focus on attracting commuter air traffic is the right answer for Lakeland and is the direction the new Airport administration should pursue.

But this whole discussion brings it home for me. If Polk isn’t going to be a player in commercial air traffic, It seems to me that we need to reach out and see how we can play ball with the communities east and west who have it and see how we can help move people throughout the region (and in and out of Polk?). The bottom line is this: if commercial air traffic isn’t in Polk’s future, what’s the next best thing? I’d say it’s a wide array of safe, efficient and reliable regional transportation to and from the hubs. And I think an expanded commuter air presence, a broader toll-road network, reliable commuter rail/mass transit and efficient high-speed rail connections are the answer. We should strongly pursue them all, whenever we can. Strategic infrastructure investments are the proper role of government and hopefully our community can realize that the region deserves a more diverse transportation portfolio.

Finally, while this is a topic of a future column, it’s worth mentioning here. It’s a shame that the current high speed rail proposal, which I ardently support, wouldn’t connect to the Tampa Airport as it does to Orlando’s airport–it should. But that shouldn’t preclude our support of the project – there are unique geographical challenges in Tampa that leaders are working to overcome. More info about Florida’s High Speed Rail Proposal at www.fasrailconnectus.com ..and expect more from me to come on this topic…

photo credit: vad_levin

Airports, Etc. is a post from: Metro I-4 News

That said, my perception of both traditional and direct media coverage surrounding the announcement is that it contains a hidden message as important as Legoland itself. I encourage you to read this post from The Daily Disney blog “A Mom and the Mouse” by Kristin Ford. The column highlights the Lego Imagination Center at Downtown Disney, which is an existing interactive play area and Lego store to which children flock en masse. The author includes an important paragraph acknowledging the new Polk Legoland and its proximity to the Orlando attractions. And she closes the piece by encouraging financial incentives and other “tie-ins” to entice visitors to venture off the Disney property and try something new.

As I read more about the author, I learned that she is a self-proclaimed Disney enthusiast who’s been given a space on that blog by The Orlando Sentinel specifically to discuss activities at Disney. So “don’t look now,” but here’s another example of a neighbor to our East focused on a big deal in Polk, and encouraging regional ties.

What’s more, news from around the world has been regionally refreshing. Read this post by an on-line British news source titled Legoland Florida Coming 2011 to be World’s Biggest. This London-based piece tells readers how near Legoland will be to the other Orlando theme parks, while acknowledging the prominence it will enjoy among Florida’s best attractions. Here is the writer’s closing argument :
“Florida is already home to the biggest Disney park in the world, as well as Universal Orlando, which features two theme parks – Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Now no one will be able to go wrong with a vacation in the Sunshine State.”

The bottom line is that if you’re from London, Stuttgart or Tokyo, a 40-minute hop isn’t far at all to visit another first-class attraction. And you won’t know, nor will you care, that the local folks there are struggling to develop as a world “Super Region.” To you, it already is, which leads me to my point: It’s happening in spite of ourselves. But if we embrace regionalism by cooperating with our neighbors, I submit that it’ll make all the difference in the world.

Just an aside, but as we contemplate all the folks who’ll now be considering a brand new Central Florida theme park, I can’t help but ponder the question: How should we transport them throughout our region?

photo credit: Amodiovalerio Verde

In Spite of Ourselves is a post from: Metro I-4 News

Chief among the challenges, of course, is the dire condition of our state’s economy. Florida has been harder hit than most states, and our region will track the state’s ebbs and flows. There are reasons to anticipate an uptick in key indicators, but the turnaround will not be as quick or as dramatic as the crash. Thus, I expect the coming legislative session in Tallahassee to be another tough one.

The state made difficult-but-prudent decisions in 2009, while balancing the budget and weathering the economic storm. We fought to protect crucial services such as education and transportation, while also demanding that state agencies tighten their belts. We knew, of course, that Florida’s families and small businesses were doing the same.

It is important to remember that in times such as these, strategic investments are vital. The Legislature responded to our community’s commitment to the new University of South Florida Polytechnic campus by significantly increasing one-time and recurring funding for the state’s first and only polytechnic. I passed legislation that allows Polk State College and our State College System to better respond to community work force needs. And I’m hopeful we will amplify the tourist destination that is the Frank Lloyd Wright collection at Florida Southern College. Further, the Department of Transportation has worked closely with federal and local government to maximize the economic impact of infrastructure spending at all levels. And against this backdrop I will continue to fight for responsible energy exploration that secures additional revenue for our state (without raising taxes) while enhancing our nation’s security.

These commitments clearly recognize that our community competes in a different, far more global and interconnected economy than the one dominated by an earlier American generation. Instead of fighting for jobs with Atlanta, Chicago and Seattle, we are competing with Accra, Copenhagen and Shanghai.

My message is this: Lakeland and Polk County will not thrive in isolation. My optimism is fueled by the excitement surrounding the regional identities now emerging in our part of the state. Our local economy has always been linked with the larger markets to our east and west, and now we have a chance to provide transportation and infrastructure linkages to match. But we have to reach out. We must step up to the plate and be the leader who welcomes our east and west partners into our home. We will communicate our vision, inculcate our culture, advocate for our priorities and share in the inevitable success that inures to the world’s leading “super region.”

I believe my service as chair of the Bay Area Legislative Delegation, vice chair of the Polk and Hillsborough delegations and a member of the Central Florida Legislative Delegation will provide our community with enhanced access to the deliberative processes that will unfold in this important year. I have been active in the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority, and am fighting hard for the proposed high-speed rail connecting Tampa and Orlando. I am encouraged that new Mayor Gow Fields has made regionalism a key notion in his vision for Lakeland’s future, and I can’t wait to get to work with the mayor and his team on regional efforts.

I am truly excited by the prospects. Our challenges are great, but together we’ll meet them. It’s our time!

Note: This column was also published in the Ledger.

Front page illustration based on photo by: Tom Hagerty for Metro I4 News

It’s Our Time is a post from: Metro I-4 News

The sale has the potential to put Polk back on the tourism map and generally to be one of the 2010 game changers for the region. But as a timely teaser, I thought I’d comment on two quick links – the first one is the “traditional media” news story from the Orlando Sentinel. The only point here is that it’s important for Polk Countians to know that our neighbors East and West are watching – which is a good thing. Our game changers make news in their markets too. They acknowledge that Polk is open for business and truly is the “belt buckle” (to borrow a phrase from Mayor Fletcher) of the I-4 corridor.

The second is a very interesting post by Robert Niles in Theme Park Insider blog: It features some interesting insight as to the potential viability of a Legoland park in Polk, and both optimism and Mr. Niles’ pessimism are expressed. Most notably, the pessimistic view that the park list too far away from

Like the rest of the county, I’m looking forward to the announcements today. Candidly, I am also happy for LandSouth. They found a solid buyer in the amusement industry with the potential to preserve the character and use of the regional gem, Cypress Gardens. And I think history will prove they were good stewards of a Polk treasure during unprecedented economic times, the depths of which few predicted.

Bottom line: I know my stated goal is to comment on the unheralded nuggets of news shaping our region, but this one’s too big not to address. And you can bet it’ll be the subject of my musings for a while to come.

photo credit: mliu92

Madame Tussaud likes Polk! is a post from: Metro I-4 News

As you’ve probably seen by now, I will write in this space about wins and losses – and call them as I see them. The vision and creation of Lake Myrtle Park is a huge regional win for Polk County. On ground-breaking in 2008, we learned of Polk‘s vision for a first class sports facility attracting athletes and their families from all over the world. Bay News 9 covered the groundbreaking and outlined the proposal.

As the park opens, there are clearly a host of exciting events and opportunities surrounding it, but two recent developments sparked my regional interest. The Florida Youth Soccer Association plans to MOVE it’s offices from Orlando to Lake Myrtle Park. That’s right, MOVE from Orlando to Polk. The FYSA will use the soccer complex here in Polk County as a primary tournament venue, and they’re moving their headquarters because of a strategic investment in world class facilities.

As well, the Disney Soccer Showcase, affiliated with Disney’s Wide World of Sports kicked off a partnership with Lake Myrtle Park to be one of their main soccer venues. This first Disney event alone brought teams from 34 states. My bet is that if Disney recognizes the potential for this complex, we probably hit a home run.

And my point for the region is this: You may not see the Lake Myrtle Park complex as a regional “game changer” for Polk (e.g. USF Poly, Polk Parkway, proposed High Speed Rail, etc.), but I hope you’ll see that these two developments are an indicator – a strong indicator to the larger region that Polk is open for business. And while I spend a lot of time fighting for the “game changers,” I know that these critical, strategic moves on the chess board will ensure success in the end.

It’s exciting that Polk County Sports Marketing, the County Commission, the CFDC and most importantly, the City of Auburndale shared a vision to make a good move and to foster a strategic investment that will advance our long-term viability in the region. Don’t look now, but here’s further proof that when we invest in ourselves, then reach out to cooperate with players in the region, we can expect great dividends.

photo credit: Catch Central Florida

Open for Business is a post from: Metro I-4 News

In a time when funds are short at the state and local level and teachers are in need of more pay, this grant would have made Polk eligible for nearly $19 million dedicated to teacher pay. It’s one of the “strategic” investments I spoke about earlier this month.

Citing minor changes to the way we’ve always done things, Polk County put the Union first, the teachers second, and the students last today. I’m sorry for that. We will still be applying for the dollars and districts across our state will benefit from this opportunity to challenge and reward one of our most valued assets–our educators!

Regionally, Hillsborough County voted unanimously to support the application, and 60 out of 67 Florida counties support the plan. We simply must realize that this failure is another competitive disadvantage for Polk–a mark against us– in a region where our unemployment rate lags our neighbors and where our education policy must improve if we are going to climb out of this hole.

1906 Eastpoint FL school photo illustration credit: State Library and Archives of Florida

Polk Chooses Not to Race to the Top is a post from: Metro I-4 News