Polk Museum of Art expands with growth in Lakeland
Renovations and upgrades for the Polk Museum of Arts entrance, flooring, galleries, classrooms and offices are expected to get underway later this year.
Lakeland
USF PolyTech in Lakeland, the newest USF campus, aims to become the center of the high-tech universe along Interstate 4 connecting Tampa to Orlando. The fledgling university’s plans call for cross-disciplinary studies that emphasize math, science and technology as the best formula for growing intellectual capital. Down the road, tiny Florida Southern College is home to 10 architecturally significant buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. New or expanding companies include WellDyneRx, Firmenich, Pepperidge Farm, Saddle Creek and GTECH Printing. Nearly 100,000 residents enjoy an eclectic mix of neighborhoods and housing that runs the gamut from mobile homes to millionaire mansions.
Energy funds study that could lead to new industry for Florida
A Florida Industrial and Phosphate Research Institute study can help position the state to become a U.S. supplier of the rare earth elements used to manufacture green energy and tech gadgets.
Book excerpt: Cell to Success by Chance L. Boyd
Entrepreneur Chance L. Boyd of Tampa gives readers an intense glimpse into his life with the release of his debut book, "Cell To Success: A Journey of True Liberation.''
Florida Poly gets approval to build lab space for Fortune 500 firm
With approval to use private funds to build new labs, Florida Polytechnic University moves one step closer to its vision of creating a research park with a town center, shops, restaurants, and residences.
Book excerpt: Upended by Amanda Kabak
A budding entrepreneur between relationships is temporarily thrown for a loop when she becomes the victim of a vicious hate crime in Upended, a new novel by award-winning author Amanda Kabak of Lakeland, FL.
Boom by the Bay: Where to see fireworks, celebrate 4th of July
Tampa's Boom by the Bay is back! As are lots of other small town and community 4th of July celebrations across the Tampa Bay Area. Read what's out there.
Destination: Bok Tower, Lake Wales
The tranquility at Bok Tower is palpable, a slice of Eden, the soothing carillon bells -- played every 30 minutes -- sound like prayers of peace.
NIH awards $44.4m grant to USF researchers to fund ongoing Alzheimer’s research
Want to help researchers figure out how to treat Alzheimer's and other brain disorders that sometimes come with aging? Volunteer to be part of ongoing studies at USF Health. Learn more.
Polk County considers adding Bus Rapid Transit service
A proposed BRT (bus rapid transit) route in Polk County would connect to Lakeland’s medical district and Lakeland Square Mall, which may eventually spur transit-oriented development along U.S. 98 in central Florida.
Commentary: Head east from Tampa to see our present and our future
Where's the next commercial real estate boom shaping up in Florida? Look east of Tampa to County Line Road between Plant City and Lakeland, says Dee Maret of Bridgewater Commercial Real Estate.
