HAINES CITY — In Polk County, Florida, aviation has been a thriving industry for decades. Now, one city in Polk County is hoping to capitalize on that rich history.
Haines City has a special celebration planned next weekend that will put a spotlight on Polk’s history with aviation — while also emphasizing that it remains a field with excellent career opportunities.
On Saturday, Feb. 7, the City of Haines City will host the Propelling Forward Expo: The Aviation Experience, billed as a free family event targeted in part to kids in STEM education tracks.
Held at the Lake Eva Community Center from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., “Guests of all ages are invited to explore hands-on science activities, experience aviation technology up close, and discover the excitement of flight,” notes Merissa Green, communications and marketing manager for the Haines City government, in a news release on the event.
What is Polk County’s History with Aviation?
Aviation is big business in Polk County, a leading industry that generates a nearly $2 billion annual economic impact. With four airports — in Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow and Lake Wales — Polk County is known for hosting renowned flight training and aerospace education programs by the Aerospace Center for Excellence in Lakeland and the Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo, a non-profit organization that promotes aviation education.
Key aviation-related industries in Polk County include companies such as Draken International, FlightSafety International, and numerous businesses that provides maintenance services within the industry. Talent for the industry is trained by Polk State College Aerospace, which provides aerospace degrees, and the Central Florida Aerospace Academy that offers specialized training to high school students.
Polk County is also home to Fantasy of Flight, a unique museum and tourist attraction featuring the world’s largest private aircraft collection, including vintage aircraft from several aviation eras and a gift shop.
For Haines City, that’s a lot of history to celebrate.
What is the Propelling Forward Expo?
Haines City is calling this upcoming expo a “special road-show edition of the Aerospace Center for Excellence’s Wings & Things program,” which lets families experience the wonders of aerospace through hands-on activities.
This exp will be ideal for students in STEM education programs, which integrate science, technology, engineering and math into one a hands-on learning experience instead of teaching them as separate subjects.
The activities that students and adults can enjoy at Saturday’s expo will include:
- Flight simulators
- STEM-based learning stations
- Interactive exhibits and aviation displays
- Bounce houses for kids
- Food on site
- An opportunity to sit inside an aircraft cockpit
“The Expo also provides a sneak peek into the world-famous Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo, offering resources and information for families interested in aviation education and careers,” Green notes. “The East side of the county is booming and growth and Aerospace Center for Excellence officials want to tap into the new residents.”
Eric Crump, vice president of the Aerospace Center for Excellence, agreed, and added that his Center is “excited to bring the excitement of aviation to our friends in Haines City. Through our amazing field trip program, we welcomed over 350 students from Haines City to our campus last school year. But we are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with the City to actually be able to bring ACE to Haines City and the east side of the Polk County!”
Haines City Parks and Recreation Director Terrell Griffin notes that the city prides itself on its partnership with the Aerospace Center. “Events like this expose our youth to hands-on learning opportunities and inspire future careers in STEM and aviation,” Griffin said.
A highlight of this expo is expected to be a Big Bang Theory Costume Contest, named after the popular TV sitcom.
“Dress as your favorite character — Sheldon, Penny, Howard, and more — and compete for prizes recognizing creativity and spirit,” Green notes.
Where Can I attend the Propelling Forward Expo?
The Propelling Forward Expo: The Aviation Experience is on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lake Eva Community Center, 555 Ledwith Ave. in downtown Haines City. Call (863) 421-3700 for more information.
The expo is free and open to all ages.
Michael Freeman is an Orlando journalist, playwright, and author of the book A Christmas Eve Story. Contact him at Freelineorlando@gmail.com.
Freeline Media accepts opinion columns — ones that are polite, civil, and done with insight and good taste — from all points of view, all ideologies, all political parties and concerns. Contact us today at FreelineOrlando@gmail.com if you’d like to share your views and opinions with Freeline Media and our readers.
