Florida's Polk County to Test Air Taxis and Aerial Highways

Air Taxis in Polk County

• ✈️ Flying cars are moving closer to reality in Florida, with research and development centered in Polk County.
• 💡 The facility in Sunrs, Auburndale, is set to research and develop vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.
• 🏗️ A Vertaport has already been built, with an additional one planned, alongside a hangar and runway, to support the research and development of these vehicles.

Aerial Highway Network Development

• 🛣️ Phase one of the aerial highway network will focus on the I4 corridor.
• 🗺️ The network will eventually expand to other areas throughout the state, with initial focus on the I4 corridor and a route from Tallahassee to an air base.

Economic and Educational Partnerships

• 🎓 The state is partnering with universities, including Florida Polytechnic in Lakeland, to advance this technology.
• 📈 The goal is to establish a commercial network to provide a profitable route, keeping Florida as a hub for economic growth.
• 💰 The economic impact is still being studied, but it is expected to contribute to local sales tax and potentially attract new residents to Polk County.