1 State College
Unique features, rankings and statistics
Highlands County lies at the heart of the South Central region's dominant agricultural industry.
Among its distinctive, man-made features are the Sebring International Raceway and the famous scenic outdoor murals of Lake Placid, which tell the history and story of the town.
Highlands is also home to Archbold Biological Station, a major environmental research facility primarily focused on conservation and ecology within Florida's diverse landscape.
South Florida State College contributes to the county's arts and culture scene through its Museum of Florida Arts and Culture and the Theater of Performing Arts.
The county also has three distinct historic districts in Sebring, Avon Park and Lake Placid.
Hardee County's unique attractions include Solomon's Castle, a hand-built castle made from recycled materials by the late artist Howard Solomon in the early 1970's.
And Hendry County lays claim to the title of the Sweetest Town in America. The city of Clewiston is at the center of U.S. Sugar Corporation's 230,000 acres of sugarcane fields.
Economic Growth
While the South Central region's economy is firmly rooted in agriculture, there are sustained efforts to diversify and expand existing small manufacturers and technology companies.
Hardee County is a good example of this diversification effort, developing programs that focus on expanding the health care, logistics and manufacturing sectors.
This effort has been accelerated by recent climate, workforce and environmental challenges affecting its citrus industry.
The Hardee County Industrial Authority is continuing to work on efforts to secure financing for expanding the Hardee County Commerce Park designed to accommodate and attract non-agricultural industries and advanced manufacturing businesses.
Among the recent economic initiatives underway in Hendry County is the $300 million Airglades cargo airport, a project that is expected to have a major impact on the region's economy.
The Airglades International Airport project is in an advanced planning and development phase, with the New York City investment banking firm Goldman Sachs involved in securing private investment and identifying potential developers for the Airglades cargo hub and logistics city in Hendry County. While the project is moving forward with efforts to address workforce training needs, it is also facing ongoing discussions and potential opposition within local government and communities.
Glades County is becoming a hub for manufacturing and distribution. The county is home to fertilizer plants that use advanced robotics and other technology to improve agricultural production and workforce efficiencies.
In Okeechobee County, economic development initiatives are underway to expand the manufacturing sector, which includes food processing, machine tools and medical devices.
Top industries
Major industries in the South Central region include sugarcane, citrus, cattle and production of a wide variety of winter vegetables. The region's warm climate allows for year-round cultivation of many crops, contributing significantly to Florida's agricultural economy.
The region is also noted for its floriculture nurseries. This industry, which includes greenhouse and nursery products, is a top agricultural commodity in the state and contributes billions of dollars in sales each year.
Access to Capital
One of the primary capital investment resources for the South Central Region is the Florida Rural Infrastructure Fund, a state-funded grants program, administered by the Florida Department of Commerce. The program provides funding for public infrastructure projects in designated rural communities and cities that foster job creation, capital investment and economic diversification.
Recent grants include $600,000 to the Sebring Airport Authority to support critical infrastructure projects, and $1.47 million to the Hardee County Industrial Development Authority to construct a centralized parking area in the city of Wauchula. The project will support local businesses, tourism and an ongoing housing project adjacent to the downtown site.
Culture, Personality and Seasonality
The culture of the Florida Heartland, encompassing DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands and Okeechobee counties, is best described as rural, traditional and deeply rooted in agriculture.
The region's culture is also noted for its long history of cattle ranching, farming and a blend of Florida Cracker heritage. The name Cracker comes from the distinct crack of the whips used by early 19th-century pioneers to herd cattle.
While historically shaped by this Florida Cracker culture and identity, the region's population has become more diverse. Both Hendry and Hardee counties have significant and growing Hispanic populations, a shift particularly notable in Hendry County, where the Hispanic population now makes up the majority.