Rural is the New Metro

Located in the heart of Florida's Heartland, Highlands County represents a compelling narrative of rural economic transformation. This region exemplifies how strategic planning, innovative infrastructure, and a forward-thinking approach can position a rural community as an attractive destination for businesses and families seeking opportunity and quality of life.

Strategic Connectivity: Breaking Rural Boundaries

Highlands County exemplifies how rural areas can transcend traditional limitations through strategic connectivity. Located within 150 miles of over 18 million people—86% of Florida's population—the county offers unprecedented accessibility. Within a two-hour drive, businesses can reach major metropolitan areas like Orlando, Tampa, Fort Myers, and West Palm Beach, creating a unique value proposition for businesses seeking both proximity and distance from urban centers. This connectivity is amplified by sophisticated multimodal infrastructure. Access to multiple interstates, commercial airports, deepwater ports, and an advanced intermodal logistics center provides a businesses with an exceptional competitive advantage.
 

The Sebring Multimodal Logistics Center: An Innovation Ecosystem 

Highlands County offers of variety of shovel-ready sites primed for industrial development, with the premier offering being the Sebring Multimodal Logistics Center. Spanning 1,255 acres, this industrial park is more than just a collection of sites—it's a sophisticated ecosystem where business, education, and innovation intersect. The center's Foreign Trade Zone designation, newly constructed CSX rail spur, and robust utility infrastructure create an ideal environment for businesses across various sectors. What sets this logistics center apart is its holistic approach to development. By hosting 15 manufacturing and aviation businesses alongside a cutting-edge Career and Technical Education program, the center creates a symbiotic relationship between industry and education. Students earn certifications in engineering and aviation, directly connecting educational resources with real-world industrial opportunities.

Workforce Development: Quality and Quantity

The county's labor force represents a powerful economic asset. With access to more than 125,000 potential workers and a student population of 68,000 within a 60-mile radius, Highlands County offers businesses a robust talent pipeline. South Florida State College and five nearby higher education institutions are not mere training providers but strategic economic development partners.

These educational institutions have carefully aligned their curricula with emerging industry needs, ensuring that local talent is precisely calibrated to meet the evolving demands of modern businesses. This strategic approach to workforce development positions Highlands County as a forward-thinking region committed to economic growth and individual opportunity.
 

Quality of Life: The Competitive Differentiator

Beyond economic metrics, Highlands County offers an exceptional quality of life that serves as a significant competitive differentiator. The region boasts two state parks and over 100 lakes, providing residents with abundant opportunities to enjoy Florida's natural beauty. Each of the county's three municipalities—Lake Placid, Sebring, and Avon Park—offers a unique character that contributes to the area's rich cultural tapestry.

Lake Placid's renowned public art installations create a visually distinctive environment, while the Sebring International Raceway attracts motorsports enthusiasts from around the world. Avon Park's historic charm adds another layer of appeal, demonstrating that rural doesn't mean monotonous.

Emerging Economic Sectors: Diversification and Growth

Recent years have seen promising developments in several emerging economic sectors:

1. Healthcare and Medical Services: The growth of medical facilities and healthcare-related businesses has created stable employment opportunities and improved local infrastructure.
2. Aviation and Advanced Air Mobility: With a strong history of being progressive, advanced infrastructure, and strategic location, the Sebring Regional Airport provides a stable environment for specialty aircraft manufacturing and maintenance. 
3. Light Manufacturing and Technology: Strategic economic development efforts have attracted small and mid-sized manufacturing and technology businesses, gradually diversifying the economic base within Highlands County.

Future Outlook: A Vision of Sustainable Development

Highlands County represents a new model of rural economic development—one that leverages strategic location, innovative infrastructure, comprehensive workforce development, and exceptional quality of life. By challenging traditional rural economic paradigms, the county is creating a blueprint for sustainable, inclusive growth that can serve as a model for rural communities nationwide.

As businesses and families increasingly seek alternatives to overcrowded metropolitan areas, Highlands County stands ready—not just as an alternative, but as a preferred destination for those who understand that opportunity knows no geographic boundaries.