After experiencing explosive growth of 10 percent or more for several years, construction and development in Haines City and northeast Polk County has slowed along with the rest of the nation. But, like the hub of a huge wheel, the northeast Polk County region is circled with opportunities.
Proximity to both Interstate 4 and Highway 27 provides residents and businesses with convenient connections to Orlando, Tampa, Miami and beyond. Highway 27, the community’s 6-lane artery, has attracted many new developments. During the past three years, grocery stores, car dealers, home improvement stores, banks, medical offices, and a multitude of retail and service businesses have located along the corridor to serve residents and visitors.
With the siting of the second US location for a LEGOLAND theme park just 12 miles from Haines City, officials estimate about 80% of the 1.5 million visitors will travel the Highway 27 corridor "Path to LEGOLAND" to visit the park. Businesses along the Path to LEGOLAND are developing business strategies to attract the new 2 to 12 year old LEGOLAND audience expected when the park opens in Fall 2011.
Polk County plans several road improvements to relieve the increased traffic that growth creates. Proposed road improvement projects include: two new roads paralleling Highway 27, a new east-west connector road between Highway 27 and State Road 17-92, and the four-lane upgrades of Ronald Regan Parkway, S. R. 547 and S. R.17-92. These and other proposed improvements will provide alternate routes for local traffic and open up additional property for development.
On a regional scale, Florida Department of Transportation is studying east-west and a north-south corridors to place new toll roads. Both routes will bisect Polk County and provide travel alternatives to the state’s major interstate highways. The eastern, north-south route will parallel Highway 27, primarily east of Haines City, connecting with I-4 near Champions Gate.
At the intersection of I-4 and Highway 27, Posner Development is completing Phase 1 of Posner Commons, an outdoor shopping mall with many familiar retail names: Target, JC Penney, Belk, Ross, Dicks Sporting Goods, along with specialty shops and retaurants. Phase II will add a town center and residential areas. Just 4 miles north of Haines City's city limits, shopping hs never been closer to home.
Southwest of the I-4 and Hwy 27 junction, Polk County greets visitors with Polk Outpost 27, A Florida Adventure Center. The Center entertains and informs visitors about Polk County. This resource raises the visitor’s awareness of the county’s attractions and resources; bringing new customers to their doors.
Companies that manufacture and distribute lumber, trusses, pavers, aerated concrete blocks and other housing components have located in and around the South Industrial Park to take advantage of the City's rail spur connected to the main CSX line. Also on the railroad spur, a paper manufacturer/distributor invested $30 million to install a new paper manufacturing machine and build 88,000 square feet of manufacturing space. Developers are building office parks and warehouse space for lease to businesses not yet ready to build their own facilities.
Revitalization of the historic downtown continues with streetscaping projects, building renovations and utility upgrades. Haines City’s Main Street program assists shop owners, developers and City staff to preserve the community’s heritage, with the vision that our historic downtown once again becomes a working and profitable economic center.
Although buildings now stand where many citrus trees used to bloom, agriculture still plays a major role in Central Florida’s economy. In addition to the fresh fruit and juice markets, value added products show the resilience of the industry. Fruit candies and jellies, distilled liquor, flavors and essences, household cleaners, and many unique products are exported worldwide from local manufacturing plants.
Haines City and Polk County have created Selected Area Plans (SAP) to guide future development in the northeast region. Quality planning and a vision for the future will ensure our community retains its Florida charm.
The Haines City-Northeast Polk County Regional Chamber of Commerce works closely with the Haines City Economic Development Council, the City Commission and staff, the East Polk Committee of 100 and the Central Florida Development Council to recruit and retain quality businesses to our community. Together we provide companies with information on available buildings, sites, workforce, grants, loans, training programs, current statistics; virtually everything required to make an informed siting decision and grow a successful business.