Originally Posted by BBQMan

Let me try to deal with the misunderstandings and newspaper fulminations and tell what is actually happening. First the ‘new’ university, Florida Polytechnic. This is not a new University but rather a repurposing of the USF Lakeland campus to increase emphasis on the STEM (Science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programs in Florida. The State of Florida is low on this type of expertise and more than fully meeting the needs for liberal arts graduates. This is something that should have happened a long time ago. Most States have recognized the need for a science and engineering school. Some examples are Georgia Tech, MIT, University of Missouri Science and Technology, Cal Berkley, etc. Nothing is happening other than looking down the road and trying to fulfill the needs of Florida in the future.

As to the $300 million cut in the budget for the University system. This is not caused by Florida Polytechnic – it was already funded included needed expansion. The cut in the budget for the Florida University system was made to reflect budget priorities. You may disagree with some of the priorities, but again the State budget must be balanced.

Now for the new toll road. First understand that Florida is a rapidly growing state and needs new limited access roads. Since the Federal government is not offering to build these needed roads, they are being built as fully self-funding toll roads. The proposed Central Polk Parkway will do a number of things, but will primarily provide a north/south route through the center of the state. This is desperately needed. To understand that I suggest you take a drive down US 27 to Lake Wales. To say traffic is snarled is being nice about it. Enjoy your trip and stay at Chalet Suzanne in Lake Wales. It’s a unique place with a very good dining room. Go out and enjoy looking at all the different rooms – each one is different just as your tableware will be at dinner. A great romantic place to visit.