FROM THE PUBLISHER
Florida has always been shaped by industries that look forward— industries willing to invest in innovation, talent, and long-term growth. Today, few sectors embody that spirit more clearly than aviation and aerospace.
Across North Central Florida, aviation and aerospace are no longer defined solely by runways, terminals, or launchpads. The industry’ s influence now reaches deep into regional economies, shaping workforce development, infrastructure planning, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and research. As global competition for talent and investment intensifies, this sector is helping position our region as a critical hub within an increasingly interconnected aviation and aerospace ecosystem.
In this issue of EVOLVE, we explore how aviation and aerospace are driving economic growth across Volusia, Flagler, and St. Johns counties. The stories that follow focus on innovation, workforce pipelines, manufacturing capacity, and infrastructure— highlighting the institutions and companies building the future of flight and space while creating highskill jobs and long-term opportunities.
What emerges is a picture of a region moving with intention. Universities are aligning curriculum and research with real-world industry needs. Manufacturers are investing in next-generation technologies and advanced production capabilities. Airports are evolving into economic engines, supporting business expansion, connectivity, and global access. These efforts are not occurring in isolation; they reflect deliberate collaboration among industry leaders, educators, policymakers, and economic development partners.
Equally important is the emphasis on people. Existing and future availability of talent resources is at the center of this growth, with training programs, internships, and education partnerships designed to prepare the next generation of engineers, technicians, pilots, and innovators. These pipelines ensure that as the industry grows, the benefits remain rooted locally, supporting families, communities, and regional prosperity.
Aviation and aerospace are reshaping how our region competes and collaborates on a global scale. The investments being made today— in infrastructure, education, and innovation— are laying the foundation for sustained leadership in an industry that continues to evolve at extraordinary speed. Don’ t miss the Staying Ahead article written by retired Col. Robert Long, President and CEO of Space Florida on Page 24.
This issue of EVOLVE offers a closer look at the momentum underway— and the strategic choices positioning our region for what comes next.
PUBLISHERS Howard M. Holley and Dr. Barbara C. Holley
CHIEF CONTENT OFFICER Elesha Mavrommatis
ART DIRECTOR Leslie Proctor
CHIEF OPERATING AND SALES OFFICER Jeanne Coates
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Yvette Alleman
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARDS
First Coast Region Eric Becher • Vavarde Strategic Funding Cindy Dalecki • Marketing 2 Go Maks Levanovich • SouthState Bank Craig McKinney • City of Palm Coast Scott Maynard • St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce Sarah McPherson • Advent Health Dr. Sandra Miles • DSM Initiatives, LLC Sherri Mitchell • Nassau County Economic Development Board Dr. Daniel Ray • St. Johns River State College
Space Coast Region Nick Conte • City of DeLand Richard Cooper • Foundation Risk Partners Heather Edwards • Volusia County Economic Development Department John Guthrie, Halifax Health Tracy Marino • Team Volusia EDC Dean O’ Brien • 06 Marketing LLC Brian Rademacher • City of Ormond Beach Kate Sark • Ocean Center Amy Workowski • The W Agency
INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING? If you would like to advertise in EVOLVE, please call 386.449.8353 or email us at info @ TouchPointIS. com
HOWARD M. HOLLEY Co-Publisher
CONTACT US info @ TouchPointIS. com
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