central to the city’s history and remains important today, these efforts aim to honor the city’s agricultural heritage. This unique feature is something the city hopes to highlight and preserve through future initiatives. THE ROLE OF THE AIRPORT IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The Avon Park Municipal Airport is a key player in the town’s economic development.The airport is taking an innovative approach to development by partnering with Florida Airport Management a company comprised of seasoned aviation professionals adept at airport planning, project management, airfield maintenance and facility operations. The Federal Aviation Administration has been involved in overseeing this process and coordinating grants to support the airport’s progress. Plans are underway to introduce a flight school and hotel accommodations at the Avon Park Municipal Airport. The airport benefits from a strong synergy with the nearby Air Force training site, which has been active since World War II and continues to serve military personnel. Additionally, the airport has seen landings from helicopters and other military personnel, further emphasizing its strategic importance. INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT In terms of water and sewer infrastructure, in addition to meeting the needs of Avon Park residents and businesses, the city is the site of one of two septage treatment plants that service surrounding counties. An upgrade of the Avon Park treatment facilities has been included in the budget to make the services more efficient and cost-effective. The downtown mall continues to benefit from state maintenance, with a contract that was established a century ago and is still in effect. Sidewalks throughout Avon Park are well-maintained, contributing to the walkability of the community and enhancing the quality of life for residents. Many students walk downtown daily to and from school, resulting in significant foot traffic in the area. This adds to the vibrancy and energy of our downtown. There is great school team spirit locally and many 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09
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