For students interested in aviation and aerospace, the Central Florida Aerospace Academy in Lakeland offers opportunities that go well beyond the traditional classroom. I toured CFAA to learn how students are gaining hands-on experience in flight training, aircraft maintenance, drones, engineering and more. From specialized coursework to Air Force JROTC, students are developing technical skills, leadership and a foundation for future careers in aviation and aerospace. It's great to see @PolkSchoolsNews providing students with these unique, hands-on learning opportunities and helping prepare the next generation of aviation and aerospace professionals.

From autonomous vehicles to advanced air mobility, SunTrax is helping test the next generation of transportation technology. I enjoyed catching up with the @MyFDOT team to hear about the latest developments at the facility and how its testing capabilities are helping companies and researchers bring new technologies closer to real-world use.

Ever wonder how your favorite @Publix ice cream gets made? We toured the Publix dairy plant in Lakeland, where milk, tea, ice cream and other products are prepared for stores across the Southeast. Since opening in 1980, the facility has been a longstanding part of Polk County’s manufacturing community. And of course, we couldn't leave without sampling some fresh ice cream!

Bok Tower Gardens has been a Lake Wales landmark for nearly a century, welcoming visitors from around the world and playing an important role in our local tourism economy. I enjoyed spending time at @boktower with President and CEO Miles Arnott, as well as carillonneur Geert D’hollander and getting a closer look at the work that goes into maintaining and preserving this National Historic Landmark. Since opening in 1929, Bok Tower Gardens has carried on Edward Bok’s vision of leaving the world a little better and more beautiful than we found it. That legacy remains an important part of what makes Lake Wales such a special place to visit.

Some of the world’s most important weather missions launch from right here in Lakeland. The @NOAA_HurrHunter Aircraft Operations Center at Lakeland Linder International Airport is home base for @NOAA’s specialized aircraft fleet. From flying into hurricanes to conducting atmospheric research around the world, the crews and scientists based here collect critical data that helps protect lives and improve forecasts. As Chairman of the House Science Committee’s Environment Subcommittee, which oversees NOAA, I always appreciate the opportunity to connect with the dedicated men and women behind these missions and learn more about their ongoing work to improve forecasting and keep Americans safe.

Innovation is happening right here in Lakeland. I had the chance to visit Catapult and see how local entrepreneurs are turning ideas into growing businesses. From its workspace and commercial kitchen to its makerspace for manufacturing and engineering, Catapult gives founders the tools, mentorship and resources they need to start, scale and create new opportunities in our community. It’s encouraging to see this kind of entrepreneurship taking root in FL-18.

Hardworking Americans shouldn't be footing the bill for fraudsters exploiting taxpayer-funded programs. Every dollar lost to fraud hurts taxpayers and those who genuinely need assistance. I'm joining @VP in his pledge to stop fraudulent payments, strengthen oversight and hold bad actors accountable. Taxpayer dollars aren't a blank check.

Congratulations to Dr. Alice Beth Barfield on representing Glades County at the National Association of School Superintendents’ celebration of education leaders from across the country. Being named a finalist for the 2026 NASS Superintendent of the Year is a well-deserved recognition of her commitment to improving student achievement, expanding educational opportunities and serving the students and families of Glades County.

Florida’s National Guard answers the call at home and abroad, from hurricane response to overseas deployments, but its force structure has not kept pace with our state’s rapid growth or increasing mission demands. I joined @SenAshleyMoody and members of Florida’s congressional delegation in calling for an increase in the Guard’s authorized force structure. Florida’s soldiers and airmen continue to deliver when our state and nation need them, and they deserve the personnel and resources necessary to carry out the mission and meet Florida’s growing needs. Read the letter here 👇 moody.senate.gov/wp-content/…

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This month, we recognize those battling breast cancer, honor the survivors and remember the lives lost to this terrible disease. Early detection saves lives. I encourage women across FL-18 to stay informed, schedule regular screenings and take charge of their health.

It was great to spend time with the @FLSouthern Moccasin Battalion and talk with the next generation of Army leaders as they prepare to commission next spring. For 75 years, Florida Southern’s ROTC program has trained officers for the Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserve. As a retired Naval Aviator, I always appreciate the opportunity to hear from young men and women who have chosen a path of service to our country.

Polk State College plays an important role in preparing students for careers and meeting the workforce needs of our growing region. I met with President Stassi Kamoutsas to hear about his first 90 days leading the college and his vision for what comes next. We discussed workforce training, expanding educational opportunities and how @PolkState can continue building strong pathways from the classroom to good-paying careers across FL-18 and beyond.

For 251 years, the U.S. Navy has stood watch around the world, defending our nation and protecting freedom at sea. As a retired Naval Aviator who served 26 years, I’m grateful for the generations of Sailors who answered the call and those who continue to serve today. Happy Birthday to the United States Navy!

America’s farmers put in the work every day to keep food on our tables and communities across the country moving. On National Farmers Day, we recognize the men and women whose long hours, resilience and dedication sustain our nation. Thank you to the farmers across Florida’s Heartland and beyond who keep America growing.

Today we recognize Columbus Day and the enduring spirit of exploration that has shaped our nation for generations.

The new Lakeland Senior Hub is bringing resources, wellness and community together under one roof for seniors across Polk County. The 44,000-square-foot facility has already engaged 74 businesses and nonprofits to help connect folks with services, education, physical activity and one another. It’s great to see another resource in FL-18 focused on helping seniors stay active, informed and connected.

🚨 I just sent a letter to @USDA and @CommerceGov demanding immediate action as sulfur shortages and rising costs force American fertilizer plants to cut production. Last month, I led Florida's congressional delegation in raising the alarm. Now, jobs, local businesses and farmers are paying the price. The Administration must move beyond reviewing this crisis and deliver a coordinated plan to secure sulfur supplies, remove costly barriers and get production back on track.

The Annual Okeechobee Farm Bureau meeting was a good opportunity to hear directly from local farmers and recognize the work they do to keep agriculture strong in our community. I appreciate the recognition from @FlaFarmBureau as a supporter of Florida agriculture and will keep working to stand with the farmers and ranchers who help feed our state and nation.

Florida Poly is leading the way in preparing students for high-demand careers and building the workforce of tomorrow. It was great to showcase the incredible work happening at @FLPolyU to @Sonderling47 during a roundtable focused on connecting education with the evolving needs of employers. His visit also marked the first time Florida Poly hosted a sitting U.S. Secretary of Labor.

Florida’s citrus growers are continuing the fight against citrus greening, and that work takes everyone. Our team joined growers and industry leaders from across FL-18, including longtime citrus policy leader Rick Dantzler, fourth-generation grower Jim Snively, Frostproof nursery owner Phillip Rucks, @Sen_Albritton, @FLCitrusMutual and the Citrus Research and Field Trial Foundation team. By sharing research, resources and firsthand experience from the grove, we can keep working toward a stronger future for Florida citrus.