AUBURNDALE, Fla.— On Monday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis visited SunTrax, Florida’s premier, nation-leading facility for research and development of emerging transportation technologies and innovations. Located along the Interstate 4 (I-4) corridor in Polk County, the 775-acre SunTrax campus, which was initially built to test connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) technologies, has now expanded to also include air technology. This new expansion was purpose-built to help with the safe and innovative development of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technology, or “flying cars”. AAM will offer a brand-new transportation option to Florida’s communities that will relieve congestion and restore regional air services in the state. With this resource, Florida expects to host a series of AAM test flights by the end of the year. “Great to be at the SunTrax Testing Grounds in Auburndale today to highlight Florida’s leadership in the future of transportation,” said Governor DeSantis. “By the end of this year, Florida will be actively testing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, while SunTrax Air Ground is actively testing and supporting the deployment of autonomous and connected vehicles. “I was also proud to announce that FDOT is partnering with Embry-Riddle and Polk State to help Florida students prepare for exciting career opportunities in the next generation of transportation. Florida has the innovation-friendly policies, the universities and research institutions, the infrastructure and forthcoming infrastructure investments, and the talent needed to become the premier location for emerging transportation technology.” “SunTrax and Florida’s strategic plan to take highways to the sky are prime examples of why Florida remains a global leader in transportation,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “As our state continues to grow and transportation needs increase, AAM will be a great addition to Florida’s world-class transportation portfolio that serves and benefits all travelers.” By the end