As originally sung by Fergie and then sampled by Jack Harlow: “first class, up in the sky.” But this time, we aren’t talking about airplanes. Earlier this week in Auburndale, Gov. Ron DeSantis showcased “SunTrax,” Florida’s groundbreaking, nation-leading facility for the research and development of emerging transportation technologies. Nestled along the I-4 corridor in Polk County, the 775-acre SunTrax campus was built to test connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) technologies but is now looking to the sky. It has expanded into aviation technology to help safely advance the development of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technology, also known as “flying cars.” With this in Florida’s back pocket, state officials expect to host a series of AAM test flights by the end of the year to let the world know what we are up to. “Great to be at the SunTrax Testing Grounds in Auburndale today to highlight Florida’s leadership in the future of transportation. 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,” DeSantis said. “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.” Home to the nation’s first dedicated AAM Aerial Test Track, SunTrax will actively test eVTOL aircraft throughout the Central Florida aerospace region by the end of the year using its controlled environment. SunTrax provides companies with the privacy to thoroughly test aircraft and new communication technologies under real-world conditions. Additional tenant hangars