State Grant Provides Drones for Polk State Agricultural Program
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a grant of $276,069 to Polk State College for agricultural education during a news conference on Nov. 4. The award of Workforce Capitalization Grant funding from the Florida Department of Education will expand dual enrollment opportunities for high school students to gain hands-on experience in agricultural technology, including the use of drones and other emerging technologies, according to a news release from Polk State.
DeSantis made the announcement during a visit to Polk State’s JD Alexander Center in Lake Wales. The state funding will assist Polk State in acquiring several unmanned aircraft systems for use in agricultural programs through the college’s AgriPolk initiative. Students will be able to earn certifications related to drone technology.
“So, this is going to be value-added, and Polk State's really going to be leading the charge on it,” DeSantis stated during the conference. “And it's a great part of the state to have this. And I'm really excited that we're able to get that done.”
In October 2025, Polk State launched AgriPolk, an initiative combining an associate in arts degree with specialized coursework, hands-on learning, and certification opportunities for students interested in agriculture. Through a partnership with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences College of Agricultural and Life Sciences in Polk County, AgriPolk offers a path for students to continue their education through the University of Florida’s agricultural programs.
Polk State is also in the process of developing an associate in science degree program in precision agriculture technology to prepare students for careers utilizing advanced technology in modern agricultural operations. The program is set to be approved by the College District Board of Trustees on Nov. 30.
Florida Commissioner of Education Henry Mack joined DeSantis for the announcement.
“Preparing students for success means connecting education with the skills and knowledge that employers and communities need,” Mack remarked. “By introducing high school students to agricultural technology and hands-on technical training, this partnership will create an opportunity for students to explore promising career pathways while earning college credit and a workforce certificate. Programs like this help ensure Florida students are prepared to contribute to our state's growing economy.”
Polk State College President Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas characterized the grant as “a game-changer.”
“These drones are going to allow our students to have that hands-on experience,” Kamoutsas expressed.
DeSantis also unveiled two green road signs, one reading “Polk State College” with an arrow and the other featuring the campus name. The campus is housed in the former Lake Wales City Hall on Central Avenue. The signs aim to enhance the visibility of the Lake Wales campus, according to Kamoutsas.
Alexander, a former Florida Senator and chamber president, attended the event briefly. Polk State’s Board of Trustees had voted in June to appoint Kamoutsas as the successor to Angela Garcia Falconetti. DeSantis had previously appointed Kamoutsas as Florida’s commissioner of education in 2025.
DeSantis selected Mack to succeed Kamoutsas as the state’s education leader.
(Contact information for Gary White is redacted for privacy.)