New $300M Airport Promises Economic Boost for Rural Florida

Hendry County faces educational and political challenges in preparing its workforce for 1,400 new jobs.

The Airglades airport project could bring over 1,400 high-skilled jobs to one of Florida's poorest counties.
Local leaders view the airport as a generational economic opportunity for the largely agricultural community.
Educational barriers include a high percentage of adults without high school diplomas and a significant non-English-speaking population.
Political tensions in Florida complicate efforts to tailor education programs for the county's diverse workforce.
Teacher shortages and the need for specialized training programs are critical hurdles to workforce readiness.