Florida is poised at the precipice of a new era – expanding our boundaries and reaching again into the cosmic beyond. Southeast Volusia Manufacturing & Technology Coalition is proud to see these efforts thriving in our great state! On May 31, Governor DeSantis announced the selection of Florida's Patrick Space Force Base as the U.S. Space Force Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) headquarters.
So, what does this decision mean for Florida – and for Volusia County? In short, we’re seeing the stage set for unparalleled growth and development. We’re proud to note that Southeast Volusia County is primed for transformation into an even further advanced hub for the aerospace and manufacturing industry!
This role as America’s home for military and private space operations will see Florida bringing along economic success to the Sunshine State’s residents and businesses across industries. In this article, we’ll highlight the multifaceted impact that this newsworthy event will have, alongside the factors contributing to new development in Southeast Volusia and how vibrant cities like Edgewater, New Smyrna Beach, and Oak Hill will play roles in this ambitious endeavor.
The Role of STARCOM
STARCOM stands at the forefront of this stride in Floridian history. This headquarters will serve as a base to prepare and train U.S. Space Force (USSF) Guardians. This emerging, combat-ready force will drive new tactics in space military operations and warfighting. The process, however, will require plenty of innovation and education of space professionals. In this realm, STARCOM headquarters will also serve to provide ongoing testing and evaluation of the capabilities of the USSF.
Through its selection as STARCOM headquarters, Florida will serve an even more crucial role in shaping the aerospace landscape of our country at large. Southeast Volusia County’s close proximity to the STARCOM headquarters offers a new and exciting advantage to Florida’s manufacturers and businesses, who will have the opportunity to collaborate in cutting-edge advancements in aviation, aerospace, and other emerging industries.
Florida's Unmatched Assets
This impactful decision didn’t happen by chance – but represents the collective impact of local industry professionals and economic growth in our area. In fact, Florida boasts an unrivaled range of assets to offer STARCOM headquarters – from robust aerospace infrastructure to advanced academic institutions, as well as military installations in place. All in all, the Sunshine State offers the perfect mix of resources for the needs of our Space Force’s future. And, at a convenient location near the STARCOM epicenter, Southeast Volusia County stands to expand on those vital partnerships towards space military operations as a thriving hub for technological innovation.
The High Tech Corridor
Southeast Volusia County stands as a key portion of Florida’s High-Tech Corridor – a true powerhouse of technology-focused advancements and products in our state. Economists often note our area’s technological innovation, where research based in our area can benefit the STARCOM initiative.
With Southeast Volusia's strategic positioning in mind, our extensive network of forward-thinking tech organizations is accessible for STARCOM’s ongoing needs, providing the best minds and resources available in aerospace technology to our country’s exciting new ventures.
The Power of Education and Research
Education can be a key factor in unlocking the potential of our state’s greatest thinkers – and Volusia County’s academic institutions aim to help foster tomorrow’s leaders in technology and aerospace. Nearby institutions include Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, recognized as the world's leading university for aviation and aerospace studies. Technology and innovation also excel at Daytona State College's Advanced Technology Center, where advanced learning facilities aid in training and development. Our well-educated and skilled workforce will be a key resource for STARCOM and other aerospace-related businesses to tap into!
Proximity to Space Coast and Major Hubs
Selecting a site for space operations is key – and Southeast Volusia County is strategically positioned just north of Kennedy Space Center and the Space Coast. Overall, we stand as a prime location for businesses ready to capitalize on Florida's growing role in the aerospace industry! With access to major hubs like Daytona Beach and Orlando, resources and opportunities in Southeast Volusia are readily available.
At the Southeast Volusia Manufacturing and Technology Coalition, we’re so excited to continue playing an active role and witness to the transformative growth of our region that is being accelerated through the selection of Florida for STARCOM headquarters. We’re celebrating this historic milestone for the state – and this golden opportunity for Southeast Volusia County.
We believe that Southeast Volusia is the future of aerospace advancements – and we seek to provide business leaders with our strategic location, educational prowess, technological sophistication, and pro-business government. Our communities – New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, and Oak Hill – offer an impeccable quality of life that is ready to welcome in aerospace professionals. As we embrace this new era of advanced manufacturing and technology growth, we look forward to propelling our region (as well as our nation) towards the stars.