Polk County college finishes $16 million upgrade

Polk State College has finished a nearly $17 million renovation of its Winter Haven science building that will allow, in part, for its nursing program to have a dedicated lab for both obstetrics and pediatrics.

The Polk County college says in a statement that work done includes remodeled science labs, classrooms, faculty offices and updated mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.

Renovations to the exterior include window replacements, roof repairs and brick restoration.

A centerpiece of the facility, the school says of the 51,000-square-foot Winter Haven Science building, is a dedicated nursing simulation center equipped with high-fidelity manikins —including birthing simulators — and specialized labs for obstetrics and pediatrics.

The work was paid for with $16.7 million in Public Education Outlay funds approved by the Florida Legislature.

In addition to benefiting the nursing program, Polk State College says in a statement that the upgrades to the building built in 1966 will help support regional healthcare, STEM and education students.

Polk State College is a multi-campus institution serving more than 13,000 students annually across Polk. Its programs include associate and baccalaureate degrees, workforce certificates and customized training programs.