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FDOT names Daytona Beach–Orlando Phase 1A eVTOL testing route as local developers court vertical‑flight firms
Summary
EDAB staff reported that the Florida Department of Transportation designated Daytona Beach–Orlando as the Phase 1A testing corridor for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles; board members described multiple outreach trips and private-sector interest in manufacturing and testing in the region.
Frank Jones, speaking for Board member Keith Nordon, told the Economic Development Advisory Board that the Florida Department of Transportation has designated Daytona Beach to Orlando as a Phase 1A testing route for electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles and that several companies have visited local sites.
"The Florida Department of Transportation has it designated Daytona Beach to Orlando as phase 1A for testing flights for these electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles," Frank Jones said. He summarized recent outreach at the Sun 'n Fun air show and trade events such as MRO Americas and the SelectUSA summit, and said companies have toured multiple sites to evaluate manufacturing and testing options.
The board heard that the designation has driven private interest: Jones said two different eVTOL companies and other advanced‑air‑mobility firms have met with local staff and toured six or seven candidate sites. He described the designation and repeated trade‑show engagement as part of a broader strategy to keep the region "front and center" for state project vetting.
Board members asked clarifying questions about the selection and next steps; staff did not provide a formal schedule for company decisions during the meeting. The board did not take formal action on the topic at this session.
The EDAB will present a summary of its economic priorities to the Daytona Beach City Commission later the same day; members said they intend to highlight momentum from recent outreach and the FDOT designation as part of that presentation.
