One of the bigger economic development stories to hit Winter Haven in a while is the proposed CSX Integrated Logistics Center. Numbers like $10.5 billion in economic impact and 8,500 jobs tend to get your attention.

While the project could be a great asset to the community there is still a long way to go. Some of the recent newspaper articles about the CSX project have referenced the failed Reliant project. If you don't remember, a few years ago Reliant Energy proposed building a power generation facility in the same location. The Winter Haven area was abuzz with the potential property tax windfall

The power company was eyeing the property to build a $250 million, 500-megawatt power plant, but the deal stalled because Reliant had trouble finding wholesale energy customers. Plus, Reliant was working in a tough energy market after the collapse of industry giant Enron.

It will be interesting to follow the progress of the CSX project over the next few months/years.