WINTER HAVEN, Fla., September 15, 2025 — Suffolk, one of the most innovative and successful builders in the country, recently joined Polk County Public Schools (PCPS) to celebrate the newly reconstructed Elbert Elementary School. The $50 million project was completed on schedule and replaces the former 1962 campus with a secure, modern 127,000-square-foot facility designed to accommodate up to 1,000 students.
“Suffolk is honored to have been chosen to manage the reconstruction of Elbert Elementary School,” said Pete Tuffo, President of Florida Gulf Coast and National Gaming at Suffolk. “Delivering this campus on schedule reflects the strength of our collaboration with Polk County Public Schools and our shared commitment to students and families in Winter Haven.”
Suffolk delivered the two-year project on schedule, enabling students and staff to return from their temporary relocation at Scenic Terrace in Haines City in time for the new school year. Architect firm Zyscovich designed the new campus, which includes updated classrooms, science labs, a media center, a student-run TV studio, an early learning center, two playgrounds, and separate car and bus loops for safer and smoother transportation flow. The design also features secure access points, flexible learning environments, and spaces that offer modern technology for collaboration and hands-on learning.
“For two years, students and staff were eagerly awaiting to return to their beautiful, new campus,” said Superintendent Frederick Heid. “Everyone worked together collaboratively to keep this project moving, completed on schedule, and ready for the new school year. Elbert’s state-of-the-art campus will now serve generations of Eagles for many years to come!”
The project broke ground in February 2024 and remained on schedule despite significant weather challenges during the 2024 hurricane season. While Suffolk preserved a few newer buildings campus, the remainder were demolished and rebuilt from the ground up. Strategic planning, consistent field coordination, and the use of advanced construction technologies helped maintain momentum and meet key milestones.
A standout feature of the project is its commitment to diversity and inclusion in construction. More than 30% of work was performed by minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs), which exceeded contractual goals and sets a strong benchmark for future projects.
This is Suffolk’s first partnership with PCPS, and it contributes to the company’s more than $350 million in K–12 projects completed across Florida’s Gulf Coast, including Gateway High School and the renovation of Riverdale High School in Estero.