Write a concise feature that showcases how Florida Poly and the Lakeland cybersecurity center fuse academia and industry to defend tomorrow’s digital threats. Start with a vivid scene of the SOC in action, then explain how paid student internships accelerate real-world learning and local economic impact. Integrate insights on AI’s role in defense, while addressing workforce growth (39% projections) and the 70,000 monthly threat volume as context. Highlight the collaboration model, funding, and measurable outcomes that will intrigue students, employers, and policymakers. End with a forward-looking question about the center’s potential to shape Polk County’s tech ecosystem.