The University of Central Florida and the new high-tech manufacturing center in Osceola County scored a major federal research contract victory, landing a role in a new $75 million deal to develop smart-fiber technology.

• Eastwind Development is planning a two-phase, market-rate, 350-unit apartment complex across the street from the SunRail stop on the Osceola County side. The complex, estimated at about $52 million-$53 million, will feature six four-story mid-rises with elevators and detached garages, as well as a separate clubhouse. Interior amenities will include stainless steel appliances, upgraded light fixtures, nine-foot ceilings and a mix of wood-plank, tile and carpeted floors. The first phase will include 238 units.

• SunRail Senior: The developer wants to build a $32 million, 200-unit, age-restricted apartment community on the north side of the county line. Though it’s still early in the planning stages, it may include a large clubhouse, community room, concierge services, bike storage and repair, a pet salon, fitness center and separate yoga room, as well as a dining area with a warming kitchen. Amenities would include a pool and deck area along with a courtyard with a Zen garden, fountains, benches, pergola and putting green.

The remaining days of April will be extremely busy for Atlee Mercer.

The former county commissioner and chairman of the Osceola County Expressway Authority (OCX) is waiting for Saturday’s official opening of the northern end of Poinciana Parkway, the first leg in the tolled beltway around the southern end of its urban area.

Osceola’s Florida Advanced Manufacturing Research Center has changed a lot since it started vertical construction a little more than a month ago.

What began from just moving dirt around last year on the site near U.S. 192 and Florida’s Turnpike in Kissimmee is now noticeably a large building that will be built with lots of steel and concrete to house very expensive equipment to manufacture tiny smart sensors.