Floyd County recently welcomed 52 participants from 20 Kentucky counties for a regional learning tour focused on community development, flood recovery, and economic revitalization. Organized by What’s Next EKY?!, the October 15 event brought community leaders to Prestonsburg and Wayland, including 37 members of Leadership Kentucky’s 2026 BRIGHT Kentucky class. Participants explored local attractions, including Jenny Wiley State Resort Park and the Star City Strand, while learning about efforts to strengthen communities across the region. Wayland Mayor Jerry Fultz also discussed his community’s recovery following the devastating 2022 floods. According to organizers, 22 of 23 survey respondents reported that the experience changed their perspective on Floyd County. The event marked the return of the organization’s Learning Journeys program following a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional visits to other Eastern Kentucky communities are being planned. Source: What's Next EKY #AppalachiaInsider #FloydCounty #EasternKentucky #CommunityDevelopment #KentuckyTourism #Appalachia