Training in florida to do rides with lots of climbing is difficult. What worked for me was a lot of LT threshold intervals. Essentially power is power, whether it's 23mph into a headwin or 8mph up an 8% grade. Worked out pretty well. (10th place Brasston Bald century, Silver Medal L'Etape de Tour). Biggest thing I found training on the flats didn't train was my back, so I added some core exercises which helped that.

As for raising the wheel on the trainer, my first coach reccomended it, my new coach sort of scoffed at it, so I don't bother with it anymore.