[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",5978274,"mediaKeyId","5793407-315ab351035f740226bead5dab58ca50","parentId",5793407,"title","County staff plans export outreach and workforce events; schedules career cafe for students","audioSeconds",633,"startMs",1141000,"endMs",1774000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5793407-315ab351035f740226bead5dab58ca50&start=1141&end=1774","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5793407-315ab351035f740226bead5dab58ca50/thumbnail_1141000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5978274/Columbia-County/Florida/County-staff-plans-export-outreach-and-workforce-events-schedules-career-cafe-for-students","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5978274-da11b844492b125e9fbdb76e21909b30/orig.mp4?Expires=1771021835&Signature=AN5OmiVsj963KbC9QWipfa9DL0XffuQ-8jyQ7JWHZljyXghQgB20pN5s-E3YT1u-FaoSVYNmCGCY0aTPHv1bVMVVCQii4ATqsKCWvqnsqA-kk-pqY25QSp1hwYEyRKQCqlZmDM~jD8GGI5fb1vpELyRyP7HO2xmmq6lFNrO4jd1A-tKhJEnsFbaS1yYPBUBen~aux79bQl5Vjzn0iYvsIExWOsZc11rP~kOTj8fpM-SPyGMQIUX4l42H98cnAmBjZgXrHyBXZST6gda1QJ9ARC2RZNY3EeXEgP5ayxFwPySGKS18II7qB2nJzAmed1VDwUHFiO7EGF6ePpjjaKxVYA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Columbia County, FL","date","2025-09-19T01:59:42Z","article","County economic‑development staff briefed the board on several upcoming outreach and workforce initiatives. Staff said they will attend a Select Florida export roadshow and bring information back to local businesses to help them explore exporting opportunities. The board was also advised of the North Florida Economic Development Partnership (NFEDP) meeting Oct. 3 in Suwannee County, and staff encouraged board members to attend or request materials.

Staff announced an “Insight into Development” workshop for community leaders on Oct. 10, presented by consultant Del Boyette, and said invitations will be distributed to elected and community leaders. The Rural Summit at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala was described as Nov. 19–20; staff said the county will cover board members’ registrations if they wish to attend.

On workforce initiatives, county staff member Van announced a career cafe set for Nov. 7 at the Education Building. The pilot event will bring local professionals together with Career and Technical Education (CTE) students; staff said they plan to invite up to about 25 students from Columbia High School and Fort White High School drawn from CTE and student‑leadership programs for site visits, job‑shadowing and a lunch‑and‑learn. Staff said local partners, including staffing and employer partners, will participate to connect students with potential training and employment pathways.

The board also heard about the Chamber’s Small Business Symposium on Oct. 16 and a Chamber‑hosted coffee with Commissioner Wilkins Simpson on Oct. 15. Staff said the county will follow up by circulating event details and by arranging Select Florida to make a local presentation for interested businesses.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","09-18-25 Columbia County - EDAB Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","County economic‑development staff outlined export outreach, regional meetings and training events, and announced a career cafe for students on Nov. 7 to connect local employers with CTE students.","taxTitle","Columbia County, Florida","taxId",27813,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5978277,"County pursues rail‑safety and utility grants to support Bell Road extension and an industrial site",608,2113000,2721000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5793407-315ab351035f740226bead5dab58ca50&start=2113&end=2721","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5793407-315ab351035f740226bead5dab58ca50/thumbnail_2113000.jpg","/articles/5978277/Columbia-County/Florida/County-pursues-railsafety-and-utility-grants-to-support-Bell-Road-extension-and-an-industrial-site","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5978277-4ee4aad6c5b4f268050f5a88d27425ef/orig.mp4?Expires=1771021835&Signature=a9x6IGEZGoBhYV8mLlYsVfVRNNduGCOUSuSbMdh~fGjdceleXnsasZBEjtCBJSdzBjdAT2hyOzoiPFsZOfqKpmc-fs3LeEHlUw6aJ3TnviFnk09Ey3qXv~XFqX4DnenJFNaByN29iTCyMWHPVaGzLbHES9~fNa0tCbnnOHTxjq7E0To9MmqN5rOYLvXx5IkKnMQVnWNrIAzTZKUi2BP2KNOqUG2UlLdX-yBjAriiM5HBoHiehNYErhw1LvWd99WYFLcbJJWEOPIPd8OWZNhb~5pjuIsubn~eX-TxDJrDk4m958HgAEt~UnpXR8t~Oeoy8fE~DIJePT5FCy87nMLJdg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Board staff discussed coordinated infrastructure work intended to support industry and future development in northern Columbia County, including plans for a Bell Road extension, an application for federal rail‑crossing funds and a proposal to extend utilities along U.S. 41 to the industrial park.

Staff described the Bell Road extension concept as a realignment that would close an existing crossing, create a single crossing point and extend Bell Road across to U.S. 41. The primary near‑term funding opportunity identified for rail safety is Section 130 funds, which staff described as federal Highway Administration money administered through the Florida Department of Transportation for rail‑crossing safety improvements. Staff said Section 130 funding is matched to projects by ranking and a federal rail inspector’s on‑site safety determination.

Separately, staff outlined a plan to submit a state growth grant to fund utility extensions — water, sewer and gas — from Bell Street under U.S. 41 north to the industrial park (the IPN) to serve additional industry and housing. Staff estimated the distance to be under a mile and said prior high‑level traffic work exists for the corridor; more detailed traffic analysis or intersection improvements could be required to support increased truck traffic.

The county manager also noted a related rail‑extension grant application for a parcel at the industrial park, submitted to the state and now under review. That application supports a prospective steel‑processing company that has submitted an offer on the land and remains in active conversations with county and state officials; staff said the company continues to work through power and other site questions and is planning a potential October visit by company representatives.

Staff cautioned that grant pools are competitive and that some programs receive more requests than available funds; they recommended advancing the applications to position the county for funding when awards are made.","County staff described multiple grant efforts to improve the Bell Road corridor, to seek Section 130 federal rail‑crossing funds and to extend water, sewer and gas along U.S. 41 north to the industrial park; staff also reported a rail‑extension grant application tied to a potential steel company at the industrial park is under review.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5978281,"Board reviews Lake City 47 LLC economic‑development agreement, asks for clarifications on utilities deadline",167,874000,1041000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5793407-315ab351035f740226bead5dab58ca50&start=874&end=1041","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5793407-315ab351035f740226bead5dab58ca50/thumbnail_874000.jpg","/articles/5978281/Columbia-County/Florida/Board-reviews-Lake-City-47-LLC-economicdevelopment-agreement-asks-for-clarifications-on-utilities-deadline","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5978281-b5cf58d8396ac649427c3505bbbfe47e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771021835&Signature=VC4lWsEuRjAimKpIrcfLCeWcRWqESG4BOXjOLQpgFPW~q0o70OuY3BLRLY4pw9qWfQ8ceroCjElde0XVtOIRbxO8UfXFUxtE9KFRvCC03WrIgofjSRzYRKvzAbwXBPQqFUm3iR8DOn9PMRVy1SEa7EoJSRnkBssqs7Z~PXmYq34xo4wNj0J5n7jm8c3DiB6tOtlGyk8Vjq6X6Jzv-lTaGW-2hEsASuRSLwLrYjnd67-mdkE5U7fnLXJjFXnyZJpm9uKxDb5KNfVvYlZTshYzp65ePdmXD3dz~I8Eb2LrplBMY3Ej4Gk7c5wbjeXxmgYCu42bDeuKOgOg3wfsgs1avQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Board members reviewed a draft economic‑development agreement for Lake City 47 LLC, described in staff materials as the cornerstone development at “47.” The agreement reflects terms previously approved at a special meeting in August and includes specific, year‑by‑year incentive language.

A board member asked for clarification about a provision that requires infrastructure to be in place within 18 months of completion of public utilities to the parcel line. Staff explained the clause refers to water and sewer work the city and county agreed to run under the project; the provision was intended to ensure the next phase of utilities would be completed in a timely manner if grant funding did not arrive on schedule. “Because the initial agreement was if it was not grant funded by a certain time, then the county would… supplement the city,” a staff member said, describing how the county had previously agreed to provide funds to move utility pipes under site 47.

Staff said the draft mirrors the terms the board previously approved and that the County Commission will consider the agreement at its meeting later that day. Board members were asked to review the highlighted sections and provide any feedback before commissioners vote.

No formal action on the draft agreement was taken by the board during this discussion; staff sought input and confirmed the commissioners will vote on the agreement that evening.","The board reviewed a draft economic‑development agreement for Lake City 47 LLC, the cornerstone development at site 47, and sought clarification about an 18‑month infrastructure requirement for public utilities to the parcel line. The County Commission is scheduled to consider the agreement on its agenda.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5978284,"Economic development board approves five-year rebate for 80-unit Rushmore duplex project",399,464000,863000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5793407-315ab351035f740226bead5dab58ca50&start=464&end=863","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5793407-315ab351035f740226bead5dab58ca50/thumbnail_464000.jpg","/articles/5978284/Columbia-County/Florida/Economic-development-board-approves-five-year-rebate-for-80-unit-Rushmore-duplex-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5978284-6319be38a919c575314336b5e56a0e9b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771021835&Signature=UifGFE4gXzk9fWn3wZ9pr6nr3295b5W8DTox8DyABSIpDYeR1MsP86MWbB1DTcYj0V2k8I2tcaV0cbDUHfDT-mLCbXVi0J0a3-z8Da2oD9XaBv191W4anqGtkI-QQgNshgWRuvtOC-rdTAmYWmYOX6Wo59XlmlWuCbIYop00x06CjaDtgw~m0f3N3bB29mC6UUrQx3R6SNgR5hCQdVR~uO-xZYdaL-usPlzwTUs~kKD2XTKhG9HKVBQDCF1PnuJGZwRP3riLH~AhsNaOlYvq-4Tc7uZdLi7~Vwb7agHVcU0OUHjNxOpAxB3JNxRb5BRCFqlyleKNmU6arJIlB6NR7w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At a recent meeting of the Columbia County Economic Development Board, members approved a county tax-rebate incentive for a planned residential development described in the packet as the Rushmore project, a set of 40 duplex units (80 doors) proposed on parcels off Turner Avenue.

Board staff said the project will be built by a local developer and that it is not seeking state or federal affordable‑housing subsidies. “There’s not gonna be any double dip,” staff representative Dylan Adams said during the presentation. Adams also noted the county now requires a municipal service taxing unit, or MSTU, for residential projects that commit to maintain roads and internal infrastructure.

The board heard a summary of the proposal, the developer’s due diligence materials and a letter from the Haymar Group, which represents the Rushmore project. Staff showed sample designs similar to other duplexes on Lake City Avenue and said the developer reported a capital investment of nearly $20 million in the package provided to the board. Staff also presented a five‑year rebate illustration described during the meeting as approximately $36,144.38 in returned revenue to the developer spread across five years, and said property tax revenue would remain with the county after the rebate period.

Board members discussed infrastructure and local support letters included in the packet. Staff said sewer is not currently on site and that extending utilities remains part of the developer’s plan. The board then moved, seconded and voted to approve the incentive; the meeting record shows a motion, a second and the board responding in the affirmative. The transcript records no roll‑call vote tally in the board packet discussion.

The decision directs county economic‑development staff to proceed with the incentive agreement process and to make the necessary EDA documentation available to the County Commission, which will consider final approval as part of its agenda.

The board’s packet includes the developer’s letter from the Haymar Group, site maps and a due‑diligence packet available from county staff for review.","The Columbia County Economic Development Board approved a tax-rebate incentive for a local developer’s planned 40-duplex (80-unit) project on Turner Avenue, with staff noting the development will not use state or federal affordable‑housing subsidies and that a municipal service taxing unit (MSTU) will maintain roads and internal infrastructure.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County staff plans export outreach and workforce events; schedules career cafe for students

County pursues rail‑safety and utility grants to support Bell Road extension and an industrial site

Board reviews Lake City 47 LLC economic‑development agreement, asks for clarifications on utilities deadline

Economic development board approves five-year rebate for 80-unit Rushmore duplex project