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County manager and NEF EDC present economic development strategic plan and annual county report
Summary
At the April 17 commission meeting, county staff and Amber Shepherd of the Northeast Florida Economic Development Corporation presented a strategic plan that outlines infrastructure, workforce and targeted-industry steps to attract and retain businesses in Bradford County.
County Manager opened the annual report portion of the April 17 meeting with a summary of administrative accomplishments and ongoing projects, then introduced Amber Shepherd of the Northeast Florida Economic Development Corporation, who presented a draft strategic plan for the county’s economic development efforts.
Shepherd described a process of outreach and analysis that included countywide workshops, meetings with county leaders, and a Technical Assistance grant that provided $75,000 to help develop a plan. She outlined five top objectives: attract aligned new businesses; support expansion of existing businesses; enhance the workforce; improve infrastructure; and foster community engagement. The plan identifies targeted industry clusters (manufacturing, aviation/aerospace, agribusiness, logistics and renewable energy), marketable properties and an initial site-inventory for business recruitment.
Shepherd emphasized water, wastewater and broadband as infrastructure priorities and noted county proximity to rail (CSX main line), major highways and regional air and seaport access. She said that the plan is a living document and recommended quarterly updates to the commission.
County Manager also reviewed other county work from the past year: a website redesign launched in summer 2024, surplus sales that generated $72,269, active FDOT and gas-tax road projects, the Keystone Heights Airport emergency access road (DOT approval received; work to begin), and a Schneider Electric partnership to audit and propose operational energy improvements for county-owned buildings. The manager said the county would extend the fire assessment timeline to allow municipalities additional time for their first and second readings.
Commissioners asked about workforce training and local classroom capacity; Shepherd and county staff noted existing education partners (Santa Fe College, North Florida Technical College, Bradford County School District) and recommended strengthened public–private partnerships, career-technical expansion and grant-funded programs (including Space Florida Academy opportunities). Shepherd said marketing materials and an outreach campaign have already launched and the EDC will pursue grants and expos to promote Bradford County.
