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Development group reports Commerce Park expansion, new manufacturers and administrative grant closeout
Summary
The development group updated the board on Spec Building 9 (Debut Development), the Commerce Park phase 2 expansion, incoming companies Safe Gauge America and Ecosteres, and a $150,000 two-year administrative funding agreement nearing closeout.
Sarah Evers of the county development group briefed the board on a series of economic development projects anchored in the Hardee County Commerce Park. Key updates:
- Spec Building 9 / Debut Development: The group is constructing a 26,000-square-foot facility (Lot 27) for Debut Development, a fill-line manufacturing company relocating from the old Scotties building. The EDA previously provided a $1 million grant toward the building; metal building structure is up and construction is expected to complete by the end of 2025.
- Commerce Park phase 2 and recruitment: The county completed final planning and added about 20 lots in the park; the EDA awarded $2 million for the expansion and the state's Job Growth Grant Fund provided $2.36 million. The site is being actively marketed and prepared for tenant development.
- Safe Gauge America: Evers said Safe Gauge, a medical-glove manufacturer, received a state job-growth award and will locate in the Commerce Park, committing to a minimum of 184 jobs and an initial capital investment exceeding $10 million in its first phase.
- Ecosteres: The IDA (Industrial Development Authority) entered a purchase contract with Ecosteres to build a surgical-tool sterilization facility on cleared lots; the company will assume about 70 hospital contracts over 18 months.
- Administrative funding closeout: Evers said the EDA's $150,000, two-year administrative grant to the economic development organization is reaching its final request for reimbursement; she said she does not anticipate further administrative funding requests from the EDA given the authority's current focus on infrastructure grants.
Evers asked the board to continue support for business recruitment efforts that leverage Commerce Park infrastructure; she reported that a job-creation grant (for a separate company referred to as Riveter) remains under management until its September expiration.
