EDC describes business‑park push and rapid tech-sector growth to county commissioners

Erin Silk, president and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County, presented the EDC's role, funding structure and recent outcomes to the Board on Aug. 22. Silk said the EDC operates under a long‑standing interlocal agreement with the county and five municipalities that sets a $1 per‑capita funding formula and a FY goal budget of about $1.8 million.

Silk called the Business Park program a top priority to add modern, campus‑style sites for office, warehouse and high‑electricity uses attractive to tech firms. "Business Park is one of our, I would say, most important priorities right now as an organization," Silk said, explaining efforts to rezone major employment centers and identify new sites suitable for higher‑end industrial and tech development.

The EDC reported outcome metrics since 2019 that include roughly $82,000,000 in new taxable capital investment, about 600,000 square feet of built or leased space, and an estimated 1,400 projected jobs with $75,000,000 in new annual payroll. Silk highlighted local tech sector expansion — from 312 tech companies in 2020 to 834 currently and employment increases from about 3,600 to roughly 4,250 — and announced the launch of a Technology & Innovation Council with a five‑year growth strategy.

Silk also reviewed the film and entertainment office (a county‑managed, concierge permit process and a public site catalog at filmsarasota.com) and described collaborative hurricane recovery efforts (Support the 941), noting the EDC and partners visited more than 250 businesses during recovery walks.

Commissioners asked follow‑up questions about zoning, supply of appropriately zoned sites, and how the county can help retain businesses; Silk urged ongoing coordination with county planning staff and pledged to brief the board on land‑use opportunities.