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Florida West CEO Chris Platae outlines local economic push, highlights 39 active projects
Summary
Chris Platae, CEO of Florida West Economic Development Alliance, told the Pensacola City Council the agency is rebuilding its capacity, marketing industrial sites and tracking 39 active projects — work he says could generate thousands of jobs and new tax revenue for the city and county.
Chris Platae, CEO of the Florida West Economic Development Alliance, told the Pensacola City Council on Feb. 9 that his organization has modernized its operations, added staff and is rolling out a pipeline of marketable sites aimed at bringing high‑wage manufacturing and tech jobs to Escambia County.
Platae said Florida West has focused on four sectors — aviation/aerospace, cyber and defense, life sciences and maritime — and is preparing sites including Outlying Fields, the Pensacola Technology Campus (Tech Park), Midtown Industrial Park, Central Commerce Park and a long‑standing project called The Bluffs. "We are the tip of the spear for recruitment and retention of business and industry for the county," Platae said.
The Alliance has reorganized staff roles, rebuilt its Salesforce tracking, and created marketing collateral and events intended to raise the region's profile, Platae said. He said Florida West now shows 39 active projects in its pipeline, with a recruitment goal of roughly 48 leads for the calendar year. Platae cited Field International as a recent win — phase 1 in the city, with plans for a larger phase 2 — and described it as bringing equipment investment and well‑paying jobs.
Council members pressed Platae on site specifics and the agency's role relative to tourism and CRA incentives. Platae said Florida West targets permanent resident employment (manufacturing and office jobs) while coordinating with tourism and chamber partners when projects have complementary effects. On the question of incentives, Platae described how EDATE approvals by both city and county and targeted CRA infrastructure investments can be combined to make sites viable.
Platae also discussed short‑term tactics including product development at county‑owned properties and use of state and federal incentive programs. He said the Alliance is pursuing infrastructure funding (including potential triumph dollars) for grading and utilities at Central Commerce Park and expects the Bluffs roundabout to move through county review before being bid.
Council members acknowledged the presentation with follow‑up questions but took no formal action; council staff will continue to track site planning and incentive requests as projects progress.
