Final Phase of First Coast Expressway is Now Fully Funded

April 18, 2018     0    31

Governor Scott said, “By continuing to invest record amounts of funding in transportation in Florida, we are giving our job creators and families the infrastructure they need to grow and succeed. Today’s announcement will help bolster the job creation we are achieving across the state.” The first phase of the expressway, from I-10 to Blanding Boulevard, is already under construction. Construction on the second phase, from Blanding Boulevard to the St. Johns River in Clay County, is set to begin early next year. When complete, the First Coast Expressway will cover 46 miles of limited-access roadway, extending from Interstate 10 to Interstate 95, offering motorists and commercial vehicles an alternative that bypasses downtown Jacksonville. FDOT Secretary Mike Dew said, “Governor Scott recognizes that strategic investments in infrastructure drive strong economic growth, and projects like this one support continued prosperity and high quality of life for families and businesses in Northeast Florida and across our state. The Florida Department of Transportation is committed to enhancing safety, easing congestion and improving mobility for all of our citizens. Once complete, this bridge replacement and ...

JJ Harris to Lead Clay Economic Development Effort

April 4, 2018     0    105

Harris comes to Clay County after serving two years as president and chief executive officer of the Laramie Chamber Business Alliance in Laramie, Wyoming. He also served a dual role as president and chief executive officer of the Laramie Economic Development Corp. According to a report in the publication Wyoming Business Report, Harris turned in his resignation in Wyoming during the week of March 5.    “We are excited to welcome JJ to our economic development team. JJ brings significant transaction experience in both recruiting new businesses and working with the local development community and governments to close transactions,” said George Egan, chairman of the Clay County Economic Development Corp. “The commitment of the Board of County Commissioners and Clay EDC Board of Directors, demonstrates the importance of economic development in Clay County.”  From 1995 to 2008, Harris was the executive director for the Bedford Urban Enterprise Association Inc. in Bedford, Indiana. From 2008 to 2016, Harris served on active duty service in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard and Reserve where he achieved the rank of major before his retirement. ...

Green Cove Springs Shopping Center Sold for $5.8M

March 30, 2018     0    198

The shopping center is located across the street from the Governor’s Creek Public Boat Ramp. At the time of the sale, it was at least more than 70 percent occupied. Among the center’s tenants are Ace Hardware, Dollar General and Woody’s Bar-B-Q. Austin Kay and Matthew Clark of Prime Realty brokered the deal, with Kay taking the lead. “We will continue to handle the leasing for the new ownership and hope to see the center fully occupied in the near future,” Kay said. 

Maple Street Biscuit Co. Moving Headquarters to Clay

February 13, 2018     0    451

The company also wanted a site with easier parking than in Downtown, not only for the employees but also for visitors to the office, he said. Maple Street's office is on the top floor of the Level Office co-work and office suites building at 25 N. Market St.  Moore started Maple Street with partner Gus Evans with a single restaurant in San Marco in 2012. In a little more than five years, it has expanded to 20 locations, including several restaurants in Tennessee.  “It’s been an interesting journey,” Moore said.  The company will soon be opening additional Florida locations in Seminole and St. Petersburg, he said. Maple Street’s employees should be completing the move to the Clay County office within 45 days, Moore said.

Why Jacksonville is Booming

December 18, 2017     0    639

Here are three reasons some private and family companies are choosing to locate and invest in Jacksonville.  Talent is Here People are concerned about pace of change and job loss, and companies that offer job training and continuous improvement opportunities are more appealing. In recent years, companies have expanded their interest in setting up shop in Jacksonville. Many company headquarters are now located in Jacksonville, and the city has seen expansion of manufacturing plants and distribution facilities. Due to the rise in corporate presence, Jacksonville now has a vibrant business community and a reputation for being a great place to raise a family. It offers the luxury of a bustling metropolis with less stress and pressure of other markets, like New York, Miami or Chicago. Private companies in the area can capitalize on these perks.  Pro-Business Local and Federal Legislation In June, Governor Rick Scott announced an $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, which offers funding to economic development projects that enhance community infrastructure or develop workforce training programs.  Florida’s highly favorable tax climate provides many advantages. Despite these advantages, companies should still consider potential shifts at the ...