HomeMy WebLinkAboutEconomic Development Workshop Minutes 10-24-2006BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP
Date: October 24, 2006 Convened: 2:00 p.m.
Adjourned: 3:00 p.m.
Commissioners Present: Chairman, Doug Coward, Chris Craft, Paula A. Lewis, Frannie
Hutchinson, Joseph Smith
Others Present: Doug Anderson, County Administrator, Faye Outlaw, Asst. County
Administrator, Larry Daum, Economic Development Manager, Millie Delgado-Feliciano,
Deputy Clerk
The Economic Development Director made opening remarks and gave an overview of the
progress made within the last few years. He advised the Board the unemployment
average in the years 95 and 96 had increased 17%. As of September 2006 the average
unemployment rate was down to under 4%.
The State of Florida average unemployment rate is currently 4.65. The labor force in St.
Lucie County consists of approximately 102,000 many county residents are working out
of the county. Presently St. Lucie County has 67,000 jobs in the county.
As the population grows, so does the commute to other counties. In the year 2005, there
were 7,051 construction jobs, 2,298 manufacturing jobs, 3,930 wholesale trade jobs,
1,694 transportation and warehousing jobs, 2,792 finance and insurance jobs, 1,192 real
estate jobs and 2,530 professional and technical jobs.
The warehousing and distribution jobs are now flat. In 2005 the average wage was
$15.50 per hour -$16.00 per hour.
At this point we have not seen a decrease in construction jobs because the figures are at
least 6 months behind.
It is estimated approximately 35,000 people work out of the county today.
Mr. Larry Pelton, Economic Development Council President advised the Board the per
capita income in St. Lucie County is below it's surrounding counties. Martin County's
per capita income is $44,370, Indian River is $39,830 and St. Lucie County is presently
at $23,458.
Mr. Pelton stated they are looking to diversify the jobs in St. Lucie County that are more
stable as opposed to seasonal. He stated he felt it was important to have world class
education for the future generations. He stated it was also important to assist in bringing
the private sector into the classrooms and also needed to figure out how to bring
investors into the capital markets.
Ms. Diana Lewis, Airport Director addressed the Board and gave an update on the
Airport West Commerce Park. Phase 1 would be completed in mid January of `07' and
Phase II is now presently in the permitting stages and this should be completed by
December `07'.
The Economic Development Manager advised the Board he is presently communicating
with 4 or 5 people who have expressed interest in the park and is working on the lease
rates.
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Mr. Jim McKenzie, Chairman of the referendum committee for the Research and
Education Park stated he realized only 8% of the voters knew about the Research and
Education Park referendum. He has made contact and has received a lot of cooperation
from the various agencies and entities and additional information will be coming out
regarding the referendum.
Com. Hutchinson requested the tax payers be informed this is not a tax, it i a fee to be
charged at the time a property is being transferred, i.e. the selling of a business or a home
for example.
Ms. Linda Cox Executive Director of the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce gave
an update on the Research park and stated they are in the process of surveying the
property and the master plan will include more details. They will be interviewing for the
Director's position on October 31St and have hired an Executive Assistant to help.
The County Administrator briefly touched on the Harbor Branch financial plan.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:00 p.m.
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