The Santa Rosa County Economic Development Office (SREDO) today, Tues., Sept. 27, broke ground on a $3.5-million infrastructure construction project that will add roads, stormwater retention features, and other amenities to the Interstate-adjacent park on SR (Hwy.) 87 South.
“I am very proud of and thankful for the teamwork and incredible working relationship that has developed between Santa Rosa County and the Triumph Gulf Coast board,” said County Commissioner Bob Cole who has spearheaded a number of local economic development projects on behalf of the commission. “Triumph has proven to be a very appropriate name because, time after time, the organization has helped our team win deals and push projects across the goal line. This is one more great victory for all of us.”
According to SREDO director Shannon Ogletree, construction on the project is already underway with completion expected in June of 2023.
“One important key to our success is moving at the speed of business,” Ogletree said. “Knowing we have the support of our county leadership – and assistance from Triumph – gives us confidence to move forward on projects so that we keep pace with the demand we know is there. We’re building; they’re coming.”
At least one future occupant of the Industrial Park @ I-10 agrees. Hershey’s Ice Cream is relocating a distribution facility to the park in order to create room for expansion.
“Western Florida has already been a wonderful location for us to grow our business within and around the state of Florida,” said Matt Ryan, Director of Operations and Capital Management for Hershey Creamery Company. “Santa Rosa’s location just off I-10 makes it easy to get to where we are going now and where we want to go in the future.”
David Bear, chairman of Triumph Gulf Coast, said the project represents the best of what his organization was created to do.
“The Industrial Park @ I-10 lines up perfectly with the Triumph mission,” Bear said. “We’re investing the funding strategically, creating a solid foundation on which our region can build a stronger and more diverse economy – now and for decades to come.”
Two other companies, Lovell and Damian’s Ice Cream, have already announced plans to move into the park and another major announcement is expected soon.
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