Thank you for your interest in Hernando County, Florida. Please enjoy this quarterly economic development snapshot.

Economic Development Update

2Q22

Hello Kim,

Welcome to your fresh rundown of Hernando County, Florida Economic Development news!

Watch: Chip Howison, VP Barrette Outdoor Living shares why EPIC has been central to their development plans.

It's EPIC!

The EPIC Program:

a Fan Favorite

When Time is Money, Hernando County's Expedited Permitting Inspection and Certification (EPIC) Program is pure gold. Barrette Outdoor Living is moving quickly on their 175K sf expansion at the BKV RailPark, their third in Hernando County.

Another EPIC beneficiary is Cabot Citrus Farms, a golf destination and resort currently under development. Part of the exclusive international Cabot Collection, the former World Woods Golf Club is their first American property. View this Cabot Citrus Farms Master Plan Excerpt.

Legislative Funds to BKV

Officially part of the state budget are two allocations that add significant value to Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport & Technology Center. $2.9M goes toward a multi-modal project at the RailPark and $2M is slated for rehabilitation of the airport's inactive runway. The long-unused former runway will serve as an aircraft movement and parking area, ideal for businesses such as Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) and other aircraft services .

Airport Land for Development

Master of Economic Development Practitioner

Valerie Pianta, Director of Economic Development for Hernando County, recently earned the MEDP credential. During the two-week executive education program through Advanced Economic Development Leadership, Pianta studied contemporary issues on a deeper level with other mid to senior level economic developers.

Workforce Training

Center Named

Hernando County's expansive new workforce training facility has been commemorated the Senator Wilton Simpson Technical College. Part of a new campus that will include Pasco Hernando State College, the school will feature curriculums in high demand fields, opening 2023.

Business Inquiries & Trends

Of two dozen active projects, most are split equally among manufacturing, logistics and aviation. Like other locations boasting strong transportation networks, several are warehouse and distribution-related. Some represent innovative large-scale airport projects, such as cargo and Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO).

Recent Announcements

Burrell Aviation Leases 86 acres for Airport Development

Burrell Aviation plans a strategic solution to a changing marketplace by leveraging regional airports for air cargo. They are starting with BKV. Learn more about Burrell Aviation at BKV.

Barrette Outdoor Living Breaks Ground for New Facility at BKV RailPark

On Monday, Barrette Outdoor Living officially began construction of their new 175,000 sf PVC manufacturing plant at the Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport. This RailPark location complements the company's nearby manufacturing and distribution center. Read the Media Release.

New Episodes - Hernando IN FOCUS series

WATCH

Meet some Hernando County businesspeople and gain insight into what they do, what brought them here and why they stay. Check in again as more Hernando In Focus stories are added!