Monthly Brief: March 2026 | | We are extremely proud to announce that the EDC of Sarasota County has been designated as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) by the International Economic Development Council. This accreditation affirms our commitment to excellence, accountability, transparency, and measurable results. It reflects the strength of our leadership, the integrity of our strategy, and the disciplined execution that drives meaningful economic impact for Sarasota County. This prestigious recognition places our organization among only 95 organizations worldwide to achieve this standard. | |
Importantly, this success extends beyond our organization. It reflects the strength of Sarasota County’s collaborative economic development model, where government, business, and community partners work together around a shared economic vision. That alignment is one of our region’s greatest competitive advantages.
Together, we are not simply participating in economic development; we are leading it.
| | EDC Investors & Partners - Look out for an email to register for our Raise A Glass celebration in April! For more information, contact Amy, afreese@edcsarasotacounty.com | | Face Off: 29 Corporate Moves Highlight Tampa Bay's Accelerating Growth| By Capital Analytics Associates | |
"Tampa Bay’s economic base has expanded rapidly in recent years, emerging as one of the fastest-growing large metro regions in the Southeastern United States.
The Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater area now tops 5.2 million residents, with population growth outpacing national averages and projections pointing to continued expansion through 2030 — led by migration, business relocation, and job creation. In 2025, the region ranked among the leading Florida metros for private-sector job gains, with notable growth in health care, education, manufacturing, and information services. Meanwhile, Sarasota–Manatee has seen population rise by more than 14% in the past five years, alongside a sharp rise in tech employment and average wages and continued in-migration of young professionals..."
| | | | Our annual Economic Outlook is a unique event that brings together local community trends and regional competitiveness insights from the Tampa Bay Partnership, and a national economic perspective from the Federal Reserve Bank; an uncommon and powerful combination you will not find in one room anywhere else. | | |
Silver
CareerSource Suncoast
Comcast
Kerkering, Barbario & Co.
PGT Custom Windows and Doors
Premier Sotheby's International Realty
S-One Holdings
Gold
Florida Power & Light Company
Harmar Mobility
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Showcase Your Brand:
Gold & Silver Table
Sponsorships Available
| | Join our prestigious list of sponsors in supporting this longstanding and highly regarded annual Economic Outlook, an exceptional opportunity to showcase your brand alongside 400 influential business leaders shaping our regional economy. For more information, contact Amy: afreese@edcsarasotacounty.com | | |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
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Where Planning Meets Investment: Insights on Business Parks
Thank you to CREW Sarasota/Manatee for a fantastic turnout and engaging discussion at From Zoning to Growth: How Business Parks Are Performing Post-Rezoning. Industry leaders shared valuable perspectives on development trends, investment momentum, and the evolving future of business parks, highlighting how strategic rezoning is creating new opportunities across our region. Special thanks to panelists Justin Powell of Palmer Ranch Holdings, Skipper Peek of Tavistock Development Company, and our own Josh Ewen and Erin Silk for a dynamic conversation reflecting the strong momentum shaping commercial real estate and economic growth in the region.
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Innovation Solving
Real-World Infrastructure Challenges
Our team recently met with Denver J. Stutler Jr., owner of US Submergent Technologies and SediVision. Together, these Sarasota-based companies are advancing how utilities manage wastewater and stormwater systems by combining submergent cleaning technology with proprietary sediment imaging and data analytics to deliver smarter, more efficient infrastructure management nationwide. Both companies continue to grow in Sarasota and across Florida, hiring talented employees to address real infrastructure challenges, and we are proud to support business leaders building high-value technology companies right here in our community.
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Highlighting Home-Grown Innovation
Did you know Omega3 Innovations, a family-owned life sciences company, has been based in Venice for the past 20 years? The EDC team recently enjoyed meeting with their leadership, who have been advancing the health industry through clinical-trial-backed nutrition products. Companies like Omega3 Innovations represent the kind of homegrown entrepreneurship and research-driven innovation that make Sarasota County a great place to grow a business.
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Keep an eye on your inbox for your exclusive invitation. Our April 8th Investor Update offers a behind-the-scenes look at the work of the EDC and the data shaping our region’s economic future. From business attraction and site readiness to infrastructure investments and emerging trends, this session will provide valuable insight into the initiatives driving long-term economic growth.
Designed to be both informative and conversational, the briefing will create space for meaningful dialogue, stronger connections, and shared understanding among leaders committed to advancing regional prosperity.
| | We are a public-private partnership of business and government leaders driving a more diverse and resilient Sarasota County economy. The EDC is the designated economic development partner for Sarasota County, the Cities of North Port, Venice, and Sarasota, and the Town of Longboat Key and an Accredited Economic Development Organization recognized by the International Economic Development Council among the world’s top economic development agencies. | | | 301 N. Cattlemen Road #203 Sarasota, FL 34232 US | | | | |
