County will aid firm relocation

The Sarasota Board of County Commissioners approved a four-year grant of $124,000 to help an unnamed company relocate to the area with a 4-1 vote at today’s commission meeting.

Jeff Maultsby, manager of business and economic development with the county, presented details of the firm’s relocation, a project that is currently discussed using the code name “Project Pineapple.” The move is expected to create 62 fulltime jobs paying an average annual wage of $41,000 and generate an economic impact of $72 million, Maultsby said.

The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County plans to provide a $930,000 capital investment for the relocation. Commissioner Christine Robinson said that the board vetted and analyzed the request prior to the meeting, noting that the company originally requested a greater amount from the county.

Commissioner Joe Thaxton gave the sole vote against the Economic Development Financial Incentive Grant.

“Jobs are important and the economic impact is strong here,” Commissioner Joe Barbetta said.

 Contact Alex Mahadevan at [email protected].