Governor DeSantis held a press
conference on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at the Hardee County Fair Grounds. The
Governor awarded $6,000,000 to The Hardee County Industrial Development
Authority (IDA) for a manufacturing facility. The Development Group applied for
the grant through Florida’s Job Growth Grant fund. The Governor also signed SB
1084 to prohibit the sale of lab-grown meat in the state of Florida.
During the grant award announcement, Governor DeSantis emphasized the importance of infrastructure and
workforce development, the two components of the Jobs Growth Grant. The $6
Million will be managed by The Development Group and utilized to build a 40,000
sq. ft. manufacturing facility in the Hardee County Business Park. The Hardee
County Business Park is 264 acres and includes anchor tenants such as Florikan,
Mach Connections, and Stream2Sea.
The new
construction will house SafeGage America Manufacturing, Inc., a medical glove manufacturing
operation. SafeGage will bring $10-16 Million in private investments and create
184 new jobs in Hardee County.
Denise Grimsley, CEO of The Development
Group commented on the grant award, “With this investment in Hardee County, our
business park is poised to be the manufacturing hub for the region. The
recruitment of SafeGage America Manufacturing, Inc. is a testament to Hardee
County’s prime location and business-friendly climate.”
Governor
DeSantis commented that when selecting projects to receive the grant award, his
office prioritizes a return on investment. The Development Group’s request is
one that demonstrates a return on investment for Hardee County.
Commissioner
Wyatt, Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, spoke at the press
conference and later stated, “The Development Group is utilizing strong
partnerships to inspire economic growth. I am encouraged to see the organization
obtaining grant funds, recruiting businesses, and creating jobs. President
Hawkins of South Florida State College is already supporting the need for
skilled workforce to support SafeGage and all employers in Hardee County. President
Hawkins is bridging the gap between academia and local industries.”
SafeGage CEO Jody Read looks forward
to the business’s successes in Hardee County. “The future home of SafeGage is
Hardee County because of the diligent efforts of The Development Group. We
appreciate the Governor and the Department of Commerce for recognizing the
value SafeGage will bring to the community and the impact 184 new jobs will make
on the local economy.”
