Some of the economic development efforts included business retention and expansion assistance, business attraction, and facilitation of infrastructure improvements that contribute to improved public safety, business efficiency, and preservation of an outstanding quality of life in our community.
Fitch Ratings for 2020 affirmed Sumter County’s Capital Improvement Revenue Bonds with an AA+ rating. Sumter County’s Issuer Default Rating (IDR) is also at AA+. Fitch also reported that less than 400 local tax-supported jurisdictions in the United States qualify for an AA+ rating. This rating reflects the county’s continued growth and diversification and maintenance of robust financial operations.
A vital part of any economy or community is growing and thriving in Sumter County. The number of manufacturing companies in the county is increasing, as are production and jobs. Crevalle Boats, a boat manufacturing company in Wildwood, reached a major milestone in November by building its 500th boat.
The communities surrounding The Villages are experiencing another round of expansion. Lady Lake
and Wildwood have seen residential and commercial growth in recent years, and Fruitland Park’s
population has more than doubled in the past five years with commercial growth expected to be on
the way.
Saturday, November 30, 2019 is Small Business Saturday – a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities. Please join the SBA and organizations across the country in supporting your local small business by shopping at a small business.
The results from the 2020 Census can shape many difference aspects of your community. Learn more from our new Public Service Announcements.
Has your business been impacted by a disaster? We are here to provide access to the capital and resources you need to recover.
If your business was adversely impacted by a state or federally-declared disaster, your business may qualify for a no-interest state and/or a low-interest federal business disaster loan when activated.
Farm City Week has been held around the country since the 1950’s to help celebrate the abundant harvest of Florida agriculture. Sumter County Farm Bureau, along with many other community partners, offers a tour and an educational event during the month of November each year. The Farm City tour offers Sumter County residents a firsthand experience to learn more about production agriculture from our local producers. This year, the tour stops included Mazak Ranch, Knight’s Farm Fresh Feeds, Sumter County Farmer’s Market tour, and lunch at the Sumter County Farmer’s Market. The educational event was held at Brownwood Paddock Square® in The Villages® community on November 9. Each year, the event brings awareness to the necessary partnerships between our farmers and county residents. During the event, residents sampled local foods, shopped at the farmer’s market, and learned more about the agricultural commodities grown throughout the county.
Manufacturing Month is an annual national event executed locally with the support of thousands of manufacturers across the country as they host students, teachers, parents, job seekers and other local community members at open houses, plant tours and presentations designed to showcase today’s advanced manufacturing technology and high-wage career opportunities.
Governor Rick Scott proclaimed September as Workforce Development Month in Florida. Each year, Workforce Development Month is observed during the month of September around the country in recognition of the workforce professionals who play a vital role in the economic recovery and growth of their states and the nation.
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Sumter County will begin improvements this fall on CR 229 in Wildwood. The upgrades will include wider travel lanes, paved shoulders, and drainage improvements The project also includes additions at the SR 44 and CR 229 intersection, like a new southbound right-turn lane and a southbound through/left-turn lane.
Salty Boats is expanding to accommodate growth in their boat building operation. The anticipated capital investment for the project is $800,000. The company currently employs 9 people with plans to double, and then triple their employee count in the years following the expansion. Salty Boats has been operating in the marine industry for over 47 years. The company now manufactures several product lines of boats in Wildwood, Florida.
The widening and improvements will allow for easier truck access to existing businesses along the road and new businesses in the rapidly developing Governor Rick Scott Industrial Park. Another upcoming project on the road is the realignment of the crossing at CSX Rail’s Mainline-S which will also improve traffic flow and safety for businesses in the area.
Sumter County Economic Development has once again been recognized as one of 66 economic development organizations accredited by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO).
