For the fifth consecutive year, Sumter County, because of The Villages® community, had the best credit debt rating of any county in Florida, according to SmartAsset, a financial services technology company. The firm’s annual 2020 index also ranked the county 11th nationally. Its index ranking was 6.64 points higher than Sarasota County, which ranked second.
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Port Everglades is now widening and deepening the port to allow larger ships. Port Everglades is among the nation’s leading ports, exceeding one million TEUs (the industry’s standard measurement for containers) during Fiscal Year 2021, and is anticipated to set a port record for Fiscal Year 2022. About 15% of all U.S.-Latin American trade moves through Port Everglades, which is the number one refrigerated cargo port in Florida. The port’s shippers serve over 150 ports in 70 countries worldwide. This makes Sumter County an ideal location for manufacturing and distribution. Sumter County round trip is about one workday away, making receiving and distributing products ideal. Sumter County is also located at the intersection of I-75, Florida Turnpike, US Hwy 301, SR 44, SR 48, and SR 5o, making distribution north or distribution to one of the five ports in a four-hour drive simple. Contact Sumter County Economic Development if you want to learn more.
The Sumter County Economic Development team is currently updating our strategic plan for 2023-2026. We are soliciting feedback from key partners and business leaders by asking for their participation in a virtual stakeholders meeting and survey. This information will be used to identify economic goals, strategies and an action plan for the next three year period. The economic development strategic plan serves to set priorities, focus energy and resources, strengthen operations and ensure that we are working with stakeholders toward common goals that benefit Sumter County. For more information or to register, please contact us.
Florida is the primary source of watermelons in the United States. There are two main growing seasons March through July and October through December. According to a recent UF/IFAS report, Florida sold $161.5 Million worth of watermelons. In 2021, Florida grew about 1.02 billion pounds of watermelons, making up roughly 30% of the total yield of watermelons in the United States. The average yield for watermelons in Florida was 38,000 pounds in 2021
Sumter County Economic Development promotes economic well-being and supports our businesses as they create, retain, and expand jobs and invest capital that facilitates Sumter County’s growth and enhances the wealth and quality of life for our community
