State approves Lake County’s Enterprise Zone

TAVARES — The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity completed its review of Lake County’s proposed Enterprise Zone, and in a letter to county chairman Leslie Campione, gave its approval.

With the approval of Lake County’s Enterprise Zone, businesses and residents located within the designated areas of Eustis, Leesburg and Mascotte, will be eligible for financial incentives offered by the state, as well as Lake County.

“We are very pleased that the county’s Enterprise Zone was approved by the state,” said Campione. “Establishing this program in Lake County goes hand-in-hand with the goals outlined in the county’s Economic Action Plan, which targets implementing initiatives that spur economic development and revitalization efforts for local businesses.”

In November 2011, Lake County Commissioners approved an ordinance that established an Enterprise Zone Development Agency, an 11-member group that will assist in the development, implementation and annual review and update of the strategic plan to be drafted for the Enterprise Zone, among other duties.  Applications will soon be accepted for those interested in becoming a member of the agency.

For more information about Lake County’s Enterprise Zone, contact the Growth Management Department at (352) 343-9647. For information on applying to be on the Enterprise Zone Development Agency, contact the Board Office at (352) 343-9850.