INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The Indian River County Enterprise Zone advisory board has scheduled a special meeting on July 30, 2015, at 8:45 a.m. to discuss possible new or enhanced programs and incentives to encourage private investment and job creation.
“I look at this public meeting as more of a brainstorming session,” said Helene Caseltine, economic development director for the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce. Caseltine also serves as the local Enterprise Zone Coordinator. “With Florida’s enterprise zone program expiring the end of December, the EZone advisory board wants to look at other programs, new or enhanced, could be offered locally to encourage private investment in areas experiencing exceedingly high unemployment and high poverty rates. Areas in Fellsmere and Sebastian could benefit, too. The meeting is open to the public, so we hope to get productive and positive input from our residents and business leaders,” she added.
The existing Indian River County/City of Vero Beach Enterprise Zone encompasses 4.7 square miles, including the Vero Beach Airport and the adjacent Gifford community. It offers sales tax refunds and other tax credits to businesses located within the EZone. The program was not reauthorized by the Florida Legislature and will end of Dec. 31, 2015.
The Special Call meeting will be held Thursday, July 30, 8:45 a.m., at the Indian River County Administration Complex, 1807 27th St., Vero Beach, in Room 501-B. Call Helene Caseltine at the Chamber, (772) 567-3491, for more information. No reservations are required. It is a public meeting.