recommended strategies - Hardee County

RECOMMENDED STRATEGIES
The following recommendations identify potential implementation and development strategies to build upon the prior
successes and establish specific directions for review on a periodic and formal annual review. These strategies reflect the
community input and prioritization developed over the course of facilitated discussions to engage residents, business
owners, property owners and community leadership on desired local redevelopment priorities.
1. Hardee County along with the municipalities should establish quarterly meetings, including key staff members,
to review the Visioning Plan and its recommendations, key projects of regional significance and to increase
general dialogue amongst the community.
a. In addition to the municipal meetings, Community leaders must foster partnerships between various
public sector agencies. The following list of public entities and institutions may have a role in
supporting future development in the community:
i. Hardee County
3. Consider solicitation of an eco-tourism master plan including components related to
Trails/Greenways/Blueways (including Peace River as a catalyst for planning efforts). Funding for a plan has
been provided by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) through their Local Agency Program
(LAP). Following the completion of this plan, the community will be in better position to seek additional
funding opportunities for identified projects including trails and trail facilities.
a. This plan should also consider establishing/creating a blueways management plan which could identify
land use (current and planned land use along the blueways) and possible protection measures, natural
resource identification (identification and application of best management practices based on existing
resources, habitats and other environmental features), and blueways coordination between federal, state
and local agencies.
i. Improve existing public access to facilities
ii.
Identify and develop new facilities and trail(s) locations
ii.
iii.
iv.
Cities of Wauchula, Bowling Green and Zolfo Springs
Chamber of Commerce
Economic Development Council (EDC) and Industrial Development Authority (IDA)
v. Hardee County School District
vi.
vii.
viii.
ix.
South Florida Community College /USF-Polytechnic
Ministerial Association
Peace River Explorations
3PR (People for the Protection of Peace River)
2. Hardee County should commission a market and logistics study to determine the market feasibility for
increased economic and industrial development. This study should further identify targeted industries,
potential locational needs including infrastructure improvements as may be necessary, marketing/branding of
the community and economic development strategies that may be implemented by the community.
a. Hardee County and the cities of Wauchula, Bowling Green, and Zolfo Springs should continue to work
closely with the Hardee County EDC to complete an Economic Development Strategy/Plan. The Plan
also documents economic development incentives available in support of the effort.
4. Consider solicitation of an airport expansion and feasibility master plan analyzing existing and project air
traffic, airport related and support services, establishment of an industrial/office park adjacent to the airport,
marketing and branding of the airport, and identification of potential funding sources.
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