North Central Florida

NOTABLE ADDITIONS/EXPANSIONS

Life sciences Coquí RadioPharmaceuticals Corp. is bringing its plans for construction of a $330-million medical isotope production facility to the Sid Martin Biotechnology Incubator in Alachua. When completed in 2020, it will be the first U.S. site dedicated to the production of the isotope Molybdenum-99, which is used to diagnose and treat conditions such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, renal disease and occult bone traumas. Based in Coral Gables, Coquí Pharma chose the Alachua site for its proximity to the University of Florida’s nuclear research reactor; 164 high-wage jobs are anticipated.

Logistics/distribution FedEx Ground, a subsidiary of the Memphis-based shipping giant FedEx Corp., has begun construction of a 400,000-sq.-ft. distribution hub in Ocala. The facility, which is being built on 150 acres at the Ocala/Marion County Commerce Park, is expected to open in August 2016 with 350 employees and automated material-handling technology designed to initially process 15,000 — and eventually up to 45,000 — packages per hour.

QUALITY OF LIFE

Educational excellence Ocala’s Eighth Street Elementary School celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2014, making it the oldest school in continuous use in Florida. The former Ocala High School underwent a $2.6-million renovation in 2000. Meanwhile, in Gainesville, more than 20 business, government, community and education leaders gathered in May 2015 to sign the Alachua County Education Compact, a pledge to help students achieve: a 100% high school graduation rate; greater access to sustainable jobs and careers; healthy lifestyles; appreciation for the arts; and a sense of social responsibility.

Fun for all Spanning 13 counties, North Central offers an enticing combination of attractions both natural and manmade. In Gainesville, browse the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art and its next-door neighbor, the Florida Museum of Natural History (general admission to either is free), or check out the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, the only zookeeper training facility in the U.S. with its own accredited zoo on site. Fish the scenic Withlacoochee and Suwannee rivers, hike scenic trails in the Ocala National Forest, browse Cedar Key’s quaint shops or see real Florida wildlife aboard a glass bottom boat at the iconic Silver Springs.

NOTABLE EMPLOYERS

Agriculture and Forestry

• Buckeye Technologies| Perry
• Klausner Lumber| Live Oak
• Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation | Live Oak
• Suwannee Lumber Company | Cross City

Logistics/Distribution

• Cheney Brothers | Ocala
• Johnson & Johnson | Madison

Manufacturing

• E-ONE | Ocala
• Lockheed Martin Ocala Operations | Ocala
• Monterey Boats | Williston
• Signature Brands | Ocala

Healthcare

• Munroe Regional Medical Center | Ocala
• Ocala Health System | Ocala
• RTI Surgical | Alachua
• UF Health Shands Hospital | Gainesville

Tags: Business Florida