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Business Florida 2013 - The Regions
East Central Florida
Daytona Beach, Melbourne, Orlando, Titusville
NOTABLE ADDITIONS/EXPANSIONS
Information technology
International communications and IT giant Harris Corporation will expand its regional presence with a new $100-million, 450,000-sq.-ft. high-tech engineering center in Palm Bay and hire 100 workers.
Aviation/aerospace
Rocket Crafters Inc., a firm specializing in hybrid-rocket design and aerospace-composite technologies, is moving from Utah to Titusville, with hopes of creating as many as 1,300 full-time jobs.
Manufacturing
Colt’s Manufacturing Company has selected Kissimmee as site of its new regional headquarters. The iconic American arms maker plans to create 60-plus manufacturing and engineering jobs.
QUALITY OF LIFE
Performing arts showplace
Opening in fall 2014, phase I of the $383-million Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando will feature a 2,700-seat auditorium for touring Broadway shows and a more intimate 300-seat theater.
It takes a village … or maybe several
Already among the three fastest growing “micropolitan” areas in the U.S., The Villages, a 26,000-acre adult community spanning three central Florida counties, expands again. Joining Market Square and Spanish Springs Town Square: a third dining/shopping venue, Brownwood Paddock Square.
Fun in the sun
World-famous, drivable Daytona Beach is 23 miles of white sand, sparkling water and free pedestrian access 24/7; cars are permitted, but only in designated areas from sunrise to sunset.
