(Eagle News) – Amazon announced earlier this year that it plans to expand in Jacksonville by building an 800,000 square foot fulfillment center. The City of Jacksonville enticed the retail giant with its $18 million in tax breaks providing an economic impact to the city that is worth about $200 million.
“Jacksonville has all the attributes that make for a great place to do business,” Mayor Lenny Curry stated, “including a strong labor force, a low cost of doing business and a great quality of life.”
Currently, Jacksonville has placed a bid for Amazon to build its 2nd headquarters that would start with 500,000 square feet and grow into 8 million square feet after 10 years.
The company has confirmed two locations: one near Jacksonville International Airport on Pecan Park Road and another near Cecil Airport at 103rd street.
Amazon plans to hire 4000 employees in Jacksonville throughout four facilities within the next year or so. 500 of those jobs will pay more than $50,000 a year, and 100 positions are leadership roles.
Amazon’s move to the “River City” will definitely provide vitality to the city’s economic growth.
(Giovanni Pumarada, EBC Florida Bureau)
