FLORIDA LAND AND WATER ADJUDICATORY COMMISSION

AGENDA

April 10, 2001

1. Approval of the minutes of the meeting held March 29, 2001.

2. Consideration of a Petition to Amend the Boundaries of the Lakewood Ranch Community Development District 2, Manatee County, Petitioner: Lakewood Ranch Community Development District 2 (FLWAC Case No. CDD-00-004).

On September 7, 2000, the Lakewood Ranch Community Development District (CDD) 2 submitted a petition to amend its boundaries pursuant to Chapter 190, F.S. The petition proposes to contract a parcel of land comprising approximately 706 acres from the Lakewood Ranch CDD 2. After contraction, the Lakewood Ranch CDD 2 will consist of approximately 1,374 acres. (The contraction parcel is proposed for inclusion in the boundaries of the proposed Lakewood Ranch CDD 5 addressed in Agenda Item 3.) As a result of the proposed contraction, 573 fewer single-family residential units will be included within the District. The filing of the contraction petition by the Board of Supervisors of the Lakewood Ranch CDD 2 constitutes consent of the landowners within the CDD. Additionally, the Lakewood Ranch CDD 2 has written consent to amend the CDD from the owners of 100% of the real property to be deleted from the District.

A public hearing was conducted by the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) pursuant to Chapter 190, F.S., in Bradenton, Florida, on December 20, 2000. The DOAH Administrative Law Judge submitted a Report to the Commission on January 23, 2001, making affirmative conclusions on all six factors pursuant to section 190.005(1)(e), F.S.

Upon request of the Secretary, the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council reviewed the petition and submitted a letter on October 6, 2000, indicating the Council had no questions or concerns on the amendment of the boundaries.

Pursuant to Chapter 120, F.S., notices of proposed rulemaking were published in the Florida Administrative Weekly. No public hearings were requested and no written comments were received as a result of the notices.

RECOMMENDATION:

Approve the proposed final rule amending the boundaries of the Lakewood Ranch Community Development District 2 and authorize the Secretary to file for rule adoption.

BACK-UP:

Petition filed by the Lakewood Ranch Community Development District 2 on September 2, 2000.

Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council's letter of comment received on October 6, 2000.

DOAH's Report to the Commission received on January 23, 2001.

Proposed Final Rule package.

3. Consideration of a Petition to Establish the Lakewood Ranch Community Development District 5, Manatee County, Petitioner: SMR Communities Joint Venture (FLWAC Case No. CDD-00-003).

On September 7, 2000, SMR Communities Joint Venture submitted a petition to establish the Lakewood Ranch Community Development District (CDD) 5 pursuant to Chapter 190, F.S. The land area proposed to be served by the Lakewood Ranch CDD 5 consists of approximately 1,173 acres. All proposed lands are within unincorporated Manatee County. There are no parcels located within the external boundaries of the proposed Lakewood Ranch CDD 5 to be excluded from the District. The proposed development within the District contemplates the construction of 908 single-family residential units, 208 condominium units, a golf course and country club facility, and a sports/fitness complex. The Petitioner has obtained written consent to establish the District from the owners of 100% of the real property located within the proposed Lakewood Ranch CDD 5. If established, the District intends to participate in the construction of certain facilities and services such as roadways, lighting, utilities, drainage, landscaping/lakes/irrigation, security, fire, and parks and recreation of the lands within the District.

A public hearing was conducted by the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) pursuant to Chapter 190, F.S., in Bradenton, Florida, on December 20, 2000. The DOAH Administrative Law Judge submitted a Report to the Commission on January 24, 2001, making affirmative conclusions on all six factors pursuant to section 190.005(1)(e), F.S.

Upon request of the Secretary, the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council reviewed the petition and submitted a letter on October 6, 2000, indicating the Council had no questions or concerns related to the establishment of the Lakewood Ranch CDD 5.

Pursuant to Chapter 120, F.S., notices of proposed rulemaking were published in the Florida Administrative Weekly. No public hearings were requested and no written comments were received as a result of the notices.

RECOMMENDATION:

Approve the proposed final rule establishing the Lakewood Ranch CDD 5 and authorize the Secretary to file for rule adoption.

BACK-UP:

Petition filed by SMR Communities Joint Venture on September 7, 2000.

Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council's letter of comment received on October 6, 2000.

DOAH's Report to the Commission received on January 24, 2001.

Proposed Final Rule package.

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LAKEWOOD RANCH AND MANATEE COUNTY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

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Employment Summary

Year Labor Force Employment Unemployment Rate % (Annual)
2002 160,765 155,318 3.4
2001 159,716 155,302 2.8
2000 154,026 150,835 2.1
1999 152,524 149,277 2.1
1998 143,857 140,286 2.5
1997 144,229 140,456 2.6

*Source: Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation Florida Research & Economic Database

Hourly Earnings For Workers In Select Occupations
Occupation Entry Experienced
Accountants & Auditors 15.31 28.37
Assemblers/Fabricators 7.68 10.65
Computer Operators 8.41 11.83
Computer Programmers 16.78 32.87
General Manager/Top Executives 16.25 47.71
Grader, Bulldozer & Scraper Operators 10.31 14.67
Janitors/Cleaners 6.31 10.81
Laborers/Landscaping & Groundskeeping 7.01 10.79
Machinists 10.19 16.80
Mechanical Engineers 18.64 30.74
Medical & Clinical Lab Technicians 10.02 16.84
Manager/Administrators 15.15 34.36
Payroll/Timekeeper Clerks 9.35 13.55
Procurement Clerks 9.12 12.90
Purchasing Agents 13.30 23.94
Receptionist, Information Clerks 7.35 11.92
Secretaries 8.76 13.48
Sheet Metal Workers 7.94 16.92
Stock Clerks 7.41 10.81
Tool & Die Makers 14.98 23.63
Truck Drivers (Light) 8.70 14.54
Systems Analyst 17.12 33.04

*Source: Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation, 2003 Florida Occupational Wage Survey

Cost of Living Comparisons

By components of the average index (avg. = 100%). Component Index Weights 100%

City or MSA Composite Index
Jacksonville, FL 94.7
Muncie, IN 96.2
Cincinnati, OH 98.3
Syracuse, NY 101.4
Raleigh, NC 104.4
Sarasota, FL 105.4
Chicago, IL 111.2
Washington, DC (MSA) 112.9
Philadelphia, PA 121.7
San Diego, CA 127.0
Boston, MA 132.4

* Source: ACCRA, First Quarter 2001


Top 20 Employers in Sarasota County

Company Name Industry # of Emp.
School Board of Sarasota County Education 4417
Sarasota Memorial Hospital Healthcare 3400
Publix Grocery Stores 3300
Sarasota County Government Governing Entity 2500
Bon Secours-Venice Hospital Heathcare 1428
PGT Industries Window & Door Manufacturer 1350
Wal-Mart Retail Discount Stores 963
Charter One Hotels Hotel and Resort Management 950
FCCI Insurance Group Insurance 862
Sarasota Herald-Tribune Newspaper Publisher 600
Sun Hydraulics Hydraulic Valve Manufacturer 550
Doctor's Hospital Healthcare 478
Shannon Hotel Group Hotel and Resort Management 420
Home Depot Retail-Home Improvement 410
Comcast Cablevision Cable Service Provider 374
Burdine's Retail - Department Store 355
The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort Hospitality 350
Target Retail-Department Store 312
Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital Healthcare 306
Forest Products Supply Wood Products Manufacturer & Supplier 275

Corporate Headquarters in Sarasota County

AM Engineering
ASO Corporation
Boar's Head Provisions
Central European Distribution Corporation
Comdial Corporation
Correctional Services Corporation
Dental Care Alliance Inc.
FCCI Insurance Group
First Watch Restaurants
Florikan E.S.A. Corporation
Haemacure Corporation
JCI Jones Chemicals Inc.
Miles Media Group
Mini Vacations Inc.
National In-Store
Nelson Publishing Inc.
Onyx North America Corporation
PGT Industries
Pinnacle Towers Inc.
Seasonshield, Inc.
Select Technology Group Inc.
Speedcom Wireless Corporation
Sun Hydraulics Corporation
Vengroff Williams & Associates, Inc.
Vista Products, Inc.
World Precision Instruments Inc.

©2004 Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.



SARASOTA FL RELOCATION STORIES

Jackson Hewitt
When Jackson Hewitt Inc. relocated its technology center from Virginia Beach to Sarasota, it found 'great talent' for its fulltime and seasonal employment needs. 'Sarasota provides us a well-educated and trained workforce to draw from,' said President and COO Mike Lister.

Part of a skyrocketing local technology sector, the Jackson Hewitt Technology Headquarters Center relocated to the Interstate 75 corridor just off Fruitville Road in March 2002, representing a capital investment of $3 million. In 2003, the company employed 138 full-time and 65 seasonal employees in Sarasota.

The Committee for Economic Development assisted Jackson Hewitt Inc. (JHI) with the relocation, providing vital information during the company's relocation analysis and assisting with workforce and training resources.

The Jackson Hewitt Technology Center is responsible for system-wide support of the JHI business including developing and maintaining the company's proprietary software applications, support of its worldwide network and communications systems, creation of tax education materials and resources, as well as providing a help desk for tax and technology support for all Jackson Hewitt Tax Service locations.

A division of Cendant Corp., Jackson Hewitt Inc. is the fastest growing national tax preparation service company and the nation's second largest company in this category with 4,200 Jackson Hewitt Tax Service locations in 49 states and the District of Columbia. Entrepreneur named it the top tax preparation firm on its list of Top 500 Franchises. Most Jackson Hewitt Tax Service locations are independently owned and operated, and offer customers related tax preparation services such as accelerated check refunds, assisted direct deposit of refund checks, refund anticipation loans and free electronic filing with paid tax preparation.

Gemesis

Sarasota is now the source for gem-quality diamonds. These vivid and intense yellow diamonds are not imitations. They're the real thing, with the same chemical properties, hardness and weight as diamonds mined from the earth. But Gemesis Corp. of Sarasota makes them using high-pressure, high-temperature equipment.

The diamonds are cultured at the company's new facility at Lakewood Ranch. Gemesis is currently using about 20,000 square feet for manufacturing, but has room to expand, said President and CEO Carlos Valeiras.

Previously, the company had corporate offices on Longboat Key and a small manufacturing plant in Gainesville. Three of the company's principals and major investors live in the Sarasota area, and consolidation to one nearby location was viewed as ideal for a number of reasons, said Valeiras. "We wanted to integrate the bits and pieces into one facility, which means we can now operate much more efficiently," he said.

Gemesis was able to construct a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in an environment that will attract and keep workers. The company currently has 19 employees, and is hoping to double that number in 2003. The company's operation requires sophisticated technology, and an attractive quality of life helps recruit the talent Gemesis needs.

Valeiras believes that because Sarasota is a cultural and creative center, locating Gemesis here enhances the company's image to both suppliers and potential customers.

Important, too, is Sarasota's business-friendly climate. "Help from the CED (Committee for Economic Development) and local officials meant Gemesis was able to get up and running relatively quickly," he said.

BESTech
Now Sarasota-based BESTechnologies, Inc. is using bacteria to deliver new solutions to today's wastewater problems.

BESTech recently relocated to a new, $1 million, 12,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Lakewood Ranch's Corporate Park.

Company representatives have nothing but accolades for the way local officials and the Committee for Economic Development helped get their new facility built and operating. "We took advantage of the rapid permitting process and were in our new building in less than a year. "That's really remarkable," Spiker said.

"They were extremely cooperative, always there to help us," said Karen Cashell, the company's vice president. "We are excited about being in Lakewood Ranch and we're very happy with our decision to move here."

MadahCom
Sarasota's modern infrastructure and lower cost of doing business were part of the decision to relocate MadahCom Inc. here. The Committee for Economic Development was very helpful in identifying workforce resources, as well as sources of office space, which meant the transition from New York City to Sarasota went smoothly, Chief Executive Reuben Ben-Arie said.

MadahCom Inc. is a leading provider of digital wireless communications. The company manufactures WAVES (wireless audio visual and emergency systems) that are used for mass notification, personnel alerting and asset protection. WAVES is a unique system - no two are identical - and the wireless technology allows it to be mobile, temporary and permanent.







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COUNTY Ad Valorem Millage Rates (2002): Government 4.4361 Special 1.1128 Schools 9.2870 Total 14.8359 Ad Valorem Tax Exemption: Yes Retail Sales Tax (Local Option) 1.0 Utility Service Tax 0.0 Federal Enterprise Zone No State Enterprise Zone EZ-4101, 5801 STATE Corporate Income Tax 5.5% Personal Income Tax 0.0% Retail Sales Tax 6.0% Intangible Tax (per $1,000) $1 - 1 1/2

Electric Companies: Florida Power & Light Company Peace River Electric Co-op, Inc. Natural Gas Companies: Teco People's Gas Systems, Inc. Telephone Companies: Verizon Sprint KMC Telecom AT&T MCI Water & Sewer Companies: Sarasota County Exisiting Industrial Zoned Land Yes Number of Acres 4,549 Largest Available Contiguous Parcel 0 Industrial Parks Yes Number of Acres 1,897 Largest Available Contiguous Parcel 0 Foreign Trade Zones No Zone Number(s) Public Schools Teachers Enrollments Elementary: 19 908 17,593 Secondary: 9 838 20,438 Totals: 28 1,746 38,031 Private Schools Available: Yes POST SECONDARY EDUCATION SERVING THE COUNTY: Colleges/Universities: Ringling School of Art & Design Keiser College University of Sarasota Eckerd College New College of the University of South Florida Junior/Community Colleges: Manatee Community College Vocational/Technical Schools: Sarasota County Technical Institute Other Schools: Goshen College Nova Southeastern Univ. - Graduate School Webster University

Local Radio Stations: WAMB WBRD WCTQ WJBS WKXY WKZM WSPB WSRZ Local Television Stations: WBSV WWSB SNN Locally Printed Newspapers: Englewood Sun Herald North Port Review North Port Sun Herald Sarasota Herald-Tribune Venice Gondolier		Number of Banks: 29 Number of Savings and Loans: 7 Number of Credit Unions: 8
Cost of Living Price Level Index, (2003) (Population Weighted Category Indices) Florida State Average = 100 Sample Total 98.47 Food 103.00 Health Care 97.23 Housing 93.16 Personal Goods and Services 101.48 Transportation 98.00 Medical Services: Bon Secours Vencie Hospital Doctors Hospital of Sarasota/Columbia HCA Englewood Community Hospital Sarasota Memorial Hospital Recreational Opportunities: Cincinnati Reds Spring Training Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Mote Marine Laboratory Myakka River State Park Polo Sarasota Jungle Gardens Historical Points Of Interest: Ringling Museum Sarasota Classic Car Museum Spanish Point Warm Mineral Springs Cultural Events/Festivals: Asolo Theatre Ballet International Film Festival Opera Symphony World Class Performing Arts Hall