Publix approved in Freeport

[wrobert]

Kurt, you may not be far off. With employers in Freeport receiving up to a 40% tax credit for employee wages paid, I think we will see Freeport grow rather rapidly after the gates open a little bit.

If you are talking about the Enterprise credit it can be squeezed to 45% depending on where the employee lives. Also it is a credit against sales tax collections, but a grocery store will certainly generate enough sales tax to get the maximum I believe. The Publix in south Walton should be getting about 20-25% I believe, as most businesses in Walton County that generate new employees and go to the trouble of the paperwork, which is really not that much. I have done it a couple of times over the last seven years. It is very helpful when trying to start a business and being able to afford new people. I doubt many of the restaurants in the county know much about it though. I was told that I was one of the few truly small businesses that ever asked or took advantage of the program in this area. But all the major corporations maximized the programs.

 

[Smiling JOe]

wrobert, yes, I am referring to the Enterprise Zone credit. I knew it ranged from 20%-40% credit on payroll, depending on where the employee lived, but was unaware that it went as high as 45%, and was unaware that it also covered businesses in South Walton. Thanks for the extra info.

With payroll for big box stores being one of the greatest expenses, I would think a 40-45% savings on payroll expense would be a huge draw to the Freeport area, and that is why I believe that Freeport will draw more businesses, big and small, in the future.

 

[localnative]

Hammock Bay residence and all Freeport residence will love this new opportunity for a "real grocery shopping experience" - kelly's is a last minute option if I have to pick something small up and I'm lucky if they have what I'm looking for. At least they started carrying organic milk!

The new Publix down near hwy 393 is GREAT! But, having one even closer will definitely benefit this small, quiet town. Every town has to grow up eventually! With an excellent planner like Latilda - Freeport can grow into a nice community for those who like to be off the beaten path but still close enough to the beaches and 30-A and east Destin.

Publix is an excellent company! They do it right! Although I have to say that I agree with one of the threads above about "For the Health of It," they also do it right and I'm so glad we have a great store like that around!! Variety is nice!

 

[destin2008]

looking forward to it!