Steve Morey, President, Plant City EDC
In an interview with Invest:, Steve Morey, president of the Plant City EDC, highlighted anticipated strong growth, focusing on attracting companies from the agricultural technology, logistics, and manufacturing industries while preserving the city’s character. “Growth is exciting, but we remain committed to ensuring development benefits the entire community,” he said.
What are some recent developments contributing to the growth momentum of Plant City?
When looking at the past year, particularly in Plant City, we’ve continued an upward trajectory. We’ve added jobs, increased investment in new real estate, and made strategic developments that strengthen our ability to attract new companies and jobs.
We’ve laid the groundwork for industrial and residential growth, and we’re now seeing the ripple effects. New manufacturing businesses and distribution centers have arrived, leading to an improved quality of life, with new restaurants downtown, enhanced amenities, and additional recreational opportunities.
One of the biggest developments in the past year was the opening of South Florida Baptist Hospital, part of the BayCare Health System. This new facility in Plant City spans 424,000 square feet, represents a $326 million investment, and includes 146 beds and an 85,000-square-foot medical arts building. The hospital’s workforce has grown from around 850 employees to over 1,000, making it one of the city’s largest employers.
Additionally, 2 new industrial park developments were approved this past year, which will further enhance our ability to attract new businesses and job opportunities.
What industries are you targeting for future growth, considering your strategic location in Central Florida?
We expect continued growth in distribution and logistics, given our location. Beyond that, we’re focusing on two key sectors. First, agriculture has always been foundational to our community, and the future lies in ag-tech. We’re looking to attract investment in agricultural technology. Second, as distribution centers become more automated and technology-driven, we’re positioning ourselves to recruit logistics technology companies. Plant City has always punched above its weight when it comes to manufacturing and we look forward to continuing to recruit the manufacturing companies of the future.
How are you supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs in the city?
We work closely with the Plant City Chamber of Commerce and Plant City Main Street. While we don’t differentiate our focus based on company size, we ensure that our initiatives benefit businesses of all scales. Our role is to bring in primary economic sector employers, which in turn drives growth across all business sectors.
How are you partnering with educational institutions to align workforce development with industry needs?
We have a strategic partnership with Workforce Development Partners, which focuses on students who may not be on a college-bound path. We take high school seniors on industry field trips to introduce them to career opportunities in manufacturing and other sectors.
Additionally, we collaborate with the local community college and Hillsborough County Schools. A major milestone is the opening of a state-of-the-art trade school in Plant City in fall 2025. It will be one of the best trade schools in the Tampa Bay area, and we’re excited about the impact it will have on workforce development.
How are you ensuring that new developments continue to benefit the broader community, particularly regarding affordable housing and job creation?
When it comes to housing, we’re seeing significant growth. Over 5,000 single-family homes have been built in the last few years, are under construction, or are planned for development in the coming years. But it’s not just about single-family homes; we also have several multifamily housing projects underway to ensure a balanced mix.
Our approach to growth is intentional. Plant City’s motto is “Embracing the Future While Preserving the Past,” and that guides every decision. We want to ensure development strengthens our community without losing the unique character that makes Plant City special. Even with millions of dollars in new investments, we are committed to maintaining that small-town charm.
How are you collaborating with neighboring cities, the region, and the county to drive economic growth?
I’ve learned that success in economic development comes through strong partnerships. I’ve built long-standing relationships with our regional economic development leaders, allowing for open communication, collaboration, and the ability to share best practices.
Plant City is in a unique position, situated between Lakeland and Tampa, as well as between Tampa and Orlando. What happens in these neighboring areas directly impacts us, and vice versa. It’s always more effective to be part of the conversation and actively shape regional growth rather than just observing from the outside.
What is your outlook for Plant City over the next few years, and what are your top priorities?
The future looks strong for Plant City. Over the next few decades, the population could grow from 40,000 to more than 70,000, and we’re preparing for that expansion while maintaining what makes the community special. A major focus is recruiting targeted industries, particularly in ag tech, logistics technology, and manufacturing, which have been key drivers of our economy. At the same time, we’re working closely with our workforce partners to ensure we have a strong talent pipeline that supports both new and existing employers.
Beyond economic growth, it’s important to continue raising awareness about the advantages of living and doing business in Plant City. Growth is exciting, but we remain committed to preserving the city’s character and ensuring development benefits the entire community.
