Lynda Weatherman, President & CEO, Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast

Lynda Weatherman, president and CEO of the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, sat down with Invest: to discuss the endless list of new projects and initiatives in the area, the impact of the Space Coast Innovation Park on the wider business community, and more. 

What key achievements were made by the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast in the past few years?

There have been several achievements throughout the county; including corporate investment from leading companies such as Amazon’s Project Kuiper, Lockheed Martin’s Fleet Ballistic Missile HQ, Draper Labs, and Dassault Falcon Jet. Companies are discovering the value of Florida’s Space Coast.

What inspired the creation of the brand “Florida’s Space Coast; Tomorrow Launches Here,” and how does it encapsulate the essence of the region’s aspirations and identity?

This is a great question, and I love speaking on the topic. As this community has matured, we are being recognized globally and nationally. We did not have brand recognition or a distinct identity previously. Instead, we were lumped into other markets in Florida. This is a talent recruitment and placemaking focus. Now is the time for us to communicate who we are and share the story of our exceptional and unique assets. As people look for where they want to live nationally, your brand plays a critical role in their decision-making. “Tomorrow Launches Here” is a short phrase that describes the world’s leading industries, from cybersecurity to aviation, avionics, defense, high-tech manufacturing, and more, located here on Florida’s Space Coast. They are literally and metaphorically building and launching rockets here. We have 111 launches scheduled for 2024. We only had four a few years ago. Along with physical launching activities, people are also launching their businesses, families, and education in our 21st-century community. 

What strategic advantages does the Space Coast Innovation Park offer, and how is it positioned as a hub for the aerospace and defense industries?

What we are seeing take place in Brevard County is an increase in launch activity. On top of that, we are now home to launch providers, including Boeing and Blue Origin’s launch capsule manufacturing, as well as payloads, such as Airbus OneWeb Satellites (AOS). This is all happening as we speak. The supply chain follows, with a need to site their operations close to Kennedy Space Center. The Space Coast Innovation Park provides an option for facility leasing within close proximity of the customers. Everything needed for development, manufacturing, assembly, and supply chain can be found in this park. 

How does Spaceport Commerce Park in FPL’s Florida First Sites program enhance the economic development prospects for Florida’s Space Coast?

Having a high-growth area means attracting global attention, not just domestic manufacturers of space and aerospace products. The FPL First Site program provides for a shovel-ready site to enable businesses to bring their product to market faster. A few years ago, it would have been OK to look at a few sites and take a year to begin development. Now, the pace of the market is requiring businesses to move quickly. Companies want to break ground within months. That’s what this program will provide at Spaceport Commerce Park. 

How do you plan on integrating sustainable urban development into the Space Coast’s growth and planning strategies?

Diversity in job opportunities is an important component of any community. As we grow, our market is demanding talent at all skill levels, from entry-level to post-graduate. There are positions for everyone on Florida’s Space Coast.

One of the greatest assets of our urban region is the Indian River Lagoon. We work closely with the National Estuary Program to ensure this wonderful asset, is not just an economic engine for recreation, but also an avenue to attract talent seeking quality of life activities. 

How does the EDC address the balance between the region’s economic growth and environmental sustainability?

We are very much aware of the need for balance. Growth will take place one way or another, and we know the results in other areas. This has always been a very environmentally-astute location that has set aside land that for future green space. Our cities planned for future development and continue to look forward with the same strategy. 

What unique opportunities does the Space Coast offer for businesses and investors?

This piece of paradise, with soft sands and wide skies, is Florida’s Space Coast. It is 72 miles long and has a more linear waterway than any other place in our country due to the beaches, the Indian River, and the Banana River. And the St. Johns River acts as a natural green belt between us and Orlando. Florida’s Space Coast is not a large urban area; you can make a difference here, which is what young people are looking for. Plus, what is taking place here is unique to the world. Tomorrow Launches Here is not just a tagline; we are developing launch vehicles and payloads, as well as the technology within the local aerospace and defense industry. We have a diversity of jobs, lower cost of living, scalability, and the awareness that we are unique and exceptional. This unassuming stretch of coastline may seem quiet, but it’s home to the loudest stuff on Earth, and it’s just getting started.