In Volusia County, let’s reach for the stars | DR. CHARLES DUVA

Convergence is a powerful force. When the planets are lined up, things happen as though they were destined to happen. As we assess the future of our community, the convergence of several factors is presenting Volusia County with opportunities that form a framework of a very bright future.

The community’s resume is becoming more dynamic thanks to these and other factors:

•Private investment driving advances in aviation and aerospace.

•Soaring demand for complex communications supported by satellites

•The evolution of southeast Volusia County, recognized as the northern gateway to Florida’s Space Triangle.

•Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), which is undergoing major upgrades in comfort, function and technology.

•Significant prime acreage at Daytona Beach International Airport and other airports in Volusia County.

•Breathtaking advances in research, education and enterprise at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

•A well-educated engineering workforce.

•Advanced manufacturing and established supply chains.

•Strategic location at the crossroads of Central Florida, Interstate Highway 4 and 95.

•The influence of Space Florida as a powerful advocate for the Sunshine State as the preferred host for aviation and aerospace enterprises.

•Bryce Space & Technology research outlining markets that align with Volusia County.

•Coordinated efforts of Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation, the CEO Business Alliance and Volusia County Government’s Economic Development Division.

Opportunity is knocking. We are answering with the proposed establishment of the Commercial Space Industry Overlay District, set for the second and final public hearing by the Volusia County Council on June 2.

This initiative is the result of years of study and offers high degrees of specificity relative to hosting aerospace companies. Primarily, it is a tool that triggers laser-focus on commercial space opportunities and speeds compliance reviews. This makes Volusia County more competitive and allows it to keep pace in the rapidly evolving aerospace industry.

The overlay would be an amendment to the county’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan. It offers no compromise on our growth standards. It offers no incentives.

The recent competition for a substantial Blue Origin manufacturing projects demonstrated Volusia County’s competitive strengths. The first project landed at Exploration Park in Brevard County. The second, was a rocket engine manufacturing facility, and the county was one of only two finalists for the project, and DAB was the last site in the state that was considered by the company. Blue Origin collaborates with many leaders in the aerospace industry including Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Draper, which would have created the basis of an industry cluster with diverse high wage jobs for our community.

While we did not prevail in this high-profile competition due to massive incentives offered by the state of Alabama, the county elevated its profile as a player in the evolution of aviation and aerospace.

This week, the Volusia County Council will consider the proposal to adopt the Commercial Space Industry Overlay District. It has been years in the making. It has been reviewed by industry leaders, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and the Volusia Growth Management Commission. It paves the way for a bright economic future for the generations that follow.

The planets are lined up. Let’s reach for the stars.

Dr. Charles Duva is chairman of the Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation and a trustee of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.