The Jacksonville City Council has approved an economic development agreement with Eckart, LLC, to establish a regional distribution facility in the city. The company plans to lease a 150,000-square-foot warehouse at 5400 W 12th Street, located in a Level 1 Economically Distressed Area in Northwest Jacksonville. The development will create at least 45 new full-time jobs within 36 months at an average wage of $79,960, which is 121% above the Duval County average. Eckart will invest $1,000,000 in private capital improvements over the first two years, including warehouse racking, machinery, and IT infrastructure. The city has approved a Local Targeted Industry Employment Grant of up to $67,500 ($1,500 per job created) to incentivize the project, payable over four years upon job verification. The agreement also includes a waiver of the Public Investment Policy to facilitate the grant allocation.
This economic development initiative strengthens Jacksonville’s position as a regional logistics hub while providing high-wage jobs in an economically distressed area. The investment will stimulate economic growth, increase tax revenues, and support the city’s strategic efforts to attract industry-leading businesses.