Fort Walton Beach Ordinance — 1847 - adopting economic dev element — reading text

the Florida Game and Fish Commission, and the National Audubon Society' s Great Florida Birding Trail, to target specific marketing efforts to the birding community worldwide. Policy 4: The City will study the feasibility of establishing a destination -type pedestrian attraction which promotes local maritime history, celestial navigation programs, and a maritime museum along the waterfront to enhance tourist appeal. The designated economic development representative will complete essential studies and provide a report to the City Council by 2016. Policy 5: The City will study the feasibility of establishing a destination -type culinary niche which promotes the Okaloosa Applied Technology Center' s relationship with the Culinary Art Institute, to provide a unique and interactive culinary experience. Essential studies and report will be provided to the City Council by 2015. Policy 6: The City promotes local heritage by encouraging the development and expansion of Native American -owned business and industry. Established businesses which meet this definition may request a reduction of business and permit fees from the City Council. Policy 7: Many historic treasures are located along First Street, including the Fort Walton School House, the Indian Temple Mound, and churches which are nearly a century old with the finest acoustic settings and internationally recognized musicians. Therefore, the City encourages the clustering of cultural enrichment venues in proximity to the Indian Temple Mound and First Street, and supports the promotion of this heritage and cultural area to tourists. Policy 8: In conjunction with the promotion and enhancement of the Heritage and Cultural Arts Cluster, the City will incorporate a historic walking tour on First Street as part of the CRA' s adopted schedule to improve the streetscape. The tour will include markers and a walk of fame" which profiles the city' s most significant early residents and structures. Policy 9: The City supports and promotes the ethnic services industry along Beal Parkway by encouraging innovative techniques for promotion and entrepreneurship within the 5 -year Strategic Economic Development Plan. Element I - 8  FORT WALTON BEACH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Objective I.3. 7 - Waterfront Development The City will continue to implement the 2006 Charting the Course Fort Walton Beach Waterfront Vision Plan in conjunction with the Fort Walton Beach Waterfronts Florida Partnership Committee. Policy 1: The City, through the CRA and the FWB Waterfront Committee, will improve access to the coastline for all residents and tourists by continuing to provide incentives to property owners who provide boardwalk easements from Brooks Bridge and the Brooks Street Landing to Liza Jackson Park. The CRA will provide funding for the construction and maintenance of the boardwalk or develop incentives for the property owner to construct and /or maintain the boardwalk. Policy 2: The City will develop a waterfront strategic plan by 2014 in accordance with the 2006 Charting the Course Fort Walton Beach Waterfront Vision Plan which will encourage and promote water -dependant businesses along the Sound and also require future marinas to obtain a Florida Clean Marina Status. Policy 3: By 2014, the City will develop criteria for selection and funding to acquire properties which contain special features and/ or shoreline and water -use access. Objective I.3.8 - Military Recognizing the vital economic and cultural relationship between the City of Fort Walton Beach and the military, the City will continue to promote the mission of Eglin Air Force Base. Policy 1: The City will promote and encourage the development of an Eglin By -Pass from Santa Rosa County to Walton County to ease traffic congestion, reduce hurricane evacuation times, minimize military encroachment, and support the base mission. Policy 2: The City, through its Recreation and Cultural Services Department, will promote a Local Town Heroes program by 2010, which will enable families and donors to sponsor pedestrian and park facilities in honor of local veterans. Policy 3: The City encourages military -themed small businesses as a niche strategy for infill development.. Objective I.3. 9 - Growth Management and Infrastructure The City of Fort Walton Beach will work actively to provide a diversified and desirable environment necessary to attract and retain the commercial /industrial and businesses sectors serving existing industry, tourists, seasonal residents, and the permanent population while maintaining a high standard of living. To attract businesses which strengthen existing industry, the public services and City characteristics that will be supported include an exemplary public education system; moderate local tax rates; adequate utilities, improved bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure; consistently enforced land use regulations, quality parks and recreation facilities; quality health care; environmental resources; and effective public safety. Policy 1: The City of Fort Walton Beach will implement the objectives and policies of this Economic Development Element through appropriate administrative policies which include careful evaluation of proposed City actions for conformance with the policies in this Element and land use regulations. Element I - 9  FORT WALTON BEACH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Policy 2: The City will plan for sufficient public infrastructure to serve the growth needs of new and expanding business and industry. Policy 3: The City encourages the location of business and industry in areas designated for future infrastructure improvements in the City' s Infrastructure Element and Capital Improvements Program. Policy 4: The City will develop a strategy to purchase /improve /sell -back and/ or lease -back property to encourage ideal infill development and the expansion of business and industry. Policy 5: The City vigorously pursues State and Federal grant funds that may be applicable to recreational and infrastructure improvements as well as other activities that enhance the City' s competitive position in attracting new business and industry. Element I - 10 Fort Walton Beach Comprehensive Plan Proposed Amendment ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES GOAL EE — CAPITALIZE ON THE ASSETS OF FORT WALTON BEACH BY PROMOTING AND SUPPORTING STRATEGIES INTENDED TO INCREASE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES AND JOB CREATION RESULTING IN A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY, ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITY BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY GROWTH AND RETENTION AND RETENTION. Policy EE. 1. 1 will Plan start-up of businesses and industries , QMoting devel s nt n scattered vacant lots with compatible uses. Policy EE. 1. 2 re Policy EE. 1. 3 The Citv sty the FD within of sites. Policy EE. 1. 5 The City will provide information to individuals and businesses regarding economic development initiatives and programs on all levels including local regional and state designed to enhance economic and employment opportunities Policy EE. 1. 6 The City will prioritize economic development efforts to focus on sustainable businesses Economic Development Element EE- 1 March 10, 2011 Fort Walton Beach Comprehensive Plan Proposed Amendment renewable energy technology centers and other existing and emerging businesses that are interrelated with the current technology- focused businesses of the region Policy EE. 1. 7 The City will support strategies to continue and strengthen cultural tourism recognizing that the cultural heritage of the City and cultural heritage industries play a major role in building and sustaining economically vibrant communities Policy EE. 1. 8 Policy EE. 2. 5 The City will work with local agencies to coordinate visits by prospective businesses and industries. The City will provide information to such prospective businesses regarding land use, development regulations and economic development strategies and policies of the City. The City will coordinate with these agencies to ensure that prospective businesses and industries receive current information on labor force characteristics and demographics to assist in decision- making about business locations Economic Development Element EE- 2 March 10, 2011 Fort Walton Beach Comprehensive Plan Proposed Amendment Policy EE. 2. 6 The City and partner agencies will cooperatively develop a skills bank inventory to provide data on the current labor force, skills and expertise and demographics for use in promotional activities. As part of the inventory, information may be provided on training needs for use in coordination with partnering educational institutions. Policy EE. 2. 7 The Citv will or development. LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS TE Policy EE. 3. 1 The City will e that or redevelopme the City. Policy EE. 3. 2 The City will facilitating rev . in that improves ities and neighborhoods. Plan ivi Policy EE. 3. 5 The City will ensure at the Comprehensive Plan and the CRA Plan identify appropriate locations for housing, including affordable and workforce housing as one means of supporting the location of new or expanded businesses within the City. Policy EE. 3. 6 The City will consider developing an inventory of sites ( land or vacant buildings) with information on size, land use and zoning, and availability of utilities. The inventory will be provided to existing businesses seeking to expand as well as prospective businesses seeking a location in the City. The inventory will be coordinated with business partners who can expand the inventory with real estate data, such as costs and taxes. Economic Development Element EE- 3 March 10, 2011 Fort Walton Beach Comprehensive Plan Proposed Amendment Policy EE. 3. 7 The City will consider a strategy consistent with the CRA Plan for improvement of property in the City to encourage ideal infill development and the expansion of businesses and industry. Policy