The Development Group

08/31/2026

🏗️ Progress at the Multipurpose Facility!

The Development Group recently welcomed the Florida Department of Commerce Grant Manager, RSM consultants overseeing and reporting on the grant, and our construction management team from HalfAcre Construction to the Multipurpose Facility for the project’s first site visit.

Site visits like this are an important part of grant-funded projects, providing an opportunity to review progress, discuss the work underway, and ensure the project continues moving forward.

We were excited to showcase the progress being made at the facility, including the removal of the first-floor foundation and second-floor structure. The construction team is also preparing the appropriate shoring to safely support the existing walls as work continues.

It’s exciting to see this project take shape and move another step closer to becoming a valuable resource for our community! 🚧

08/21/2026

At our August Board Meeting, CEO Sarah Evers presented The Development Group’s Annual Report, highlighting the progress, partnerships, and investments helping move Hardee County forward.

“At its core, economic development is about creating opportunity: opportunity for businesses to invest, for families to thrive, and for communities to build a stronger future together.”

The report provides a snapshot of the work happening across Hardee County and highlights five key areas of focus:

• Leadership and Governance
• Organizational Capacity and Financial Stewardship
• Positioning Hardee County for Growth
• Housing Investments and Quality of Place
• Investing in Leadership and Community Partnerships

Together, these focus areas reflect The Development Group’s commitment to building a stronger, more resilient community and creating opportunities for the future.

🔗 Read the full Annual Report here:

08/19/2026

Sunrise Social officially kicked off last week, and we were so excited to get back into these monthly morning meetings! ☀️

Economic development is about more than projects and new businesses. It’s about building relationships, creating connections, and working together to strengthen our local business community. Events like Sunrise Social give us an opportunity to connect with local businesses and partners, hear what’s happening in our community, and continue building the relationships that help Hardee County grow.

A big thank you to Peace River Electric Cooperative, Inc. for hosting such a wonderful event and helping us kick off another great year of Sunrise Social! We’re looking forward to connecting with even more of our local business community each month. 🤝

08/18/2026

🚧 Gardens at Midtown Parking Lot Update

The Gardens at Midtown Parking Lot project is moving right along, and our Construction Management Team has been working hard to accommodate local businesses and the community throughout construction.

The time has now come for construction to begin on the southern end of the parking lot, which means the parking area behind Java and Terra Mexican Restaurant will be closing soon.

This closure is necessary for the safety of everyone in the area and to allow our Construction Management Team to work efficiently and without interference as construction progresses.

We appreciate your patience, cooperation, and support as we continue this exciting improvement project in Downtown Wauchula. We know construction can create some temporary inconveniences, and we truly appreciate everyone's help during this time! 🚧🌿

08/04/2026

🚧 Project Update: Highway 17 Redevelopment

The Development Group is excited to announce the official closing on the Highway 17 property, marking an important milestone in bringing Culver's to Hardee County.

This project represents more than a new restaurant. It includes the relocation and expansion of Debut Development to the Commerce Park, creating opportunities for both businesses to grow while supporting continued investment along the Highway 17 corridor.

This milestone reflects the ongoing efforts to encourage private investment, support local business expansion, and strengthen Hardee County's economic future.

Construction is expected to begin soon, and we'll continue sharing updates as the project moves forward.

07/30/2026

As summer begins to wind down, our projects are continuing to move forward.

From new facilities and infrastructure improvements to commercial development, there's a lot happening across Hardee County.

🏗️ Visit The Development Group's Project Hub on our website to explore our current economic development projects, track construction progress, and learn more about the grant funding and investments helping make these initiatives possible.

Current featured projects include:
📍 Lot 27 – Debut Development
📍 Gardens at Midtown Parking Lot
📍 Multi-Purpose Facility
📍 Lot 31 – Manufacturing Hub

Check back regularly for the latest project updates and follow along as these projects continue to take shape.

https://thedevelopmentgroup.net/project-updates/

07/28/2026

🚀 Recently, our Emerging Leaders Committee gathered for its second meeting, diving deeper into the important role economic development plays in the future of Hardee County.

Committee members explored areas of the county with development potential and got an inside look at The Development Group's Project Hub and Budget Snapshot, interactive tools that provide a transparent view of our current projects, construction progress, grant funding, and the investments driving our community forward.

The meeting sparked great questions, fresh ideas, and meaningful conversations about the opportunities and initiatives taking place throughout Hardee County. It's exciting to see committee members gaining a deeper understanding of the work being done to support economic growth and community development.

👏 We look forward to continuing the conversation at our next meeting in October.

07/27/2026

📢 Request for Proposals – Public Wi-Fi Infrastructure

The Hardee County Industrial Development Authority is now accepting sealed written proposals from qualified firms and individuals for the design, engineering, and installation of public Wi-Fi infrastructure and devices in Downtown Wauchula within the Multi-Purpose Community Facility.

🗓 Proposal Deadline: Thursday, August 6, 2026
⏰ Time: 3:00 PM

Interested firms are encouraged to review the complete Request for Proposals for submission requirements and project details.

🌐 Visit https://thedevelopmentgroup.net/bid-information/ for the full RFP and additional information.

Bid Information RFP 2026-01 Additional Information for RFP 2026-01: Multi-Purpose Plans

07/09/2026

🎉 A Historic Milestone for the Hardee County Industrial Development Authority! 🎉

For the first time in the history of the Hardee County Industrial Development Authority (IDA), the organization applied for and successfully received a $6 million State of Florida appropriation, a historic investment in the future of Hardee County.

This investment will help preserve our historic downtown, encourage private investment, strengthen local businesses, and create a lasting economic impact throughout Hardee County.

This is more than funding. It is an investment in our community's future. The Development Group is grateful to our legislative delegation and all of our partners who helped make this historic achievement possible.