BRADENTON, Fla. — Six “opportunity zones” have been designated for Manatee County. The low tax zones are designed to attract developers to low-income neighborhoods.
The Samoset and Oneco neighborhoods are included in the plan. Geri Lopez is Manatee County’s Director of Economic Opportunity and says more details about the zones should be available later this year.
“We are really hoping this is a way for businesses to expand and create additional jobs,” said Lopez.
Dimitrie Denis lives in the Samoset community. He said there has been stagnant growth in his neighborhood for the past several years. He is hoping this program will create more jobs for people.
“It’s very important that many of us blue collar folks are able to get on our bikes to work,” said Denis.
Other areas in Florida are also benefiting from the zones. Hillsborough County was also awarded the opportunity zones.
