Civil Municipal - April 2024

Adra Kennard, Chamber President, emphasizes the town’s distinctive character, rooted in its close- knit, family-oriented atmosphere. “It’s community; I cannot emphasize that enough,” she states.“Knowing your neighbor, educators, coaches—it’s what sets us apart.” Bryan Thomas, Director of Planning and Economic Development, offers a perspective on Newberry’s economic evolution. He sheds light on the town’s dynamic pursuit of sports tourism as an economic driver, drawing significant crowds to its sporting events. However, recognizing the need for strategic refinement, Newberry is ready to embark on a new trajectory, exemplified by the agricultural park development project. PROPELLING NEWBERRY’S ECONOMIC GROWTH Highlighting the town’s aspirations to diversify its industrial base, Newberry prioritizes cleaner industries to align with evolving environmental standards. The town is also exploring opportunities to expand its commercial sector amidst significant residential growth over the past decade. Despite the challenges posed by rapid growth, Newberry has maintained an impressive growth rate exceeding 5% for a decade. Thomas attributes this success to the vigilant stewardship of elected officials, who have consistently prioritized providing top-notch infrastructure to accommodate the town’s expansion. Constructing an advanced treatment wastewater facility—estimated to cost between $50 and $75 million—is at the forefront of these developments. Thomas stresses its importance for meeting immediate needs and laying the groundwork for the next two decades of Newberry’s growth. Establishing an agricultural technology park exemplifies Newberry’s dedication to preserving tradition and embracing innovation. Partnerships, particularly with the University of Florida Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), are instrumental in bridging the gap between research and practical application. Through these collaborations, Newberry seeks to create a fertile 145 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 04 NEWBERRY, FLORIDA