After debate over municipal contributions, commissioners approve modified interlocal funding for UCF business incubator

Meg Brew (Director, Office of Tourism & Economic Development), Miranda Burrows (deputy city manager, Eustis) and Brian Bedrich (UCF business incubator) presented a program update and a proposed interlocal amendment to continue county support for the UCF business incubator in Eustis.

Bedrich described program results — four businesses graduated in the calendar year, several clients had meaningful revenue growth (SmartTracker reported over $700,000 through July and Guardian Global surpassed $1,000,000), and the incubator currently supports job creation and local contracting. The requested county contribution in the modification was reduced to $127,500 annually (down from a prior $150,000 county figure), a $382,500 total over three years per presentation materials; Eustis provides the facility and had previously funded a portion of the program. Commissioners questioned whether other municipalities should be asked to contribute and whether the county should commit multi‑year funds given the revenue uncertainties tied to Amendment 3; staff and presenters said Eustis holds the agreement with UCF, Lake County helped seed the program and UCF would pursue additional municipal partners.

After discussion the board approved the interlocal modification and the county contribution change, while several commissioners requested outreach to other municipalities and emphasized a 150‑day termination clause in the agreement as a contingency should county revenues change. One commissioner said they would support a one‑year contribution only but backed the motion after being assured of the termination right and outreach obligations.