County Commission Chairman Ted Schrader called the plan submittal “an encouraging move,” but said he would hold off celebrating until Raymond James closes on the property. It has been two years since the company signed a letter of intent to move some of its St. Petersburg offices - and up to 750 high-paying jobs — to Pasco.**
Wiregrass Ranch owner and developer J.D. Porter said he expects the closing to take place this month.**
But Hollister was less committal, saying that securing the master site permits was simply the next step of a lengthy process. “We cannot commit at this time to when or what will be constructed,” he said.*
The county and state have offered a $14 million incentive package to seal the deal with Raymond James.****