• Unemployment rate: 6.9 %
• Median Household Income: $ 20,155
• Per Capita Income: $ 11,810
• The county received designation by Florida as an Enterprise Zone 
• The community includes 255 acres of undeveloped land in census track 9506

Community Overview:

This Champion Community, led by the local Chamber of Commerce, encompasses the majority of the City of Palatka. The area is high in crime, ranking fifth in the state in 1998, and first in comparable cities in the state. The residents suffer pervasive poverty and have limited access to affordable housing. The economy is predominantly commercial and industry business. There is great need to diversify the economy and complete a downtown revitalization plan. The city houses two historic residential sections and a developable marina which, when completed, can attract visitors and have a positive impact on the economy.

Strategic Plan Highlights:  

With the implementation of its strategic plan, the Breathitt County Action Team seeks to achieve a balance in economic and community development.

• Economic Development: Increase available funding for business expansion and new startups.
• Community Image: Revitalize the downtown including the construction of a marina on the riverfront.

• Education: Improve classroom behavior by offering character education and interpersonal communication and citizenship skills to school aged kids.

Partnerships

• Active partners include the City of Palatka

• Putnam County Board of County Commissioners

• Putnam County Chamber of Commerce

• Palatka Housing Authority

• St. Johns River Water Management District

• Putnam County Health Department

• St. Johns River Community College

• Putnam County Sheriff’s Office

• The City of Palatka Police Department. 

Leveraging

Putnam County Chamber of Commerce has identified support from various organizations at the federal, state, and local levels. They are steadily identifying sources of funding to meet their needs. Grants, technical assistance, and in-kind contributions in the amount of $459,000 were successfully leveraged in 2001. 

Community Involvement:

The Chamber has a strong membership and they hold regular community, public, advisory, and marketing meetings to review benchmarks and update goals.

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