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n the biggest economic development project for the region, the city of Leesburg is proud of becoming a part of the expansion plans of The Villages. Founded more than 40 years ago, The Villages is the largest retirement community in the world and the population grows daily, according to thevillages.com. “Economic development is generally thought of as increasing industrial base,” Leesburg City Manager Al Minner says. “Too often, our service economy does not receive the credit it should for job creation and investment. This sector of our economy has brought untold job growth in the construction industry, medical field, entertainment industry, education and uncountable service jobs. And the best organization at creating this kind of investment is The Villages.” When The Villages announced continued growth south of State Road 44, Leesburg city officials were eager to become partners and bring “The Villages lifestyle” to Leesburg. “The city and The Villages have partnered on a number of fronts, which will bring new housing development, commercial development and utility investment not only to our city but to the Lake County/Sumter County region,” Al says. “In Leesburg alone, Villages growth will inject over $750 million in new investment, double our natural gas system and bring countless other jobs and economic growth.”
LE E S B URG: IN THE CENTER OF IT ALL | 202 0 V ISITO RS GU IDE
