Amazon announces expansion in region, plans 750 hires

TAMPA — Amazon plans to build a new fulfillment center in Temple Terrace, northeast of Tampa, that will employ 750 people when it opens in 2021. 

The e-commerce giant also operates fulfillment centers in Jacksonville, Davenport, Orlando, Miami, Ruskin and Lakeland. 

According to a press release, the Temple Terrace facility, at 8706 Harney Road, will span more than 600,000 square feet. Employees will pick, pack and ship smaller customer items such as books, electronics, small household goods and toys.

“We’re excited to be growing our operations in Florida and we are excited to open a new fulfillment center in Temple Terrace,” states Alicia Boler Davis, Amazon’s vice president of global customer fulfillment, in the release. “Amazon is committed to providing great jobs with industry-leading pay and benefits, starting on day one, in a safe, innovative work environment. Amazon is grateful for the continued support we’ve received from local and state leaders and we look forward to creating over seven hundred jobs for the Temple Terrace community.”

"The City of Temple Terrace is very excited to welcome Amazon as our newest corporate citizen,” Temple Terrace Acting Mayor Andrew Ross states in the release. “Amazon’s presence in our amazing city will bring more jobs and opportunities for residents and those throughout the region."

In a related development, Minneapolis-based Ryan Cos US Inc. has acquired, for $8.75 million, a 46.75-acre parcel located at 17030 Mentmore Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes; it plans to build on the site a 110,866-square-foot warehouse that will be leased to Amazon.