Congressman Neal Dunn pushes for Amazon consideration of Panama City/Tallahassee HQ

U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn on Friday wrote Amazon with the hopes of nudging interest in a Panama City/Tallahassee HQ2 after the world's largest online retailer announced plans to back away from a New York location. 

A day after the company's announcement, the Republican Congressman sent Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos a one-page letter describing how the Florida Panhandle is coming back after Category 4 Hurricane Michael's devastation and is rebuilding "better than ever." 

"I believe that you would find competitively priced real estate located in close proximity to major airports, railroad lines, interstates, or deep water ports like the Port of Panama City (as) an excellent choice for HQ2," Dunn wrote. 

"Contrary to our counterparts in Queens, elected officials in the Florida Panhandle understand that your investment would drive our community forward and economic opportunity helps those we represent to lead more fulfilling lives."

He highlighted Verizon's $25-million investment to make Panama City one of two 5G-capable cities east of Mississippi and the only 5G mobile city in the United States. 

Dunn's pitch is likely moot. Amazon has said it isn't reopening a search and plans to add jobs to its new HQ2 site in Arlington, Virginia, a Nashville location and 17 offices and tech hubs already in operation. 

Other Tallahassee officials say Amazon would be welcome in North Florida. 

“We have the educational infrastructure already in place with our outstanding colleges and universities to provide Amazon the high quality workforce they are looking for," said U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, a Democrat. "This hub would also offer thousands of well-paying jobs to our area. This would be a win-win for all parties."

Back story:

• OEV official: Tallahassee's Amazon application designed for competitiveness
• Tallahassee pitches proposal for Amazon Headquarters 2
• Domi director: Energy, effort misdirected in city Amazon bid
• Inside Tallahassee's pitch for HQ2: 'They could literally make themselves an Amazon city'

A year ago, the idea of landing an Amazon HQ2 was enough to make Tallahassee officials submit a longshot 22-page application. It joined more than 238 cities across North America, vying to become the location for the company's second headquarters.

Tallahassee offered free land and utilities packages and at least $186 million in tax breaks and perks. The city played the green energy card, offering as an economic incentive 100 percent of the electricity generated by the 20 megawatt, 120-acre solar farm currently under construction at the Tallahassee International Airport.

Cristina Paredes, who heads the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality, said the area is "an economically competitive community and ready to respond to challenges of any corporation seeking a new home."

That includes Amazon, she said. 

"We are an innovative and diverse community with a strong talent pool thanks to our higher education institutions," Paredes said. "We have numerous assets that make it advantageous for selecting Florida's capital community." 

Contact TaMaryn Waters at tlwaters@tallahassee.com or follow @TaMarynWaters on Twitter.