Proposed enterprise zones along U.S. Highway 17 can help with the unemployment situation by encouraging business growth, Patrick Brett, who has been leading the project in Polk County, said during a roundtable discussion about employment and economic development at The Polk County Democrat.

Enterprise zones are areas targeted for economic revitalization, according to Enterprise Florida. They offer tax advantages and incentives to businesses that locate in the zones. Florida has 59 enterprise zones that include federal, rural and urban.