Erin Hill
Gadsden County News Service
Community leaders and state officials gathered Tuesday to celebrate the grand opening of the new Love’s Travel Stop in Gretna, a development city leaders say will create jobs and strengthen the local economy.
Gretna City Manager Antonio Jeffersons said thenew travel center has hired more than 100 employees, with most of those positions filled by Gadsden County residents, according to the City of Gretna. The project also represents a $27 million capital investment in the city.
Gretna Mayor Anthony Baker said the travel center includes a Dunkin’ Donuts, a small restaurant and 111 parking spaces for semi-tractor trailers, providing services for both travelers and truck drivers.
“We thank God for it,” Baker said.
Officials recognized City Manager Antonio Jefferson for his role in helping bring the Love’s Travel Stop to Gretna and for his continued efforts to attract additional economic development projects to Gadsden County.
The grand opening drew local, regional and state leaders, including Florida Secretary of Commerce Alex Kelly, representatives from the Florida Department of Commerce, the Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners, the Gadsden County Development Council, the Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce, the Gadsden County Chamber of Commerce, state Sen. Corey Simon, state Rep. Gallop Franklin, Gadsden County Sheriff Morris Young, Quincy City Commissioner Beverly Nash and former Gretna mayors Nadine Reed, Clarence Jackson and Earnest O’Barkley.
City leaders said the new travel center represents more than a new business opening, describing it as an investment that will create employment opportunities and support continued economic growth in Gretna and throughout Gadsden County.
The ceremony concluded with a ribbon-cutting welcoming Love’s Travel Stops to the community.
