Alcee Hastings Urges Amazon Center be Built in Florida Glades

Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Fla., sent a letter to Amazon Inc. CEO Jeffrey Bezos Friday, urging the company to consider the Florida Glades as a location for an Amazon distribution center.

"The Glades is an ideal place for your company to continue its growth," read Hastings' letter to Bezos. "Transportation and access to different modes of delivery are plentiful, from highway interstates to our ports, rail, and airports. Florida is home to over 15 seaports that boast a reputation of excellence in the world of international trade. In combination with our expedient airport locations, Floridas infrastructure is ideal for growth in the business sector, and will see a successful future through public-private partnerships with companies such as yours.

"While agriculture has historically dominated the local economy of the Glades, I believe that we must work to create more contemporary opportunities for the people of this region. Historically, cities such as Belle Glade and Pahokee, located on the shore of Lake Okeechobee in Palm Beach County, prided themselves on the vast businesses that catered to both the local community and tourists in the form of hotels, restaurants, and boutiques. The potential for this type of economic boom still exists and will thrive to greater levels with investments by companies such as Amazon.com Inc. Since I came to the United States Congress, just over 20 years ago, I have committed myself to the betterment of our nation, in Florida and beyond. It is my belief that when private and public sectors work together to create opportunities for people, we will see much success across our nation."