Enterprise zone created

PORT CHARLOTTE — The state of Florida has approved the designation of Charlotte County's proposed enterprise zone, economic development officials announced.

The zone consists of about 16 square miles identified by the county as critical areas for revitalization. These include areas such as the land around the airport and Murdock Village.

The enterprise zone program was established by the state in 1982 to encourage economic development in distressed areas by providing tax advantages and incentives to induce private investment.