Target Could Bring Up To 250 Jobs

Target will open this summer and could provide a much-anticipated boost to the local job market.

As of December, there were nearly 7,000 people who were unemployed and searching for work in Hernando County.

One of the country's largest retailers could bring up to 250 jobs to the area by the time it opens in July, said company spokeswoman Katie Benscoter.

"About 14 weeks prior to the grand opening, people will be able to check for job openings in the local newspapers or (job) Web sites," she said.

Career Central, a local job-seeking agency for residents in Hernando and Pasco counties, was expected to assist Target in finding quality candidates.

A spokesman with Career Central did not return a call Tuesday.

The Target, located at Suncoast Crossing along Spring Hill Drive, will be the anchor store at the site.

Kohl's opened in early October. Target's grand opening is scheduled for July 26. Construction is still being done.

The range in employment numbers at the store is varied (100 to 250), but Benscoter said it will be narrowed closer to the deadline.

Much of it depends on two factors - its proximity to highways and developments and the amount of traffic at that location, she said.

The store will have a "general merchandise" designation. It will not be a SuperTarget.

It was announced last year the retailer paid $3.3 million for 11.75 acres at the shopping center, which is located on the west end of the Airport Industrial Park.

The building will have more than 142,000 square feet of space.