Today,
it was announced that Jellyfish Health LLC, a health care technology company
that makes health care more convenient for patients, staff and physicians, is
expanding its operations in Panama City, Florida. Jellyfish Health is creating 100
new jobs at an average annual wage of $70,000. The majority of the new jobs
will be focused on software development with an average wage that is more than
200 percent of the current average in Bay County, Florida.
“Let’s face it, waiting sucks! – and what’s worse is it’s totally avoidable”, says Dave Dyell, President and CEO of Jellyfish Health. Jellyfish provides innovative technology that reduces wait times for patients, automates workflow for staff and boosts loyalty to healthcare facilities by creating a better patient experience. This innovative solution works by providing transparency about wait times to the patient through their mobile device.
“Jellyfish Health is all about helping make life easier for patients and the caregivers that take care of them. We bring that same philosophy to the workplace by giving employees an opportunity to explore their passion along with competitive pay and a flexible work schedule. This grant allows us to offer these benefits to even more employees and make a bigger impact on the local economy”, stated Dave Dyell.
The
company received a $750,000 grant from the Industry Recruitment, Retention and
Expansion Fund (IRREF) grant program, which is administered by the University
of West Florida Office of Economic Development and Engagement. The IRREF
program, which has resulted in 9,000 new jobs in Florida.
"The medical software field brings exactly the kind of business expansion we need in Bay County,” said state Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, who sponsored the Oil Spill Recovery Act. “The Jellyfish project creates 100 jobs paying twice the average wage in our area. The company has a national market and has the potential to grow, prosper and contribute substantially to our community."
“This expansion is significant, not only for Bay County, but also for the State of Florida,” said state Rep. Jay Trumbull. “Companies like Jellyfish Health are creating good jobs and keeping Florida at the forefront of technology. That makes us a top destination for business and talent.”
The state's infotech strengths are diverse, and range from photonics, to mobile technologies, to communications equipment, to modeling and simulation, and beyond. The state boasts one of the nation’s largest software and computer systems industries – with 14,100 firms employing 84,400+ industry professionals.
Crystal Sircy, executive vice president and COO of Enterprise Florida, Inc. said, “Congratulations to Jellyfish Health on their recent growth! This is a great example of the strengths Florida has in both the IT and healthcare industries. Innovative companies like Jellyfish Health are demonstrating the ways in which companies are leading their industries and growing across the state.”
This
project was made possible through strong partnerships between Enterprise
Florida, the University of West Florida, Bay County Economic Development
Alliance, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Bay County Board of
County Commissioners, City of Panama City, CareerSource Florida, CareerSource
Gulf Coast and Gulf Coast State College.
Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Jellyfish Health’s expansion is great news for job seekers looking for high-tech opportunities in northwest Florida. Innovative solutions from companies like Jellyfish Health are providing jobs and growing our economy, while improving the lives of patients.”
“Jellyfish Health is a company founded by a local businessman with a proven track record of creating jobs in Bay County,” Bay County Commissioner Bill Dozier said. “We appreciate the commitment to Bay County’s continued success and look forward to the great things to come.”
“I’m very pleased to share in the announcement that an innovative and successful company is growing in our downtown and adding 100 new jobs. This proves that Panama City is the best place to live, work and play,” said Panama City Mayor Greg Brudnicki. “Jellyfish’s new employees will help to add energy to our downtown area aiding in our revitalization efforts. The City of Panama City looks forward to welcoming them and showing them all that we have to offer.”
“We are extremely happy that Jellyfish Health has chosen to stay in downtown Panama City and expand its operations here,” said Clint Mizell, chairman of the Bay County Economic Development Alliance. “This is a company that could have expanded anywhere. The fact that they are creating a significant number of high wage technology jobs in Bay County is a great win for our local economy.”
