St. Johns County Proposes Economic Incentives for Cancer Institute

• 23 July 2024
• Category: SJC News Economic Development
• Tags: 2024

Institute was founded to honor the family’s son who lost his courageous battle against bone cancer

The life and legacy of Tyler Mert Ergisi, who was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer that took his life at the age of 19, will be illuminated with a new cancer research institute in St. Johns County. On July 16, 2024, the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved a motion to draft an economic development incentive agreement for the TyMe Institute, Inc. for consideration at a future BOCC meeting.

The incentive’s estimated value is $621,031. TyMe Institute will develop more than 30,000 square feet of space for a cancer prevention clinic, including a future cancer research laboratory and small-scale cancer drug manufacturing facility. The project will create 54 new high-wage jobs with an average income that is more than 125% of St. Johns County’s average annual wage. The total anticipated investment by the TyMe Institute in land, building, and equipment is approximately $20.5 million.

“The TyMe Institute is dedicated to combating cancer with innovation, partnerships, and prevention methodologies that have yet to be undertaken by the research or healthcare industries. This is more than an investment in bricks and buildings; it is an investment in health and life,” said BOCC Chair Sarah Arnold, who represents District 2, the future location of TyMe Institute.

The Ergisi family released a statement about the TyMe Institute opening in St. Johns County:

“Our son, Tyler Mert Ergisi, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (bone cancer), a deadly cancer that took his life at the age of 19. TyMe (Tyler Mert Ergisi) Institute is founded to honor his courageous battle against cancer. The Ergisi family has resolved to use all their resources, relationships, knowledge, and economic strength in the quest to find a cure for children like Tyler. We aspire to save one life at a time so that other parents may never endure the unimaginable pain of losing a child.” The incentive request includes the reimbursement of 100% of impact fees, four years of County ad valorem taxes paid on capital improvements, and four years of County tangible personal property taxes paid. TyMe Institute is anticipated to open in the fourth quarter of 2025 in The Fountains at St. Johns, located on CR 210.