Sanford Burnham's future in question after UF pulls out of funding deal

ORLANDO, Fla. — The future of Sanford Burnham's Research Center in Orlando is in question after the University of Florida put the brakes on a deal to keep it running.

The biomedical research institute has reaped more than $300 million in tax breaks since moving to Central Florida in 2006.

Sanford Bernham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute had come to an agreement with the University of Florida behind closed doors to work together to keep the research company’s facilities and research programs going.

Sanford Bernham confirmed late Tuesday that UF had pulled out of the deal, and now the institute has to start from scratch to find a way to remain in Medical City.

Orlando Mayor Buddy said the state has been slow to react to the proposed deal, but he thinks another entity could still step in to save the operation.

“We're kind of in a wait and see what Burnham's going to do at this point,” said Dyer.

In 2006, then-Florida Gov. Jeb Bush helped bring the biomedical organization to Central Florida, where it was expected to be a major job creator in the area.

Sanford Bernham announced earlier this year that it would be leaving Central Florida by June, but the date came and went and the institute remained in Orlando.

“There was great commitment from the city and the county and the local participants, but the state has been slow to react to the project,” said Dyer.

At the time of its original announcement, Sanford Bernham said it was moving back to California because the funding for research was not what it expected in Florida.

The deal with UF would have kept the institute and its more than 1,000 employees in Central Florida.

Dyer said the city's contributions to the project went toward the building, which can be used regardless of the tenant.

“The research institute will continue to operate, whether it's the Burnham or the University of Florida or some other entity that's actually in control,” Dyer said.

The university released this statement: “The University of Florida is willing to discuss how it can be helpful to the state in a manner that makes sense for all parties. UF is the state's leader in research with more than $700 million in research expenditures and UF's oversight of the research enterprise would be highly successful. However, it is unclear how UF can help in a timely manner, given the likely need for legislative approval. As such, UF is unable to proceed at this time.”

Cox Media Group