BAR HARBOR — Maine’s Jackson Laboratory and the University of South Florida plan to create a 120,000-square-foot new research center in Florida’s Sarasota County.

The project, dubbed The Jackson Laboratory-Florida, will focus on genetics-based treatments for heart disease, Alzheimer’s and diabetes. Other partners on the project include Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System, Sarasota County and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

Jackson and the university pulled the plug in January on a similar plan for Collier County, and announced they were looking elsewhere.

Jackson spokeswoman Joyce Peterson said today the project’s scope will depend upon the level of public funding and buy-in from Florida Gov. Rick Scott. She says Jackson will have a better idea of the number of direct jobs after the funding picture becomes clear.