Governor DeSantis Directs $23 Million Towards Florida's Defense, Aerospace, and Workforce Infrastructure
Governor Ron DeSantis announced nearly $23 million in state grants aimed at bolstering Florida's defense industrial base, expanding spaceport infrastructure, and enhancing technical workforce training. The funding package, detailed in Jacksonville, is designed to support the state's defense, aerospace, and maritime supply chains, which collectively employ nearly 900,000 Floridians. A significant portion, approximately $15.3 million, is allocated through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund for local infrastructure and educational programs. Key recipients include Florida State College at Jacksonville, receiving $7 million to establish the Cecil Training Institute for HVAC, welding, and advanced manufacturing; the City of Palm Bay, getting $3.5 million for wastewater infrastructure at the Phoenix Business Park to support defense and aerospace manufacturing; and Northwest Florida State College, awarded $3 million to build a Maritime Fabrication Training Center. Additionally, up to $5 million is committed through... 
