Florida: Governor Ron DeSantis Announces 300 New Jobs in Wakulla County as a Result of Job Growth Grant Fund Investment
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WAKULLA, Fla. ~ WAKULLA, Fla. - In a press conference held today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the creation of 300 new high-wage jobs in Wakulla County. These jobs are a direct result of targeted infrastructure investments made through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund and the Rural Infrastructure Fund. The expansion of Point Blank Enterprises, a leading manufacturer of body armor and protective solutions for military and law enforcement, will bring these jobs to the county.

Governor DeSantis expressed his commitment to improving infrastructure and creating economic opportunities across Florida, including in rural communities. He stated, "We're focused on making strategic investments that help the hard-working families of our great state achieve the American Dream."

The state awarded $3.5 million to Wakulla County in April 2025 through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to support the development of a new 118,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at Opportunity Park. This was followed by an additional $4.5 million grant from the Rural Infrastructure Fund in December 2024, bringing the state's total investment in the project to $8 million.

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The expansion of Point Blank Enterprises is expected to generate 300 new jobs with an average annual wage of $52,900, along with over $8,000 in benefits. Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly praised Governor DeSantis for his dedication to bringing economic prosperity to rural communities in Florida. He stated, "This investment is the direct result of the dedication, collaboration, and vision of incredible partners."

These partners include Florida's Great Northwest, Opportunity Florida, Wakulla Economic Development Council, Triumph Gulf Coast, and Wakulla County who worked tirelessly to bring Point Blank Enterprises to Opportunity Park.

Point Blank Enterprises CEO Daniel Gaston expressed excitement about establishing their new facility in Opportunity Park and becoming a part of the Wakulla County community. He stated that this new location represents a significant investment in innovation and collaboration that will bring them closer to markets in the Southeast US. Gaston also mentioned their partnership with local workforce and organizations such as FSU's High Performance Materials Institute and Wakulla School District's Career and Technical Education programs.

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The project has received support from local and regional partners as well. Triumph Gulf Coast contributed $13.5 million, while the University of West Florida's Haas Center invested $500,000 for economic research and workforce planning. These efforts are projected to generate over $13 million in regional economic impact and more than $64 million in wages for participating workers.

The expansion of Point Blank Enterprises to Wakulla County is a significant step towards creating economic growth and job opportunities in the region. With the support of state, local, and regional partners, this project is expected to have a positive impact on both the company and the community.

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