DeSantis announces job growth fund investment creating 300 jobs in Wakulla County

Jennifer Conoley President and Chief Executive Officer of Florida’s Great Northwest - Official Website
Jennifer Conoley President and Chief Executive Officer of Florida’s Great Northwest - Official Website
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Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the creation of 300 new jobs in Wakulla County. These positions result from infrastructure investments through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund and the Rural Infrastructure Fund. The expansion of Point Blank Enterprises, a manufacturer of body armor and protective solutions for military and law enforcement, will facilitate these job opportunities.

Governor DeSantis stated, “The expansion of Point Blank Enterprises to Wakulla County is a result of ongoing commitment to infrastructure improvements and economic opportunity across Florida, including in our rural communities.” He emphasized the focus on strategic investments to aid families in achieving their goals.

In April 2025, Wakulla County received $3.5 million from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund for developing a new manufacturing facility at Opportunity Park. This followed a $4.5 million grant from the Rural Infrastructure Fund awarded in December 2024, totaling an $8 million state investment. The expansion will create 300 jobs with an average annual wage of $52,900 plus benefits.

Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly commented on Governor DeSantis’s commitment to economic prosperity for rural Floridians: “This investment is the direct result of dedication, collaboration, and vision.”

Daniel Gaston, CEO of Point Blank Enterprises, expressed excitement about establishing a new facility in Opportunity Park: “This new location represents a significant investment in innovation and collaboration bringing us closer to markets in the Southeast US.”

Local and regional partners also support this project. 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. Combined efforts are expected to generate over $13 million in regional economic impact and more than $64 million in wages.



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