Governor Ron DeSantis has announced an additional $2.1 million in funding for military-supporting infrastructure in Florida through the Defense Reinvestment Grant Program. This brings the total investment to $6.3 million since 2019, aimed at bolstering infrastructure projects and fostering economic growth within Florida's military communities.
"Florida is committed to investing in our military’s capacity and in military communities," stated Governor DeSantis. "These funds continue my mission of making Florida the most military-friendly and veteran-friendly state in the nation."
J. Alex Kelly, Secretary of Commerce, remarked on the ongoing support for critical projects under Governor DeSantis' leadership: "These awards will have impacts across the state, building on past investments and further cementing the bond between our defense communities and military installations."
The Defense Reinvestment Grant Program allocates grants to local governments or economic development organizations associated with a local government housing a military installation. Recent awards include:
- One Okaloosa Economic Development Council received $122,500 to support local military installations and diversify the economy with STEM-based industries.
- Bay Defense Alliance was granted $90,530 to develop existing missions and pursue new defense initiatives.
- Orlando Economic Partnership obtained $250,000 for supporting military technology development and small business involvement.
- Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast was awarded $106,500 for infrastructure improvement plans at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
- Pensacola-Escambia Promotion and Development Commission secured $250,000 to develop facilities for cyber assets near Corry Station.
- Bay County received $220,000 to create a development plan adjacent to Naval Support Activity Panama City.
- Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners was granted $250,000 for a master plan guiding land swaps with the Navy.
- Clay County Economic Development Corporation obtained $230,000 to leverage construction opportunities from the First Coast Expressway.
- Tampa Bay Defense Alliance received $85,353 for developing a defense community organization inventory.
- Miami-Dade Beacon Council secured $250,000 to diversify Homestead Reserve Air Base's economy.
- Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners was awarded $250,000 for redevelopment specifications at Young-Rainey STAR Center.
For more information about these programs supporting military communities, visit the Office of Military and Defense webpage.