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Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the dispersion of over $13 million through strategic projects in Florida's Bay and Gulf counties to bolster economic growth.
What we know:
College is a great pathway for a lot of people, DeSantis said, but in some cases, it doesn't result in high-paying jobs.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis discusses job growth grant.
"There's colleges that nobody's even heard of that charge $70,000 a year. That piece of paper is not magic," DeSantis said. "You're either learning things that are going to make a difference, or you're just getting a piece of paper. Some of these students go into debt and end up with jobs they could have had out of high school."
As an alternative to college, Florida is investing in workforce education opportunities through supporting workforce and infrastructure needs for aerospace and aviation, and maritime industries.
"Workforce training, vocational training – huge opportunities – for young people especially."
Now, Florida is years ahead of schedule. As of 2026, the state ranks #1 in workforce education – a goal previously set for 2030, DeSantis said.
"These projects will create hundreds of good jobs and attract investments to help Panama City, Port St. Joe, and Gulf County prosper," he said.
$13 million for infrastructure development
Dig deeper:
During a March 3 press conference in Panama City, DeSantis announced a disbursement of over $13 million for infrastructure development.
Gov. DeSantis identified several improvement areas to boost economic development through infrastructure programs.
- $5 million to the Panama City – Bay County Airport and Industrial District
- $2,250,709 to City of Port St. Joe
- $6 million to Gulf County Board of County Commissioners
Panama City – Bay County Airport and Industrial District
Five million allocated to Panama City's Bay County Airport and Industrial District allows the city to construct an aircraft engine repair station and an engine testing facility at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. This 160,000 square foot facility will include a 120,000 square foot engine repair space and the remaining facility space will house the testing operations. The project is anticipated to create up to 400 new technician jobs in Bay County.
City of Port St. Joe
Just over $2.2 million given to the City of Port St. Joe will help fund a two-phase road project, which will lead to the construction of 177 workforce homes. The project will resurface an existing road as well as construct a new 1,380 linear foot connector road and harden the utilities underground to protect against potential hurricane winds. The project plans to bring 190 jobs to the community.
Gulf County Board of County Commissioners
Six million given to the Gulf County Board of County Commissioners will support the construction of a self-docking float dry dock at shipyard through a set of Mooring Dolphins. The current shipyard has 125 jobs at Eastern Shipbuilding that will be retained, and the project will create an additional 337 jobs.
What is the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund?
Since 2019, Florida's Job Growth Grant Fund has awarded over $318 million – creating over 42,000 new jobs and over 32,000 workforce education opportunities. The fund is designed to promote public infrastructure and workforce training across the state.
The Source: Information in this story was gathered from the office of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.