TALLAHASSEE, FL - On November 26 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis announced more than $2.1 million in additional funding for military-supporting infrastructure through the Defense Reinvestment Grant Program. This program provides grants to support infrastructure projects and economic growth in Florida’s military communities.

“Florida is committed to investing in our military’s capacity and in military communities,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “These funds continue my mission of making Florida the most military-friendly and veteran-friendly state in the nation.”

“Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, Florida is continuing to support critical projects that further strengthen military readiness,” said Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “These awards will have impacts across the state, building on past investments and further cementing the bond between our defense communities and military installations.” 

Since 2019, Governor DeSantis has awarded nearly $6.3 million to Florida’s military communities through this program.

The Defense Reinvestment Grant Program to local governments or economic development organizations that represent a local government with a military installation.

Awards through the Defense Reinvestment Grant Program include:

1. One Okaloosa Economic Development Council ($122,500) - to implement strategies that support and protect local military installations, missions, and ranges, and to assist in diversifying the military dependent economy with Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM)-based industry and job growth.

2. Bay Defense Alliance($90,530) - to leverage the volunteer talent of Bay Defense Alliance and its community partners to continue development of existing missions and pursuit of new, next-generation defense missions.

3. Orlando Economic Partnership ($250,000) - to support military technology development and small business involvement in Live, Virtual, and Constructive simulation projects.

4. Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast ($106,500) - to develop a Wastewater Treatment Plant Phase 3 plan for Cape Canaveral Space Force Station to include targeted funding resources for infrastructure improvement.

5. Pensacola-Escambia Promotion and Development Commission ($250,000) - to develop advanced facilities to accommodate existing and future cyber assets adjacent to Corry Station.

6. Bay County ($220,000) - to create an Area Development Plan for the Barefoot Palms property located adjacent to Naval Support Activity Panama City.

7. Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners ($250,000) - to fund a master plan to guide a land swap between the county and the Navy on a current outlying landing field.

8. Clay County Economic Development Corporation ($230,000) - to leverage the opportunities created by the construction of the First Coast Expressway and local assets.

9. Tampa Bay Defense Alliance ($85,353) - to continue development of a defense community organization inventory to assist community leaders in coordinating and directing limited resources to support regional defense needs, improve awareness, minimize redundancy, and solve problems.

10. Miami-Dade Beacon Council ($250,000) - to diversify the economy around Homestead Reserve Air Base by supporting small and mid-sized companies diversify their client base, secure the needed partners, and access the technical assistance needed to ensure their long-term viability.

11. Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners ($250,000) - to fund professional services to assist Pinellas County in creating redevelopment specifications for a former U.S. Department of Energy weapon’s site now known as the Young-Rainey STAR Center.

For more information on military community programs, visit the Office of Military and Defense webpage here.