Rick Scott Announces Community Grants Tied to Military Bases

Military bases in Florida will bring nearly $2.5 million to surrounding communities, Gov. Rick Scott announced Monday.

These programs work to protect a $65 billion economic impact, and the over 686,181 direct and indirect jobs which the defense industry annually infuses into Florida, Scott stated in a release.

Defense reinvestment grants designed to help communities retain military bases, worth a combined $850,000, were awarded to: The Orange County Research and Development Authority, The Beacon Council Inc., Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Council of Okaloosa County, The Bay Defense Alliance, city of Tampa, city of Jacksonville, Clay County Chamber of Commerce, TEAM Santa Rosa Economic Development Council, Economic Development Commission of Floridas Space Coast, and Highlands County.

Defense infrastructure grants, worth a combined $1,581,245, are to assist transportation, utilities, housing, security and other programs in communities and local military installations.

Receiving defense infrastructure grants were: Bay County Board of County Commissioners, Highlands County Economic Development Commission, TEAM Santa Rosa Economic Development Council, city of Jacksonville, Economic Development Council of Okaloosa County, city of Tampa, and the Economic Development Commission of Floridas Space Coast.

Both programs are administered by Enterprise Florida Inc.