TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced eight awards for $28.6 million in funding from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund. The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, established by Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature last year, provides funding for improving public infrastructure and enhancing workforce training in Florida. Since this July, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has received more than 90 proposals requesting more than $531 million in funding. Today’s announcement reflects a total of more than $113 million in funding awarded to 41 communities across the state since the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund was established. In total, through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, more than $39 million has been awarded to 15 rural communities.

Here’s what this round of grantees are saying:

Timothy Murphy, Chairman of the Columbia County Board of Commissioners, said, “I want to express my appreciation to Governor Rick Scott for his leadership and commitment to rural community development. I would also like to extend that appreciation to all of the individuals with our state and local Governments that were instrumental in assisting Columbia County complete the application process of the Florida Job Growth Grant. This grant will have a historical impact on our community by creating jobs both now and in the future.”

Sarah Pelham, Economic Development Coordinator of Hardee County said, “The Hardee County Industrial Development Authority would like to thank Governor Scott and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity for their support of continued job creation and development in Hardee County. We are committed to the prosperity of both Hardee County and the State of Florida, and will utilize this water and sewer infrastructure grant to further and ensure the success and development in Hardee County.” 

Dr. Edwin Massey, President of Indian River State College said, “Indian River State College has a proven track record of directly responding to workforce needs, particularly in rapidly evolving industries such as aviation and marine manufacturing. We greatly appreciate this support from Governor Scott and the Department of Economic Opportunity as it will help grow local industry and most importantly, expand a talent pipeline of skilled workers, helping hundreds of students qualify for high-wage employment.”

Eric Hill, Chairman of the Jackson County Commission said, “We are very grateful to Governor Scott for this investment in Jackson County and our Opportunity Florida region. The funding will provide the capability to redevelop the 1,200 acres of the former Dozier reform school into a center of vibrant commerce. More importantly, it will develop a State Center of Excellence supporting vocational and academic education of young people living with autism transition from high school. Working with our partners, the center can help these young adults enter the workforce and progress toward an independent adult life. The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund gives us long-term hope as we attempt to energize economy and deal with the devastating effects of Hurricane Michael in Jackson County.” 

Greg Donovan, MLB Airport Executive Director said, “As indicated by this grant, Governor Scott has a unique understanding of the strategic infrastructure required to support and grow aviation and aerospace industries jobs here at Orlando Melbourne International Airport (MLB). The GRE will serve many companies already here on the Space Coast, and attract even more. Recent job announcements by airport tenants Harris Corp., L3, Rockwell Collins and Embraer Executive Jets are votes of confidence that investments in MLB pay great dividends for this state and this region.”

Chris Nocco, Pasco County Sheriff said, “We are very grateful to Governor Scott for his efforts to support economic development in Pasco County, as well as this unique, one of a kind training center, through the Job Growth Grant Fund. This grant will continue to help our efforts in making Florida's Forensic Institute for Research, Security, and Tactics (FIRST) the preeminent law enforcement training complex in the United States. We look forward to continuing to see this facility grow and we look forward to the training and jobs it will bring to Pasco County."

Indian River County Schools Superintendent Mark Rendell said, "On behalf of the School District of Indian River County, and indeed our entire community, I want to thank Governor Scott and the Department of Economic Opportunity for this generous support of Treasure Coast Technical College. We are providing a direct path to high tech, high wage jobs that are in demand, not only here in Indian River County, but in our surrounding region and state."

Dr. Thomas Leitzel, President of South Florida State College said, “We are enormously grateful to Governor Scott for supporting Florida’s Heartland Region with this grant award. The Job Growth Grant Fund award to South Florida State College will make a meaningful impact by supporting educational programs designed to put people to work in infrastructure support jobs that will contribute to positive economic growth and development.”

For more information about the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, visit www.FloridaJobs.org/JobGrowth.

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