Gov. DeSantis awards funds for revitalization, infrastructure projects

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday made two stops on opposite ends of the state to announce money for local revitalization and infrastructure projects. 

First, the governor appeared in Fort Pierce, which will receive $2.7 million from a state economic-development program to help revitalize its downtown. The money from the Job Growth Grant Program will be used for utility and road improvements to help with an eight-acre development known as King’s Landing, DeSantis said. 

“These public infrastructure improvements will help this area attract new businesses, including restaurants, retail stores and even a full-service hotel,” DeSantis said during an appearance at the 2nd Street Bistro. “Additionally, by improving this infrastructure and addressing transportation needs, the project will support additional growth in nearby areas.” 

The Fort Pierce City Commission this year approved plans by Audubon Development for a $140 million project anchored by a 140-room Marriott Autograph Collection hotel. 

Later in the day, the governor was in Live Oak to announce that a 500-acre industrial park in Suwannee County will get $1.9 million from the state to expand water infrastructure and treatment facilities. 

The money also will come from the state’s Job Growth Grant Fund to the Suwannee County Industrial Catalyst Site, which is designed for such things as manufacturing businesses. 

“We think that this is a place where we can expand our industrial base in the state of Florida,” DeSantis said during an appearance at the Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative. 

DeSantis has discretion about how to use money from the Job Growth Grant Fund for infrastructure and workforce-training projects. The fund was created in 2017 after a battle between lawmakers and then-Gov. Rick Scott about business incentives. Lawmakers earmarked $50 million for the fund in the current fiscal year.