DeSantis Unveils 300 High-Paying Jobs in Wakulla County's Growth Surge

Wakulla County, Florida - In a move that promises to usher in a wave of economic vitality, Governor Ron DeSantis recently announced the creation of 300 new high-wage jobs in Wakulla County. This exciting development stems from substantial infrastructure investments facilitated by the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund and the Rural Infrastructure Fund. A key player in this new chapter is Point Blank Enterprises, a manufacturer of body armor and protective solutions, which is expanding its operations into the county.

The state’s support has been significant, with $3.5 million awarded to Wakulla County in April 2025 to establish a new 118,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at Opportunity Park. This facility is not just a building; it’s a symbol of hope and growth, promising not only to provide jobs but also to bolster the local economy. A previous grant of $4.5 million from the Rural Infrastructure Fund, awarded in December 2024, brings the total investment to $8 million for this project. The average annual wage for these jobs will hover around $52,900, with additional benefits exceeding $8,000.

A Community Investment

During a press conference in Crawfordville, Governor DeSantis lauded the project, highlighting Florida’s steady economic growth, which has seen the addition of over 100,000 manufacturing jobs since he took office. He stressed that the effectiveness of the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund in promoting economic development has been key to these achievements.

Local leaders have echoed the governor’s sentiments. John Shuff, President of the Wakulla Economic Development Council, expressed the significance of this announcement, stating that it will have a major economic impact on the region. With Point Blank Enterprises expecting to provide over $64 million in wages for participating workers and generate over $13 million in regional economic impact, the stakes have never been higher for Wakulla County. Local partners, including Florida’s Great Northwest and Opportunity Florida, are enthusiastic about the collaboration that lies ahead.

Expanding Horizons

Point Blank Enterprises is not just setting up shop; they aim to integrate into the community. The company plans to collaborate with local workforce initiatives and organizations such as Florida State University’s High Performance Materials Institute and the Wakulla School District’s Career and Technical Education programs. Hoyt Schmidt, who oversees the company’s commercial business, mentioned that the new facility will play a crucial role in supporting both U.S. law enforcement and international law enforcement.

As we take a step back and consider the broader implications of this development, we see that rural areas like Wakulla County can benefit greatly from such investments. According to insights from McKinsey, successful rural economic strategies hinge on understanding regional strengths and challenges. Each community has its unique identity, culture, and potential for growth. With tailored approaches, like big push investments and partnerships, towns like Wakulla can truly thrive.

In a time where rural America faces a myriad of challenges, the expansion of Point Blank Enterprises signifies a positive trajectory not just for Wakulla but for rural communities across Florida. This project exemplifies a good hand dealt through strategic planning and collaboration, paving the way for a brighter economic future.

As Wakulla County prepares to welcome new opportunities, there’s indeed something to be said for investing in the future. The community stands poised for growth and connectivity, with the Forge of economic development actively taking shape.

For more details, you can view the full announcement on Florida Governor’s Office and further context on Florida Politics. For a broader view on rural economic strategies, check out McKinsey & Company.