- 300 new high-paying jobs averaging nearly $53,000 annually
- Local work opportunities reducing commutes outside the county
- Watch the video to hear why some think this vision will build a stronger, more prosperous Wakulla community
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
Governor Ron DeSantis made a significant announcement during his recent visit to Wakulla County, unveiling an $8 million investment to build a new 118,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at Opportunity Park. This development is set to bring 300 new high-paying jobs to the community, with an average salary nearing $53,000 annually.
The facility will be home to Point Blank Enterprises, a global leader in body armor manufacturing for law enforcement and military personnel. Governor DeSantis highlighted the importance of this investment for the local workforce, saying, “This is bringing high-skilled, high-wage jobs to the county.”
Hoyt Schmidt, president of Point Blank’s commercial business, emphasized how this new facility will benefit local residents by providing job opportunities closer to home. He explained, “The deal behind this is for us to come in here and develop a work facility for them to come to and not have to travel into Leon County or another county to work.”
Beth Cicchetti, coordinator for the Wakulla Economic Development Council, framed the project as part of a larger vision for the community’s future. She remarked, “This is a way for them to say to their kids, you have an option right here in Wakulla County.”
This investment marks a promising step in the economic growth of Wakulla County, providing both stability and opportunity for local families.
In December 2024, a $4.5 million Rural Infrastructure Fund grant was awarded to the county, bringing the state’s total investment in the project to $8 million. Point Blank Enterprises’ expansion will generate the new jobs with an average annual wage of $52,900, plus over $8,000 in benefits. They're the leading manufacturer of body armor and protective solutions for military and law enforcement.
The release states, the project is also supported by local and regional partners. Triumph Gulf Coast contributed $13.5 million, and the University of West Florida’s Haas Center invested $500,000 to support economic research and workforce planning.
All together, these efforts are projected to generate over $13 million in regional economic impact.
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