Governor Ron DeSantis confirms the creation of 300 new high-wage jobs in Wakulla County through major state infrastructure investment
Wakulla County, Florida – Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the creation of 300 new high-wage jobs in Wakulla County, made possible through a strategic investment from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund and the Rural Infrastructure Fund. The expansion of Point Blank Enterprises, a leading manufacturer of protective gear for military and law enforcement, will anchor this new wave of employment in one of Florida’s rural communities.
The announcement highlights how state-led infrastructure funding is driving long-term job creation in areas previously overlooked in major economic development projects. In April 2025, Wakulla County received $3.5 million through the Job Growth Grant Fund, which followed a $4.5 million grant in December 2024 from the Rural Infrastructure Fund. The total state investment of $8 million is helping finance the construction of a 118,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing facility in Opportunity Park.
“The expansion of Point Blank Enterprises to Wakulla County is result of ongoing commitment to infrastructure improvements and economic opportunity across Florida, including in our rural communities,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We’re focused on making strategic investments that help the hard-working families of our great state achieve the American Dream.”
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The new facility is expected to be a major job engine for the region, offering positions with an average annual salary of $52,900, along with over $8,000 in benefits. The manufacturing center will specialize in producing body armor and other protective gear used by law enforcement and military units around the country.
“Governor DeSantis has consistently and steadfastly remained committed to bringing real, lasting economic prosperity to rural Floridians and Florida’s rural communities,” said Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “This investment is the direct result of the dedication, collaboration, and vision of incredible partners, Florida’s Great Northwest, Opportunity Florida, the Wakulla Economic Development Council, Triumph Gulf Coast, and Wakulla County who worked tirelessly to bring Point Blank Enterprises to Opportunity Park—Point Blank Enterprises is renowned industry wide as a manufacturer specializing in body armor for law enforcement and military personnel, protecting those who serve diligently to protect us.”
Point Blank Enterprises CEO Daniel Gaston emphasized the importance of both innovation and local collaboration in the company’s decision to expand into Wakulla County.
“We are incredibly excited to establish our new facility in Opportunity Park and to become a part of the Wakulla County community,” said Gaston. “This new location represents a significant investment in innovation and collaboration bringing us closer to markets in the Southeast US. By partnering with the local workforce and organizations like FSU’s High Performance Materials Institute (HPMI) and Wakulla School District’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, we aim to not only deliver cutting-edge protective solutions but also contribute to the growth and prosperity of the region.”
The project is being further boosted by support from regional institutions. Triumph Gulf Coast has committed $13.5 million toward the initiative, while the University of West Florida’s Haas Center has contributed $500,000 for workforce development and economic research. Combined, these efforts are expected to generate more than $13 million in direct regional economic activity and approximately $64 million in wages for local employees.
This announcement is the latest in a series of moves by the DeSantis administration to invest in rural economic revitalization by building infrastructure and aligning industry needs with local workforce training. As the facility takes shape, Wakulla County is poised to become a key player in Florida’s defense manufacturing sector, all while expanding opportunity for families in the region.
The jobs are expected to become available as construction on the new facility progresses, with hiring likely to ramp up in the coming year.
