Florida has become the gold standard for economic growth under Republican leadership.
Now another major victory is putting the state on the map.
And Florida workers celebrated after Ron DeSantis announced this one major win.
Point Blank Enterprises brings 500+ jobs to rural Florida
Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Point Blank Enterprises, America’s largest body armor manufacturer, is expanding operations into Wakulla County.
The move will create over 500 jobs and inject millions of dollars into Florida’s economy.
Point Blank Enterprises has been protecting America’s heroes for over 50 years.
The company was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Pompano Beach.
The company produces protective equipment for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and first responders across the nation.
"The expansion of Point Blank Enterprises to Wakulla County is a result of our ongoing commitment to infrastructure improvements and economic opportunity across Florida, including in our rural communities," DeSantis said during Monday’s announcement in Crawfordville.
https://twitter.com/GovRonDeSantis/status/1932155779596832999
The facility will cover more than 100,000 square feet at Opportunity Park, the county’s industrial development site spanning 240 acres.
This marks the first major manufacturing operation of this scale for Wakulla County.
Point Blank will bring 300 direct manufacturing jobs plus an additional 213 support positions.
That’s a total of 513 new jobs for hard-working Floridians.
DeSantis puts his money where his mouth is on rural development
The Governor didn’t just talk about supporting rural communities – he backed it up with serious investment.
Florida committed over $8 million in state funding to make this expansion possible.
That includes $3.5 million awarded in April through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund for site development and utility improvements.
The state also provided $4.5 million through the Rural Infrastructure Fund in December.
"We saw an opportunity here in Wakulla," DeSantis explained. "Earlier this year, I announced $3.5 million to Wakulla County for the development and construction of two county-owned buildings at Opportunity Park."
Additional funding partners stepped up to support the project.
Triumph Gulf Coast contributed $13.5 million, while the University of West Florida’s Haas Center added $500,000 for economic research and workforce planning.
DeSantis called it "a team effort" that showcases how strategic partnerships can deliver results for Florida families.
These aren’t just jobs – they’re careers
The positions Point Blank is creating aren’t minimum wage gigs.
Workers at the new facility will earn an average of $52,900 in salary plus over $8,000 in additional benefits.
That brings the total compensation package to around $61,200 annually.
John Shuff, President of the Wakulla Economic Council, said the impact extends far beyond the direct employment.
"These new Florida jobs will generate 38 million dollars in earnings directly from Point Blank, and they will also create an additional 213, I call them ripple effect jobs, for a total earning for our community of 46 million dollars," Shuff stated.
The project will increase local tax revenue by $3.5 million each year.
Point Blank’s mission hits close to home
DeSantis emphasized the critical importance of Point Blank’s products during his announcement.
"You think about things that you manufacture, these are things that save the lives of our law enforcement personnel, particularly when they have to go in very dicey situations," DeSantis said.
The Governor noted that Florida has seen countless instances where body armor made the difference between life and death for law enforcement officers.
"We’ve had instances, probably more than I can count since I’ve been governor, where you’ll have law enforcement get shot, and this protection is the difference between having a fatality and not and so I appreciate what they’re doing. It’s really, really important," he explained.
Point Blank holds major contracts to produce lightweight armor inserts for the U.S. Marine Corps and outer tactical vests for the U.S. Army and local police departments.
The company provides armor systems to federal agencies, police departments, and military units around the world.
Florida shows the nation how it’s done
This expansion represents another example of Florida’s successful approach to economic development.
DeSantis has added 100,000 manufacturing jobs since taking office in 2018.
"You hear a lot of talk about this, obviously nationally. In Florida, we are showing how it’s done," DeSantis stated.
Wakulla County Commissioner Ralph Thomas said local officials began planning five years ago to attract a major manufacturer.
They believed the county needed to diversify its economy and create the kind of jobs that would keep young people from leaving the area.
"This is a major victory. We beat out counties like Bay County and Gulf County and other big counties with a lot more horsepower than what Wakulla County has," Thomas said.
The success came through strategic investments in infrastructure and workforce development.
Wakulla County partnered with state universities and local schools to develop training programs for engineering and manufacturing skills.
More wins coming for Florida
Point Blank’s expansion is just the beginning for Wakulla County.
"Today’s announcement is the first of its kind for Wakulla County – and it won’t be the last," Shuff promised.
The combined investment is expected to generate more than $64 million in wages and over $13 million in regional economic impact.
DeSantis credited State Senator Corey Simon (R-Tallahassee) for bringing the project to his attention and helping make it happen.
"So, this can be done, and it can be done in ways that are sustainable and then really reinforce what makes Florida unique," DeSantis said about the state’s efforts to boost rural economies.
While other states struggle with economic decline, Florida continues to attract major employers and create high-paying jobs.
The Point Blank expansion proves that DeSantis’s pro-business policies are delivering real results for working families across the Sunshine State.
