Now
90°
Thu
93°
Fri
94°
A total solar eclipse is visible in parts of Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain, and a small corner of Portugal.
by Hailey Samples
The state of Florida is making a $9 million investment into the Port of Pensacola. The money will go towards two new ship building facilities, with the goal being to support the growing maritime industry/Gov DeSantis Facebook
PENSACOLA, Fla. — The state of Florida is making a $9 million investment into the Port of Pensacola.
The money will go towards two new ship building facilities, with the goal being to support the growing maritime industry.
Governor Ron DeSantis made the announcement in Downtown Pensacola Wednesday morning.
Mayor DC Reeves says this investment will bring 2,000 "high-wage" jobs — making it the largest employer in Pensacola.
This comes as the city works to establish the ship-building company Birdon America, Inc. at the port.
"Today, with the vision of Birdon, American Magic, and all of our partners, we aren't just honoring our history, we're expanding," Reeves said.
DeSantis says the money will go towards 400,000 square feet of manufacturing space on the port.
The money comes from Florida's "Job Growth Grant Fund" — the state’s efforts to invest in workforce development, education and infrastructure.
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida has ensured our state remains economically competitive through strategic investments that increase Florida’s maritime manufacturing capacity—bringing high-skill, high-wage jobs to Florida communities,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “By investing in this project, supporting our local and regional partners, and adding capacity to Florida’s overall industrial base, we are strengthening Florida’s growing maritime economy and doing our part to enhance our nation’s security.”
The money also joins a $76 million grant under review from Triumph Gulf Coast, also to fund the project.
"We're not only bolstering our maritime industry, but supporting national security and ensuring the United States remains a force and maritime dominance on the world stage," DeSantis said.
Mayor Reeves says this will help fight the affordability crisis.
"Bringing these quality, high high wage manufacturing and engineering jobs directly to our residents provides that real, lasting opportunity," he said. "It gives more Pensacolaians the ability to put food on the table, to build a real career, and to thrive right here at home."
DeSantis says the goal is to partner with local school districts and state colleges on the education needed for the new jobs.
"If you do the right things on the job training, leading into that pipeline, it's going to be a natural fit," he said.
The overall cost for the Birdon project is $275 million. It's expected to be paid for with state grants, Triumph Gulf Coast and Birdon itself.
2026 Sinclair, Inc.
'Bolstering our maritime industry': Florida puts $9M into Port of Pensacola shipbuilding – WEAR-TV
