Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday announced more than $9 million in state grants for workforce training and infrastructure projects in Bradford and Nassau counties, while also designating Nassau County as part of a North Central Florida Rural Area of Opportunity.
The awards were made through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, a state economic development program that supports public infrastructure and workforce training projects.
“Our investments in workforce development and critical infrastructure today will help Florida remain an economic powerhouse in the long run – and our rural counties will always be an indispensable part of our state’s success,” said Governor DeSantis.
Under the announcement, the Bradford County School District will receive $3 million to construct and develop a new Commercial Driver’s License training facility in Bradford County. Training will be offered through North Florida Technical College. State officials said the new facility is intended to replace the current CDL program site at Camp Blanding, where a lease expired in June 2024 but has remained in place while funding for a replacement was pursued. The new facility is expected to allow the program to double enrollment to as many as 60 students annually.
The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners will receive $6.25 million to construct a roadway network for a planned industrial and commercial site near the U.S. 301 and Interstate 10 interchange. The site is also near U.S. 90 and the Florida Gulf & Atlantic Railroad main line. The state said the project is expected to directly create 1,250 jobs and support business recruitment in sectors including manufacturing, transportation and logistics.
DeSantis also announced Nassau County has been added to the North Central Florida Rural Area of Opportunity, expanding that designation to 15 counties. The designation is aimed at helping rural communities affected by economic hardship or natural disasters attract investment and coordinate development efforts.
Since 2019, the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund has awarded more than $328 million statewide, according to the governor’s office.
