Christian Peterson
Reporter@riverbendnews.org
Governor Ron DeSantis visited Suwannee County with a special gift on Tuesday, Aug. 30. Suwannee County citizens, business owners and government employees filed into the Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative press room anticipating his arrival. Excitement filled the air, almost as palpable as the chatter arising from the crowd. The room was full, standing room only with approximately 100 people. Shortly after 12:30 p.m., the Governor made his entrance, preceded by the Suwannee Board of County Commissioners, Sheriff Sam St. John, Representative Chuck Brannan and Florida Deputy Secretary of Commerce Laura DiBella.
Governor DeSantis arrived to a standing ovation before beginning his speech. He discussed how Florida has been successful throughout the past two years while other states have failed. He also spoke about how he has helped Florida stand against problems from Washington D.C. including the border and the economy. Then, he spoke of the gift he had brought for Suwannee County. Governor DeSantis awarded more than $1.9 million to Suwannee County through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund. The goal of the project is to support business growth of the Suwannee County Catalyst Site. The site is the 500-acre industrial park located between I-10 and U.S. 90. The funding should
“Florida prioritizes infrastructure improvements in communities like Suwannee County because when Florida communities succeed, our state economy thrives," Governor DeSantis said. "As Florida's economy outpaces the nation by virtually every measure, we will continue to seed opportunities for Floridians that foster economic success for generations to come.”
“The Department of Economic Opportunity is proud to support Governor DeSantis’ efforts to invest in Florida communities to attract new businesses and create new opportunities for hardworking Floridians,” said Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Secretary Eagle. “We will continue to work closely with communities like Suwannee County to connect them with unique opportunities that stimulate their local economies and maximize the positive impacts on their residents.”
“Today’s investment in Suwannee County further reinforces Governor DeSantis’ commitment to ensuring Florida’s communities have all resources necessary to attract new companies and high paying jobs for their residents,” said Florida Deputy Secretary of Commerce DiBella. “The investments made here today will have long lasting ripple effects throughout the North Florida region, and Enterprise Florida is proud to work alongside DEO under our Governor’s leadership to make critical investments in Florida’s communities.”