WAKULLA, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the creation of 300 new high-wage jobs in Wakulla County as a result of targeted infrastructure investments through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund and the Rural Infrastructure Fund. These jobs will be created through the expansion of Point Blank Enterprises, a leading manufacturer of body armor and protective solutions for military and law enforcement.
“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.”
The state awarded $3.5 million to Wakulla County in April 2025 through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to support the development of a new 118,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at Opportunity Park. This followed a $4.5 million Rural Infrastructure Fund grant awarded in December 2024, bringing the state’s total investment in the project to $8 million. Point Blank Enterprises’ expansion will generate 300 new jobs with an average annual wage of $52,900, plus over $8,000 in benefits.
“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."
"We are incredibly excited to establish our new facility in Opportunity Park and to become a part of the Wakulla County community," said Daniel Gaston, CEO of Point Blank Enterprises, Inc. "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 also supported by local and regional partners. Triumph Gulf Coast contributed $13.5 million, and the University of West Florida’s Haas Center invested $500,000 to support economic research and workforce planning. Combined, these efforts are projected to generate over $13 million in regional economic impact and more than $64 million in wages for participating workers.