Scott Doles Out $635,000 For Area Military Support

February 19, 2013

Citing the military’s role as an economic engine across the state, Gov. Rick Scott on Monday awarded $2.6 million in grants to projects ranging from wounded veteran assistance and technology seed money to buffers around military installations — including $635,000 in the North Escambia area.

Scott gave approval to 10 projects that the governor said will translate into new jobs, not just for military personal but the communities that surround the facilities.

“The military has a strong presence in Florida, which means jobs and opportunities for Florida families,” Scott said in a statement. “With numerous bases across Florida, nearly 100,000 men and women who serve in active and reserve duty are living in the Sunshine State.”

The North Escambia area organizations receiving grants this year are:

  • The Greater Pensacola Chamber:  $250,000 to establish a center of excellence for information dominance to stimulate science and technology research.
  • The Andrews Institute in Gulf Breeze:  $225,000 to provide support for wounded special operations warriors in order to return them to active duty.
  • The Santa Rosa County Board of Commissioners:  $160,000 to construct a fence to buffer Naval Air Station Whiting Field from the developing Whiting Aviation Park.

Senate President Don Gaetz, said, “These grants continue the tradition of Florida being the most military friendly state in the country with Northwest Florida as the most military-friendly area of our state. I was proud to sponsor the legislation to make today’s announcement a reality for the families and communities of Northwest Florida.”

Alex Lincoln, vice president of the Andrews Institute in Gulf Breeze, knows how critical these types of grants are to enhancing the quality of life for our military personnel. He said, “The Andrews Institute is honored to be awarded a grant by the Florida Defense Support Task Force.  These Funds will continue to highlight Northwest Florida’s support for our nation’s military while preserving careers and upgrading the lives of wounded and injured special operations personnel.”

Comments

One Response to “Scott Doles Out $635,000 For Area Military Support”

  1. 429SCJ on February 21st, 2013 6:24 am

    Mr Scott you should use your infuence to do more for Military Retirees.

    I drove over to Hurlburt Field recently to the Accounting and Finance Office to conduct business and the young airman politely informed me they no longer serviced retirees and gave me an 800 number that is useless. We gave the best years of our lives serving this government and it’s escapades, now they just dump us.

    I would vote for the devil if he would improve Military Retiree Services, many others would as well. Think about that sir and the next election.

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