Important News

Panama City – The Triumph Gulf Coast Board has committed over $127 million for economic transformation projects in 2022 across the eight-county region disproportionally affected by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. Triumph funds committed since 2017 now total $425 Million. Triumph grants focus on increasing household income across the region through targeted workforce training and industrial building and site readiness projects that result in competitive high-wage job creation.

Projects in 2022 include $39.5 Million for Cybersecurity and New Technology industry certifications and credentials, $23 million for expanded Nursing training and Health Science programs, and $45.2 million for six job creation grants that will provide at least 1260 new high- wage jobs.

“Because of Triumph Gulf Coast, the eight-county region is realizing positive growth with the extraordinary opportunities from these transformational projects. Triumph staff has been working tirelessly to help guide the applicants through our process and providing the necessary oversight to ensure absolute compliance. These projects have already made an impact on our economic recovery and diversification, and the Triumph Gulf Coast board is excited to provide funding to make more transformational projects a reality,” said Chair David Bear.

At the Board’s December 15th meeting in Panama City, last week, five projects totaling over $55 Million were moved forward:

Bay

The Triumph Board voted to move ahead with two Bay District Schools requests including an $8,075,000 grant for the construction and implementation of the Triumph Training Center at Arnold High School. The training center will expand career and technical education (CTE) in Bay County to meet regional workforce needs.

The new and expanded programs will prepare students for high-skill high-wage in demand jobs resulting in at least 3,200 industry certifications in HVAC, Allied Health Assisting, Exercise Science, Building Trades & Construction Design Technology, Dental Aide, Electricity, Pharmacy Technician, and Plumbing.

Bay District Schools also received a favorable vote on a term sheet that will grant the Tyndall Academy Thunderbird Tech Program $147,900 for after-school and summer programs that will

provide 3-5th graders 140 computer science certifications, an introduction to the principles of engineering, unmanned systems, 3-D design and printing, and robotics

Escambia

The Triumph Board moved forward the Escambia Board of County Commissioners’ request for up to $14,200,000 for site readiness at industrial sites located at the OLF-8 development. The project will create a minimum of 338 high-wage jobs paying at least 115% of the Escambia- Santa Rosa MSA average wage.

The grant funds will be used for road, stormwater, and utility improvements to support the development of high-wage target industry jobs at the over 500 acres acquired by the county from the U.S. Navy.

Okaloosa

Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) was awarded $21,787,560, the largest grant ever received by NWFSC. The funds will double capacity in the nursing and health science program and invest in virtual reality simulation training.

Triumph funds will be used toward Health Sciences Building renovations at the Niceville Campus, virtual reality training development and implementation, equipment, and personnel. The project includes developing and deploying innovative teaching technologies and strategies to improve student outcomes and accelerate the learning process. The proposal will result in at least 4000 industry certifications and credentials earned and $300MM in additional household income.

Wakulla

The Triumph Board moved forward an up to $11,038,669 request from the Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners for a new emergency communications system to be used by Wakulla County Fire and Rescue, Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management Services, Wakulla County School District and Wakulla County Public Works. The grant funds will be used to purchase and install the system, train personnel and ensure it is operational.

Wakulla’s existing emergency communications system is at risk of not meeting the demands of the current population and is not able to meet the demands of new or expanding businesses or individuals seeking to relocate to Wakulla. A new system will provide emergency and disaster response that can meet increased population and business growth as well as be upgraded when needed.

Semi-Annual Report

The December 2022 Semi-Annual Report to the Governor and Legislature is available for viewing at www.myfloridatriumph.com/about/reports.

The Triumph Gulf Coast Board of Directors is appointed by the Governor, Chief Financial Officer, Attorney General, and presiding officers of the Legislature. The appointees to the Triumph Board are Chair – David Bear, Vice Chair – Collier Merrill, Treasure – Reynolds Henderson, Bryan Corr, Sr., David Humphreys, Jay Trumbull, Sr., and Leslie Weiss. All meetings of the Board are public.