Last week, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund is sending North Port $1.69 million for a water and wastewater infrastructure project at the Panacea Activity Center.
“The city of North Port represents 20 percent of Sarasota County’s growth over the past 10 years, but 90 percent of the workforce commute to work outside the city’s borders. The city of North Port is matching the state’s investment, resulting in a project that is estimated to create as many as 9,700 new, permanent jobs to support the area’s self-sufficiency,” the governor’s office noted.
“I’m pleased to award nearly $1.7 million to North Port for the installation of water and wastewater infrastructure, creating jobs and bringing industry to this growing region,” said DeSantis. “This is a great community, but most people are commuting elsewhere to work – today, we are investing in infrastructure that will provide opportunities for people to work right here in North Port. By having commonsense policies, keeping our economy open and investing in small and rural communities, we have protected the jobs and livelihoods of thousands of Floridians throughout the state, and will continue to support them.”
U.S. Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., who represents North Port in Congress, attended the media event with DeSantis and weighed in after it.
“Honored to have our governor stop by Florida’s 17th Congressional District! The city of North Port will be receiving funds toward a job growth grant. Thank you Gov. Ron DeSantis for making it a priority to promote good-paying jobs in our state,” noted Steube.
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, the Department is committed to assisting communities with funding to develop their economy,” said Sec. Dane Eagle of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO). “The infrastructure improvements at Panacea Activity Center will further advance existing infrastructure and improve economic resiliency.”
“I am honored to partner with Governor DeSantis and Secretary Eagle in helping Florida’s communities promote economic growth,” said Florida Sec. of Commerce Jamal Sowell, the president and CEO of Enterprise Florida. “These improvements will enhance the lives of those in North Port and continue to attract new businesses and create jobs for the area.”
