Tyndall, NSA Panama City receive DEO grant to further Hurricane Michael rebuilding efforts

Samantha Neely, The News Herald
·2 min read

TALLAHASSEE — Tyndall Air Force Base has been awarded a grant from the Department of Economic Development to continue its rebuilding from Hurricane Michael.

The $125,000 grant, which also will benefit Naval Support Activity Panama City, is part of 13 grants totaling $3 million going to military communities, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced last week.

Along with the Hurricane Michael rebuilding efforts, the grant is meant to assist with community support and partnerships as the base implements new aircraft programs.

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"I am proud to continue making investments in Florida's military communities and upholding my administration's commitment to keeping Florida the most military-friendly state in the nation," DeSantis said. "In Florida, we value those who protect and serve our nation and the sacrifices that their families make. That is why we work to provide tangible support that enhances the lives and communities of service members for generations to come."

The grant programs include the Defense Infrastructure Grant Program, the Defense Reinvestment Grant Program and the Florida Defense Support Task Force Grant Program. According to DEO officials, they aim to provide grant funding to defense-dependent communities to support economic diversification efforts, local infrastructure projects and military community relations.

Tyndall's grant is a part of the $800,000 Defense Reinvestment Grant Program, which provides support to community-based activities that protect existing military installations.

"The Florida Defense Support Task Force is dedicated to ensuring Florida's military communities support the mission of our state's installations," said Col. Terrance McCaffrey, vice president of Military and Defense Programs at Enterprise Florida. "These grants ensure those missions are protected and also afford local and state governments the opportunity to partner with them to help them thrive."

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Bay County military bases secure DEO grants to protect missions