The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Announces More Than $92,000 to Improve Infrastructure, Community Redevelopment, and Job Creation in Southwest Florida Communities

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) announced grant awards totaling more than $92,000 in Southwest Florida communities. Grant funding will be used to improve infrastructure, community redevelopment, and job creation in small and rural communities. Awards include $92,500 through the Community Planning Technical Assistance (CPTA) program. The projects awarded in Southwest Florida can be found below.

“Florida’s rural communities are vital to the wellbeing and prosperity of our state, and my administration is committed to helping them thrive,” said Governor DeSantis. “The more than $92,000 to Southwest Florida will help ensure that our small and rural communities have the infrastructure and funding they need to create jobs and strengthen their economic resiliency.”

“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, DEO continues to champion opportunities that help communities across the state,” said Dane Eagle, Secretary of the Department of Economic Opportunity. “We will work closely with these communities to meet their infrastructure needs and prepare them for the future in order to ensure strong economic development.”

Community Planning Technical Assistance:
The Community Planning Technical Assistance grant program seeks to build stronger communities through innovative planning and development strategies to promote economic diversity, protect environmentally sensitive areas, and bolster resiliency planning. More information about the CPTA program can be found here.

  • Charlotte County ($50,000) – to evaluate the county’s comprehensive plan and the Community Planning Act requirements, specifically as they relate to flooding, the effects of sea level rise, and post-disaster redevelopment, and to create a program to educate and inform the public about the county’s Post-Disaster Redevelopment and Action Plan.
  • City of Everglades City ($42,500) – to complete an evaluation and update the city’s comprehensive plan.

Statewide, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that DEO awarded grants totaling more than $30 million in small and rural Florida throughout the state of Florida. Awards included $29 million through the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, $1.2 million through the Community Planning Technical Assistance (CPTA) program, $280,000 through the Competitive Florida Partnership program. More information can be found here.

About DEO
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity combines the state’s economic, workforce and community development efforts, expediting economic development projects to fuel job creation in competitive communities and promote economic resiliency. For more information, including valuable resources for employers and job seekers, please visit www.FloridaJobs.org.