FloridaWest NEWS

IHMC cuts ribbon on new complex

The great news for Pensacola just keeps coming. Say hello to the new $40 million biomedically-based research complex constructed by the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC)!

From IHMC: It will be an accelerant for the pace of discovery that will drive innovations in maximizing the healthspan for everyone from elite military operators and veterans to those with neurodegenerative diseases, musculoskeletal problems, and chronic metabolic conditions.

The Healthspan, Resilience and Performance Research Complex is another step in the evolution of the vision that has been the bedrock of IHMC since its founding by Dr. Ken Ford, the Institute’s Chief Executive Officer.

“Pushing the boundaries of science to maximize the performance and resilience of human beings has long been a foundational tenet at IHMC,” Ford says. “In our healthspan, resilience and performance research thrust, the vision has always been to work from the molecular level to the whole human. This facility brings that to life.”

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Pensacola moves up 19 slots in America's 100 Best Cities

Pensacola's rankings moved up 19 slots to #77 in a recent poll by Resonance.com. The rankings are based on livability, lovability and prosperity.

"The smallest city in our ranking shines as bright as its Gulf of Mexico beaches." - World's Best Cities

Rankings are Based on:

1. Livability: What are the top three towns or cities you would most like to live in?

2. Lovability: What are the top three towns or cities you would most like to visit?

3. Prosperity: Which three towns or cities do you think offer the best job opportunities?

Read full article here

Patti Marine building 800-ton dry dock

Frank Patti Jr. with dry dock under construction in background

Patti Marine, a staple in the marine industry for 45 years, has begun construction on an 800-ton dry dock thanks to a matching $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation‘s Maritime Administration or MARAD. A dry dock is a boat repair platform that can be flooded to allow a ship to float in and be supported by blocks — the water is then pumped out so the vessel can be serviced or repaired.

Located on Bayou Chico in Pensacola, Florida, Patti Marine is known globally as a premier shipbuilder. But in Pensacola it’s a hidden gem — a family-owned operation quietly building fishing vessels, tug boats and passenger vessels destined for seas, oceans, rivers and bays all over the world. More than 40 employees work at this shipyard that has built more vessels for the Army Corps of Engineers than any other builder within a 20 year span. And some of those employees have been with the company for more than 40 years.

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Governor DeSantis visits Pensacola to award grant dollars

From Governor Desantis' Office

On Monday, July 1, Governor DeSantis visited Pensacola State College to award more than $12 million to Northwest Florida through the Job Growth Grant Fund (JGGF).

The Governor awarded funds for workforce development and infrastructure improvements through the JGGF and the Defense Infrastructure Grant (DIG). Awards were made to Pensacola State College, the city of DeFuniak Springs, Santa Rosa County, and Jackson County for projects that will support the aviation and aerospace industry, the military and defense industry, and increase access to workforce housing.

“Today’s awards will help bring high demand, high wage jobs and businesses to Northwest Florida,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “These strategic investments will benefit Escambia, Walton, Santa Rosa and Jackson counties and provide new opportunities for families from across the Panhandle.”

Read the full story here

Dr. Melanie Joy newest Resident Entrepreneur at CO:LAB

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Melanie Joy to CO:LAB! Melanie is a Somatic Therapy and Holistic Living Coach who helps clients overcome unresolved trauma and other life challenges.

She offers compassionate care and transformative healing services for those affected by trauma. Her distinctive approach to healing draws on a variety of modalities, allowing her to tailor methods to meet the unique needs of each client. She is currently expanding her services to include in-person Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique (QHHT) therapy.

As one of our Resident Entrepreneurs, she’ll have access to everything a startup needs to launch — and most importantly — the opportunity to make connections and learn from others.

More about Dr. Melanie Joy

A note from FloridaWest

Community Leaders & Friends of FloridaWest,

One of the most important responsibilities any community has to be successful in economic development is preparation, which is a multifaceted process. Being ready and responsive to a company’s growth needs involves sites, facilities, workforce, infrastructure, incentives and much more. Essential to all of this is community leadership, especially from public officials, who understand the importance of economic development and are committed to being prepared.

This is especially true with available land for new and expanding businesses. As competitive and time-sensitive as economic development projects are, communities must have ready sites that are under public control for maximum responsiveness. Jobs are at stake, so it is important that city and county government invest in property for future growth.

We are fortunate that the Escambia County Commission and the City of Pensacola invest in economic development. Local properties such as OLF8, the Port of Pensacola, Pensacola International Airport, and other business and industrial parks are strategic to our community’s current and future job growth and tax base, and public investment in them benefits everyone.

We are thankful for the strong commitment to economic development from our elected officials and their staff, from the Triumph Gulf Coast Board and staff, as well as our local utilities — in particular Florida Power & Light, Emerald Coast Utilities Authority and Pensacola Energy. The economic development projects we are working on now, and our future developments, wouldn’t be possible without them.

Sincerely,

Brian Hilson

CEO

FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance

EVENTS

SEDC Annual Conference July 28 – 30

The Southern Economic Development Council, North America's oldest and largest regional economic development association, will convene in Savannah for #SEDC2024 on July 28 – 30.

Join 500 of the world's leading economy builders for a capacity-building and fun experience. Learn more here.

Taco Thursday at CO:LAB Pensacola

CO:LAB hosts Taco Thursday 🌮 for its Resident Entrepreneurs the last Thursday of every month!

Taco Thursday is all about enjoying scrumptious tacos, learning, sharing best practices and encouraging each other.

Guests are welcome, just email us for reservations as seating is limited.

Tacos sponsored by FPL.

1 Million Cups at CO:LAB Pensacola

1 Million Cups ☕ is your monthly opportunity to get together with other entrepreneurs and talk shop.

You'll hear local entrepreneurs introduce their businesses and discuss your own small business with other like-minded entrepreneurs and innovators over coffee and conversation.

We'll have the coffee ready, you bring the ideas!

The first Wednesday of every month, 9:00 a.m. at CO:LAB.

Ideas?

If you have an idea for an article or would like to have an event included in this newsletter, please email us!

Connect with us

FloridaWest EDA | 3 West Garden Street #618| 850-898-2201 | floridawesteda.com