Foundations for the Future

Since 2017, Northwest Florida FORWARD has played a catalytic role in advancing transformative infrastructure projects across the region—laying the groundwork for long-term economic competitiveness.

A defining priority of the first generation was the development of Shoal River Industrial Park in Okaloosa County. With the support of a Triumph Gulf Coast grant, the park was transformed into a fully infrastructure-ready industrial site, positioning it to compete for major advanced manufacturing projects. That strategic investment paid off in 2025 when Williams International selected Shoal River Industrial Park as the location for its $1 billion advanced manufacturing campus—one of the most significant economic development wins in the region’s history.

Beyond Shoal River Industrial Park, Northwest Florida FORWARD has championed critical infrastructure improvements throughout Northwest Florida, including: 

• At Port Panama City, the East Terminal Investment and Channel Dredging Project is expanding capacity and supporting increased business for Enviva, while also strengthening shipbuilding activity by Eastern Shipbuilding Group for U.S. Coast Guard cutter development. 
• Pensacola International Airport has completed runway and taxiway improvements that helped attract aerospace maintenance and engineering operations from ST Engineering. 
• The Port of Pensacola developed Warehouse 10—home to the Maritime Center of Excellence—which attracted American Magic and further positioned the port as a hub for innovation and maritime excellence.
• DeFuniak Springs General Aviation Airport expanded its runway to 5,000 feet, enabling the facility to compete for aviation maintenance and aerospace-related projects. 

Together, these investments demonstrate how strategic infrastructure development fuels job creation, attracts global industry leaders, and strengthens Northwest Florida’s competitive position for decades to come.