Palm Bay Receives $3.5 Million State Grant to Expand Infrastructure, Support Economic Growth
By Space Coast Daily // September 4, 2026
BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – The City of Palm Bay has been awarded $3.5 million through Florida’s Job Growth Grant Fund to extend wastewater infrastructure to Phoenix Business Park, a significant investment expected to help unlock nearly 1 million square feet of new industrial and commercial development and strengthen the city’s ability to attract aerospace, defense, technology, logistics, and other high-value industries.
The funding was announced by Governor Ron DeSantis as part of nearly $23 million in statewide investments focused on strengthening Florida’s defense workforce, supporting military communities, and expanding the state’s defense industrial base.
For Palm Bay, the investment will provide critical infrastructure needed to support continued development at Phoenix Business Park while creating additional capacity for new businesses, jobs, and private-sector investment.
“This is an important investment in Palm Bay’s future,” said Cory Skeates, President & CEO of the Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce. “Expanding wastewater infrastructure at Phoenix Business Park gives our community greater capacity to compete for aerospace, defense, technology, logistics, and other high-value industries. Just as importantly, it creates opportunities for our existing businesses and residents as we continue working to build a stronger and more diversified local economy.”
Skeates traveled to Jacksonville at the request of Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly to attend the announcement and represent Palm Bay’s business community as the city was recognized for the state investment.
The broader state initiative includes investments in workforce training, critical infrastructure, spaceport development, and military installations designed to strengthen Florida’s economy and support industries critical to the state and nation.
With nearly 1 million square feet of potential industrial and commercial development, Phoenix Business Park represents a significant opportunity to expand Palm Bay’s employment base, attract private investment, and further diversify the local economy.
“This is about much more than wastewater infrastructure,” Skeates added. “It is about creating the foundation for the next generation of economic opportunity in Palm Bay. Strategic investments like this allow us to compete for the companies, investment, and high-quality jobs that will help shape our community’s future.”
The Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce will continue advocating for strategic investments and policies that strengthen the business environment, expand economic opportunity, and position Palm Bay and South Brevard for long-term, sustainable growth.
