Space Florida eyed as partner

MILTON, Fla. - Santa Rosa County is looking to partner with Space Florida, a state agency meant to drive aerospace economic development, in bringing new opportunities to Whiting Aviation Park. The county is looking to lease 15 acres slated for Leonardo Helicopters to the state agency for 20 years. Space Florida would then lease the land to Leonardo Helicopters, which is planning its customer care facility in the park. The two will work together to fundraise, finance and build the facility. The County Commission is expected to OK the lease agreement at its Thursday meeting. County Economic Development Director Shannon Ogletree said bringing on Space Florida will help provide incentivization for high-paying jobs. The expectation is that the property will transition out of the lease into becoming owned by Leonardo over the next couple decades. (Source: Pensacola News Journal, 10/25/22)