Crestview City Council supports University of Florida's $76M education center partnership

The City of Crestview City Council meeting on April 14, 2025, focused on a significant proposal for economic development in the region. Mayor JB presented a plan for a partnership between the University of Florida and the Florida Applied Research and Engineering (FLARE) to establish a new education center near Eglin Air Force Base. This initiative aims to create high-paying jobs in technology, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and IT, with an estimated project cost of $76 million.

The University of Florida is seeking $19 million in funding to kickstart the project, which has already garnered support from Eglin Air Force Base and the Okaloosa County Economic Development Council. Mayor JB emphasized the importance of the project for the entire county and requested the council's consensus to issue a letter of support from the city. He noted that several neighboring cities are also interested in backing the initiative.

The mayor highlighted that this project would not only benefit the local economy but also strengthen ties with the military and educational institutions. He urged the council to act quickly, as the proposal is set to be presented to the Triumph Committee soon. The council's support would signal a unified commitment to fostering economic growth in Crestview and surrounding areas.