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Commissioners ask staff to pursue regional digital‑literacy grant opportunity with ARPC and partners
Summary
Commissioner Minor won board approval to seek a Florida Commerce Digital Capacity Grant to build a Big Bend Digital Literacy program in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Planning Council and local partners; staff will return with an agenda item to pursue grant funding.
The Leon County Board of County Commissioners on April 8 unanimously approved Commissioner Minor’s request to explore a regional grant application to fund digital‑literacy training for residents across the Big Bend area.
Minor said the forthcoming Florida Commerce Digital Capacity Grant Program will provide an opportunity to create a “Big Bend Digital Literacy” program that could educate residents about online safety, identity theft prevention, responsible use of generative AI and basic digital skills. He explained that including the Appalachian Regional Planning Council (ARPC) and adjacent rural counties in the application would strengthen competitiveness. He said he’d already discussed the concept with the Office of Economic Vitality and Florida Commerce.
The board's approval directed staff to return with an agenda item to pursue the grant opportunity, evaluate partners (including ARPC), and outline a program scope for training residents and surrounding rural counties. Commissioner O’Keefe seconded and praised the proposal.
Why it matters: Commissioners framed the initiative as preventive—helping residents avoid scams, protect personal and financial data, and improve workforce readiness—particularly across Leon County and neighboring rural counties.
Next steps: Staff will work with potential partners and return with an agenda item outlining the grant application approach, partners and program scope once Florida Commerce releases program parameters.
