Statewide Award Highlights Massive Economic Growth in Crestview

A major economic development project in Okaloosa County is receiving statewide recognition after One Okaloosa EDC earned the Florida Economic Development Council’s 2026 “Deal of the Year” award for helping bring the massive Williams International manufacturing project to the area.

The award was presented during the Florida Economic Development Council annual conference in Orlando on May 14. One Okaloosa received the honor in the Urban category after submitting the Williams International project for review earlier this year.

FEDC awards are based on the overall economic impact of a project and the level of expertise required to complete the deal.

Williams International is currently constructing the first phase of a 1 million-square-foot gas turbine engine manufacturing facility at Shoal River Industrial Park near Crestview. The project carries a total capital investment exceeding $1 billion, making it one of the largest economic development projects in Florida history.

According to project leaders, the company has committed to creating 336 jobs with an average annual salary of $69,434.

“This is truly a team award,” said Nathan Sparks, executive director of One Okaloosa EDC. “Without Williams International’s belief in our community — and without incredible partners throughout the region — this monumental success simply would not have been possible.”

Sparks credited a broad coalition of partners, including the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners, Florida Commerce, Triumph Gulf Coast, Space Florida, CareerSource Okaloosa Walton, Northwest Florida State College, the University of West Florida, Okaloosa Technical College, and the Okaloosa County School District.

Founded in 1989, One Okaloosa EDC serves as the lead economic development organization for Okaloosa County and its nine municipalities, focusing on economic diversification and long-term growth opportunities throughout the region.