about $80 million in capital in a new milk processing plant here just on the edge of Marianna.”This facility will provide local grocery stores with a steady supply of milk while supporting area dairy farmers. Another transformative project is the redevelopment of the Dozier School for Boys site into an industrial and residential area. “The city, partnering with the county, is in the process of revamping that community,” explains Melvin. “We’ve got a first-class autism transition program there… an old gym that will be converted into a civic center, and a dining hall being turned into a museum.” With these projects, Marianna is fostering job creation and long-term economic stability. MARIANNA’S NEXT CHAPTER As Marianna looks to the future, city leaders are focused on attracting new businesses, creating high-paying jobs, and expanding development opportunities. Efforts to revitalize downtown Market Street will continue, with plans to transform underutilized spaces into retail, dining, and residential areas. Additionally, the city is working to address affordable workforce housing shortages, partnering with developers to build new residential communities. The Marianna Municipal Airport is another key focus, with plans to establish a flight training program in partnership with Chipola College.“We believe there’s sufficient interest in the area among young people,” says Long, noting the potential for economic growth through aviation training. “It’s a small city-run airport, during World War II, they had an Army air base here that trained pilots. Then later on, there was an independent contract that operated out of that same base, and it trained pilots. A lot of pilots that went through here were pilots in the Vietnam War,” Roberts adds. Ultimately, Marianna remains committed to sustainable growth while preserving its close-knit For over a century, our dealership has proudly served Marianna, FL with the best in Ford vehicles Chipola CHIPOLAFORD.COM 9 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 04 MARIANNA, FL
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