Taylor County is proud of its reputation as a manufacturing center. The percentage of total employment in manufacturing is over 36% compared to only 11% statewide. Furthermore, if you add in employment in industrial support services, this statistic would be greater. In addition, Taylor County is fortunate to have an extremely diverse industrial base. Over 26 industries make Taylor County their home. Forestry and forest related products is the County's largest single employment sector, with other large employers being marine products, pyrotechnics and snack foods. We are also home to Buckeye Florida ( a cellulose plant), Tom's Foods (a potato chip factory), Gilman's Lumber Products, Martian Electronic (a ammunition plant), and many more. Highway 19, Highway 98, and Highway 221 allow us to be one of the leaders in transportation in the big bend area. Being centrally located also gives Taylor County the advantage of having a strong labor force, both within the County and within communing distance. Recent estimates nearby counties over 100,00. This includes, semiskilled and unskilled labor. For more information concerning business and industry, please contact our Economic Development Office at 850-584-5627. In Taylor County ... we mean business

Taylor County has an excellent airport facility known as the "Perry/Foley", Airport. The airport was originally constructed by the US Government during World War II. Taylor County land owners, willing to support the war effort, provided the 900 acres needed for the facility. From 1943 until 1945 the airport was used to train P51 fighter pilots. Many of these pilots went on to fly their P51 aircraft in combat missions during the pacific campaign. During the two years of training activities, 28 young pilots lost their lives in aircraft accidents in the wilderness area that once surrounded the air base. The bravery of the young men, who not only flew these war planes but also maintained them, can hardly be expressed. After the war, the US Government turned the whole facility over to Taylor County to be used as an airport and development of airport related usage. Taylor County received an outstanding airport in the exchange. It has three major runways adjusted to the prevailing winds. It easily handles private and commercial aircraft including twin engines and jets. Several million dollars has been spent for improvements. Taxiways have recently been resurfaced. Reconstruction of two major runways is nearing completion. New runways lights and taxiways lights have been installed providing excellent day and night usage by incoming and departing aircraft. Tuning 118.375 provides weather reports and conditions at the airport for en-route pilots. Perry/Foley airport has a new, 24 hour, self service, credit card system for 100 LL aircraft fuel. There are only 8 such system at this time in the state of Florida. Pilots arriving after hours can obtain their fuel and depart without special phone arrangements for an attendant. Among the flying public, Perry/Foley, is well known spot to land. A major portion of those flying into Florida from other states pass within a short distance of Perry/Foley. Perry/Foley is the "HUB" location for the Florida panhandle