Experts say defense industry will help lead Florida out of recession

TAMPA - The growing defense industry will help lead Florida out of the recession, military experts told a Senate committee this week.

The Florida Defense Alliance testified before the Senate Military Affairs Committee that the defense industry pumps $58 billion into the Florida economy every year. It makes up 7.5% of the gross state product. As defense spending grows, so will employment.

Valrico Senator Ronda Storms (R) agreed. "Defense spending is critical to the state's economic growth," said Storms. "These are real people going to real jobs -- high-paying jobs."

One of Florida's largest defense contractors, Lockheed-Martin, says once the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter goes into full production, jobs will come with it.  The F-35 program already employs 8,800 Floridians with an economic impact of $800 million. "These are jobs for Florida, jobs for Tampa," said Craig Williams of Lockheed Martin.

In Tampa, several dozen employees of Sypris Electronics are already building communications and navigation circuit boards for the jets. That number could quadruple if the fighter jet goes into full production.