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08/22/2025 in Community NewsPress Release

Town of Esto Awarded $949,000 for Water System and Park Repairs

The Town of Esto has been awarded a $949,000 grant through the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. Governor Ron DeSantis announced the award at a press conference on August 21, 2025, naming Esto as one of several small towns across the state receiving funding for critical infrastructure projects.

The grant will support much-needed repairs to the town’s water system, including work at the water plant and the replacement of aging water lines along Highway 79 and Highway 2. If funding allows, the town also plans to repave the walking trail at John Clark Park.

Town Clerk Ben Tew stated, “We’ve known that our water system needed work, and this grant gives us the money to tackle it. I believe it’s going to make a real difference for the folks who live along Highway 2 and 79.”

The Town thanks Governor DeSantis and FloridaCommerce for supporting rural communities like Esto and investing in the future of small towns. The official announcement from the Governor’s Office can be read here:

Governor Ron DeSantis Announces More Than $38 Million for Florida’s Small and Rural Communities

For more information about the grant program or upcoming projects, contact Esto Town Hall at (850) 263-6521 or email estotownclerk@gmail.com.

04/23/2025 in Community News

Fiber Optic Internet Expansion Underway in Esto

You may have noticed survey crews and new stakes or utility flags along Hwy 79 and nearby streets in Esto. These crews are working for Tritech Fiber, a Holmes County-based company that is expanding high-speed internet access in our area.

In February 2024, Tritech Fiber received $14.6 million through the Florida Broadband Opportunity Program to expand fiber optic internet throughout Holmes County—including nearly $5 million specifically for Esto. The project will bring fiber optic internet along Hwy 79 all the way to the Alabama state line, with completion expected by October 2026.

What are the survey crews doing?
They’re marking the public right-of-way where fiber optic cables will be installed. You may also see blue flags from Esto Water Works and other colored flags or paint markings from different utilities. These ensure that the new lines are installed without disrupting existing services like water or power.

Want to see if your home will be included in the service area?
Visit https://get.tritechfiber.com/

We’re excited to see Esto connected to faster, more reliable internet—bringing new opportunities for work, school, and business right to our doorstep!