ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — St. Johns County officials are encouraging residents to vote after Northrop Grumman’s E-2D Advanced Hawkeye was named one of two finalists in the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Florida competition. Public voting is open online once per day through Oct. 23.
The competition, presented by the Florida Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Florida Department of Commerce, celebrates state manufacturers and workers. The contest began with 125 nominated products across all 67 Florida counties before public voting selected the top two contenders.
During an Oct. 6 county meeting, St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners Vice Chair Ann Taylor highlighted the nomination and urged community members to participate in the final vote.
Technicians in St. Augustine design and assemble the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye using manufacturing tools, including artificial intelligence, virtual reality and augmented reality.
The aircraft operates as a flying command-and-control center that connects military platforms and coordinates information during operations. According to Northrop Grumman, the Hawkeye is the only original-design command-and-control aircraft in the U.S. military inventory.
Christine Valliere serves as the Director of Economic Development and Intergovernmental Affairs for St. Johns County. Valliere highlighted the company’s role in the regional economy and workforce.
“Northrop Grumman is an important part of St. Johns County’s economy, providing skilled career opportunities and helping build a strong aerospace and advanced manufacturing industry,” Valliere said. “The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, assembled right here in St. Augustine, showcases our talented local workforce and the role our community plays in protecting our nation. We’re proud to see their work recognized among the final two contenders for the “Coolest Thing Made in Florida” this year and encourage everyone to show their support by voting through Oct. 23.”
The annual competition, now in its second year, supports the Florida Chamber’s Florida 2030 Blueprint goal. That initiative aims to place Florida among the top five states in the nation for manufacturing jobs by 2030.
The winner of the competition will be announced Oct. 28, at the 2026 Future of Florida Forum and Florida Chamber Annual Meeting in Orlando.
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