Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed more than $400 million in environmental spending for the upcoming budget, including investments in state parks, wildlife corridors, and land conservation programs. The plan highlights continued support for preserving Florida’s natural resources.
DeSantis Announces Nearly $30M in Grants for Biscayne Bay, Coral Reef Restoration | NBC Miami
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced nearly $30 million in grants, including $20 million for eight projects to improve water quality in Biscayne Bay and $9.5 million for the Coral Reef Restoration and Recovery Initiative. The funding will support local governments and partner organizations focused on enhancing South Florida’s coastal ecosystems.
Drinking Recycled Water? In Central Florida, the Day Will Come | Central Florida Public Media
Experts say Central Florida could begin using purified recycled water for drinking within the next decade as demand increases and aquifer levels decline. The process, known as indirect potable reuse, uses advanced treatment to make reclaimed water safe for consumption and supplement strained groundwater supplies.
Governor Awards $112 Million for Statewide Water Quality and Supply Projects | Chronicle Online
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced $112 million in funding for water quality and supply projects across Florida. The grants will help communities upgrade wastewater and stormwater systems, expand water supply capacity, and protect natural resources.
Riviera Beach Has New Utility Executive Director After 11 Months Without Permanent Leader | WPTV
Joshua Niemann was appointed to lead Riviera Beach’s Special Utility District after the city went 11 months without a permanent director. The appointment follows a period of turmoil that included state fines, investigations into water quality reporting failures, and the dismissal of former leadership after multiple testing violations came to light.
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the approval of more than $4.5 million for three projects aimed at strengthening water resources in the Suwannee River Water Management District. The funding is part of a broader $112 million package for statewide projects identified by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the state’s water management districts.
Gov. Ron DeSantis said his new budget proposal includes funding to reimburse fiscally constrained counties for lost property-tax revenue if reductions are enacted. He added that while the state could cover those costs initially, smaller counties would “eventually have to figure it out” without ongoing state assistance.
State lawmakers are considering a proposal to encourage Florida’s largest private landowners to serve as long-term stewards of both the natural and built environments. The bills, filed by Sen. Stan McClain and Rep. Lauren Melo, would create “Blue Ribbon” projects for landowners controlling at least 10,000 contiguous acres and require that at least 60% of each property be conserved.
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