|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Recently, Governor Ron DeSantis announced his 2025-26 Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget recommendations, solidifying Florida’s status as the nation’s leader in fish and wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation.
Time and again, Governor DeSantis demonstrates leadership that distinguishes Florida from the rest of the nation. In safeguarding Florida’s environment, he is unmatched. Thanks to his steadfast support, Florida remains the Fishing and Boating Capital of the World and continues to provide exceptional recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
Governor DeSantis’ recommendations reinforce his unwavering support to Florida’s fisheries, hunting and angling community, public access to shooting sports, and the long-term recovery of the Apalachicola Oyster Habitat. These investments are in addition to the Governor’s law enforcement pay plan, support of enhanced training capabilities for FWC Officers, and funding to bolster our operations to combat illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
Florida is home to some of the country’s premier destinations for top-tier fishing, hunting, and outdoor recreational opportunities. These activities draw outdoor enthusiasts to our state and contribute significantly to the state’s economy with nearly $15 billion dollars. With more than 34 million acres of public and private land and over 12,000 square miles of water, maintaining our fish and wildlife resources is critical to sustaining a healthy way of life and a robust economy.
Restoring Apalachicola Bay Oysters
Historically, nearly 90% of Florida’s and 10% of the nation’s wild oysters came from Apalachicola Bay. This year, the Governor is recommending $30 million in funding to expedite FWC’s efforts to restore and recover the oyster habitat. This investment is in addition to an additional $10 million investment in the Department of Environmental Protection’s budget to invest in projects that support the Apalachicola Bay Area of Critical State Concern.
Promoting Floridians’ Access to Public Boat Ramps
As the Boating Capital of the World, Florida’s coastal communities must have enough publicly accessible boat ramps. As such, the budget recommends $9 million to increase public access to maritime facilities while providing a second consecutive year of flexibility in the Department of Environmental Protection’s Working Waterfronts program.
Investing in Florida’s Artificial Reefs
Florida boasts one of the country’s most active artificial reef programs, which are proven to increase reef fish habitat. The Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget provides $10 million to support additional reefs across Florida’s coastlines.
Increasing Public Access to Shooting Sports and Wild Game
In support of the Second Amendment, the Governor’s Budget invests $9.2 million to support the construction of two new shooting sports facilities in Liberty and Polk counties while also calling for a “Second Amendment Summer” tax holiday on firearms and ammunition. Additionally, the budget provides $9 million to manage FWC’s wildlife management areas.
Prioritizing Fresh and Saltwater Research and State Management
As recommended by the Governor, FWC is provided additional funds to support FWC’s marine lab in Cedar Key and increased funding to support the management of Red Snapper off all of Florida’s coastlines. The budget also prioritizes investments in Florida Bass, Snook, Tripletail, and other Bonefish species.
Defending Florida’s Everglades from Invasive Species
Governor DeSantis includes more than $3 million to remove pythons from the Everglades utilizing traditional methods and innovative technologies.
Maintaining Law & Order
The Governor provides $5 million for a dedicated state training facility for waterborne rescues and $4.4 million to codify the FWC’s Special Immigration Law Enforcement Unit.
FWC’s mission is to manage fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of the people. To learn more about FWC, visit MyFWC.com.
ABOUT US:
For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.
This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.
Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.
If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com
#thatscommunitynews #communitynewspapers #miamidade #miamidadecounty #thatscommunity #miamicommunitynews #coralgables #palmettobay #southmiami #doral #aventura #pinecrest #kendall #broward #biscaynebay
