The million-dollar projects the Jacksonville area lost out on due to Gov. DeSantis' vetoes

FILE - Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis gives his State of the State address during a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives in Tallahassee, Fla., Jan. 9, 2024. A federal judge on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, struck down a 2023 Florida law that blocked gender-affirming care for transgender minors and severely restricted such treatment for adults. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough, File) (Gary Mccullough)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the state’s $116.5 billion budget on Wednesday, but that was about $1 billion less than what Florida legislators recommended.

DeSantis said he decided to bolster the state’s reserves, which he said are now $17 billion, by vetoing $1 billion in funding for projects around the state.

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DeSantis cut funding for at least 70 projects or programs in the Jacksonville area.

Here are some of the notable projects and groups that missed out on millions this year:

  • CR 217 Bridge Safety Improvements and Replacement - Clay County - $2.5 million
  • JAXPORT Crane Modernization Program - $3 million
  • Jacksonville University GROW Florida Nurses Program - $2.9 million
  • Florida State College at Jacksonville - Nursing Program Facilities - $2.8 million
  • Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center - Girl Matters: Continuity of Care - $500,000
  • First Coast High School Pedestrian Signal - $500,000
  • CR 108 Extension - Nassau County - $3.7 million
  • Putnam County Waste Water Treatment Expansion - $4.2 million
  • St. Johns County - Central Public Safety Station - $7.5 million

To read the full veto list, click here. To read the veto messages, click here.


About the Authors

Digital reporter who has lived in Jacksonville for more than 25 years and focuses on important local issues like education and the environment.

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