Jacob Ogles
The Southwest Florida region should see a rush of state dollars, especially for water and higher education projects.
In particular, the release of this year’s Senate Supplemental Funding Initiatives — the “sprinkle list” — shows big wins for the area.
A Southwest Florida Regional Emergency Shelter in Babcock Ranch earned an $8 million lift. The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus picked up $5 million in new state dollars for operational support.
With Senate President Bill Galvano enjoying a presiding officer’s role this session, Bradenton scored big in budget battles.
About $1.2 million will help Bradenton Beach with flood control efforts. Easter Seals of Southwest Florida landed nearly $900,000 between capital improvements and education programming.
Manatee Education Television will receive $250,000 to boost its programming. And State College of Florida brought in $750,000 to better fund its nursing program.
But the region saw benefits in all corners.
Budget sprinkles include a $500,000 lift for an Arcadia Boys & Girls Club. Some $600,000 for master planning will help the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens grow in Sarasota.
PACE Center for Girls in Lee County gets a $750,000 win for its programs. A Unique Abilities Center at the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast in Immokalee secured $500,000.
Last year’s algae scares resulted in some money pledges for the area.
That included $700,000 red tide efforts and septic tank mitigation around Naples Bay. Some $2.5 million will go to Northern Everglades and Estuary Protection.
Sarasota County’s Dona Bay Watershed Restoration Project got $1 million in state funding.
Fort Myers saw $1 million flow for a reclaimed water expansion project. Fort Myers Beach enjoyed $500,000 in stormwater improvement money. Another $500,000 will support a drainage project on South Barfield Drive on Marco Island.
And on the logistics infrastructure front but with a distinct environmental angle, Hendry County received a $1 million lift for connecting Airglades Airport and Clewiston’s wastewater treatment plant.
