Florida’s budget ensures conservation remains priority
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is applauding Governor Ron DeSantis for his commitment to supporting and bolstering the mission of safeguarding Florida’s natural resources in the 2024-25 Focus on Florida’s Future Budget.
Budget highlights include:
- $9.3 million for habitat restoration initiatives.
- $7 million for boating access and improvement projects.
- $5.6 million for artificial reefs.
- $3.9 million for derelict vessel removal.
- $2.7 million for 12 new law enforcement positions for patrol and investigation.
- $1.4 million and four new positions for land management activities.
- $1 million and four new positions for coral reef restoration and recovery.
- $1 million and three new positions for statewide oyster and habitat resiliency enhancements.
- More than $350,000 and three new positions for initiatives intended to enhance the resiliency of saltwater fisheries.
“Under Governor DeSantis’ bold leadership, Florida remains one of the nation’s premier destinations for top-tier fishing and unique hunting experiences,” FWC wrote in a news release. “The economic impact of these activities on our state is staggering, with nearly 15 billion dollars contributing to our state’s economy.
“The budget is a testament to Governor DeSantis’ dedication to providing Floridians with more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and to prioritize crucial conservation efforts, such as coral reef restoration, derelict vessel removal and habitat restoration initiatives,” FWC wrote..
“Governor DeSantis has always invested in conservation, and we are thankful for his unwavering support,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. “With his strong leadership, Florida continues to offer fishing, boating and outdoor recreational opportunities to visitors and residents that are second to none.”
“Governor DeSantis and the Legislature have continued to commit unprecedented funding to Florida’s environment. Because of their support, our conservation legacy will thrive for future generations,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young.
Meet the Editor
David Adlerstein, The Apalachicola Times’ digital editor, started with the news outlet in January 2002 as a reporter.
Prior to then, David Adlerstein began as a newspaperman with a small Boston weekly, after graduating magna cum laude from Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. He later edited the weekly Bellville Times, and as business reporter for the daily Marion Star, both not far from his hometown of Columbus, Ohio.
In 1995, he moved to South Florida, and worked as a business reporter and editor of Medical Business newspaper. In Jan. 2002, he began with the Apalachicola Times, first as reporter and later as editor, and in Oct. 2020, also began editing the Port St. Joe Star.