BRADENTON — After vetoing nearly $600 million in proposed funding by the state lawmakers, Governor Ron DeSantis signed the state's 2025-26 budget. All four of the Manatee County Commission’s funding requests were among the projects or programs struck by the governor's line-item veto authority, removing roughly $4 million in legislative advanced funding for the county.
The local projects/programs requested by commissioners and recommended by lawmakers for state funding included the Veteran Connections Hub, the Gateway Greenway Trail, Washington Park, and the Fresh Start Manatee Program. Commissioners requested a $1 million investment toward each item.
Click here to view Manatee County’s 2025 State Legislative Priorities brochure for detailed information about the programs/projects the county requested funding for and their public benefits.
Manatee County’s Director of Government Relations acknowledged that news of the Governor’s veto was “disappointing” in an email to commissioners and department directors, but also shared that, “There is still a lot of good that happened this session for our residents.”
“Our team devoted significant time and effort to prepare strong proposals and worked diligently alongside our state delegation to advocate for these projects,” Garrison wrote. “We are especially grateful to our legislative partners, who championed our priorities throughout a very competitive and fiscally conservative session.”
Garrison added that, while the vetoes were a setback, the work completed by the Government Relations team and partners in advocating for the community’s needs was “not in vain.”
“We will regroup, reassess our strategy, and remain focused on advancing these initiatives through future opportunities,” Garrison’s email continued. “While our Board-led projects were not funded this year, Manatee County still secured over $300+ million in state funding this session… These projects reflect a continued investment in Manatee County and are a reminder that while this was a difficult budget year, progress is still being made in our community.”
Some of the projects of local impact that were not vetoed include the following:
• $7.5 million for the Fort Hamer Interchange
• $3 million for Hurricane Data Analytics Software to the Florida Division of Emergency Management: Region 6, serving residents in Manatee, Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough, Hernando, Citrus
• $2 million for the City of Bradenton Lift Station 08 Relocation
• $1.75 million for the City of Palmetto Evacuation Lane at 10th Street and US41
• $1.35 million for the BayCare Manatee Hospital NICU Expansion
• $1.25 million for the Anna Maria City Pier Restoration
• $1 million for the Aviation Maintenance Program at SRQ International Airport
• $375,000 for the Palmetto Public Works Storage Building for hurricane-related debris removal equipment
Additional funding approvals include several million dollars to support sewer, wastewater, and stormwater projects for the City of Bradenton and the City of Palmetto, as well as $17 million in grant funding to SeaPort Manatee. Additionally, over $35 million in funding will support programs at the State College of Florida.
In total, Gov. DeSantis signed a state budget totaling $117.4 billion for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. The state’s fiscal year began on July 1.
“Once again, Florida is spending less than the previous year,” said Gov. DeSantis in an office press release. “Since I took office in 2019, we have also tripled Florida’s Rainy-Day Fund. With this year’s additional commitment, the fund is maxed out.
Additionally, under my administration, this year we will have repaid almost 50% of Florida’s historic debt—and we’re now requiring a repayment of $250 million in all future budgets. This year’s budget continues our commitment to repaying our debts ahead of schedule, saving money for Floridians, and delivering tax relief for Florida families.”
To read the Governor’s veto letter and detailed veto list, click here. For a veto summary, click here.
4 comments on this item
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andreart
Assuming he or his allies heard public remarks from commissioners about what was going on in Tallahassee. Its all politics, unfortunately…The County did receive some funding.
Carol W.
Tuesday, July 1 Report this
rayfusco68
It appears that the most important local government requests were funded by this budget, while reducing the State debt. My only question is why did a private-not-for-profit hospital receive State funding to expand a NICU. Most likely the expansion is needed but this is not a public hospital it is owned by a PRIVATE-not-for-profit corporation. Nine of the 10 highest compensated CEOs are healthcare CEOs making millions of dollars in compensation.
Wednesday, July 2 Report this
pattybeenutty
What else would you expect from a Governor just like the President, who is a bully and hates the idea that we as a county got rid of his cronies?
It is called a vendetta because we voted out the builder's guns for hire and care about what happens in our community.
Wednesday, July 2 Report this
serenowens
What about a map for the Fort Hammer interchange?
Thursday, July 3 Report this