Local News
On the eastside of Jacksonville is a historic neighborhood, fondly known as ‘Outeast’. It’s the same location of a program that is helping dozens of families cope with hard times.
In the last 24 hours, Suzanne Pickett, the president and chief executive officer of Historic Eastside CDC learned $100,000 in funding from the state was vetoed by Governor DeSantis. Pickett is one of hundreds of people or communities that were vetoed for this year’s upcoming budget.
“Part of it was for us to get a van to shuttle,” she said.
Pickett has been working on a Mental Health and Wellness Initiative. She’ll have to find another way to fund it since Governor DeSantis vetoed the request. She remains optimistic and is looking ahead to other funding options.
50 families will be helped when they find the funding.
On the Northside of Jacksonville, Starr Prescott who founded Youth Exposure Inc. was also denied funding. She requested $21,500. Prescott’s non for profit operates at the Lewis Cobb Community Center. It helps children and teens, 10- to 19-years-old.
“The bulk of it would’ve went to, we just started a new initiative, which is called the Succeed Now Project, it is a literacy component that we added to our entrepreneurship program,” said Prescott.
The money would’ve also help purchase computers and improve students’ reading levels over the summer.
“We’re not going to be able to sponsor those kids,” Prescott said, reluctantly.
Every year, the governor can exercise veto power for budget items. This year he cut nearly one billion dollars from the budget.
READ: Governor DeSantis’ Budget
News4JAX asked the governor’s office how they decide which business or community gets funding or not.
The governor’s office responded, ”The governor reviews every bill and appropriation that comes across his desk and uses his authority under the Florida Constitution to make veto decisions that are in the best interest of the State of Florida.”
The range of vetoed listed items included:
- Green Cove Springs Senior Center Emergency generator – $200,000
- Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center Girl Matter – $500,000
- Atlantic Beach Marshside septic tank elimination for over – $312,500
- St Augustine Beach Mizell Stormwater Treatment Facility Improvements – $2,000,000
CLAY COUNTY ROAD PROJECTS:
- CR 217 Bridge Safety Improvements and replacements
- CR 209 safety improvements
- CR 218 extend 4 lane road
“County leadership worked closely with our legislative delegation to advocate for state appropriations that would further the Board’s goals. We appreciate the delegation’s continued support in our state capitol, and are appreciative of the state funding we received for projects that will directly benefit our residents. We will continue to look for alternate revenue streams and within our normal budget process to continue to further our efforts, and are proud to have such a strong representation in Tallahassee, which is a direct benefit to our communities.
You can find information on the projects we received funding for in 2023 on our legislative priorities website as well.”
Clay County Government
FSCJ – NURSING PROGRAM FACILITIES
We asked these questions to Jill Johnson, the Chief Communications Officer, at Florida State College at Jacksonville:
Q: How will the veto affect nursing education at FSCJ?
We are very appreciative of our bipartisan support for the bill through both Representative Wyman Duggan and Senator Tracie Davis. As the largest producer of trained nurses in northeast Florida, FSCJ will remain steadfast in our commitment to find ways to meet the nursing shortage in northeast Florida, as our research has identified healthcare as a top priority for our area. As we work to expand our nursing facilities to meet the growing demand for healthcare workers, we will explore additional funding opportunities, including grant funding, other state funding sources and private donations.
Q: What would the money have been used for?
The funds requested would have been used for the renovation, modernization and expansion of the nursing program facilities which allows for additional students to receive nursing and healthcare related degrees and certificates, increased students stations, improved utilization of space, and an increased preparedness for the College and our students to participate in the STEM-related workforce.
ATLANTIC BEACH MARSHSIDE SEPTIC TANK ELIMINATION STATEMENT
“We appreciate the Governor’s and Legislature’s longstanding commitment to critical infrastructure projects in Atlantic Beach, especially their vital support for our stormwater management efforts in recent years. While our specific funding requests for septic-to-sewer conversion and beach-access infrastructure appropriations in 2024 are not included in the Governor’s budget, we appreciate the Legislature’s support and the Governor’s careful review. We remain optimistic that the State of Florida will look favorably upon our requests for alternative funding to fulfill these important community needs, particularly in the arena of protecting our residents’ lives and property from the perils of stormwater.”
Kevin Hogencamp, Deputy City Manager, City of Atlantic Beach, Fla.
Local Community Organizations
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