July 2, 2025

Big Bend Secures Funding for Local Projects in Florida

News Summary

Big Bend has received funding for various local projects in Florida’s new $115 billion budget, including a $370,000 upgrade to Liberty High School’s athletic facility. The budget allocates over $110 million for infrastructure, environmental protection, and educational improvements, with significant funding aimed at rebuilding efforts following recent hurricanes. While many projects received support, some initiatives were vetoed, emphasizing the state’s commitment to addressing the unique challenges in the Big Bend region.

Big Bend Secures Funding for Local Projects in Florida’s New $115 Billion Budget

Big Bend has received approval for various local projects as part of Florida’s newly passed $115 billion budget, including a significant upgrade to Liberty High School in Bristol. The school is set to receive a $370,000 track and field facility, replacing its outdated asphalt track from the 1970s with a modern synthetic polyurethane surface. This track construction is just one of 39 funding requests totaling $110,516,500 across seven counties in the Big Bend region, which spans 422 miles from Apalachicola Bay in the west to Taylor County in the south.

The budget allocation comes amid efforts by state lawmakers, particularly state Senator Corey Simon and state Representatives Gallop Franklin, Jason Shoaf, and Allison Tant, who championed the requested funds. Their collective efforts and the support from Governor Ron DeSantis were crucial in securing funding for essential services and infrastructure improvements in the area, which has been affected by recent natural disasters.

Environmental Protection and Education Funding

The budget also includes a $5 million grant for the Department of Environmental Protection, aimed at assisting local governments along Apalachicola Bay in protecting vital water resources. This funding is particularly timely as the City of Apalachicola has faced a water emergency due to damage from hurricanes. The Big Bend region has been hit by three hurricanes within a span of 13 months, leading to the necessity for rebuilding emergency operations centers in Gadsden, Madison, Wakulla, and Taylor counties.

In addition to environmental projects, educational funding is also a significant focus. The budget allocates resources for continuing the construction of an elementary school in Quincy and a high school in Wakulla County. Furthermore, Tallahassee State College is set to receive $2 million for an expansion project, which will enhance GED programs and job training initiatives in healthcare and HVAC fields.

University Expansion and Youth Programs

Florida State University is designated $35 million for expansion or renovation work on three of its buildings, namely Middleton Center, Moore Auditorium, and the Mendenhall Building. In a bid to support youth development, First Tee–Tallahassee received $300,000 to expand its outreach programs, particularly catering to children with special needs. This organization currently serves hundreds of children each year in partnership with 14 local schools.

Vetoes and Denied Requests

Despite several successful funding requests, not all proposals made it through the budget process. Governor DeSantis vetoed a feasibility study for a Holocaust museum at Tallahassee State College, alongside a $1 million funding request for a workforce training initiative for 9th graders and an $850,000 request for a Wakulla Springs Research Initiative. Additionally, while the legislature approved $3.6 million for special grants to select cultural institutions, many smaller organizations, including the Tallahassee Community Chorus and the Goodwood Museum, did not receive funding this year.

Conclusion

As the Big Bend region prepares to implement these funded projects, the focus will be on enhancing local infrastructure, improving educational opportunities, and safeguarding environmental resources. The substantial budget reflects a commitment to support the communities in the area, demonstrating the state’s recognition of the unique challenges and needs faced by the residents following recent adversities.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER

The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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