The Florida Legislature will begin its 2026 Session next week, advocating for new bills, modified bills and removing bills while also putting together the state’s more than $110 billion budget.   

The state representatives and senators will also approve funding for a host of Florida’s cities, counties, special districts and private organizations through the annual bill named Appropriations.   

State Rep. Chad Johnson and state Sen. Jennifer Bradley filed requests for the Legislature to fund the following six projects for Gilchrist County, the Gilchrist County Public Schools and the city of Fanning Springs.  

Gilchrist County Fire Rescue, PT Apparatus — $975,000 

Requested by Johnson

According to the appropriation documents, Gilchrist County Fire Rescue needs to replace two aging vehicles (this item has funding for one of the vehicles and the next item discusses the second).  

The nearly $1 million would purchase a 2,500-gallon E-1 Pumper and Tanker. The combination vehicle would allow high water carrying capacity with the versatility of a pumper, eliminating the need for two vehicles. 

“This will enable GCFR to manage fire emergencies more efficiently, maximize our inventory use, and reduce budget overruns,” the appropriation document said. 

The vehicle should be able to handle the majority of calls taken by the fire department. 

Gilchrist County Fire Rescue, MP Apparatus — $400,000 

Requested by Johnson

These funds would purchase a Ford F-550 XLT 4×4. The vehicle could carry four firefighters/medical personnel to handle fires and medical emergencies. 

The truck would be equipped for Advanced Life Support, confined space rescues and vehicle extractions.  

Gilchrist County Rodeo Arena — $200,000 

Requested by Johnson and Bradley

“The funds will be used to install seven industrial fans at the Gilchrist County Rodeo Arena to improve air circulation, safety, and comfort for participants and spectators,” the appropriation document said. “This project enhances year-round use of the arena for community, youth, and agricultural events while ensuring the facility remains suitable for emergency response and public gatherings.” 

Gilchrist School District Critical Infrastructure and Maintenance — $26,492,752

Requested by Bradley

The School Board of Gilchrist County wants to permission to reallocate $26 million previously given to build a new elementary school to maintain and upgrade existing facilities.

The change in projects comes after a December vote by the school board, and the appropriations document said student enrollment and staffing levels no longer support the need for a new elementary school.

Fanning Springs Firehouse Design and Permitting — $400,000 

Requested by Johnson and Bradley

These funds will allow for the design and permitting of a new fire station. 

Fanning Springs Spray Field Land Acquisition — $600,000 

Requested by Johnson and Bradley

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection awarded Fanning Springs a $15 million grant for an expanded regional wastewater utility plant and surrounding spray field. 

Of the grant, half a million was reserved for land acquisition for the expanded spray field, but the price tag of the only nearby land large enough to accommodate the project is more than that set aside. This $600,000 would allow the purchase of the land and move the whole project forward.  

Editor’s note: This story was updated to remove the funding request for a new elementary school following a vote to not move forward with the project.