Seth Johnson
The city of Cedar Key lacked electricity, water and sewer service just six months ago as seven feet of storm surge rolled over the island.
Hurricane Idalia made landfall further north, but towns on the edge of her wake faced severe damage in the Big Bend region, and Gov. Ron DeSantis returned to the area on Friday to announce $5.3 million in funding to harden infrastructure. The money comes through the Rural Infrastructure Fund.
Cedar Key received a $2.5 million check to improve its 17 lift stations used for wastewater. The funds will also raise the control boxes that operate the stations. When the town flooded, the water rose above these electrical boxes, causing shorts and damage.
“Each one of these awards will address important infrastructure systems that were affected by Hurricane Idalia,” DeSantis said. “[With awards] like these, we’re really laying the groundwork for long-term recovery.”
The majority of the funds will go to water and sewer systems.
Live Oak will get $600,000 for water and sewer services. Cross City will get $337,000 to plan for potable water wells. The city of Perry will get $300,000 for stormwater studies. Jasper will get $300,000 for sewage system improvements. The town of Lee will get $290,000 for improved water and sewer services. And Monticello will get $300,000 for sewer system improvements.
Taylor County will get $304,000 for its airport. Lafayette County will get $400,000 for more commercial space at its industrial park.
DeSantis also highlighted $700,000 from the Florida Disaster Fund, supported by charitable giving, to help the aquaculture industry that has faced $34 million in losses.
“I wouldn’t tell you that Florida handles everything perfectly,” DeSantis said. “But I can tell you, you would not rather be in a different state when you’re having to respond to these things than in this state.”
DeSantis said Florida’s response goes beyond the executive branch and to the Florida Legislature. He praised the Legislature for convening a special session to provide relief funds shortly after landfall.
DeSantis said many states wouldn’t be able to respond as quickly or proactively because of bad fiscal situations. He highlighted a 25% reduction in Florida’s debt over the last five years. He said Florida doesn’t need to wait for the federal government but can already start the recovery process.
Sen. Keith Perry also commented on Florida’s finances. During each session for the past five years, Perry said the Legislature has voted to cut taxes, pay down debt and put money in reserves.
“Do you want to be in Florida when something happens, or do you want to be in a state where they’re teaching the state guard about pronoun use,” Perry asked the audience in Cedar Key.
Rep. Chuck Clemons praised the Cedar Key community for also being proactive, using their own tractors and shovels to clear streets as the state sent help.
DeSantis bounced off Clemon’s comments to again hit the point of not waiting for help. He mentioned that earlier on Friday Florida sent 126 Florida Highway Patrol troopers and national guardsmen to Texas to help secure the southern border.
He said states can no longer wait for the federal government to act. Since 2021, Florida has sent more than 2,400 law enforcement officers to assist Texas. DeSantis said Florida and every state in the union is impacted by the lack of secure southern border.
He said sanctuary states like New York and Illinois are starting to feel the impact as well.
This is an example of why I have never regretted settling here after retiring from the AF de ades ago. This state is, by and large, one that cuts through the proverbial crap. Rick Perry summed it up when he said” “Do you want to be in Florida when something happens, or do you want to be in a state where they’re teaching the state guard about pronoun use,”(to an audience in Cedar Key). Bingo.
Perry’s quip about “pronoun use” is inane. And it is disingenuous. States always step up to assist each other in disaster recovery.
Actually they do not. They must have written agreements to include reimbursement rates. That’s why you never see NY, NJ or CT assist us. Just sayin’.
What all 3 republicans failed to mention is this money came from the federal bills sponsored for disaster relief and infrastructure by the Biden administration..
Mainstreet should have noted this fact as well.
According to the states own description ” The Florida Legislature appropriated $25 million in federally-funded State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) to the Rural Infrastructure Fund Statewide Program. ” So here AGAIN we have our sleazy governor blasting the feds and our president while taking credit for money they provided to Florida, and which not doubt Kat and other GOP phonies voted against.