East Volusia News

In a recent event, First Lady Casey DeSantis awarded $40,000 from The Hope Florida Fund to law enforcement nonprofits serving in Seminole County, Florida. The recipients of the funds were the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Community Foundation and Central Florida Concerns of Police Survivors, each receiving $20,000.

Speaking about the importance of supporting law enforcement and their families, First Lady Casey DeSantis emphasized, "Law enforcement must make split-second decisions every day in the course of their duty." The Hope Florida Fund, initiated by the First Lady in July 2022, aims to provide funds to deserving local nonprofit entities through the Hope Florida initiative, with a focus on supporting children, families, and those who have lost a loved one in uniform.

Governor Ron DeSantis' focus on law and order priorities has led to significant improvements in Florida's crime rates. According to the First Lady, Florida is currently experiencing a 50-year crime low, with overall crime down by over 15 percent since 2019. Murder, burglary, and robbery rates have also seen significant decreases.

In addition to the financial support provided to law enforcement nonprofits, Florida has implemented the Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus program, awarding more than 4,000 officers with a $5,000 after-taxes bonus. The state has successfully recruited officers from various states and territories, including Illinois, California, and New York.

For Floridians in need of support, the Hope Florida Fund offers assistance through its website, www.HopeFlorida.com, and the Hope Line (850-300-HOPE). Through the utilization of Hope Navigators, the initiative aims to guide individuals towards prosperity and economic self-sufficiency by fostering collaboration between different community sectors.

The Hope Florida Fund continues to play a vital role in supporting law enforcement and their families, as well as promoting community collaboration and support for those in need in Florida.