East Volusia News

NAPLES, Fla.— Today, Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized the significant investments made in Florida's wildlife conservation and red tide mitigation efforts. The Governor highlighted the allocation of $100 million for the Florida Wildlife Corridor and the signing of House Bill 1565, which focuses on combating red tide impacts in the state.

"I am proud of our investments in land conservation to conserve and connect Florida’s natural landscapes, preserve working lands, and provide for the safe passage of Florida’s endangered species," stated Governor Ron DeSantis.

DEP Secretary Shawn Hamilton also expressed the importance of continuous efforts in protecting natural resources, stating, "It’s important to make steady gains towards protecting and conserving irreplaceable natural resources – not just for today, but forever."

The Florida Wildlife Corridor, covering nearly 18 million acres of land, received $100 million in funding from Senate Bill 1638, signed by Governor DeSantis earlier this month. The corridor includes 10 million acres of protected conservation lands, such as state parks, state forests, and family farms.

Governor DeSantis has been proactive in promoting wildlife conservation by directing the Florida Department of Transportation to install wildlife crossings along state roadways. These crossings aim to provide safe passage for Florida's species, including the endangered Florida Panther.

Regarding red tide mitigation, Governor DeSantis signed House Bill 1565, which extends the Florida Red Tide Mitigation and Technology Development Initiative. This initiative facilitates collaborative efforts between the Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and MOTE Marine Laboratory to address the impacts of red tide in Florida.

The Governor's commitment to environmental preservation and innovation has been evident through the substantial funding allocated towards conservation and red tide mitigation efforts.