This week, I was able to hold two press conferences in Miami and Fort Myers, to highlight important disaster preparedness information and Florida’s dedicated Urban Search and Rescue Teams. Every hurricane season, it is my main priority to make sure that every single Floridian has the tools and the resources to prepare for the next storm, because its not a matter of if, but when a hurricane will strike. It is predicted that this year will be an above-normal hurricane season, with the possibility of up to six major hurricanes. In fact, the National Hurricane Center has already announced a Tropical Cyclone that has taken aim at South Florida. Unfortunately, it is the price we pay to live in paradise, and everyone must take these storms seriously by making sure that they have a disaster plan in place.

On Thursday, Governor DeSantis took bold action by signing Florida's 2022-2023 Freedom First Budget. I would like to thank Governor for approving a historic $10 million funding in support for our dedicated Urban Search & Rescue Teams. This budget will be helpful in getting these men and women the training and resources necessary to save more lives in times of disaster. The budget also included vital funding to further support our fraud fighting efforts and protect Florida’s fire service personnel from cancer. 

I would also like to applaud the Governor for vetoing more than $3 billion and showing the world that Florida will live within its means, keep taxes low, and meet future financial woes head on. The vetoed funds will help to prepare our state in the event of challenging economic times. 

Sincerely,

Jimmy Patronis Chief Financial Officer State of Florida

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