Gulf Breeze, Fla.— Last week the Republican Party candidate for Governor, Ron DeSantis, rejected 4 key projects meant to improve the infrastructure, storm, and flooding problems in Santa Rosa County. Voters from Gulf Breeze to Milton, and Jay to Navarre identified several issues across the county and these rejected proposals were slated to address them. Shortly after vetoing Santa Rosa County’s projects, DeSantis held a press conference and bragged about our loss. To this day, Sen. Doug Broxson (R), Rep. Alex Andrade (R), and Rep. Jayer Williamson (R), remain silent. To add insult to injury, “non-partisan” organizations like Flood Defenders continue to support candidates who are in direct conflict with their mission statement.
Here is a list of projects Ron DeSantis vetoed:
- Gulf Breeze Hospital Storm Hardening Project – Gulf Breeze
- Pine Blossom Road Drainage Project – Milton
- Town of Jay Bray-Hendricks Park Master Plan – Jay
- University of Florida – IFAS West Florida Student Dorms – Milton
Ultra-conservative Republicans in Santa Rosa County cheered as DeSantis bragged about rejecting funding for an NFL stadium.
Republicans didn’t realize that just beneath DeSantis’ NFL applause line was the defunding of projects in the very communities they call home.
DeSantis continues to use our county and its voters to further his own personal political ambitions. The voters know better and they aren’t falling for it. By joining together across race and place, voters can elect leaders who fund our communities, keep our neighborhoods safe, and put the families of Santa Rosa County first.