Rick Patrick
Reporter3@riverbendnews.org
On Monday, Feb. 21, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis took the opportunity to make a trip approximately 50 miles east from the Governor's Mansion to visit Madison. A fairly sizable crowd gathered to hear the governor speak on a variety of topics. The primary focus of his visit was the announcement of $11 million for rural communities through the Rural Infrastructure Fund. Several local communities will be the direct beneficiaries of these funds.
One of the communities receiving funds was Live Oak. Through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, $5 million was awarded to Suwannee County for the construction of a multi-use building.
“These are going to be impactful projects,” said Gov. DeSantis. “It's going to make a difference. What we've seen is, when we do certain things like provide some foundational infrastructure, a lot of times, you're able to see some opportunities develop.”
In addition to speaking about infrastructure projects, Gov. DeSantis spoke on the growth Florida has enjoyed, especially in light of economic difficulties faced by other states, due to restrictions, mandates, shut-downs, etc., brought about by the COVID virus. Gov. DeSantis even took an opportunity to take a joking jab at Dr. Anthony Fauci, who has been a proponent of mandates. “We had close to 120 million Americans escape from 'Fauci-ville' to come to free-Florida,” said Gov. DeSantis, eliciting laughs and applause from many of those gathered to hear him speak. Gov. DeSantis also stated that Florida's coffers enjoyed a surplus.
Gov. DeSantis also spoke on the importance of improving and expanding technical and trade education. “We need to make more things in the United States, particularly in Florida,” added Gov DeSantis. “So we've put an emphasis on skilled trades. For example, we've done more in Florida, over the last year, than any other state to expand the ability to get truck driver licenses. The demand [for drivers] is so intense now that they are giving these young drivers $15,000 signing bonuses. You look at the salaries of HVAC and welding and other things, these are significant jobs and there's going to continue to be a demand for them.”
Gov. DeSantis emphasized the importance he saw in continuing strict law and order. He mentioned the fact that each law enforcement officer had received a $1,000 bonus. The governor vowed to continue the practice again in the coming year. The governor also vowed to not allow district attorneys to refuse to prosecute crimes. These statements also brought a great deal of approval from the gathered crowd.
In addition to the governor, several other state officials took the opportunity to speak to the crowd. These included Rep. Jason Shoaf, who represents Lafayette County in the state legislature and Rep. Charles “Chuck” Brannan, whose state congressional district includes Suwannee and Hamilton Counties.