TALLAHASSEE, Fla.  Governor Ron DeSantis announced that more than $35 million in funding from the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program will be allocated to Florida school districts and Florida College System institutions to create or expand semiconductor-related instructional programs for students. Because of the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida is already #5 in the US for semiconductor manufacturing jobs and #3 in the nation for semiconductor establishments. This investment will help cultivate a highly skilled workforce, which is integral to sustaining Florida’s growing semiconductor industry.

“By providing workforce education in our classrooms, students learn skills they can use to obtain high-paying jobs in growing industries like semiconductor manufacturing,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “This investment continues our commitment to making Florida number one for workforce education and positioning our state at the forefront of innovation.”  Continue reading →

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis awarded $20 million through the Biscayne Bay Water Quality Improvement Grant Program to strengthen ongoing efforts to restore water quality in the bay. Since 2019, the state of Florida has invested more than $70 million for targeted water quality projects in Biscayne Bay. To ensure restoration efforts continue, Governor DeSantis has again included $20 million for Biscayne Bay in his Focus on Florida’s Future budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2024-25.

“The Biscayne Bay is a hub for sport and commercial fishing and tourism,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Our comprehensive approach to addressing water quality statewide and our investments in targeted estuaries, such as the Biscayne Bay, Indian River Lagoon and the Caloosahatchee, will ensure Florida’s economic vitality and Floridians’ way of life for decades to come.” Continue reading →

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted the record-breaking success of his three-month Great Outdoors Initiative, providing 50% discounts on Gold Sportsman hunting and fishing licenses and Annual State Park Passes. First announced on October 14, 2023, the Great Outdoors Initiative encouraged Floridians to get outdoors and explore Florida’s natural resources by saving Florida families money. The discount lasted through January 13, 2024, and was the highest discount ever provided for these licenses and passes in Florida history. More than 75,000 Gold Sportsman licenses totaling $24 million and more than 55,000 state park passes totaling $2.86 million were sold during the initiative. More than 23,000 of the hunting and fishing licenses purchased were for first time license holders.

“Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World and is home to some of the best recreational lands in the country for Florida families to enjoy,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “The success of this initiative is impressive and I am happy to see so many families take advantage of these savings to enjoy our great outdoors.” Continue reading →