Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has led a remarkable transformation in the Sunshine State.
Many of his successes fly underneath the national radar.
And Ron DeSantis announced one successful rescue mission that took everyone by surprise.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has built one of the most successful conservation records for a Republican in the nation.
He highlighted his efforts to protect the once-endangered manatee during a visit to Blue Spring State Park.
Blue Spring State Park had a record 932 manatees venture into its spring in January up from the previous record of 736.
In 1970, Blue Spring only had 14 manatees according to researchers.
The animals seek warm water in springs during the winter time making them important manatee habitats.
Manatees were on the endangered species list but thanks to conservation efforts they’ve been downgraded to threatened status.
DeSantis has made protecting and growing the manatee population a priority for his administration.
His administration has invested nearly $2 billion in improving water quality since 2019. They have also worked to put more than $50 million into manatee programs.
“Florida’s manatee population continues to strengthen because of our record investments in manatee protection programs and water quality improvements,” DeSantis said. “I am grateful for FWC [Fish and Wildlife Conservation] for their proactive rescue and rehabilitation efforts.”
Manatees in Florida had their lowest mortality rate in 2023 since 2017 as a result of the efforts.
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, over $30 million in the Fiscal Year 2022–2023 budget was allocated to enhance and expand manatee rescue and rehabilitation efforts and provide habitat restoration for areas where manatees are highly concentrated,” Executive Director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Roger Young said. “We are grateful for his continued dedication to providing resources for manatee care and rehabilitation.”
DeSantis called for more than $300 million for his Focus on Florida’s Future Budget Proposal to invest in continued improvement in water quality.
“Clean, sustainable water resources are critical for Florida’s residents, visitors, economy and manatees,“ Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Shawn Hamilton said. “Because of Governor DeSantis’ vision and leadership, along with the support of the Florida Legislature, the state is seeing incredible momentum for environmental protection to ensure Florida’s natural resources are preserved for generations to come.”
Florida’s waters and natural landscapes are an important part of the state’s tourism-driven economy.
Ron DeSantis is protecting and improving Florida’s environment with common-sense conservative policies.
DeSantis Daily will keep you up-to-date on any new developments in this ongoing story.
