Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently signed the state’s $116.5 billion budget, but not without making significant cuts through line-item vetoes. The vetoes, totaling approximately $1 billion, have had a mixed impact on Polk County’s planned projects and allocations.

Polk State College: A Tale of Two Outcomes

Polk State College experienced both disappointment and relief in the wake of DeSantis’ budget decisions. The governor vetoed a $1.5 million allocation intended for renovating a 1980s-era building on the Lakeland campus. This building houses the college’s nursing and respiratory care programs, which are crucial for producing healthcare professionals in the region.

However, the college received positive news regarding its planned Northeast Ridge campus in Haines City. DeSantis approved an $8.1 million allocation for the construction of this new facility, making it the largest single budget item for Polk County. This decision comes as a reversal from last year when the governor vetoed a $16.2 million allocation for the same project.

The planned 75,000-square-foot facility will include classrooms, laboratories, offices, and student support spaces. Polk State President Angela Garcia Falconetti expressed gratitude for the governor’s support, emphasizing the importance of the new campus in addressing workforce education needs in Polk County’s fastest-growing region. The college plans to seek an additional $20.4 million in future legislative sessions to complete the project.

Fort Meade: Mixed Results for Infrastructure Projects

The city of Fort Meade faced several setbacks in the budget, with DeSantis vetoing three significant allocations. A $2.8 million wastewater and effluent disposal project was blocked, along with $1 million for improvements to 143 manholes and $100,000 for effluent pumps. These vetoes will likely delay much-needed upgrades to the city’s water infrastructure.

On a positive note, Fort Meade will receive $1.5 million for the reconstruction of its fire station, ensuring improved facilities for the city’s first responders.

Other Notable Vetoes Affecting Polk County

Several other projects and institutions in Polk County saw their funding vetoed by Governor DeSantis:

• Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland lost $3 million intended for enhancements to its STEM program.
• Polk County itself saw two budget items cut: $562,500 for a firefighter/EMS rehab apparatus unit and $240,000 to replace a portable generator.
• Road projects in Haines City and Winter Haven were affected, with $600,000 for the extension and improvement of Robinson Road and $560,000 for improvements to the North Lake Shipp Drive corridor being vetoed.
• Auburndale will not receive the allotted $1.215 million for sewer infrastructure improvements at its regional wastewater treatment plant.
• Lakeland Regional Health’s plans to expand primary care access for Medicaid patients at its Morrell Clinic lost $500,000 in funding.
• Frostproof, Bartow, and Warner University also saw infrastructure and facility improvement funds vetoed.
• Southeastern University in Lakeland lost $750,000 for a trade startup project and $500,000 for its SEU Link Program’s dormitories and transitional housing.
• RCMA Mulberry Community Academy, which serves children of migrant workers, will not receive $500,000 for improvements to its K-8 campus.

Projects That Survived the Veto Pen

Despite the numerous vetoes, several significant projects in Polk County retained their funding in the state budget:

• $12 million for widening County Road 557 near Lake Alfred, addressing traffic congestion in the growing area.
• $2.5 million for the construction of the North Ridge Trail, a new two-lane road connecting Deen Still Road and Sand Mine Road in the Four Corners area.
• $2.5 million for Heartland Biztown and Finance Park, a facility to host Polk County Public Schools’ entrepreneurial education program. This funding was notably vetoed last year but survived this time.
• Davenport secured $3 million for new water and sewer lines needed for the extension of Power Line Road, as well as $4 million for the relocation of Lewis Mathews Sports Complex.
• The Peace River Center will receive $900,000 for its domestic violence shelter and $425,000 for its community mobile support team, supporting vital social services in the county.
• The Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College in Lakeland will get $500,000 for its expansion project. Interestingly, this allocation was labeled a “turkey” by Florida TaxWatch but still survived the governor’s scrutiny.

Looking Ahead

The impact of these budget decisions will be felt across Polk County in the coming year. While some projects will move forward, others will need to seek alternative funding sources or delay their plans. The approved projects, particularly the Polk State College Northeast Ridge campus and the major road improvements, are expected to bring significant benefits to the region’s education, infrastructure, and economic development.

Local leaders and institutions affected by the vetoes may need to reassess their priorities and explore other avenues for funding. Meanwhile, those with approved projects will likely begin implementation soon, bringing new opportunities and improvements to Polk County residents.

As the state moves forward with its $116.5 billion budget, the outcomes in Polk County demonstrate the complex balancing act between fiscal conservatism and meeting the diverse needs of Florida’s communities. The coming months will reveal the full impact of these budget decisions on the county’s growth and development.