Florida

Governor Ron DeSantis Awards Over $57 Million to Protect Florida’s Springs

Published

2 years ago

November 16, 2023

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the award of over $57 million for 23 statewide springs restoration projects to protect Florida’s iconic springs, as well as increase spring flow and improve water quality. Florida’s springs attract visitors from across the world and the preservation of these springs play an important role in the economic resilience of the state.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and four of Florida’s water management districts have identified projects such as wastewater, stormwater, pollution control projects and water-quality projects to protect and restore our springs. Additionally, these projects will help conserve and acquire land in spring recharge zones to prevent nutrients from entering the groundwater that feeds our springs.

“Florida is home to more than 1,000 springs, with more large springs than any other state in the nation, which attract visitors from across the world,” said Governor DeSantis. “This $57 million investment will continue to protect water quality and allow Florida’s springs to continue to be a world class tourist destination for years to come.”

“Thanks to Governor DeSantis for once again continuing to protect one of Florida’s greatest assets — our invaluable springs,” said DEP Secretary Shawn Hamilton. “In partnership with our water management districts, local governments and community leaders, implementation of these projects will help to continue the protection of this precious resource for generations to come.”

“Florida is committed to its investment in projects focused on protecting and restoring the state’s unique springs,” said Chief Science Officer Dr. Mark Rains. “With this diverse suite of water quality improvement projects, and in tandem with the state’s other ongoing initiatives, we will continue our efforts to reduce nutrients and improve water flow in our iconic springs.”

The selected projects reflect a collaborative effort with DEP, water management districts, community leaders and local stakeholders. Combining efforts and leveraging resources from various agencies across Florida allows for a more efficient and comprehensive restoration effort.

Highlights from the 23 statewide springs projects include:

Northwest Florida Water Management District:

$1.75 million for the Southside Triangle Sanitary Sewer Construction to benefit Wakulla Springs. This project is the first phase of a multi-phase effort for the construction of a sanitary sewer to ultimately connect homes from septic to sewer in the springshed and Priority Focus Area of Wakulla Springs.

“We applaud the vision and the commitment from Governor DeSantis, the legislature, and DEP for continued support of springs restoration projects,” said Lyle Seigler, Executive Director, Northwest Florida Water Management District. “This marks another positive step forward in the protection of our precious natural resources in northwest Florida.”

Southwest Florida Water Management District:

$4.46 million for the Crystal River Wastewater Treatment Facility to benefit Crystal River and Kings Bay. This project will upgrade the city’s wastewater treatment facility to achieve a higher nitrogen removal rate and meet advanced treatment quality.

“Our local springs are vital resources to the state’s ecology, economy and quality of life,” said Brian Armstrong, Executive Director, Southwest Florida Water Management District. “The funding awarded by Governor DeSantis helps reduce the financial burden on the local community while working to improve the springs’ water quality and natural systems.”

St. Johns River Water Management District:

$3 million for the Marion Silver Springs Shores Septic-to-Sewer Phase I to benefit Silver Springs. This phase of the project includes decommissioning 212 septic tanks in the Silver Springs Shores community and installing sewer system expansion and transmission force main.

“I want to thank Governor DeSantis, DEP and all our local partners for their commitment to safeguarding Florida’s springs,” said Mike Register, Executive Director, St. Johns River Water Management. “This substantial funding demonstrates the state’s dedication to preserving our natural systems, with a special focus on our springs that uniquely defines the spirit of Florida. Governor DeSantis’ persistent dedication to their preservation is not only commendable, but is also a testament to his unwavering commitment to securing a sustainable future for generations to come.”

Suwannee River Water Management District:

$1.67 million for the Poe Springs Addition to benefit Poe Springs in Alachua County. This project is for the acquisition of 250 acres of slash pine plantation adjacent to Poe Springs that will be permanently placed into conservation.

“With more than 450 springs in the Suwannee River Water Management District, the seven funded projects for our District are truly beneficial to restoring and protecting these important water resources,” said Hugh Thomas, Executive Director, Suwannee River Water Management District. “We are thankful to Governor DeSantis, our legislature and the DEP for their continued commitment to protecting our environmental assets and addressing the needs of our communities.”

Since 2019, Florida has made an unprecedented financial commitment to springs restoration, allocating $325 million in state funding to assist local governments and other stakeholders to identify and construct projects that are imperative to achieving restoration goals. Through this investment, more than 130 projects have moved forward, resulting in Total Nitrogen (TN) reductions estimated at more than 666,024 pounds per year. This includes the projects announced today, which will provide an estimated TN reduction of 106,143 pounds per year.

Lists of the recent spring’s protection projects and projects funded in previous years can be found HERE.

Related Topics:Featured Florida Governor Ron DeSantis

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Florida

Florida Senate Leaders Albritton, Boyd, and Trumbull Endorse Josie Tomkow for Senate District 14

Published

8 minutes ago

November 17, 2025

Willie David

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – Senate President Ben Albritton, along with Senate Leaders Jim Boyd and Jay Trumbull, announced their endorsement today of State Representative Josie Tomkow for Florida Senate District 14. The seat returns to the ballot in a special election next year following Governor Ron DeSantis’s appointment of Senator Jay Collins as Lieutenant Governor.

In a joint statement, Albritton, Boyd, and Trumbull praised Tomkow’s record and commitment to conservative principles.

“Josie Tomkow is a proven warrior for the conservative values that have made Florida safer for families, created more opportunities for students, and ensured government does not hinder job creation. A seventh-generation Floridian, Josie understands firsthand the importance of protecting Florida’s natural resources. We are proud to endorse her for Senate District 14 because we need leaders like her fighting for a more affordable Florida and expanded opportunities for all.”

Faith & Family

Jeri Hill Honored For 50 Years Of Ministry A Legacy Of Faith Prayer And Revival

Published

1 hour ago

November 17, 2025

Willie David

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN FAITH & FAMILY) – By Hidekel Griffin, Faith & Family Reporter – A sacred atmosphere of reverence, love, and gratitude filled the sanctuary as family, friends, and ministry partners gathered to celebrate Jeri Hill’s 50 years of unwavering service to Jesus Christ. The afternoon stood as a living testimony of God’s faithfulness and a vibrant tribute to a woman whose life has influenced nations through prayer, compassion, and obedience to God’s call.

A Life Poured Out in Service

For five decades, Jeri Hill has faithfully followed the Lord through every season — from missionary fields and revival altars to hospital rooms and quiet moments of prayer. As the devoted wife and ministry partner of the late evangelist Steve Hill, whose fiery preaching helped ignite the historic Pensacola/Brownsville Revival, Jeri’s life has been marked by humility, perseverance, and an enduring passion for souls.

Friends describe her as “a woman of both fire and tenderness” — one who carries the presence of God wherever she goes. Through her ministry, Together in the Harvest, she has mentored believers, interceded for nations, and continued the legacy of revival that began decades ago.

A Joyful Celebration of Faithfulness

Guests filled the sanctuary, hearts united in anticipation of honoring a servant of God who has touched countless lives. When Jeri arrived alongside her daughter Shelby Espier, the crowd rose in thunderous applause. Overcome with emotion, she embraced loved ones and ministry partners who had traveled from across the nation to celebrate her journey.

Moments of Honor and Remembrance

The program opened with Daniel Kolenda, who shared heartfelt words honoring Jeri’s steadfast devotion and her example as a spiritual mother to many. He highlighted her courage to continue ministering, praying, and serving even after Steve Hill’s passing.

Kolenda then introduced a moving video montage chronicling Jeri’s 50 years of ministry — from early evangelism with her husband to global revival meetings and ongoing discipleship work through Together in the Harvest. The images and testimonies painted a portrait of a life surrendered fully to God’s will.

Her daughter Kelsey Morris shared emotional reflections, expressing gratitude for her mother’s spiritual leadership and faithfulness, reminding everyone that “the seeds planted through Jeri’s obedience continue to bear fruit across continents.”

Words of Honor and Love

Several longtime friends and ministry partners took the stage to share how Jeri’s obedience and compassion impacted their lives. Among the speakers were Marcia Pate, Rachel Morris, Brian Eskelinen, Shelby Espier, Kelsey Morris, and Jared Horton, each offering touching personal tributes.

Jared Horton later led a special love offering in Jeri’s honor and introduced a video featuring greetings and messages from ministry friends around the world — all echoing appreciation for her example of endurance, grace, and steadfast love for Jesus.

A Heart Overflowing with Gratitude

To close the ceremony, Eric and Angela Johnson led a powerful prayer of blessing, surrounding Jeri with words of encouragement and prophetic affirmation. The sanctuary overflowed with laughter, tears, and thanksgiving — a beautiful reflection of a life poured out for God.

When Jeri Hill stepped forward to speak, the room fell silent. With humility and emotion, she gave all glory to God, thanking Him for sustaining her through every challenge and triumph. “Every miracle, every moment, every soul saved belongs to Jesus,” she said. “He has been faithful through it all.”

Her message carried a powerful reminder: her mission is far from over — God still has much to do through her surrendered heart.

A Powerful Impact

For fifty years, Jeri Hill has lived out the words of Scripture: “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Through Together in the Harvest Ministries, she continues to inspire prayer movements, equip believers, and preach the uncompromising message of the cross.

The 50-year celebration was more than an anniversary — it was a divine moment of remembrance, a declaration that faithfulness still matters, and a living altar of gratitude for all God has done through the life of Jeri Hill, a true vessel of revival and grace.

Hallelujah!

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Florida

Mayor Jerry Demings Takes Governor Campaign to Ocala in Push for Statewide Support

Published

4 hours ago

November 16, 2025

Willie David

File Photo by Florida National News

OCALA, Fla. (FNN) — Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, now officially a candidate for Florida Governor, continued his early statewide outreach with a keynote appearance at the Achievement Week Banquet at the College of Central Florida on November 15. Demings attended as a special guest alongside his wife, former U.S. Congresswoman Val Demings.

The event, hosted by the Friendship and Faith Foundation, Inc. and the Psi Chi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., centered on the theme “Honoring Our Legacy, Empowering Our Future.” Ocala was one of several stops following Demings’ recent kickoff event in Orlando as he works to introduce his platform to voters across the state.

Demings Ramps Up Statewide Voter Outreach

Following his launch, Demings and Val Demings have begun traveling across Florida to connect with local voters, community leaders, clergy, and elected officials. Ocala represented a strategic stop as the campaign aims to build momentum in Central and North Florida—regions essential for any Democratic path to victory.

U.S. Representative Val Demings (D-10, Florida) spoke during Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings’s COVID-19 press conference at Orange County Emergency Operations Center, providing an update about the House passing the Family First Coronavirus Act Saturday, March 14, 2020. Photo: Willie David/Florida National News.

File – U.S. Representative Val Demings (D-10, Florida) spoke during Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings’s COVID-19 press conference at Orange County Emergency Operations Center, providing an update about the House passing the Family First Coronavirus Act Saturday, March 14, 2020. Photo: Willie David/Florida National News.

Fundraising Will Be Critical for Competitive Primary Run

Demings enters the race facing an expensive and competitive Democratic primary in August. His campaign will require substantial financial backing to match better-funded opponents and reach voters statewide.

He benefits from the political star power of Val Demings, who brings statewide and national recognition after her high-profile 2022 U.S. Senate campaign, during which she raised approximately $80 million. Her network is expected to be a major asset as fundraising efforts intensify.

Two of the most notable Democratic candidates in Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial race are former U.S. Congressman David Jolly and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings

Crowded Gubernatorial Field Presents Challenges

Demings will face Democrat David Jolly (see above photo) and other emerging candidates in the primary. Jolly, a former Republican who became a Democrat, has slowly built early support and fundraising momentum with endorsements from several Democratic leaders prior to Demings’ entry.

Three of the most notable Republic candidates in Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial race are US Congressman Byron Donalds, Lt. Governor Jay Collins and Former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner.

On the Republican side, candidates such as Byron Donalds (endorsed by US President Doanld Trump) are leading in fundraising efforts, bolstered by the GOP’s advantage of 1.4 million more registered voters than Democrats statewide—an obstacle any Democratic nominee must overcome.

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