Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has vetoed $6.8 million in funding designated for critical environmental projects in Brevard County, including efforts to restore the Indian River Lagoon, as part of his $567 million in line-item vetoes from the state’s $117.4 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2025–2026.
Among the vetoed projects were $4.3 million for the Sykes Creek Phase 2 Environmental Dredging and Interstitial Water Treatment Project and $900,000 for septic-to-sewer conversion along Sykes Creek. These initiatives aimed to reduce nutrient pollution and improve water quality in the Indian River Lagoon, a 156-mile estuary critical to Florida’s east coast ecosystem and economy.
“Once again, Florida is spending less than the previous year,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Since I took office in 2019, we have also tripled Florida’s Rainy-Day Fund. With this year’s additional commitment, the fund is maxed out. Additionally, under my administration, this year we will have repaid almost 50% of Florida’s historic debt—and we’re now requiring a repayment of $250 million in all future budgets.”
The budget cuts have sparked concern among local officials and environmental advocates who argue the funds were essential for addressing ongoing water quality issues in the ecologically vital lagoon.
The lagoon, one of North America’s most biodiverse estuaries, faces challenges from nutrient pollution. This pollution causes harmful algal blooms and seagrass loss, which threaten marine life, including manatees.
The lagoon holds significant economic value, generating approximately $2 billion annually from tourism and recreation and $767 million from the marine industry.
Local leaders, such as Representative Thad Altman and Senator Debbie Mayfield, supported these projects because they benefit both the environment and the economy.
Governor DeSantis promised to prioritize water quality and announced $100 million in grants for the Indian River Lagoon Protection Program in March 2025. However, he vetoed local projects aimed at initiatives like transitioning from septic tanks to sewer systems, reducing stormwater runoff, and cleaning up muck. Brevard County officials note that these vetoed projects were distinct, targeting specific pollution issues.
Some critics think the vetoes stem from political disagreements between DeSantis and certain Brevard-area legislators regarding education and local control. The governor’s office provided no specific explanations for the cuts. The veto list also included $200 million in funding for the Florida Wildlife Corridor and other local projects.
Even with budget cuts, the state is still investing a significant amount of money in improving water quality. This includes $25 million for the Indian River Lagoon Protection Program, $25 million for the Caloosahatchee Watershed, and $20 million for Biscayne Bay.
Critics of the decision argue that losing $6.8 million represents a significant setback for Brevard County environmental projects.
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