The state of Florida fiscal year 2025-26 budget, a $115.1 billion piece of legislation, was approved last week (Better late than never!). It includes funding for a number of local projects in districts that include Osceola and southern Orange counties.
“Since being elected to the Florida Senate, I’ve remained committed to keeping my campaign promises and ensuring that Central Florida communities receive their fair share of state resources,” said Sen. Kristen Arrington (D-Kissimmee), whose District 25 includes all of Osceola County and a portion of southern Orange. “These projects will improve our roadways, provide necessary support to our veterans and victims of human trafficking, and clean our vital waterways.”
"This year, our district worked hard to advocate for our community," Rep. Paula Stark (R-St. Cloud) said. "I’m proud to share that the Legislature has approved $9.67 million in state funding for our local priorities in the 2025 budget."
Gov. Ron DeSantis, in signing the budget into law, can line-item veto projects and requests and remove them from the budget.
Here’s what’s in budget to receive funding locally:
$6 million toward the $41 million total cost to build Cross Prairie Parkway connection from Tohoqua to where a new Turnpike interchange is proposed at Nolte Road. The funding would allow construction to begin in 2026 and be complete in 2028;
Over $2 million for stormwater improvements on the north end of Lake Toho, in Kissimmee and St. Cloud, to be built in 2025;
A $500,000 grant toward the $8 million to improve drainage, bike lanes and sidewalks on Columbia Avenue;
Another $500,000 for a Community Center and associated infrastructure at Hopkins Park in St. Cloud;
A Community Engagement Unit in the City of Kissimmee, designed to assist individuals encountered in difficult, high-risk situations for $200,000, and $400,000 to provide substance use treatment services s dedicated to homeless Veterans who are not currently receiving VA benefits;
An $185,000 project to provide distribution of diapers and essential hygiene resources to families;
Funds up to $170,000 to purchase of an emergency response boat for City of St. Cloud Fire Rescue Department;
And $500,000 to purchase materials to integrate speaking, listening, and grammar in the subjects of math, science, social studies, and general knowledge, with the goal of increasing academic language acquisition to support students’ overall academic achievement.
