By JIM TURNER
THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
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THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, May 10, 2017……… The more than 400-page state budget approved this week by Florida lawmakers goes beyond spending on high-profile issues such as education, prisons and health care.
The $82.4 billion spending plan, which is headed to Gov. Rick Scott, is sprinkled with numerous local projects that are priorities of individual lawmakers.
Scott in the coming weeks will be able to veto the entire budget, take out individual budget items or let the Legislature’s spending decisions stand.
Here are some examples of items included in the budget:
RIDING WAVES:
In preparation for the 2017 World Rowing Championship, being held in Sarasota later this year, lawmakers have offered $2.5 million for temporary facilities at Benderson Park.
For those who prefer to keep their feet dry, Palm Bay would get $222,817 to restore a “historic” pier and shoreline; Jacksonville would see $200,000 for the Northbank Riverwalk at Gefen Bridge; Port St. Lucie would receive $200,000 for its Riverwalk Boardwalk extension along the St. Lucie River; and Milton is slated to get $1 million to extend its Riverwalk along the Blackwater River.
