State Budget Supports Local Projects

An artist rendering shows plans for Valor Commons, a veterans resource hub.

By Lisa Neff

The 2026-27 state budget that took effect July 1 contains millions of dollars to boost local infrastructure and services.

Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis on June 29 signed a state budget for the last time, putting forward a $117.6 billion spending plan after making $810 million in line-item vetoes.

“This budget protects taxpayers’ interests, cuts spending for the fourth year in a row and makes meaningful investments to build on Florida’s successes in education, public safety, environmental conservation, infrastructure, cancer research and more,” the governor said in a June 29 news release.

DeSantis vetoed two local appropriations, $2 million for water meter backflow upgrades in Palmetto and $891,000 for an East Manatee Fire Rescue crosswalk beacon.

However, the budget supports a range of projects, including $6 million for wastewater projects in Bradenton, $3.5 million for complete streets and a recreational facility in Palmetto, $1 million for stormwater resiliency in Bradenton Beach, $631,000 for resiliency in Holmes Beach and $1,250,000 for public works in Anna Maria.

Manatee County projects, totaling $12.4 million, include:

$1.6 million for the Valor Commons veterans resource hub and memorial park that had a groundbreaking early this year.

County Commissioner Mike Rahn, R-District 4, said the funding “brings us one step closer to creating a place where veterans and their families can access critical services, find support and be honored for their sacrifices.”

Earlier in 2026, the county announced $6 million in federal funding for the project.

$1.3 million to support the Fresh Start Manatee effort. Phase 2 of Fresh Start, a partnership involving the county sheriff’s office, involves offering an “under-one-roof” emergency shelter with services for people experiencing homelessness.

County Commissioner Amanda Ballard, R-District 2, said the funding “allows us to continue addressing homelessness with compassion, accountability and long-term solutions that connect people with the resources they need to rebuild their lives.”

$1.5 million for replacing the Singletary Road Bridge.
$5 million to design an interchange at I-75 and Fort Hamer.
$3 million for the 51st Street West Extension, a transportation corridor connecting 53rd Avenue West to El Conquistador Parkway.

A county news release said the money for the transportation projects will help “improve connectivity, reduce congestion, strengthen emergency evacuation routes and modernize critical infrastructure.”