Gov. DeSantis talks wildlife corridor expansion in Naples

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted $100 million in funding for the Florida Wildlife Corridor while speaking in Naples Tuesday.

The governor also signed House Bill 1565, known as the Florida Red Tide Mitigation and Technology Development Initiative, directs the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and MOTE Marine Laboratory to “continue to coordinate efforts to innovate technologies to address the impacts of red tide on Florida,” the governor said.

“I am proud of our investments in land conservation to conserve and connect Florida’s natural landscapes, preserve working lands, and provide for the safe passage of Florida’s endangered species,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I am also happy to sign legislation continuing research efforts to mitigate the impacts of red tide and preserve our coastal communities and working waterfronts.”

The Florida Wildlife Corridor is a collection of nearly 18 million acres of land, including 10 million acres of protected conservation lands such as state parks, state forests, and farms.

Part of the expansion includes the installation of wildlife crossings along state roadways, which allow Florida wildlife like the Florida Panther to safely cross those roadways.

The governor and Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Shawn Hamilton spoke at the FGCU Kapnick Education and Research Center.

On Monday, the governor and Secretary Hamilton spoke in West Palm Beach, where the governor announced he has approved $1.5 billion in the 2024-2025 fiscal budget for restoration of the Everglades and water quality improvement.

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