As Gov. Ron DeSantis mulls vetoes, Volusia, Flagler projects land on budget turkey list

In a state budget comprised of $117.5 billion, Florida TaxWatch has identified 450 "turkeys," or projects that bypassed the normal appropriations process.

At least five of the projects identified are from Volusia and Flagler counties, home to two of the Florida House's most powerful members, House Speaker Paul Renner and Appropriations Chair Tom Leek. One of the highest-dollar projects is in historic St. Augustine in St. Johns County, part of Renner's 19th district.

Florida TaxWatch says that by labeling a project a turkey, it is not casting judgment on that project's worth but is based on a central principle that "money appropriated by the Legislature belongs to the taxpayers of Florida, the process must be thorough, thoughtful, transparent, and accountable, and every appropriation should receive deliberation and public scrutiny."

Many of the proposed expenditures identified are considered "member projects," which provide funds to local projects. Gov. Ron DeSantis will be reviewing the state budget and will have the authority to veto them.

"We trust that he will carefully consider all the projects we identify, including turkeys, member projects and more, and rely on the information we provided to help ensure those that remain in the final state budget will effectively improve the lives of Floridians far and wide," said Piyush Patel, chairman of the Florida TaxWatch Board.

Neither Renner nor Leek responded to requests for comment Wednesday morning.

Here's a look at some of the TaxWatch turkeys:

Emergency preparedness shelter

Flagler County requested $10 million for an emergency preparedness shelter after the county was identified as having a deficit of special needs shelter space in the Florida Division of Emergency Management's Emergency Shelter Plan. The shelter was fully funded in the budget.

The plan is to build a disaster resources site for Flagler County that can be used to support other counties during events when Flagler is not directly impacted, as well as a multipurpose community facility when it's not needed as an emergency shelter, according to the request. Shelters for special needs serve elderly, ill, or homeless people, as well as people with developmental or physical disabilities.

Palm Coast YMCA

Palm Coast requested and received $6 million to help with construction of a YMCA to address a gap in indoor recreational facilities and the project landed on the list.

"A YMCA serves as a central hub for health and wellness activities, offering a diverse array of fitness programs, sports facilities, and recreational opportunities catering to individuals of all age groups," the request states. "This not only promotes mental and physical well-being but also nurtures a sense of community involvement and social interaction."

Ormond Beach Central Park expansion

Ormond Beach requested $333,333, or one-third of the cost estimated to expand the city's Central Park by constructing two wooden land bridges, adding connectivity to the existing concrete trail system. The state budget fully funds the project.

"It will allow better pedestrian access within the park," the request states. "The concrete trail/elevated boardwalk will provide connectivity from the Environmental Discovery Center to the existing elevated wooden walkway."

Daytona State College generators

Daytona State College landed $1.3 million to replace three generators: one each at the Advanced Technology College, the Health Sciences Hall and the Wetherell Center.

"They service critical systems such as fire alarms, emergency lighting, and IT. The three current generators are between 16 and 31 years old and support classrooms, workforce training labs, student services functions and administrative offices," the college noted in its request.

Hotel Ponce de Leon at Flagler College

Flagler College, which owns the historic Hotel Ponce de Leon in St. Augustine and uses it for college offices and residence halls, requested $35 million to complete a major renovation.

The project involves renovating residential spaces and preservation of historic elements, new windows, termite treatments and visitor experience displays in historic spaces, according to college President John Delaney's request.

Built in 1888 by Standard Oil magnate and prominent Florida developer Henry Flagler, the Ponce needs a new roof, rewiring, plumbing and more interior renovations.

TaxWatch notes that the Ponce project takes up the majority of the state's funding for historic properties, none of which went through the Department of State's grant programs.

"(The Ponce) is is used as a revenue-producing dormitory for a private college," the TaxWatch report states. "The hotel also received $35 million from the Legislature last year to remodel the residential spaces."

Beth Sweeny, director of external and government relations for the college, said in a statement the $35 million will allow the college to renovate and preserve residential living spaces, including the historic preservation of more than 130 original fireplaces.

"The critical repairs allow the Ponce to remain economically viable as a residence hall and open to the public for historical tours and the public use of the building," she said. "Additionally, the dollars will be used to provide an enhanced museum experience in the public historic spaces, educating visitors on the history of the building and the significance of Henry Flagler’s role in advancing tourism and economic development in Florida.”

Bunnell City Hall renovation

In 2021, Bunnell had to close its historic City Hall because of deteriorating conditions and a building safety inspection. The city remediated the building the following year at a cost exceeding $100,000.

"Additional funding is needed to reconstruct and make necessary changes to the building to prevent the building from experiencing additional environmental issues and to restore the facility to a safe, functional building," the city wrote in its request for $1 million. The Legislature provided $500,000 to the effort this year after having kicked in $870,000 last year.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: What Volusia-Flagler budget items are named Florida TaxWatch turkeys?