Some South Florida projects could save lives (large generators or facilities and training simulators for law enforcement and fire rescue).
Funding for such projects, ranging from modestly funded to high dollars, is possible because Florida’s state coffers are overflowing with cash from taxpayers in the state and across the nation. As a result, Florida state senators and representatives from both political parties — even those who brand themselves as fiscally frugal — push to get money for their districts.
However, inclusion in the budget doesn’t guarantee the spending. The projects have a major remaining hurdle: Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The governor has the authority to slice individual spending items before the state budget goes into effect July 1, a power he and his predecessors have used to advance their policy priorities, reward allies and punish enemies and eliminate spending they don’t see as prudent uses of state money.
A few examples of tech projects receiving funding include:
CITY SURVEILLANCE
The legislature included $500,000 for a transparency in public safety project in Wilton Manors.
According to the budget requests, the money would go toward purchasing and installing cameras in 13 locations, plus surveillance devices on Wilton Drive and closed-circuit video cameras.
Another request document said real-time monitoring through video surveillance cameras, coupled with a license plate reader system, “will enable swift incident response.” The budget also allocates $250,000 for the Miramar Real Time Crime Center.
The money will go toward what the request described as “a Smart City surveillance and Real-Time Crime Center initiative that will protect all city assets.” The initiative calls for a dynamic video wall, a video wall controller, desktop computers and monitors, closed-circuit video and license plate readers.
SHERRIF’S TRAINING
Lawmakers also voted for $476,995 for a simulator and related training equipment at the Broward Sheriff’s Office Research, Development & Training Center expansion.
The simulation training would improve first responders’ ability to handle real-life emergencies, according to backup documentation for the request.
“By practicing in simulated scenarios, responders become better equipped to respond to a wide range of incidents, from fires, natural disasters, medical emergencies and mass casualty events,” stated the request.
OTHER PROJECTS
Here is a list of most of the other projects spelled out for Broward and Palm Beach counties in the state budget:
- Pembroke Pines utility emergency operations center: $400,000
- Downtown West Palm Beach signalization upgrades: $2.8 million
- Margate 800MHz radio tower repair and upgrades: $300,000
- Parkland fire rescue and alarm control panel improvements: $250,000
- Mangonia Park water plant modernization and expansion: $750,000
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