PUNTA GORDA, Fla.–Gov. Ron DeSantis pledged $30 million toward the rescue, rehabilitation, and habitat restoration of Florida manatees.
The Republican governor made the announcement on May 2 at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. The funding represents a $17 million increase over last year.
“We are putting our money where our mouth is with this record funding,” DeSantis said, standing with his 5-year-old daughter, Madison, in front of a tank that housed two manatees. “This is one part of a broader effort that we’re making in Florida to support restoration projects and water quality projects.”
There were 1,100 reported manatee deaths in the state last year, according to a report released by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
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