NBC 6’s Claudia DoCampo is at FLL where an emotional sendoff was held before hundreds of Florida National Guard members took off to the Middle East as part of Operation Spartan Shield.
Governor Ron DeSantis announced Thursday funding proposals for Florida’s National Guard as well as a proposal to establish the Florida State Guard, a volunteer force that would assist the National Guard in emergencies in the state and over $107 million dollars for the state's military budget.
According to a press release, the governor’s budget proposals includes:
- $87.5 million to expand the existing readiness center in Miramar and to establish three new armories in Homestead, Gainesville and Malabar;
- $8.9 million for existing armory maintenance;
- $2.2 million for a new headquarters for the National Guard Counter Drug Program;
- $5.1 million to support Florida National Guardsmen seeking higher-education degrees; and
- $3.5 million to establish the Florida State Guard.
"As a veteran, I really appreciate what everyone who wears the uniform does in our state and am excited about these proposals – they will go a long way and have a meaningful impact," DeSantis said. "In Florida, we are going to continue our momentum of supporting our military, supporting our veterans and being good stewards of our military installations.”
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The $3.5 million to establish the Florida State Guard will enable civilians to be trained in the best emergency response techniques in the event of a hurricane, natural disasters and other state emergencies.
According to the release, Florida will become the 23rd state with a state guard recognized by the federal government.
Florida's Agriculture Commissioner, Nikki Fried, lambasted the proposal, likening it to paramilitary forces in authoritarian governments.
