The governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, alongside the secretary of the state’s Department of Transportation, Jared Perdue, presented this Tuesday in Ocala the progress and plans of the DOGE program (Development Opportunities for Economic Growth). During a press conference at the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing, Ron DeSantis emphasized Florida’s leadership in implementing innovative initiatives.
“In Florida, we were DOGE before DOGE became trendy,” stated the governor.
Record investment in road infrastructure
Ron DeSantis also highlighted the state’s financial strength, mentioning the significant reduction in debt and the tax relief benefiting citizens. He compared the projected spending for 2025, which will be billions of dollars lower compared to 2024.
“We have one of the best transportation departments in the country,” assured the governor.
With a budget surplus, the state government allocated billions of dollars to key infrastructure projects. These include lane expansions on I-4 in Polk and Osceola counties, I-275 in Pinellas County, and Fruitville Road in Sarasota, as well as improvements to I-75. These projects aim to increase efficiency during hurricane evacuations by 85%, as explained by Ron DeSantis.
Projects driving employment and the economy
Over the next five years, Florida will invest nearly $70 billion in infrastructure. Some projects, such as the addition of a Buc-ee’s to I-10 in Tallahassee, are already several years ahead of schedule. Jared Perdue, secretary of the Department of Transportation, expressed enthusiasm for these initiatives. “We are very excited about this investment,” he said, adding that the Moving Florida Forward Project will reduce congestion on major highways.
Additionally, Ron DeSantis emphasized that ongoing industrial expansions will generate thousands of jobs across the state. These initiatives will not only improve mobility but also strengthen the local economy. With these actions, Ron DeSantis reaffirms his commitment to the growth and development of Florida, positioning the state as a national leader in infrastructure and fiscal management.
