Governor likely to get environmental money in upcoming session

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis appears poised for a victory as he seeks environmental money to combat water-quality problems that plague the state.

DeSantis’ $625 million request for the upcoming legislative session includes money for Everglades restoration, fighting toxic algae outbreaks and boosting the Florida Forever land-preservation program, all issues popular among lawmakers and environmentalists.

The proposal is the second part of an ambitious four-year $2.5 billion request, with DeSantis seeking a baseline amount of $625 million annually. Lawmakers exceeded that amount by nearly $50 million in the current year.