By The FirstFlorida Governor Ron DeSantis was in Jacksonville on Monday to hand out $1,000 bomnnus checks to first responders; Florida is coming off of its biggest budget surplus ever.
“We know how hard you have been working,” DeSantis said during a speech at the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department. “We thought that last year, this was something appropriate to do to show that we support [you] and was something that I think a lot of people felt, is showing the state of Florida appreciates your service.”
Florida’s large surplus is due to avoiding long shutdowns during COVID.
“We would be in dire straits if we listened to them, so we did the right thing,” he said.
“Florida’s firefighters and first responders are dedicated to protecting our communities and keeping Floridians safe,” State Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said in a press release announcing the payments Monday. “While others seek shelter or run for safety, these brave heroes run towards danger and place their lives on the line to save others.
“Thank you to Governor Ron DeSantis for his unwavering support of these outstanding men and women. As Florida’s State Fire Marshal, I am proud to have the opportunity to give back to our first responders in appreciation for everything they do for Floridians.”
Watch the speech below:
