Florida State Guard Thanks Governor DeSantis for His Strategic Focus on Public Safety and Emergency Response in the Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 3, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT

Sierra Dean, External Affairs Director

sierra.dean@floridastateguard.fl.gov

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, The Florida State Guard (FSG) thanked Governor DeSantis for his strategic focus on public safety and emergency response in the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget.  The recommended $62 million continues to strengthen the Florida State Guard’s year-round all-hazard capacity to provide state and local agencies with essential emergency and crisis response capabilities.

“Through Governor DeSantis’ steadfast support and leadership, the FSG continues its rapid growth trajectory, establishing new aviation, maritime and special mission units in the past year, and growing Soldier end-strength by 425%.  Due to the Governor’s policy and resourcing prioritization, the FSG was able to deliver rapid response and public safety capabilities throughout the year supporting impacted communities in Florida, Texas, and North Carolina,” said Florida State Guard Executive Director Mark Thieme.  “The Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget ensures the Florida State Guard maintains the critical funding necessary to meet its statutory obligations as prescribed by the Florida Legislature as quickly as possible.”

Key highlights in the Governor’s budget recommendations include: 

• $9.5 million for necessary personnel resources to safely train, operate, maintain, and administrate high-risk units in austere environments. The Governor’s budget addresses critical personnel gaps in aviation and marine maintenance, information technology, and cyber defense.   

• $36.4 million to recruit and train the best Florida volunteer soldiers in the disciplines of crisis response, emergency management, and public safety.  The funding provides air, ground, and maritime units with the required resources to conduct year-round mission-essential training, and is a critical enabler to support joint air, land, and sea operations with federal, state, and local agencies. 

• $16.1 million to maintain mission-critical equipment such as transport vehicles,  vessels, and aircraft; fixed infrastructure including aviation hangars and supply and logistics warehousing; and software systems supporting aviation safety, and maintenance management programs.       

ABOUT FLORIDA STATE GUARD | WHEN DISASTER CALLS, WE ANSWER.    

Reconstituted by Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature in 2022, the Florida State Guard’s air, ground, and maritime units are force multipliers for statewide emergency response and public safety.  The Florida State Guard is committed to protecting the life and property of Floridians from all threats to public safety.  For more information, visit https://www.floridastateguard.org/ .  Connect with the Florida State Guard on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.  

###