DeSantis pledges $30M for manatee protection, habitat restoration

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Floridan Governor Ron DeSantis says he will approve record funding for manatee protection and habitat restoration in this year’s state budget.

Speaking from Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Monday, the Governor said the money totals more than $30 million.

The announcement comes following a year when the state saw more than 1,100 manatees die. The Governor says this funding will help a wide array of manatee rescue projects including this one here at the Jacksonville Zoo.

The $30 million investment represents a $17 million increase over last year.

Governor Ron DeSantis says the money will go towards acute care facilities for rehabilitating the gentle giants, feeding efforts to supplement wild manatees’ dwindling natural seagrass diet, and habitat restoration.

It also funds 12 new manatee rescue and response positions.

Jake Stofan will have more on the story on CBS47/FOX30 at 5.

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