Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has proposed reviving the Florida State Guard, in hopes that the state can have more highly-qualified specialists during emergencies.
During a Thursday press conference, DeSantis stated that the civilian-based volunteer force would require some state-level funding.
“We also want to make sure that we have the flexibility and the ability needed to respond to events in our state in the most effective way possible. Some of that will require us to be able to have access and be able to use support in ways that are not encumbered by the federal government, that don’t require the federal government,” DeSantis said.
The Sunshine State’s state guard was last active during World War II, and the revival would bring it up to spec in ways similar to other state guard units.
“I think Florida is in the minority of states that has allowed this to go defunct,” DeSantis said. “So we’re happy to be able to bring that back, and I think it’ll be something that’ll be good.”
Around $3.5 million would be allocated to reestablish the FL State Guard.
“We are proud of our veterans and active-duty military members and proud of what our communities do to support them,” DeSantis said. “Florida is one of the most veteran friendly states, and I think there are very few places that you would rather be on duty than in the state of Florida. As a veteran, I really appreciate what everyone who wears the uniform does in our state and am excited about these proposals — they will go a long way and have a meaningful impact. In Florida, we are going to continue our momentum of supporting our military, supporting our veterans and being good stewards of our military installations.”
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