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Governor Recognizes Three Locals During State Of The State Address

Man stands up on a podium. People around him are clapping.
Steve Cannon
/
AP Photo

Gov. DeSantis kicked off Florida's legislative session by announcing his priorities for 2020. He chose three locals to help illustrate his education and Hurricane Michael initiatives.  

DeSantis is asking lawmakers to re-up the Hurricane Michael State Recovery Grant Program. Last year, the legislature approved $25 million to go to the program. That money was split among North Florida counties, cities, and schools. 

“Now we were able to use this program to help Gadsden County plug major budget shortfalls, and our support of the Mexico Beach Fire Department arguably saved it from going out of existence,” DeSantis says.

He invited Gadsden County Sheriff Morris Young and Mexico Beach Firefighter Bryon Hughes to be recognized by the legislature. 

The governor also invited Tallahassee local Talethia Edwards. She's a mother of seven. Three of her children are now part of the new Family Empowerment Scholarship. The program launched last year. Students are eligible based on their family's income. Enrollment is first come, first served.

Robbie Gaffney graduated from Florida State University with degrees in Digital Media Production and Creative Writing. Before working at WFSU, they recorded FSU’s basketball and baseball games for Seminole Productions as well as interned for the PBS Station in Largo, Florida. Robbie loves playing video games such as Shadow of the Colossus, Animal Crossing, and Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles. Their other hobbies include sleeping and watching anime.