DeSantis announces that Micanopy will receive nearly $3M to address broadband deficiencies

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The town of Micanopy received nearly $3 million to address broadband deficiencies as part of a program aimed at addressing community development needs, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday.

Micanopy is one of 10 communities across the state to receive a part of the more than $22 million distributed through the Community Development Block Grant — CV (CDBG-CV) program.

The CDBG-CV program, administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, helps communities support economic development initiatives and address urgent community development needs, according to the news release announcing the awards.

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“This $22 million in awards will help 10 communities meet their infrastructure needs and provide long-term services for their residents for years to come,” DeSantis said in a news release.

The town of Fort White received nearly $1 million to improve sidewalks outside of one of its schools.

Other Florida communities that will benefit from the program include:

  • Glen St. Mary —$2.5 million to improve city sidewalks.

  • Springfield — Nearly $5 million to rebuild community center.

  • Collier County — Nearly $1 million for senior center and library facility.

  • Groveland — $765,000 for roads, sidewalks and walkways adjacent to public parks.

  • Hillsborough County — More than $2.3 million to expand multi-family workforce housing.

  • Lee County — More than $1 million to increase bedding at a substance abuse and mental health facility.

  • Miami-Dade County — More than $4 million for job training for management of affordable housing properties.

  • Broward County — More than $1.5 million for rental assistance.

“Governor DeSantis continues to champion community development initiatives, and I am proud to stand with him to support these critical investments that support resiliency in Florida communities,” said DEO Secretary Dane Eagle, brother of Alachua County commissioner Raemi Eagle-Glenn, in a news release. “I look forward to seeing the positive impact that these funds will make in the lives of Floridians and the communities where they live and work.”

The block grants come less than five months after DeSantis stopped in Williston to announce millions in infrastructure funding for Levy County and surrounding areas.

The town of Otter Creek received $1.4 million for broadband internet expansion, while $500,000 will go toward Levy County's Bird Creek boat ramp in Yankeetown. The funds will help pay for a pair of new pavilions and a boardwalk.

The city of Hawthorne in Alachua County received $3.5 million from the grant to construct a new Hawthorne Area Resource Center (HARC) that will provide a food bank and medical and outreach services.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: DeSantis announces recipients of Community Development Block Grants