Governor Ron DeSantis today applauded the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for awarding more than $291 million in public safety grants to agencies and organizations across the state of Florida. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katie Sullivan announced the grants in Tampa while visiting the Tampa Police Department and Hillsborough High School.
“The safety and well-being of our children is paramount, and I appreciate the Department of Justice for recognizing that with these grant awards,” said Governor DeSantis. “This funding of more than $291 million for agencies and organizations across our state will aid in our efforts to ensure that all youth in Florida, no matter their background, are afforded the opportunity to be successful in a safe environment.”
Approximately $27 million is being awarded to protect children and support at-risk youth in Florida. Big Brothers Big Sisters is receiving almost $10.8 million to support youth mentoring in the state and throughout the country. This includes funding specifically for mentoring youth affected by opioids.
In addition, a total of more than $6.4 in STOP grants is going to school districts across Florida. Hillsborough County Public Schools is receiving more than $1.2 million in STOP grants to improve threat assessments, train students and faculty to provide tips and leads and prepare law enforcement officers and emergency professionals to respond to school shootings and other violent incidents.
