By CAROL KENT SMITH
Governor Ron DeSantis signed and approved the 2025-26 state budget last week, earmarking $95 million for projects across Northwest Florida, including $3.9 million for Washington County and $2.5M for Holmes County.
Championed by Senator Jay Trumbull and Representative Shane Abbott, these allocations include $1 million for repairs and rehabilitation of the Holmes County Jail and $1 million earmarked for the Washington County School District for operational assistance, which will help offset what would have been a 65% hike in healthcare insurance rates for district employees.
Other funding in Washington County includes $750,000 for Pecan Street roadway resurfacing and improvements in Chipley; $672,770 for repairs and rehabilitation of the Washington County Jail; $600,000 for the Vernon High School tennis complex; $423,745 for renovations at the Possum Palace in Wausau; $400,000 allocated for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office vehicle fleet and $100,000 the Art of Manhood, a community organization that provides service to at-risk youth.
Other funding in Holmes County includes $493,700 going toward the Holmes County Education Foundation’s Distance Learning Initiative; 490,573 set aside to replace a pumper for Bonifay Fire-Rescue; $277,466 for the Rural Specialty Clinic and $236,250 to be used for to initiate the process of building a new facility for the Bonifay Police Department.
Other area counties receiving funding are:
- Bay County: $25.4 million
- Jackson County: $6.3 million
- Calhoun County: $1.3 million
- Okaloosa County: $16.1 million
- Walton County: $10.2 million
GARETT VALCOURT 
Staff Report 