TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis and the first lady met with the Florida Sheriffs Association to announce a program’s expansion on Tuesday in Tallahassee.
The program is Hope Florida, which Casey DeSantis described as a way to help those in need find a “pathway” to economic self-sufficiency.
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The program includes a network of navigators with the Florida Department of Children and Families and is part of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
“We now have a specific point of contact in all 67 Sheriff’s Offices,” said Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell, the FSA president, while at The Florida Capitol’s cabinet room.
The first lady said the navigators are tasked with connecting those in need with nonprofit organizations for resources.
“The solution is not just government; the solution is out there in the communities,” the first lady said Tuesday. “It has always been there.”
DeSantis said his administration has used government resources to make sure Florida is a law enforcement state and these included a $5,000 signing bonus for recruits.
“Our communities really genuinely support what law enforcement do,” the governor said. “It’s not just for show.”
DeSantis said the state’s 67 sheriff’s offices have partnerships with federal agencies to help enforce immigration law.
DeSantis said the Hope expansion in sheriff’s offices will help many more Floridians in need to connect with those who can help.
“We are proud of the work that our law enforcement officers are doing as ambassadors of Hope Florida, to equip, inform, and assist,” the governor said.
The first lady asked anyone who is dealing with poverty in Florida to call 833 Get Hope, or 833-438-4673, to connect with a navigator.