Southwest Florida arts community shocked by DeSantis’ $32 million veto

Leaders in Southwest Florida’s arts and culture community say they are shocked and outraged after the governor vetoed expected funds.

Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed all of Florida’s arts and culture grants in the 2024-25 budget, $32 million in total.

The vetoed funding was part of a larger $950 million package of funds and grants that were slashed by DeSantis.

“We’re all struggling,” said Molly Rowan-Deckart, executive director of the Alliance for the Arts.

“I think arts organizations across the state are wondering, who will be cut? What will be cut? How does this affect my community?”

Rowan-Deckart says the Arts Alliance expected $131,000 in funding this year.

In total, 577 arts programs were affected by vetoes.

“Without this support, we are now faced with the harsh reality of having to reduce our offerings,” Rowan-Deckart said.

A recent study found that in 2022, the arts contributed $135.3 million to economic activity in Lee County, as well as the creation of more than 2,500 jobs.

Statewide, arts and culture industries contribute nearly $3 billion to Florida’s economy.

Fox 4 reached out to the governor’s office for comment, we have not heard back.

In a previous report on state budget vetoes, the governor’s office said the cuts were made “in the best interest of the state of Florida.”