Southwest Florida legislators asked for more than $670 million in state money for the 2026-27 budget. The funds would pay for evacuation roads, wastewater systems, flood control, and health care growth across Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, and Collier counties. These requests cover larger construction work and smaller day-to-day costs submitted by local governments, hospitals, schools, and nonprofits.
The submissions show what leaders want as budget discussions kick off. Approval isn’t certain.
Sen. Joe Gruters and Rep. Danny Nix want $10 million to make River Road wider in Sarasota County between U.S. 41 and Winchester Boulevard. Gruters also wants $7 million with Rep. James Buchanan for the second phase of the Lorraine Road extension east of Interstate 75. This would help people get out during storms…