Florida State Representatives Patt Maney and Nathan Boyles made headlines in June as the only two Republicans to vote “no” on Governor Ron DeSantis’ controversial amendment that would eliminate property tax for Florida homeowners.
This week, DeSantis signed Florida’s official budget for Fiscal Year 2026, deciding the fate of hundreds of local funding requests submitted by lawmakers across the state. Among them were dozens of requests sponsored by Maney and Boyles, many of which DeSantis struck down.
While the FY 2026 budget’s veto list does not prove the governor’s decisions were made in retaliation against the two representatives, last year’s budget could be a useful point of comparison.
Rep. Patt Maney’s sponsored funding request vetoes
Laurel Hill Water Systems Improvements
Maney sponsored Laurel Hill’s request for $2 million to expand their water system. This would fund the removal of old, corroded water lines and replace them with updated main lines, as well as regular maintenance to wells and infrastructure, to increase the quality of drinking water.
Operation Healing Forces- Enhanced Resilience, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration Program
Maney requested $650 thousand for Operation Healing Forces, a nonprofit supporting wounded veterans and their families. The funds would support therapy programs for Special Operations Forces couples, and the Immediate Needs Program, “which provides urgent financial assistance for hardship and crisis situations not covered by government means,” according to the Appropriations Project Request (APR).
Crestview Recreation & Civic Center Improvements
Maney requested $250 thousand from the state, which would be matched by local funding, to fund improvements at the City of Crestview’s rec center. The City hopes to add a covered bleacher area “with fencing, lighting, and shade,” and an outdoor rope course.
Crestview- SR 85 Traffic Alleviation Project
Maney requested $1.5 million from the state, matched by local funds, to construct a new road connecting Med-Crest Drive and Duggan Avenue. This would allow commuters to travel from Highway 90 to the I-10 interchange without getting on SR 85, relieving congestion on the highway to make travel safer.
Crestview Juniper Creek Wastewater Resiliency Project
Maney sponsored the City of Crestview’s request for $ 375,000 to improve its water systems. The existing system at Juniper Creek has not been updated since 1991 and “is over capacity and at risk of overflow,” according to the APR. Updating the system would protect nearby neighborhoods and ensure Crestview residents have reliable wastewater service.
Crestview Wetland Preserve & Stormwater Improvements
This $500 thousand-request would have funded the first phase of a project to “expand stormwater capacity and reduce chronic flooding in the Park Avenue–Jones Road area,” according to the APR. Specifics included expanding a pond in the area and upgrading stormwater piping to hold more volume.
Escambia County 9-1-1 Dispatch: Public Safety Communication Improvements
Maney and Escambia County requested $700 thousand to replace 9-1-1 dispatcher consoles with updated equipment. The new consoles would be smaller, allowing for space to add up to 15 new dispatcher stations. According to the APR, this would “provide greater flexibility for staffing during peak demand or special event[s].”
Mary Esther Highway 98 Water Main Replacement and System Upgrades
Maney requested $1.55 million for the City of Mary Esther to upgrade water and fire protection systems along Highway 98 and replace the water main. According to the APR, the current water main is outdated and sometimes causes discoloration in drinking water.
Exchange Club Family Center of the Emerald Coast – Child Abuse Prevention
The Exchange Club Family Center, with Maney as a sponsor, requested $175,000 to establish a child abuse prevention center serving Okaloosa County and surrounding areas. The club would provide Parent Aide, an “in-home, evidence based” program aimed at preventing child abuse, according to the APR. Through Parent Aide, professionals visit a home and teach parents skills such as positive discipline techniques and conflict resolution to prevent abusive behaviors before they begin.
Fort Walton Beach- Design Phase for U.S. 98 “Around the Mound”
Maney requested $2.05 million from the state to fund the design phase of the “Around the Mound” transportation project. The project addresses safety and congestion issues on U.S. 98 by reconfiguring State Road 30 and State Road 85.
Mission United
Maney sponsored a request for $80,000 in state funding for Mission United, a nonprofit initiative of United Way Emerald Coast. The funds would increase the nonprofit’s “capacity to assist military members, veterans, first responders, and their families by providing coordinated access to local services and filling gaps in emergency support,” according to the APR.
Ocean City Wright Fire Control District Aerial Firefighting Apparatus Refurbish
Maney sponsored the Ocean City Wright Fire Control District’s request for $200 thousand from the state to refurbish outdated equipment. The fire district specifically hoped to refurbish its heavy-duty truck, which is the only one in the area with a 100-foot arm for aerial firefighting.
Florida Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs – Opioid Awareness and Prevention Program
Maney requested $2.5 million for the Boys & Girls Club of Florida to increase awareness about the dangers of prescription drugs. Specifically, the funds would help with salaries, training and benefits for employees, and the establishment of programs to educate highschoolers on the dangers of opioid addiction.
Cinco Bayou Hughes Street Stormwater Improvements
Maney requested $750 thousand for the Town of Cinco Bayou to replace a stormwater pipe on Hughes Street. The pipe transports 80% of the town’s runoff, according to the APR, and is prone to flooding and maintenance issues. The funding would install a larger and reinforced pipe with increased water capacity.
Rep. Nathan Boyles’ sponsored funding request vetoes
Okaloosa County Florida National Scenic Trail – Okaloosa County Gap Yellow River Bridge Crossing
Boyles’ first vetoed funding request was for the Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners. He asked for $1.5 million to build a footbridge along the Florida National Scenic Trail across the Yellow River. The bridge would connect conservation lands to Eglin Air Force Base, providing a safer and more efficient route than the 20-mile road currently used to travel between the base and conservation area managed by the Northwest Florida Water Management District.
Almarante Pumper
Boyles requested $554,800 from the state for the Almarante Fire Department to replace a fire engine. According to the APR, the department’s two fire engines, built in 1997 and 2001, have mechanical issues and fail to pump at full capacity. The funding would replace “one of the engines with a more modern and improved engine pumper.”
Okaloosa County Afterschool STEM Enrichment
Boyles requested that the state give $150 thousand to the Okaloosa County School District to enrich afterschool STEM programs. The school district would use the funding to buy computers, desks and other classroom equipment, to incentivise increased student participation in STEM learning. According to the APR, this program provides students with “skill development in critical thinking and decision-making.”
Jay – Spring Street Paving
Boyles requested $922,764 for the Town of Jay to resurface Spring Street, making it easier to drive on and enhancing business along the street. Re-paving Spring Street would also increase the road’s longevity for years to come, and contribute to the Town of Jay’s mission to support community development.
Holt Fire District Pumper/Tanker
The Holt Fire District currently has three fire trucks, all built over two decades ago. Boyles requested $489 thousand from the state for the fire district to buy a pumper. This purchase would allow HFD to bring a water source to out-of-the-way calls, such as fires in barns or fields, where there isn’t a nearby hydrant. According to the APR, replacing a current engine with a pumper would allow HFD to increase its water capacity by 66%.
Blackman Fire Resilience and Readiness Expansion
Boyles requested $150 thousand to advance the life-saving capacity of the Blackman Fire District by expanding the station to fit more firetrucks. According to the APR, this project was deemed necessary because of rapid population growth reported in the North Okaloosa Planning Study. The expansion “prioritizes reducing loss of life and property by improving resilience and operational capacity for hazard response.”
