DeSantis vetoes Boca Grande Fire District Ladder Truck

A $1.5 million appropriations request for a Boca Grande Fire Control District ladder truck replacement was vetoed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday, June 30.

“We are disappointed,” said Chief C.W. Blosser, reached Tuesday. “We had to get that signature, and we didn’t get it.”

Last week, the item overwhelmingly passed in both the House and Senate; however, the last step was for the governor’s approval. It was the first time they had asked the state for help with a truck, indeed anything. He thought with three hurricanes in three years, and getting swiped by Debby and Idalia, there might be a possibility.

“We had a very specific need, and we had a plan,” Blosser said. 

Gov. DeSantis announced $576 million in line-item vetoes, including the ladder truck request sponsored by House Rep. Adam Botana, according to Monday’s filed letter. The truck appeared on a long list of items vetoed. 

Blosser is currently reviewing other public safety entities that asked for money, and he has checked in with Rep. Botana as well. As with any grant process, he is grateful that he found out quickly. While they have not yet ordered the truck, they realize there is a long lead time in actually getting one.

“It’s a first shot across the bow,” Blosser said. “It’s like federal grants; sometimes you get them, and sometimes you don’t.”

A group of island residents had set aside a fund-raising mechanism with the Gulf Coast Community Foundation to raise the difference between the cost of the truck, its accessories and other department needs. Now the cost may have to be privately raised. They still may go back and ask.

At 15 years old, the “Hammerhead” Ladder 231 has reached the end of its life span, but normal wear and tear has been compounded by damage from saltwater taken on during the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. In 2024, even before fall hurricanes, it had been in for repairs, corrosion mitigation and parts.

“It’s been running in salt water time and time again,” Blosser said.