Florida taxpayers face billion-dollar bill for Alligator Alcatraz

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. —

New documents obtained by Gulf Coast News reveal that Gov. Ron DeSantis was prepared to spend more than a billion dollars of taxpayer money to fund the controversial federal detention center known as Alligator Alcatraz, leaving Florida taxpayers to foot the bill.

The state requested almost $1.5 billion through a FEMA application to build and fund Alligator Alcatraz, but it has not been reimbursed, meaning taxpayers are currently paying $4.11 million each day, $171,233 an hour, $2,854 each minute, and $47.57 each second, around the clock for a full year.

Chaz Jarvis expressed his frustration, saying, "I think it's ridiculous. I think that the people of America should not have to pay a single dime for this."

State documents show taxpayers are paying millions, including $92 million for porta-johns to a company called "Doodie Calls" and nearly $40,000 spent on clothing and bedding. Many taxpayers are struggling with the costs.

Sandy Wray from Fort Myers said, "I agree with having a place like Alligator Alley, but I don't think it should cost the taxpayers as much as they're charging us."

On July 4 alone, the facility spent nearly $6 million in operating costs. Democrats like Anna Eskamani are calling the spending wasteful.

"As a legislative body, we have to reel in the governor because of the money he has wasted on this political endeavor could be spent on teacher pay or affordable housing," Eskamani said. She added, "It's time we close shop and let the federal government operate as they will and not pick up the tab for this operation."

The facility continues to operate, costing more than a million dollars a day, according to the department's own estimates. Local Republican lawmakers have not commented on the issue.

Documents can be reviewed here.

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