Florida TaxWatch releases 2026 budget Turkey Watch Report highlighting questionable spending

Florida TaxWatch released its 2026 budget Turkey Watch Report, highlighting questionable spending.

It identifies 621 items totaling $829.7 million that qualify as “Budget Turkeys.”

The Calusa Nature Center in Fort Myers is just one of numerous local projects in the state budget.

"Since I've started, that boardwalk is on the top of list we want to see be repaired," said the Executive Director Eric Raddatz with the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium.

The Nature Center could get $750,000 to repair its boardwalk. It has been closed to the public for years as it's unsafe to use.

"It's been out of service and unable to use it. So, for folks that are able to come back to the boardwalk and immerse themselves in nature, which is our mission and to get our support from the community," said Raddatz.

Some visitors believe funding our locals parks and nature center could benefit the community.

"We're animal lovers and we have always gravitated towards places like this. It would be very sad to see beautiful parks like this not be funded," said Tracy Alexander.

Also, in this year's state budget - $22,500,000 for the Bonita Springs Community Aquatic Facility, $600,000 for the Mike Greenwell Regional Park in Lee County, and $1,000,000 for the Arcadia All Florida Championship Rodeo.

Governor Ron DeSantis can veto any of these approved budget items.