Danny Burgess brings help for veterans, families, keeps legacies alive for younger generation

ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. – Looking back at the 2024 Legislative Session, Sen. Danny Burgess, R-Zephyrhills, feels it was a great success, especially for his constituents.

“This year we filed 30 bills, and we were able to pass 17 of them across the finish line, which isn’t our highest number, but it’s also something that we’re proud of, they’re all meaningful in their own way,” he told Florida’s Voice.

While he is excited to be back home with his family, he is hopeful about the bills currently waiting for the governor’s signature.

Burgess is especially proud to his work on bills like SB 174, designed to make life better for veterans who become ill and the families who need to be by their loved one’s bedside.

“It is just another great example of how we as a state constantly are in a process of improvement, we’re looking at ways that we can be better to shift left or right. And this is one of those examples,” the senator said.

In 2018 Burgess was tapped by Gov. Ron DeSantis to oversee the Florida Department of Veteran’s Affairs as its executive director. It was a role that allowed him to see firsthand how important human contact is to an individual undergoing treatment, especially during the pandemic.

“At that time, we obviously made a lot of difficult decisions to keep our veterans safe. But in a part of doing that, we also realize the impacts of isolation on a veteran in a long term care facility,” Burgess said.

“I was honored to file and help pass legislation that allows for spouses who need skilled nursing care of our veterans, as long as there’s space available, to be able to go with them, and be admitted as well into our nursing homes, so that way they can be together,” he said.

SB 408, Florida Veterans’ History Program, is another piece of legislation sponsored by Burgess – one he hopes will keep the legacies of war veterans alive and in the hearts of a younger generation that rarely hears about the sacrifices made by those who fought for their freedoms.

“For those lessons and stories to be told, to our generation to, to future generations, I think is one of the most mission critical things that we can do,” he said.

The bill is named after Sarasota Major John Leroy Haynes, who fought in three wars.

“He’s a multiple purple heart recipient. He fought in get this World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He’s an unbelievable hero, just a living legend,” Burgess said. “Unfortunately he did pass away in his 90s this last year, however, to honor him in this program, and name it after him was one of the most meaningful things I’ve had the opportunity to do in this process.”

In addition to the legislation he sponsored, Burgess was able to secure $150,000 in funding for Zephyrhills Hills History Museum through the appropriations process.

“They operate out of a world war two barracks that was part of the airfield here during what used to be a training center for flight operations before they were deployed to England during World War Two,” Burgess said. “This barracks is still there. It’s a wonderful museum, they do a lot of giving back to the community educational opportunities for students and school children.”

He also has high hopes for the $1 million in funding for The Academy of Spectrum Diversity, a school in Zephryhills where there is a long wait list from families across the country who want to enroll their child with autism at the school.

“We need to replicate this model across our state and across our nation. Because I’ve seen it firsthand. It’s working. It is it is the world example of what to do right,” Burgess said.

Another program the senator believes will receive funding of $4.5 million is OCEARCH a leader in ocean research that tracks the travels of Great White Sharks. The hope is that the money approved by the governor will allow them to expand their research efforts.

“Through their partnership with the City of Jacksonville, Jacksonville University, and now the state of Florida, they’re going to create a world renowned Global Research Center right here in Mayport. People are gonna be able to visit, learn and come to understand that it’s a great opportunity for the public,” he said.

“People that know me know that I love sharks, I always have, it’s been a passion of mine since childhood, I probably should have gone into marine biology,” Burgess said.

Burgess said he is extremely happy when passion projects make it to the governor’s desk. Hookin’ Veterans is another example where his efforts are helping those who serve their country.

It’s a statewide group that creates support and friendships among veterans suffering from physical and mental injuries. Burgess is hoping $250,000 will help the organization continue to grow wellness and camaraderie among those in need.

“They go on multi day fishing trips, which is a great bonding camaraderie opportunity for the service members, ” he said.

“They embark on a journey together throughout the year. Do wellness checkups and “check ins” and they partner with other organizations. It’s really had a profound difference on those who are struggling from the invisible and visible wounds of war,” Burgess said.

For Burgess, helping these types of organization make all of the hard work in Tallahassee worth every minute.

“Those are the moments where you understand, okay, this is why I do this,” he said. “This is why I’m here. And this is the good that I can bring to bear with the time that I have in this role, because we’re not promised tomorrow.”