Keith Truenow secures millions for local infrastructure, workforce training projects, more

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis approved over $4 million in appropriations for a handful of projects for District 26, which is represented by Rep. Keith Truenow, R-Tavares.

Truenow told Florida’s Voice this session he focused his appropriations requests on infrastructure, growth, workforce training, and projects that can help people, specifically the elderly population.

In District 26, Lake County received approval for approximately $3.2 million in funding and part of Orange County received $1 million.

Among the highlights is funding for the nonprofit Jonathan’s Landing, aimed at launching a pilot workforce program for adults with autism, according to the request.

Another highlight is funding for Beacon College which provides tuition for students with special needs. 

On its request form, Beacon College said they are “100% focused and dedicated to educating a population of students with learning disabilities, ADHD and autistic spectrum disorder to help them thrive and navigate successful futures.”

Truenow highlighted the significance of workforce training.

“I think if we create a path for the students to become young adults and prospering adults, and have the tools needed to get on with life after school, I think that it’s an important part of how we build infrastructure, how we bring businesses to the community, and how we employ these students in the future,” Truenow said.

“Giving them, those students those tools is greatly needed and I think it’s for a great cause,” Truenow said.

Another project that was funded is the Eustis Coolidge Street water and sewer main expansion project, which includes road and stormwater construction. According to the project’s description, this is a two-phased project that will “improve the water service, wastewater system, and vehicle-people mobility.”

It was noted that the current infrastructure has been in place since the 1970’s.

“It’s great pulling in some of those tax dollars back to the communities and build those infrastructure needs out so that we can manage in a better way,” he said.

Other projects approved include Advent Health Waterman Community Clinic: Community Care Expansion and the Susan Street Sports Complex (Leesburg) and the University of Florida Health Senior Care Patient Home Monitoring Post Hospitalization.

“Infrastructure’s a key, helping students finding their path, I think all those things are great things and so bringing those tax dollars back to Lake County is crucial,” Truenow said.

In the upcoming November election, Truenow is running for the Florida Senate district 13 seat. He told Florida’s Voice the campaign is “going really well.”

“The team is in place. We have a mission. We have a purpose. We’re moving forward. We’re sticking to the plan. Great things need to be done and I’m just happy that I’m the person that people want to move forward,” Truenow said.

Truenow is running against Republican Bowen Kou, Democrat Stephanie Dukes, and Republican CJ Blancett, according to the Division of Elections.