Tri-Rail secured $60 million in Florida's 2026-2027 state budget, ensuring the commuter rail system can continue operating after facing a potential shutdown in July without the funding. Florida State Senator Mack Bernard emphasized the importance of the allocation for residents traveling between Palm Beach County, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties. "Transportation is the key, because I know people are trying to get to work, schools and Tri-Rail plays that major role, between the residents of Palm Beach County, Broward and Dade," Bernard said. Regular rider Stanley Lucien, who commutes from Boca Raton to Miami for business, praised the service's affordability. "It's cheaper it does save you a lot of money," Lucien said. "If I could fund it, I'd fund it myself."
Palm Beach County also achieved significant infrastructure funding through the $117 billion state budget. The county secured $1.5 million for the new Riviera Beach water treatment plant and $2 million for drainage repairs to Australian Avenue from 45th Street to Palm Beach Lakes, which is part of a larger $65 million project.
The state approved an additional $3 million for traffic safety improvements on Okeechobee Boulevard. Bernard noted that Palm Beach County received over $30 million in approved funding, representing 75 percent of the total amount requested in the budget. "In all this was a good year for Palm Beach County," Bernard said.
Other local organizations benefited from the budget approval. The Arc of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach received $1.5 million for a special needs shelter, while the Boys & Girls Club secured $1.5 million for its Teen Readiness Center. These investments support vulnerable populations and youth development in the region.
However, Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed nearly $1.6 billion in proposed spending, including several Palm Beach County priorities. The governor struck $2 million for water treatment plant expansions, $900,000 for road improvements and beautification in South Bay, $125,000 for Ocean Inlet beach access improvements, and $200,000 for repairs and operations at Delray Beach's historic American Legion building. State Representative Rob Long, who advocated for the American Legion funding, expressed determination to continue pushing for the project during the next budget cycle. The historic building holds significant cultural importance to the community as a hub for Black residents in the area.