Photo: Gov. Ron DeSantis/Facebook
Florida's in great shape to weather an economic storm. That's what Governor Ron DeSantis says as some economists fear the U.S. may be headed for a recession.
"Because we've put so much money away in our rainy day fund, Florida's gonna be well-positioned to handle whatever comes our way in the ensuing weeks, months and years."
DeSantis says Florida has nearly quadrupled that fund since he became governor in 2019.
"Our economy here has been ranked Number 1 in the nation two years in a row by CNBC. Last year we were ranked Number 1 for economy by U.S. News and World Report."
The governor goes on to say that Florida's "GDP is about $1.6 trillion. If we were our own country, we'd be anywhere from 13th to 16th in the world."
The comments came while DeSantis was in Fort Pierce yesterday, handing out a $4 million award from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to Indian River State College. It's to build an industrial manufacturing institute.
Miami Dade College is receiving $4.9 million for an institute to teach students how to repair airplanes.
The governor also announced a couple of grants for infrastructure projects in Sebring and Wakulla County in the Panhandle.
There was a moment of levity and politics during the governor's visit to Indian River State College.
College President Dr. Timothy Moore paid DeSantis several compliments for his work as governor and then made this comment.
"I also want to point out the governor is a military servicemember. One of only six governors in the nation...well, not the one in Minnesota but nonetheless. Sir, thank you for your service. It might not be the branch of service I would prefer, Army is better than Navy, but nonetheless."
In referencing governors with military backgrounds, Moore was likely singling out Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the former Democrat Vice Presidential Nominee. Walz faced attacks from Republicans for purported "stolen valor" over claims he made while campaigning regarding his service in the Minnesota National Guard.
DeSantis served as a Navy JAG officer.