Here’s what’s on Coral Springs’ wish list as Florida legislative session nears
As Florida lawmakers begin work on the 2026 state budget, cities across the state, including Coral Springs, have submitted Local Funding Initiative Requests — wish lists of special projects they hope lawmakers will fund.
In political shorthand, it’s often called “bringing home the bacon” by the lawmakers.
The requests typically target one-time projects. Also known as LFIRs, the requests offer a snapshot of what cities say they need most — and a preview of projects that could shape South Broward communities.
Coral Springs’ major request is for funding to complete a nature trail, a second ask for a nature trail by the city in as many years.
Here is Coral Springs’ “wish list” for fiscal year 2026-27, which opens Tuesday, Jan. 13, and is scheduled to run through Friday, March 13.
Creation of the Kiwanis Park Nature Trail Preserve
- Senate sponsor: Tina Polsky
- State request: $750,000
- Total project cost: $1.5 million (with local match)
- What it will do: The funding would help complete the Kiwanis Park Nature Preserve boardwalk project by constructing an elevated wooden trail through 6.15 acres of wet hammock habitat at the park at 520 Ramblewood Drive. The trail would enhance recreational and environmental education opportunities for residents and visitors, particularly those near the adjacent Ramblewood Middle School. Notably, the city sought funding through the same legislative process last year for a similar but much-larger project — the Everglades Greenway Loop, a planned multi-use trail system along Coral Springs’ western edge that would link city streets, existing trails and access points into the Florida Everglades. During the last legislative session, lawmakers approved $800,000 for the Everglades Greenway Loop, but Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed the funding. The city is trying again.
- Community impact: The trail will support outdoor activities, nature interpretation and health-focused programming for the public.
SCADA radio telemetry system to protect water supply
- Senate sponsor: Tina Polsky
- State request: $850,000
- Total project cost: $1.7 million (with local match)
- What it will do: The request would purchase and install a modern encrypted SCADA radio telemetry system for the city’s water treatment plant. The existing system is outdated and lacks encryption, leaving critical water infrastructure vulnerable. The new system would secure communications between treatment and remote facilities and improve system reliability and cybersecurity.
- Community impact: Enhanced water system protection and continuity serves Coral Springs residents dependent on safe, reliable drinking water.
Ballistic film for windows
- Senate sponsor: Tina Polsky
- State request: $200,000
- Total project cost: $400,000
- What it will do: There are several sensitive locations throughout Coral Springs. These range from water treatment facilities to City Hall, where local, state and U.S. Congressional members have offices and utilize community space for meetings. The city has an initiative to add ballistic film, which is not necessarily bullet-proof but does control the splattering of glass, to areas that will allow for greater protection of visitors, employees and dignitaries. The goal is to enhance overall safety and prevent threats from causing serious injury or death.
- Community impact: Offer safety to those who work or visit governmental offices in Coral Springs.
Pursuit intervention equipment
- Senate sponsor: Tina Polsky
- State request: $250,000
- Total project cost: $500,000
- What it will do: Law enforcement faces the challenge of maintaining public safety while apprehending those who attempt to flee. Vehicle pursuits, though sometimes necessary, create serious risks for the public, officers and suspects. To address this, the proposed equipment will be installed on marked and unmarked patrol vehicles and strategically deployed to prevent suspects from escaping after committing crimes.
- Community impact: Provide safety for the public by preventing high-speed chases between police and suspects.
Luisa Yanez
Coral Springs News