Press Releases
Murphy, Demings, Soto Announce $3.5 Million in Anti-Terrorism Funding for OrlandoIn addition, five Orlando non-profit organizations will receive a total of $480,000 to enhance physical securityORLANDO—Central Florida Representatives Stephanie Murphy, Val Demings, and Darren Soto announced today that Orlando will receive $3.5 million in anti-terrorism funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as part of its Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) program. This is the most funding the city will receive under this federal program since 2011 and an increase from the $3.25 million received last year. The grant is a result of past advocacy efforts by the three central Florida representatives, who were successful in getting DHS to revise its allocation formula to more fairly weigh factors like daily visitors, high-profile events, and so-called “soft targets”—all of which Orlando has in significant numbers. “The safety and security of our community is my top responsibility in Congress, and I am excited to announce that Orlando will be receiving the maximum possible security grant available to us. As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, Orlando’s re-inclusion in the UASI program has been a highlight of my work in Congress and we will continue to advocate for this critical funding,” said Demings. “After being a part of every level of community safety in Orlando, from midnight patrols to Chief of Police, I have seen how important this federal support is as we work to stay proactive against possible threats. COVID-19 may be the health and safety priority of today, but this grant will help protect us against the threats of tomorrow. We should all be glad that Orlando will have the best possible community safety measures in place.” ### |