State bill would mean money for youth leadership branch of Florida Police Athletic League

A proposed bill is making its way though the Florida legislature that would set aside money for Police Athletic League participants across the state.

The money will specifically go toward the organizations youth leadership program, according to HB 2651.

It unanimously made it through a subcommittee this week in the Florida House of Representatives and now moves on to the Appropriations Committee. If passed, the bill will go into effect July 1, and the money will be included for the 2019-2020 fiscal year.

The total amount put aside will be a $800,000. That money would come from the General Revenue Fund and will be appropriated to the Department of Juvenile Justice.

"It's truly there to help our youth take that next step in life and give them the opportunity for success," says Commander Chuck Mulligan of the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office.

Mulligan says if the bill goes through, the $800,000 would be distributed throughout the communities with Police Athletic Leagues across the state.

That means about $10,000 would go to communities like St. Johns so they could start their own youth leadership program, according to the Sheriff's Office.

"This will give them life skills on balancing a check book, how to mentor toward a job application, how to interview for a job," Mulligan says.

He says the bill would add an extra level of guidance, taking the participants outside the sports arena for the teens close to graduating high school. Mulligan says this would go a long way in preparing the youth of the state, and in particular the youth in our area communities.