As the Florida Legislature winds down the regular Legislative Session, lawmakers push hard for local spending to make it into the final budget. There’s been significant success so far, including spending for Fruitville Road improvements, regionally important water projects and grants for a number of cultural institutions.

“There’s a lot of money in the state of Florida right now, and a lot of projects are being funded,” said Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota. “People are going to be pretty happy.”

As of Sunday, the Florida House and Senate had agreed on a number of local expenditures including $4 million for a road capacity improvement project with Fruitville. The major transportation budget priority was sponsored by Gruters and Rep. Tommy Gregory, R-Sarasota. Gruters worked with Rep. Fiona McFarland, R-Sarasota, and secured $500,000 for a Legacy Trail extension and $400,000 for streetscape improvements in Downtown Sarasota.

“We’ve got a lock on several road projects in the city,” McFarland said.

There’s still negotiation points that need to be settled. McFarland lists intake access center services at First Step of Florida as a major priority. Right now, the House is budgeting money but the Senate hasn’t signed off on spending.

Both chambers have included $990,000 for a new Sarasota Performing Arts Center to replace the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. That project will be central in the redevelopment of The Bay as a cultural venue.

Gruters and Rep. Will Robinson, R-Bradenton, secured $400,000 for St. Armands Circle improvements.

Rep. James Buchanan, R-Sarasota, meanwhile looks like he will be successful in bringing in funding for the Venice Water Treatment Plant. Both chambers of the Legislature have put aside at least $425,000 for that project, which Buchanan is co-sponsoring with Gruters.

The House and Senate need to finish negotiations by Tuesday at midnight in order for Session to close on time on Friday.