Patronis Pushes for VA Hospital, Military Road Funding in First Year as Northwest Florida's Congressman
- Mar 30
- 2 min read
Pensacola, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- Northwest Florida Congressman Jimmy Patronis joined Pensacola Morning News Monday morning to mark nearly one year in office and walk through several issues he's been working on for the region.
Topping the local agenda — a push for a full-service VA hospital in Northwest Florida. Patronis says he's sent a letter to Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins requesting an update on a study started under the previous administration in 2022. Right now, veterans needing full VA hospital services must travel to Biloxi, Mississippi. Patronis says the region's large active duty, veteran, and military retiree population makes a compelling case for a local facility, and he expects to hear back from the secretary soon.
Patronis also detailed his Warrior Road Act — legislation that would require states receiving federal transportation dollars to give higher priority to roads critical to military installation access. He specifically called out Highways 98 and 85, which thousands of Hurlburt Field and area base personnel travel daily. Patronis says Florida DOT Secretary Jared Perdue, a Northwest Florida native, is already supportive of the effort.
On the national stage, Patronis highlighted a $15 billion investment in air traffic control modernization included in the One Big Beautiful Bill. He cautioned that upgrading decades-old technology while managing workforce shortages won't happen overnight — but says the investment is critical to aviation safety.
Patronis also spoke about his push to eliminate Section 230 social media protections, citing child safety concerns. He says platforms are using addictive design to keep kids — including his own son — glued to their screens, and says accountability is long overdue.
Patronis took office April 1st of last year, representing Florida's First Congressional District covering Northwest Florida.
