ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — More money for law enforcement, fire and emergency services is headed to Central Florida as Orange County takes a hard look at what the area needs now to keep people safe.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

The budget shows that the county wants to send a message that safety is key.

In the first Orange County budget workshop, the focus was on the first responders, and public service members who protect the community.

READ: Bodycam videos show police officer fatally shoot man seated in car in downtown Orlando

In total, $860 million is being proposed for Orange County’s public safety departments. That’s about $100 million increase from last year’s budget.

Aside from new positions to support operations, Orange County Fire Rescue’s $300 million budget includes expanding its Marine Rescue program, going from 11 stations with boats to 20.

READ: Derek Diaz’s family, attorney speak after Orlando police release bodycam video of shooting

Among other public safety highlights, corrections wants to invest in technology. Its budget includes implementation of a drone detection system and money to address recruitment and retention of corrections officers, a lingering issue that has cost the county thousands of dollars in overtime.

Wednesday’s budget workshop is the first of many before that budget gets finalized.

READ: Police: 3 men dead, 1 in custody after Daytona Beach shooting

Video: 3 men die in Daytona Beach shooting Police said a shooting left three people dead Wednesday morning in Daytona Beach. (WFTV)

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2023 Cox Media Group