Frank Russo Challenges Elon Musk and Florida's Billionaires: Invest in the Kids Who Will Build Florida's Future

Independent candidate for Florida Governor calls on Musk to commit $250 million toward a privately funded, independent $1 billion initiative supporting Florida students pursuing manufacturing, skilled trades and space-industry careers

NOKOMIS, Fla., Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Frank Russo, candidate for Governor of Florida not affiliated with a political party, is challenging Elon Musk and some of Florida's most successful individuals and businesses to help build the next generation of Florida workers.

Russo is calling on Musk to commit $250 million toward a new independent public trust fund designed to help Florida high school and college students pursue careers in manufacturing, welding, electrical work, advanced technology, engineering and the growing space industry.

His goal: bring together Florida's wealthiest individuals and companies to build a $1 billion fund for the young Floridians who will build, power and manufacture the state's future.

"Florida celebrates the athlete who can throw a football, and we should. But what about the kid who can weld the rocket, wire the building or manufacture the next generation of technology?" Russo said. "Those young people are critical to Florida's future. They deserve opportunity, investment and a reason to build their future right here in Florida."

Russo said the explosion of NIL opportunities in college athletics demonstrates what can happen when private capital is used to recognize talent and create opportunity. He believes Florida can bring that same spirit to the skilled trades, manufacturing and technology careers the state increasingly needs.

Under Russo's proposal, students pursuing qualified manufacturing programs, trade certifications, apprenticeships, engineering programs and space and advanced-technology careers could receive grants to help pay for education and training.

And Russo wants the effort to begin with one of the most successful entrepreneurs doing business in Florida.

"Elon Musk launches rockets from our Space Coast. Those rockets don't get into the sky without welders, electricians, engineers, technicians and thousands of skilled workers," Russo said. "So I'm asking Elon to help us find and train the next generation of them. Put $250 million on the table. I'll challenge Florida's other billionaires and successful businesses to step up with him, and let's build this to $1 billion."

Russo pointed to Musk's previous support for education as evidence that the idea is consistent with investments Musk has made before. Musk announced $20 million for schools in Cameron County, Texas - home to SpaceX's Starbase operations — with early funding supporting STEM and career and technical education programs. The Elon Musk Foundation has also provided millions of dollars in support to Khan Academy.

"Elon has already shown that he believes in investing in education and in communities where his companies are helping build the future," Russo said. "I respect that. This isn't about criticizing Elon. I'm asking him to lead again — this time in Florida."

Russo said Musk's $250 million commitment could become the catalyst for a much larger effort, with other billionaires, entrepreneurs and corporations operating in Florida challenged to contribute toward the $1 billion goal.

"This isn't about resentment toward success. I believe in success. I believe in capitalism," Russo said. "But capitalism works best when success creates opportunity for the next generation. If you have prospered in Florida, help the next generation prosper here, too. That is caring capitalism."

Russo stressed that the fund would not be another government bureaucracy or taxpayer-funded program. It would be independently managed, transparent and dedicated to creating educational and career opportunities for Florida students.

"No new bureaucracy. No politicians deciding who gets what. No taxpayer money," Russo said. "Bring successful people together, make the fund transparent and accountable, and put the money directly toward helping young Floridians develop skills that can change their lives."

Russo said the initiative would also address a larger challenge facing Florida: creating pathways that allow young people to build successful careers without believing a traditional four-year college degree is their only option.

"A young person who becomes a welder, electrician, technician or machinist can build a great career, support a family and help build Florida," Russo said. "We should be celebrating those careers and investing in those kids just as enthusiastically as we celebrate our athletes."

For Russo, the proposal is ultimately about making sure Florida's extraordinary economic growth creates opportunities for the people growing up here.

"We keep talking about Florida being the future," Russo said. "Then let's invest in the Floridians who are actually going to build it. Give a young person a skill, give them an opportunity and give them a reason to stay here. That's how we build a stronger Florida."

About Frank J. Russo:
Frank J. Russo is a lifelong Floridian, entrepreneur, insurance executive, real estate developer, and humanitarian with more than 40 years of business leadership, including over 30 years in the insurance industry. Based in New Smyrna Beach, Russo is running for Governor to restore affordability, strengthen Florida's economy, and build a government focused on practical solutions that put Floridians first. For more information, or to volunteer or donate, visit Russo2026.com.

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SOURCE Frank J. Russo for Governor