COUNTIES 

Action News Jax 

James Bennett, JAXPORT COO, Baker County commissioner dies in I-10 crash  

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — James Bennett, a Baker County commissioner and Chief Operating Officer of JAXPORT, was killed Monday morning in a crash on Interstate 10. 

 

Tallahassee Democrat 

Leon County staff to present report on government consolidation 

Leon County is taking a deep dive into their options in regards to government consolidation, a conversation sparked amid the growing schism between the county and the city of Tallahassee over fire fees. 

 

LEGISLATION 

Tallahassee Reports 

Albritton Plans Quick Vote on ‘Rural Renaissance’  

After the proposal died in the House during the 2025 session, Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, said Monday the Senate will take up his “rural renaissance” plan during the first week of the 2026 legislative session.   

 

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 

Florida Phoenix 

‘AI Week’ crashed by Trump-DeSantis battle over regulation: What’s next?  

Florida House plans comprehensive, multi-committee study of technology’s implications. 

 

PROPERTY TAXES 

Sun Sentinel  

A tax on land is the most conservative tax | Opinion  

Florida has no income or inheritance taxes, and next November, Gov. DeSantis will ask voters to eliminate property taxes, too.   

 

Florida Politics 

Ben Albritton on the future of property tax proposals in the Senate: ‘We’re still measuring’ 

‘It’s not that simple.’ 

 

Florida Politics 

Paul Renner wants a Special Session to immediately roll back property taxes to 2024 levels 

‘Floridians are losing faith in conservative leadership due to inaction.’