COUNTY 

Wink News 

FEMA approves $97M for Florida disaster recovery projects  

LAKE MARY, Fla. (WINK)—FEMA announced nearly $97 million in funding to support recovery for past disasters in Florida for Public Assistance projects. 

 

WFLA 

Pinellas County sees record-breaking tourism numbers for the start of 2026 

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — Tourism is booming for Pinellas County as the county recorded its highest-ever hotel bed tax collections for both January and February this year. 

 

DATA CENTERS 

WGCU 

Okee-One data center in Okeechobee scuttled by county officials 

After significant public outcry over excessive electric and water use by data centers, the Okeechobee Board of County Commissioners Thursday decided to scrap a land-use proposal that would have re-designated agricultural land in southern Okeechobee to technology land.  

 

Route-Fifty 

Local governments race to attract data centers, often in spite of concerns from their constituents  

Communities are sounding the alarm on an industry that stands to have a far greater impact beyond the walls of its warehouses. 

 

GROWTH MANAGEMENT  

Florida Phoenix 

Sen. ‘Darth Vader’ wants to rewrite the state’s growth management laws  

Ocala GOP Sen. Stan McClain says it’s time for a conversation on adapting Florida Chapter 163. 

 

DOGE 

Florida Politics 

St. Pete audit finds no wrongdoing despite Blaise Ingoglia’s wasteful spending claims 

The findings contrast criticism from Ingoglia, who earlier this year said the city overspent by $49.4M. 

 

PROPERTY TAXES 

Florida Politics 

Ron DeSantis struggles to build legislative consensus for his plan to get rid of homestead property taxes 

But if they don’t pass what he wants, he’ll simply call another Special Session. 

 

WTXL 

Neighbors weigh in on lawmaker property tax relief plans 

Governor Ron DeSantis said Thursday he plans to call a special session specifically for property tax relief, adding that he wants to see “historic” reform. 

 

LEGISLATION 

Orlando Sentinel  

Lawmakers reach budget deal, set new May special session 

TALLAHASSEE — More than one month after ending the regular session without passing a budget, legislative leaders said Thursday they have a deal on top-line spending levels. 

 

Florida Politics 

Special Session to finalize budget set for May 12-29 

Senate President Ben Albritton’s memo didn’t spell out other topics to address in the Special Session. 

 

WFSU 

Florida municipalities face more limits under new DEI and climate laws  

Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed two measures significantly limiting what Florida’s cities and counties can do with diversity, equity and inclusion and environmental initiatives.