COUNTY 

WCTV 

Broward County Library’s Marketing Section Wins Five National Awards  

BROWARD COUNTY, Fla., Sept. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Broward County Libraries Division received five awards from the National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO) Awards of Excellence program, including two “Best in Class” awards, the competition’s highest level of honor, given to only one entry per category. 

 

Tampa Bay Times 

Pinellas approves $3.4b budget, with lower tax rate but higher bills for homeowners  

For the second year in a row, Pinellas County residents will face a lower property tax rate — one that nevertheless means they’ll pay more, as property values continue to climb. 

 

Positively Osceola  

Osceola County Fire Rescue & EMS Receives $1 Million Grant from Department of Homeland Security 

Osceola County Fire Rescue & EMS received a $1 million federal grant this week focused on helping Officers and Chief Officers receive training, certification, and skills to best serve the community. As the county continues to grow rapidly, more and more pressure is placed on first responders, and grants like this can make a positive impact. 

 

Tampa Bay Times  

Hillsborough OKs $8.5 billion budget 

TAMPA — It was a series of numbers for Hillsborough County commissioners Thursday night: 27 minutes, three unanimous votes, zero discussion. 

 

The Ledger 

Polk County officials approve $2.4 billion budget  

Despite lowering the county’s millage rate, Polk County residents should still expect to see a slight increase in their property taxes as commissioners adopted a $2.4 billion budget for 2022-23 Monday.    

 

My Panhandle 

Officials working hard to recruit big business 

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) — Bay County Commissioners and the Bay Economic Development Alliance are working together to bring some 800 jobs to our area. 

 

AFFORDABLE HOUSING 

Sarasota Herald-Tribune 

Sarasota and Manatee pause federal Emergency Rental Assistance program  

Sarasota and Manatee counties have paused taking new applications for Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) – federal relief programs that have helped thousands of local households stay afloat as the pandemic gave way to a major housing crisis.   

 

Panama City News Herald 

Hurricane Michael recovery funds moved by Bay County for home purchases  

PANAMA CITY — Bay County Commissioner Doug Moore says it is “humbling” to know he and other officials are helping residents buy homes. 

 

WEAR TV 

Escambia County looking to regulate rental properties 

PENSACOLA, Fla. — Summer is winding down on Pensacola Beach and residents are sounding the alarm on short term rental properties. 

 

OPIOIDS 

North Escambia 

New Opioid Recovery Program Launch Announced In Escambia County  

The launch of the Coordinated Opioid Recovery (CORE) program was officially announced in Escambia County on Wednesday.