COUNTY 

Hernando Sun 

Hernando BOCC to Consider Pushing for Legislation to Shield Project Cost Estimates from Public View 

The Hernando County Board of County Commissioners will consider supporting a legislative proposal that would allow local governments to keep project cost estimates and bid analysis confidential until contracts are signed, mirroring protections currently available only to the Florida Department of Transportation. 

 

Tampa Bay Times 

Manatee could be 2nd Florida county to crack down on kratom. What to know 

A 2023 Tampa Bay Times investigation found hundreds of Floridians have died from kratom-related overdoses during the past decade. 

 

Fox 4  

Charlotte County commissioners consider Class 3 e-bike ban in Babcock Ranch 

BABCOCK RANCH, Fla. — Charlotte County commissioners are set to discuss banning Class 3 electric bikes from streets, sidewalks and bicycle paths in Babcock Ranch, citing safety concerns about the bicycles in the community. 

 

Florida Politics 

With Epic Universe open, Orange County’s hotel tax revenue keeps breaking records 

Orange County’s TDT revenue broke a new record for the month of July. 

 

PROPERTY TAX 

Stet News 

Property tax collections in Palm Beach County reach $6.5 billion  

Influx of million-dollar homes pushes property base to new highs, local governments to collect extra half-billion. 

 

Pensacola News Journal 

DeSantis plan sidelined in House tax reform committee talks 

Any talk of cutting property taxes is touchy with local governments which rely on them. 

 

First Coast News 

Jacksonville Civic Council urges rejection of tax cut before city council vote  

The City Council Finance Committee voted last week to advance the millage rate cut for a vote by the full council Tuesday. 

 

Florida Politics 

Vicki Lopez, Toby Overdorf to keep helming property tax talks; legislation expected this year 

‘This is truly being brought forward with the interest of putting money back in the pockets of Floridians.’ 

 

AFFORDABLE HOUSING 

Fox 4 

Florida rent surges nearly 40% as population boom creates affordability crisis 

Nearly a million renting households now spend over 40% of income on housing as median rent increased $500 monthly between 2019-2023 

 

LEGISLATION 

Observer 

Manatee County joins pending lawsuit to challenge Senate Bill 180 

A “potential lawsuit” is now a pending lawsuit since Manatee County commissioners voted 6-1 on Sept. 2 to join nine other municipalities to challenge Senate Bill 180.