COUNTY  

Florida Today 

Change of plans: Brevard sheriff finds way to deal with costs  

Just a week after Brevard County Manager Frank Abbate submitted his 2022-23 budget plan to county commissioners, Sheriff Wayne Ivey told Abbate that the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office’s share was not enough. Ivey wanted more money. 

 

Citrus County Chronicle  

Editorial l County, sheriff reach a welcomed compromise  

The fireworks never materialized, and the exchange was amicable last week as the sheriff and the county commission discussed the proposed 2022-23 budget for the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office. 

 

Miami’s Community News 

Miami-Dade County increases environmental violation fines 

Miami-Dade County has significantly increased fines for environmental violations with the potential to pollute the county’s ground and surface waters, including Biscayne Bay. The penalties for these violations have remained unchanged for almost 20 years and have not been adjusted for inflation. 

 

Fox 13 News Tampa Bay  

Manatee, Sarasota County beaches burdened by bacteria  

SARASOTA, Fla. – No swim advisories are up at several Bay Area beaches. The Florida Department of Health says water testing showed high levels of bacteria a multiple beaches in Manatee and Sarasota Counties and is warning beachgoers to stay out of the water. 

 

 

PROPERTY TAXES  

The Bradenton Times 

County Commissioners Look to Cut Millage Rate 

BRADENTON – As property values continue to rise, Manatee County Commissioners have proposed a new spending plan for Fiscal Year 2023, that includes another millage rate reduction. 

 

Miami’s Community News 

County commissioners approve proposed 1% property tax cut  

The Miami-Dade County Commission on July 19 voted to approve Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s proposal to cut the countywide, UMSA, library, and fire millage rates by one percent — the first property tax cut in over a decade, and the lowest combined millage rate since 1982-83. 

 

TRANSPORTATION 

News Service of Florida 

Florida to get $70 million in transportation resilience money this year  

The money can be used for highway and transit projects, bicycle and pedestrian projects and port facilities that help improve evacuations or disaster relief. 

 

AROUND THE COUNT(R)Y 

Route Fifty  

Beach Battles: Lawmakers Pushed to Increase Public Shoreline Access 

Steep parking fees and other factors can pose barriers to visiting beaches, with some advocates saying restrictive policies reinforce segregation and racial inequality.