COUNTY 

My Panhandle 

Franklin County Sheriff elected as Florida Sheriff’s Association Chairman  

FRANKLIN, Fla. (WMBB) – A Panhandle sheriff has taken on some extra responsibility for the next year. 

 

My Observer 

Manatee property values decelerate, but tentative millage stays steady 

Manatee County commissioners Jason Bearden and Bob McCann attempted to lower the tentative millage rate by .05 mills at a special work session July 31, but the final vote was 4-2 against the measure. 

 

Naples Daily News 

Lee County taxes remain steady, funding $2.87 billion budget 

In a brief meeting on August 4, Lee County Commissioners established the property tax rates residents will pay next year. 

 

DOGE 

Fox 35 

Orange County DOGE audit starting today: What we know, what leaders are saying 

ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Blaise Ingoglia hosted a news conference on Tuesday morning in Orlando to discuss the Florida Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) audit into Orange County’s spending and operations. 

 

WEATHER 

Palm Beach Post 

Tropical Storm Dexter: See path tracker, spaghetti models 

Tropical Storm Dexter is continuing to move away from the East Coast but two other systems are brewing in the Atlantic, according to the National Hurricane Center. 

 

NWF Daily News 

August hurricanes, tropical storms: Historical threat to Florida 

Forecasters have been warning activity in the Atlantic basin will be picking up. 

 

IMMIGRATION 

Fox 35 

Orange County commissioners to vote on ICE agreement to transport detainees to Alligator Alcatraz  

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orange County commissioners are expected to vote Tuesday on a new agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to transport detainees to Alligator Alcatraz, an immigration detention facility in the Everglades. 

 

LEGISLATION 

Spectrum News 

Orange County’s rural boundary measures face legal risk 

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A Florida law could affect several Orange County growth-controlled measures like the rural boundary amendment that was approved by 73% of voters in November 2024.