COUNTY 

TC Palm 

Florida history: Origins of county names, from Alachua to Washington 

Did you know Palm Beach County was carved out of Dade County in 1909? 

 

First Coast News 

Baker County honors late Commissioner James Bennett, remembering his lasting community impact 

The Baker County community held a procession for County Commissioner James Bennett, who was killed in a car crash. 

 

WBPF 

Martin County sinks derelict ship and welcomes new artificial reef 

MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. — Martin County has expanded its artificial reef program with the addition of the Boo McCulley Reef, located about 9 miles offshore, using a sunken cargo ship to create a habitat for marine life. 

 

My News 13 

Duke Energy Florida wraps Sumter, Hernando solar energy 

FLORIDA — Duke Energy Florida has completed two new solar energy sites, Half Moon Renewable Energy Center in Sumter County and Rattler Renewable Energy Center in Hernando County, the company announced Wednesday. 

 

LEGISLATION 

Planet Radio 

GOP Florida Governor Candidate Wants Special Session On Property Tax Relief 

There’s a call for a special session on property tax relief from a former Florida House Speaker. 

 

Space Coast Daily 

Gov. Ron DeSantis Announces the ‘Floridians First 2026-2027 Budget’  

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Governor Ron DeSantis announced the 2026–2027 state budget — dubbed the ‘Floridians First 2026‑2027 Budget’ — presenting a plan that seeks to reinforce fiscal discipline while advancing investments across education, infrastructure, public safety, and environmental protection. 

 

PROPERTY TAXES  

Florida Politics 

House committee backs property tax relief amendment as local governments fear the consequences 

Wednesday’s vote sparked a fierce debate on property tax relief. 

 

Orlando Sentinel 

Property tax proposal advances, teed up in the Florida House 

TALLAHASSEE — A proposed constitutional amendment that would increase the homestead property-tax exemption for residents who have property insurance is ready to go to the full Florida House after the 2026 legislative session starts in January. 

 

Tampa Bay Times 

DeSantis’ final Florida budget proposal pushes for property tax cut 

His proposal also puts money toward state parks and expanding the guardian program. 

 

WPTV 

Backfill or backfire? DeSantis’ plan to replace local tax dollars draws debate 

ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is pitching a $117 billion state budget for the next fiscal year, about two billion more than the current, $114.8 billion.