COUNTY 

The Bradenton Times  

BOCC Focuses in on its 2023 Legislative Priorities  

MANATEE COUNTY — In a work session Tuesday, the Manatee County Commission discussed how it would focus its state legislative agenda. A draft list of proposed issues, as well as some commissioner-suggested items, were presented for consideration and strategizing. 

 

Mid Florida Newspaper 

State of the County 2022  

At the Dec. 6 meeting of the Lake County Board of County Commissioners, a new chair and vice chair were chosen by the board. 

 

Suncoast News  

Pasco approves countywide property tax for paving projects 

NEW PORT RICHEY — Pasco commissioners approved an ordinance Dec. 6 creating a countywide property tax to pave or repair residential streets rather than making property owners alone pay for the work on a case-by-case basis. 

 

AFFORDABLE HOUSING 

My CBS 4 

Alachua County Commissioners vote to pull support for housing project in east Gainesville  

Alachua County, FL — In a special meeting on Tuesday, the Alachua County Commission voted 3-2 to put a pause in the development of a low-income apartment complex by Ability Housing in east Gainesville. 

 

TC Palm 

Gifford affordable-housing rental complex gets backing from county 

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The county approved using $340,000 in federal COVID-19 relief money for a proposed 79-unit affordable housing project in Gifford. 

 

SHORT-TERM RENTALS 

The Bradenton Times  

Rise in Short-Term Rentals Drives Increase in Tourist Tax Revenue  

BRADENTON — Over the past five fiscal years, Manatee County has experienced a 48% increase in tourist development tax revenue, according to a presentation given to Manatee County Commissioners by the tax collector’s office during Tuesday’s work session. While the island cities continue to bring in the majority of revenue, the growth of both hotels and short-term rentals on the mainland (along with efforts to ensure TDC tax compliance among the latter), has brought considerable revenue growth. 

 

SPECIAL SESSION 

Sun Sentinel  

Florida Senate OKs insurance bail-out with no promises for policyholders  

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Senate on Tuesday rammed through an industry-friendly insurance reform bill in just two days that supporters said would stabilize an ailing market but opponents argued would rob homeowners of their right to sue over claims disputes and broken contracts.