COUNTY 

WPBF 

Palm Beach County launches tiny homes initiative for substance abuse recovery 

‘We’ve got to move fast because our population is growing’: Palm Beach County commissioners have approved a pilot program to build tiny homes for individuals with substance abuse issues, funded by opioid settlement money 

 

Florida Politics 

House backs Michael Owen’s Hillsborough Commission overhaul, elected Superintendent proposals 

The House’s approval sets the stage for what could become two of the most consequential local ballot questions in Hillsborough County in 2026. 

 

CNW  

Broward County modernizes policing with $4M records system upgrade 

Broward County is moving forward with a major technology overhaul for local law enforcement, aiming to streamline operations and improve information sharing across agencies.   

 

Alachua County 

County Releases ‘Cents & Sensibility’ Budget Guide 

In response to confusing property tax information put out in recent months by the State of Florida, Alachua County has released all eight chapters of its Cents & Sensibility budget series as a digital, interactive booklet designed to help residents better understand how county government is funded and how spending decisions are made. 

 

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 

WLRN 

Florida Senate votes to extend DeSantis emergency fund  

The legislation extends the fund until the end of 2027, but Democrats take issue with how it’s been used for immigration enforcement actions and say it needs stronger oversight. 

 

DATA CENTERS 

Citrus County Chronicle 

Citrus County moves to set data center guidelines  

Citrus County commissioners voted 5-0 Tuesday to instruct staff to draft land development code guidelines addressing concerns related to data centers, including environmental protections. 

 

PROPERTY TAXES 

Florida Politics 

‘A bumper sticker,’ not a policy: Jeff Brandes again criticizes property tax savings proposals 

Even with a Special Session possible on the issue, lawmakers appear far from consensus. 

 

LEGISLATION 

WFSU 

Florida bill could force local governments to end DEI programs and funding  

Local governments could soon be forced to shut down offices and programs focused on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.