COUNTY 

WGCU 

Stealth tax proposal surfaces as Sarasota County spending outpaces revenue  

Sarasota County staff is preparing to float new tax options at next week’s budget workshop before the County Commission — including one tax that would not appear on property tax bills — after internal budget documents show spending growth is forcing the county to consider dipping into reserves, shifting money between funds, and reducing services. 

 

Florida Politics 

Randy Fine spotlights federal funds for Flagler beaches 

The money came quickly after the lawmaker engaged the executive branch. 

 

Levy Citizen 

Levy County launches live streaming for commission meetings 

Levy County residents now have a new way to follow local government in real time. 

 

Florida Daily 

Florida Sees Another Record-Breaking Year for Tourism 

The number is 143 million. That’s how many visitors came to the state in 2025 according to the estimates from Visit Florida.   

 

DATA CENTERS 

Florida Politics 

Mark McNees: Sam Altman just made the case for SB 484 

SB 484 would set guardrails for data center water, energy use 

 

Route-Fifty 

Data center tax breaks are on the chopping block in some states 

Rising energy costs and environmental concerns drive states to reconsider incentives. 

 

PROPERTY TAXES 

Miami Times Online 

Daniel Perez leads House on ‘historic’ vote to eliminate most homestead property taxes  

The House has approved a resolution proposing a constitutional amendment that would eliminate most property taxes on homesteaded properties. 

 

Miami Herald 

Florida property tax cuts could hurt renters, local services  

Florida lawmakers are pushing proposals to slash or eliminate property taxes on homesteaded properties, with voters potentially deciding the issue in November. But a series of Miami Herald editorials warns the cuts could backfire on renters, local hospitals, small municipalities and lower-income residents. 

  

LEGISLATION 

CL Tampa 

Hillsborough Republican sponsors bill critics call a ‘death knell’ for rural lands 

‘This needs to be brought to the public, to the surrounding community, down in the little Manatee area, Wimauma, the Sundance area.’