Florida Politics 

Jacksonville local bills will head to House floor, potentially changing local aviation authority, school board 

Each bill was heard by three committees with little pushback in any of them. 

 

Your Observer 

Hiring freeze begins as Manatee County researches effects of tax cuts  

With Manatee County having implemented a hiring freeze Jan. 15, County Administrator Charlie Bishop has been meeting with each of his departments and going over their base and continuation budgets. 

 

Islander News 

Miami-Dade mayor steps in to halt proposed wetlands development  

Daniella Levine Cava vetoed a land use change that would have allowed commercial development on environmentally sensitive wetlands, though commissioners could still override her decision. 

 

DOGE 

Miami Herald 

Florida DOGE report reads like a political stunt  

The report the Florida DOGE has recently released detailing spending in the state’s largest cities and counties reads, at times, like a reasonable exercise in fiscal oversight. 

  

Rick’s Blog 

Florida DOGE Takes a Hard Look at Pensacola’s Books 

The Florida Department of Government Efficiency released its report on local government spending last week, and Pensacola’s section alone is worth a careful read because Gov. DeSantis and CFO Blaise Ingoglia don’t believe Mayor D.C. Reeves is following their anti-DEI playbook.   

 

PROPERTY TAXES 

Florida Politics 

Ron DeSantis still in no rush to roll out property tax elimination proposal 

A ‘very, very meaningful’ plan will emerge sooner or later. 

 

LEGISLATION 

Florida Politics 

Bill calling for Electric Bike Safety Task Force powers through House panel 

The Task Force would make recommendations on how to deal with the vehicles and propose regulations. 

 

Florida Politics 

Michael Owen proposal to create a Stewardship District in southern Hillsborough clears House panel 

While the District would be created upon the bill taking effect, its authority to levy ad valorem taxes would require approval by voters. 

 

Florida Politics 

Proposed hospital bill could send local tax dollars out of county 

An effort to increase collaboration and improve health care has some unintended consequences, including more power with less oversight.