COUNTY 

Levy Citizen 

Levy County BoCC opens 2026 with lengthy discussion on infrastructure, animal services and fiscal pressures  

The Levy County Board of County Commissioners convened Tuesday, January 6, 2026, for its first meeting of the new year, an agenda that was short on paper but long in discussion. 

 

Florida Politics 

Gov. DeSantis awards $168M to rural communities for infrastructure improvements 

The state grants will help areas hit hard by last year’s hurricanes. 

 

HOUSING 

TC Palm 

HUD affordable housing policy may leave families homeless, in shelters 

Homeless shelters and affordable housing programs like Section 8 are already under strain. 

 

PROPERTY TAXES 

Florida Politics 

Governor teases Special Session to abolish homestead property tax 

Besides being the right thing to do, DeSantis thinks a single ballot item will ‘juice’ turnout for Republicans in November. 

 

LEGISLATION 

Ocala News 

New Ocklawaha River restoration bill provides Marion County with economic benefits, voice in decision-making  

New legislation introduced in the Florida Senate and House of Representatives could finally set a concrete timeline for the restoration of the Ocklawaha River, while offering Marion County significant influence over the process and a dedicated economic development program. 

 

My News 13 

Lawmakers may spend more time in Tallahassee this year 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida’s regular legislative session begins next week and runs through March, but lawmakers may be spending much more time in Tallahassee this year. 

 

Florida Politics 

Nick DiCeglie bills would address growth, hurricane reconstruction and public safety pressures 

The bills reflect a growing focus in the Legislature on how laws function in practice, particularly during emergencies.