FAC 

Fort Myers News Press 

Former Lee commissioner John Manning dies in Cape Cod, Massachusetts  

Longtime Lee County Commissioner and former Cape Coral City Council member John Manning has died, Lee County officials confirmed. He was 72. 

 

COUNTY  

Keys Weekly 

CLOCK IS TICKING ON FLORIDA KEYS SPECIALTY CONTRACTORS  

For specialty contractors in Monroe County, time seems to still be running out. That is, of course, unless city, county and state administrators and legislators find a way to combat House Bill 735, which preempts the requirement of local occupational licensing for contractors. The bill, which took effect in July of 2021, prevents local governments from issuing specialty licenses – think painters, pavers, landscapers and other similar work outside the scope of general contractors, plumbers, electricians and others whose work involves life safety implications. 

 

Keys Weekly  

Housing challenge continues in region 

MURDOCK – Charlotte County hasn’t been spared the housing crunch Sarasota County and other neighboring jurisdictions face.  

 

Highlands News-Sun 

County seeks artist for centennial mural  

SEBRING — If you’re an artist who has done or wants to do a mural, and you can meet the requirements from Highlands County, they may have a job for you. 

 

Citrus County Chronicle 

Editorial l Officials must find ways to pay for growing demands  

If everything stays the course as the Board of County Commissioners hammers out the 2022-23 fiscal year budget, Citrus County taxpayers will see a modest increase in taxes. 

 

AFFORDABLE HOUSING  

Fox 35 Orlando 

Central Florida’s rental crisis: Lawmakers call for more affordable housing  

Skyrocketing rent in Orlando has priced many out of the mark or has resulted in record evictions. Democratic lawmakers are calling on the state to do more to help facilitate more affordable housing 

  

AROUND THE COUNT(R)Y 

Route Fifty 

Unexpected Deal Renews Hope for Billions in Climate Funding  

The agreement, struck by key Democrats in the U.S. Senate and backed by President Biden, could mean a huge influx of federal dollars for environment and clean energy initiatives. 

 

Route Fifty 

6 Things For State and Local Governments to Watch With Democrats’ Climate and Tax Deal – Route Fifty 

With billions in proposed spending, the package could affect both government programs and regional economies. 

 

Route Fifty 

Checking in With Mitch Landrieu on the Infrastructure Law Rollout  

President Biden’s top advisor on the $1.2 trillion package tells Route Fifty that 5,000 projects across the country are underway, and that the White House is meeting regularly with state infrastructure coordinators. He also knocked Republicans wavering on the transition to electric vehicles.