COUNTY  

Vero News 

Penny increase to tourist tax could aid beach replenishment 

With tourism numbers across the state exceeding predictions, Indian River County is looking at capitalizing on this surge to raise more money for beach replenishment. 

 

NWF Daily News 

Okaloosa County raises rates for emergency service calls  

CRESTVIEW — Okaloosa County commissioners on Tuesday decided to increase emergency medical service rates for the next three fiscal years. 

 

AFFORDABLE HOUSING 

Business Observer Florida 

$12.5 million in county funding to four Pinellas affordable housing projects  

In an effort to spur the development of needed affordable housing, Pinellas County commissioners in May approved $12.51 million in funding to support four projects that will bring 307 new units to the area. 

 

LEGISLATION 

SW Florida Business Today 

Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Legislation to Support Rural Infrastructure and Economic Development  

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. —  Yesterday, Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill (HB) 1209 to support rural development and economic opportunity by expanding opportunities for rural communities to be awarded funding through the Rural Infrastructure Fund (RIF).   

 

Panama City News Herald 

Florida TaxWatch finds $600 million worth of ‘turkeys’ in 2023 budget  

In its annual Budget Turkey Watch Report, Tallahassee-based Florida TaxWatch identified 218 appropriation items, those they’ll spend taxpayer money on, totaling nearly $600 million within Florida’s $117 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2023-24.