COUNTY 

WTXL 

Historic harms amendment clears Citizen Charter Review Committee 

DOWNTOWN TALLAHASSEE, FL — A proposed charter amendment that would require Leon County to examine the impact of past public policy on geographical areas cleared the Citizens Charter Review Committee on Thursday after more than two hours of debate. 

 

WPBF 

Okeechobee County looks to get the word out on text-to-911 service for emergencies 

OKEECHOBEE, Fla. — 

Okeechobee County has announced the launch of a text-to-911 service as part of its E-911 system, offering a vital alternative for emergencies when making a phone call is not possible or safe. 

 

WPTV 

Martin County dispatch center gets $2M upgrade for faster response 

Facility features cutting-edge equipment designed to help the county’s six to eight dispatchers per shift manage Martin County’s growing emergency call volume more efficiently 

 

Florida Politics 

One Judge’s opinion: Why a ruling in Broward County doesn’t signify the end of school safety in Florida 

‘Elected officials still have the right to decide if school zone speed enforcement technology should be implemented in their communities.’ 

 

PROPERTY TAXES 

Tallahassee Democrat 

Tallahassee leaders weigh in on DeSantis property tax plan 

Gov. Ron DeSantis presented the first look at his plans to cut Florida’s property taxes May 27, and local leaders in Tallahassee and Leon County are already trying to wrap their heads around what this might mean for the governments and citizens they serve. 

 

Highlands News-Sun 

DeSantis unveils property tax cut plan 

TALLAHASSEE — Many Florida homeowners would see their property tax bills eliminated or severely cut under a plan released Wednesday by Gov. Ron DeSantis. 

 

First Coast News 

Gov. DeSantis’ property tax plan raises concerns over funding for local services  

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a special legislative session on property tax relief. 

 

Florida Phoenix 

Teachers union on property tax plan: ‘The stakes for public education are enormous’ 

Florida’s largest statewide teacher union says schools would be at risk under Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposal to significantly increase the homestead property tax exemption. 

 

Tampa Bay Times 

DeSantis wants to spend $5.5 million promoting Florida property tax amendment 

The governor’s plan says the required mailers aren’t advocating for the amendment’s passage. 

 

Miami Herald 

DeSantis property tax proposal raises too many questions 

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has been talking about cutting property taxes for over a year. 

 

DATA CENTERS 

Sarasota Magazine 

Developers Push Massive Data Center Complex in DeSoto County Amid Backlash 

Florida-based DCIP Group has already secured rezoning approval for an initial 34-acre site at a decommissioned power plant near Arcadia, but company executives say the project could eventually expand to roughly 1,300 acres. 

 

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 

WFLA 

Acting FEMA chief Bob Fenton on incoming hurricane season: ‘We are playing catch-up’ 

TAMPA, Fla. (The Hill) — Bob Fenton, the acting FEMA administrator, is reassuring the public that the agency is prepared for hurricane season, even as the Trump administration pushes for states to take a more active role in recovery. 

 

LEGISLATION 

News 4 Jax 

Florida lawmakers ready to vote Friday on $114.5B budget after special session to get it done 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida lawmakers could vote just before noon Friday on an approximately $114.5 billion budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1. 

 

Orlando Sentinel 

Florida legislature expected to approve budget Friday 

TALLAHASSEE — With the Legislature set to vote Friday on a $114.5 billion spending plan that includes nearly 2,000 member projects, Gov. Ron DeSantis is preparing to use his line-item veto. 

 

Florida Politics 

Florida Clerks of Courts relieved by measure allowing them to retain more funding 

The legislation allows Clerks of Courts to keep more funding from fines and fees.