COUNTY 

Marco Eagle  

Volusia, Flagler lawmakers bring home bacon: Millions for projects  

When state lawmakers vote Friday on a record $117 billion budget, they will also deliver the goods for their communities − some more than others. 

 

FOX 13 

Stricter library policies to impact children in Hillsborough County 

TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa-Hillsborough Public Library Board is now tasked with restricting access to certain books for kids younger than 18 after county commissioners voted 5-to-2 Wednesday in support of the move. 

 

Tampa Bay Times 

Pinellas banned a controversial loan program. Now it’s here anyway.  

For years, Florida counties have sought to curb a controversial loan program that has become infamous for burying unsuspecting homeowners under insurmountable property tax bills. 

 

LEGISLATION 

The Capitolist  

Bill allowing businesses to sue local governments advances to DeSantis  

The Florida House advanced a bill on Wednesday that grants businesses more leeway to file lawsuits against local governments and municipalities if profit margins are affected by “unreasonable” enacted ordinances. The legislation, which has now been approved by both chambers, awaits the signature of Gov. Ron DeSantis. 

 

Tampa Bay Times  

Lawmakers want to up the stakes for Floridians who challenge local development plans  

TALLAHASSEE — Florida legislators took another step toward removing citizen input on Tuesday as the House passed and sent to the governor a bill that will put citizens on the hook for attorneys fees if they challenge a local government development decision and lose. 

 

WGCU 

Proposal in $116B state budget could hurt water quality controls  

A report in the Miami Herald this week highlighted a potentially devastating proposal in the state budget that could affect the ability of communities in Florida to protect water quality.