COUNTY 

Ocala Star Banner 

2025-26 budget year is underway. A look at Ocala and Marion County. 

Like clockwork, at midnight Oct. 1 the new fiscal year started for most local governments. 

 

Observer 

Flagler County celebrates the lives of Deputy Administrator Jorge Salinas and his wife Nancy  

‘Jorge had a quiet strength that made everyone around him better,’ Flagler County Commission Chair Andy Dance said. 

 

Palm Beach Post 

Florida history of county name origins, Alachua to Columbia 

Did you know Palm Beach County was carved out of Dade County in 1909? 

 

CFPM 

Orange commissioners to decide Tuesday on a new county election map 

Orange County commissioners will decide Tuesday on which version of a new county map to adopt, following a months-long redistricting process that kicked off earlier this year. 

 

CFPM 

Seminole County launches its Scout microtransit service this week 

Seminole County residents have a new public transportation service available at the touch of their fingertips. 

 

Marco Eagle 

Collier tightens animal rules, expands breeder oversight, inspections 

Collier County commissioners unanimously approved changes to the county’s animal control ordinance Sept. 23, closing loopholes that officials and advocates say have contributed to a worsening animal overpopulation crisis. 

 

WCJB 

Alachua County explores food hub plan to bring fresh food to communities in need 

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) — Alachua County commissioners are exploring a new approach to bring fresh food to the community through a food hub system that could help farmers reach underserved communities. 

 

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 

WTSP 

Pinellas County launches $813 million hurricane recovery programs  

This is just the first phase of the program.   

 

PROPERTY TAXES 

NBC 6 

Florida lawmakers weighing giving homeowners $1,000 property tax rebates 

The proposed measure, HB 71, would distribute $1,000 each year beginning in 2026 and running through 2030 to homeowners under a Homestead Property Tax Relief Program.