COUNTY 

Cape Coral Breeze 

County commissioners discuss impact of, solutions for Amendment 3  

An increase in the homestead tax exemption from $50,000 to $250,000 under a proposed state referendum on the November ballot would likely mean higher county taxes and fees, as well as widespread cuts to county departments, under budget projections county commissioners are being faced with. 

 

The Floridian 

DeSantis Awards $27M in Infrastructure Upgrades, Includes Florida Panhandle 

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced $27 million in awards to fourteen small and rural communities for economic growth as part of Florida’s Rural Infrastructure Fund while speaking at a press conference in Vernon this week. 

 

Tallahassee Democrat 

When the Florida legislature overrules local communities | Opinion 

The best government is the government closest to the people. If a neighborhood floods, a road cannot handle more traffic, or a proposed development threatens a treasured place, residents ought to be able to turn to officials they can meet, question, and vote out of office. 

 

My Panhandle 

Bay County leaders warn Amendment 3 may cut services and urge voters to vote “no” 

BAY COUNTY, FLA. (WMBB) – Local leaders in Bay County are raising concerns about Amendment 3. They say that a little extra money in your pocket could affect local services. 

 

Wink News 

Collier County considers creating veterans affairs advisory committee 

GOLDEN GATE, Fla. (WINK) — Collier County commissioners are moving forward with talks about a permanent Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee. 

 

PROPERTY TAXES 

WLRN 

FL’s Amendment 3 would cut property taxes. Could it gut local police, fire, emergency money? 

As Florida voters weigh a proposed property tax cut on the November ballot, realtors, sheriffs and local officials are clashing over whether Amendment 3 will strip funding from local police, fire and emergency services. 

 

Florida Politics 

Amendment 3 support insufficient among informed voters, AIF-commissioned poll finds 

Is there a path to passage in November? 

 

Florida Politics 

Realtor.com economist’s price warning complicates Florida Realtors’ affordability case for Amendment 3 

The listings site’s own estimate found eliminating property taxes would lift home values 7% to 9%, with first-time buyers paying the difference. 

 

Sun North Port 

DeSantis: ‘I’ll be involved somehow’ 

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis continues to express increased support for the property tax cut measure the Legislature put before voters on the November ballot. 

 

Wink News 

CC sheriff warns Amendment 3 could cut millions 

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (WINK) — Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell is doubling down on his opposition to Amendment 3, defending his spending decisions and warning of potential cuts to public safety funding as Florida voters consider a proposal aimed at providing property tax relief. 

 

DATA CENTERS 

Bradenton Herald 

Florida county commission votes for data center moratorium  

STUART – Martin County Commission is on its way to establishing a one-year moratorium on data centers, a move that would give staff time to review potential impacts of projects. 

  

WTXL 

Leon County commissioners approve data center moratorium 

County officials say the 18-month pause gives staff time to study the impacts and develop new regulations around the centers 

 

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 

Z105 

DeSantis Announces Hurricane Isaias Relief Efforts in Florida Panhandle  

Santa Rosa County, FL – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis provided an update Tuesday on hurricane recovery efforts as state officials continued distributing emergency supplies across Northwest Florida.