May 10, 2022 

Route-Fifty.com 

COMMENTARY | Public service has lost its luster. It’s time to change that. 

May 1 through 7 was Public Service Recognition Week. Since 1985, this first week in May is the annual celebration of the contributions of public servants in federal, state, local and tribal government. Across the nation, more than 18,000,000 of our neighbors, friends and relatives serve in government, including in our public schools and universities. 

 

 

Treasure Coast Newspapers 

St. Lucie septic-to-sewer work: North Hutchinson Island owners may share in $17 million cost 

  1. LUCIE COUNTY— The county’s largest septic-to-sewer conversion project could finally happen next year, and some property owners may be asked to help foot the bill.  Approximately 532 property owners on North Hutchinson Island  — in the Fort Pierce Shores, Queens Cove, Coastal Cove (Jackson Way) and Coral Cove neighborhoods — may have to dish out $535 to $817 a year for 20 years to convert their aging septic tanks to sewers. 

 

Pensacola News Journal 

With hurricane season looming, Escambia still hashing out who will pick up storm debris 

Escambia County is taking a closer look at its debris hauling contracts as the clock is ticking closer to the 2022 hurricane season. County commissioners rejected a list of potential debris removal contractors on Thursday in a 3-1 vote and now seek a new list of contractors after questions arose over the procurement process for the contract. 

 

Florida Today  

Brevard County board backs employee pay raise with COVID funds from Lober’s vacant seat 

The vacancy on the Brevard County Board left by former Commissioner Bryan Lober has provided the Commission with leftover COVID-19 relief funds that one commissioner has found a use for — to use for raises for county employees. Board members approved a proposal from Commissioner John Tobia for a cost-of-living adjustment for county employees of $1 per hour or 5.38%, whichever is greater. 

 

WFLX.com 

Commissioner attends White House announcement on internet access 

Palm Beach County Commissioner Gregg Weiss attended an event at the White House on Monday where President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris announced cost reductions for high-speed internet for millions of Americans. “I’ve heard from constituents throughout Palm Beach County struggling to get access,” Weiss told WPTV. 

 

Route-Fifty.com  

Internet Service Essentially Free for Millions Under New Biden Program 

With a discount already in place, 20 companies have agreed to offer service for $30 a month. Advocacy groups are hoping states will adopt similar pricing requirements.  President Biden announced Monday that he’s convinced 20 major broadband providers, like AT&T and Comcast, to offer low-cost high-speed internet plans for $30 a month or less.  

 

Governing.com 

Florida Continues to Require Identity Verification With ID.me 

Taxpayers, lawmakers and digital privacy advocates rebelled earlier this year when the IRS announced plans to require taxpayers to upload selfies if they wanted online access to their tax records. The selfies were needed by an identity verification service, ID.me, to compare with applicants’ government-issued ID photos, the IRS said.