FAC News Clips – December 4, 2023

FAC 

Citrus County Chronicle  

Florida Association Of Counties features Citrus photo in 2024 calendar  

On Nov. 17, the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) unveiled the captivating county photos featured in their highly anticipated 2023–24 annual calendar titled “Skylines of the Sunshine State.” The calendar, a visual celebration of Florida’s diverse landscapes, features Citrus County in the spotlight for the month of January. 

 

COUNTY 

FL Keys News 

State could open Florida Keys to thousands of new buildings  

The state is considering easing strict long-standing limits on development in the Florida Keys, a move that could fuel the biggest building boom in the ecologically fragile island chain in nearly a half-century. 

 

GRANTS 

Route-Fifty 

$1.5 billion now available in federal transportation grants 

A variety of road, transit, rail and trail projects are eligible for funding under the Transportation Department’s popular RAISE program. 

FAC News Clips – November 30, 2023

Bay News 9  

Orange County leaders still working on action plan for grant  

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County leaders are working to release their drafted action plan for a $219 million hurricane recovery grant. The county’s timeline estimated the plan would be released sometime in November, but it has not been published just yet.   

 

The Palm Beach Post 

Palm Beach County Commission taps Maria Sachs to serve as mayor  

WEST PALM BEACH — There is a new mayor in town. 

 

Fort Myers Beach Talk 

County commissioners vote to oppose state bill on county mayor, commission expansion  

In one of the most sharply-divided discussions among Lee County commissioners in recent years, the board rejected an attempt from state legislators to overhaul the shape of the county government. 

FAC News Clips – November 29, 2023

COUNTY  

Bay News 9 

Best Foot Forward program launched in Volusia County  

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Members of the Volusia County Council voted recently to kick off a new pedestrian and bicycle safety program. 

 

Bay News 9 

Orange Co. leaders rescind support Split Oak Forest project  

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orange County leaders made their stance clear on the future of a Split Oak Forest toll road project Tuesday when they passed a motion directing county staff to say they no longer support the plan. 

 

WGCU 

Lee legislative delegation to eye home rule, mergers and more in Thursday meeting at FSW  

Members of the Florida’s Lee County Legislative Delegation meet annually to share with the public proposed, hyper-local legislation that has a direct impact on the county for the upcoming session. The meetings give the public a chance to learn about the proposed bills and for the delegation to talk it out. 

 

My Panhandle 

Walton County joins the movie making business with Paper Bear film  

SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) — Walton County is now in the movie-making business.    

 

Citrus County Chronicle  

Finegan’s resolution finally gets passed – unanimously  

Citrus County commissioners Tuesday voted unanimously to approve a border security resolution that will be sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis and the county’s two legislators, Sen. Blaise Ingoglia and Rep. Ralph Massullo. 

 

LEGISLATION 

Florida Politics 

Attention Florida lobbyists: Claims bills may become a thing of the past  

Many legislators have refused to sign off or vote for any claims bills, saying the process was flawed and depended on lobbyists. 

FAC News Clips – November 28, 2023

FAC 

Flagler Live 

Flagler Beach Photography Club’s Lori Vetter Bowers Lands Shot in State Association’s 2024 Calendar  

Flagler County will be featured in the Florida Association of Counties 2024 calendar “Skylines of the Sunshine State” for the month of November with a stunning image of the canals in Palm Coast that was shot by photographer Lori Vetter Bowers, a member of the Flagler Beach Photography Club. 

 

COUNTY 

ABC 7 

Lawmakers discussing future of possible Lee County mayor seat  

LEE COUNTY, Fla. — Should one person control all of the Lee County Government?  It’s a question voters may ultimately get to decide, although local and state lawmakers can’t seem to agree on the idea. 

 

LEGISLATION 

The Capitolist 

Florida lawmakers already over $3 billion in budget requests ahead of 2024 session  

TALLAHASSEE — Florida lawmakers are championing hundreds of projects and seeking billions of dollars as they prepare for the start of the 2024 legislative session in January. 

FAC News Clips – November 27, 2023

FAC  

Clay Today 

Clay County photo featured in FAC calendar contest  

TAMPA – The Florida Association of Counties (FAC) chose this photo and 15 other photos from different Florida counties to feature in its annual calendar.   

 

Oyster Radio  

Oyster Radio: A picture taken in Franklin County will be featured in the Florida Association of Counties 2024 calendar 

A picture taken in Franklin County will be featured in the Florida Association of Counties 2024 calendar. 

 

COUNTY 

NWF Daily News 

Okaloosa County will create a tourist ‘adventure’ center in Crestview 

The county is calling the project an “adventure center,” offering interactive and educational programs, travel respite and concierge services. 

 

Orlando Sentinel  

Seminole storm water project to help alleviate flooding in Geneva 

At a cost of nearly $2 million, Seminole County officials hope a new storm water drainage project completed this month in a rural spot near the St. Johns River will help alleviate flooding after most heavy rain events. 

 

Hernando Sun 

County Looking To Expand String of Artificial Reefs  

Hernando County has taken the initial steps to expand its offshore reef system, courtesy of $2 million in grant funding from the BP oil spill settlement. 

  

FAC News Clips – November 7, 2023

COUNTY 

WMFE 

Volusia County weighs options trying to block a proposed fuel terminal  

Volusia County officials say they continue brainstorming potential strategies to block a proposed fuel terminal at 874 Hull Road that’s drawn public outcry, even as the county still has yet to receive a formal development application for the project from Belvedere Terminals. 

 

Bay News 9 

Pasco experiencing ‘imbalance’ because of Live Local Act  

PASCO COUNTY — Pasco County commissioners are strongly considering a moratorium on multi-family development since the Live Local Act went into effect.   

 

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 

Route-Fifty 

‘Early days’ for state-level response to Biden’s AI executive order  

Experts urged state and local governments to be patient as it plays out at the federal level, pointing to an executive order from a decade ago that offers a cautionary tale. 

 

SPECIAL SESSION 

Florida Phoenix 

FL farmers came to the state capital to get relief from Idalia’s destruction; lawmakers are helping  

Timothy Solano is a second-generation clam farmer from Cedar Key who said that before Hurricane Idalia hit North Florida last August, his company was on track to break $50 million in sales this year. But not anymore. 

 

Florida Politics 

House committee tees up Special Session bills for passage  

The bills are slated to be heard and voted on Tuesday by the full House.