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Studio 67FAC News Clips – April 9, 2026
April 9, 2026
COUNTY
Florida Politics
Florida Clerks of Courts use County Government Month to promote more interaction with public
‘National County Government Month is an opportunity to shine a light on the essential work performed every day.’
Wink News
Lee County could get $161K from opioid settlement to fight addiction
LEE COUNTY, Fla. (WINK)—Lee County joined a nationwide opioid settlement on Tuesday that could bring new money to fight addiction in Southwest Florida.
PROPERTY TAXES
Miami Times Online
Paul Renner hones in on property tax relief as ‘Day 1 priority’ to solve affordability crisis
Former House Speaker Paul Renner is traveling the state this month to meet with Floridians about what his campaign calls the state’s “growing affordability crisis,” beginning with a stop in Doral Wednesday.
WLRN
Florida lawmaker aims for ballot measure ending all property taxes in 2028
Florida Republicans have promised for nearly a year to provide meaningful property tax relief to Floridians in the form of a constitutional amendment they could vote on this November.
Fox 35
Florida towns weigh budget cuts as property tax debate continues
INDIALANTIC, Fla. – Small towns across Florida are weighing budget cuts amid uncertainty over the future of property taxes, a key source of local revenue.
LEGISLATION
WLRN
No budget special session next week, Florida legislative leaders affirm
There will be no budget negotiations in Tallahassee next week.
Florida Politics
Ben Albritton: Lawmakers won’t approve budget before April 20
‘We will share a schedule for that special session as soon as possible,’ the Senate President wrote.
FAC News Clips – April 7, 2026
COUNTY
The Observer
“Patients can receive medical care up to an hour sooner than someone who is driven to the hospital by a friend or relative,” said Fire Rescue Captain Jon Moscowitz.
Suncoast News
County, citizens honor veterans with new memorial at park
Veterans Park facility honors those who have served and are serving nation
TBBW
Sarasota voters may decide land tax through 2049
Sarasota County commissioners will consider placing a referendum on the November ballot to extend a voter-approved property tax that funds land conservation and park acquisition.
FAC News Clips – April 6, 2026
April 6, 2026
COUNTY
CNW
Broward County celebrates National County Government Month in April
Broward County joins hundreds of communities across the U.S. in observing National County Government Month this April, an initiative sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo) to highlight programs and services that support residents and visitors.
My News 13
Orange County offers up to $10k to upgrade septic systems
ORLANDO, Fla. — Orange County is offering up to $10,000 to help homeowners upgrade their septic systems. Officials say the program is designed to reduce pollution and protect local waterways.
PROPERTY TAXES
Tallahassee Democrat
Florida property tax issue continues to divide
If this reader poll is any indication then Gov. Ron DeSantis is going to have a tough time seeing his “no property tax” vision fulfilled.
DOGE
WPTV
Florida CFO says St. Lucie County overspent by $46M
LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. — State Auditor and Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia is warning about excessive spending in St. Lucie County, estimating the county has overtaxed and overspent residents by $46 million.
LEGISLATION
Click Orlando
Here are all the new laws in Florida so far this year
Over 20 laws now signed by Gov. DeSantis in 2026
FAC News Clips – April 2, 2026
COUNTY
Fox 13
Hillsborough County approves $70M in stormwater upgrades after 2024 hurricane season
TAMPA, Fla. – Thousands of families across the Bay Area are still recovering from the devastating 2024 hurricane season that flooded neighborhoods which had never taken on water before.
Fox 13
New Dade City 911 center enhances emergency services across Pasco County
DADE CITY, Fla – Pasco County is bolstering its emergency infrastructure with the opening of a brand-new 911 Communications Center in Dade City, a move officials say will improve response times and system reliability.
PROPERTY TAXES
Rick’s Blog
County Commission Confronts Budget Uncertainty
The Escambia County Commission convened its Committee of the Whole on Wednesday morning to begin its public discussion of the fiscal year 2026-27 budget process, and the conversation revealed how precarious the county’s financial footing could become if property taxes on homesteads go away.
NACo
State-led property tax reform threatens county services
Counties in states enamored with property tax reform and reduction are guarding against both fast and slow removal of their prime revenue source.
Wink News
Florida CFO says eliminating property taxes unlikely, hints at alternative plan
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WINK)—Florida lawmakers wrapped up their legislative session without a plan for property tax relief, leaving homeowners uncertain about potential lower bills. No special session is currently scheduled to address the issue.
FL Voice News
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – State Rep. Ryan Chamberlin announced Wednesday that he will lead an effort to eliminate property taxes in Florida by placing a constitutional amendment on the ballot through a citizen petition campaign.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT
Bradenton Herald
Florida House stalls fix to SB 180, empowering developers
A controversial Florida law that gives developers and state agencies broad veto powers over local government could remain in place for at least another year.
LEGISLATION
WFLA
Florida session extended by budget woes, unfinished business
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — State lawmakers are preparing to return to Tallahassee for what could be another lengthy extended session.
FAC News Clips – April 1, 2026
COUNTY
Levy Citizen
Levy County launches SAFE program to support residents with special needs
The Levy County Sheriff’s Office has introduced a new initiative aimed at improving emergency response for residents with disabilities and special needs.
Florida Politics
Citrus County backs away from November sales tax referendum
‘My inbox is not being filled with people asking me to put this on the ballot.’
WFXL
Palm Beach County leaders consider gas tax pause as fuel prices soar
Palm Beach County commissioners are exploring a temporary pause on the local gas tax as fuel prices climb to four-year highs, creating financial strain for residents and businesses across South Florida.
LEGISLATION
Invading Sea
With its new farm bill, Florida’s climate fight just hit a tractor-sized roadblock
Against the backdrop of a looming global energy crisis, rising food insecurity, and the increased frequency and intensity of heat, hurricanes and floods fueled by global warming, Florida’s governing bodies have had a consequential, but unsurprisingly counterproductive, month.
Citrus County Chronicle
Failed SB 180 fix leaves counties stuck | Editorials
The law passed during the 2025 state legislative session known as SB 180 was an excellent example of how unintended consequences can foul up even the most well-intentioned initiatives.
Islander News
Controversial ‘Blue Ribbon’ development bill dies in Senate
Proposal to fast-track massive rural projects sparks backlash over local control, conservation concerns, and questionable housing benefits
FAC News Clips – March 31, 2026
COUNTY
My News 13
Pasco County expands hurricane relief program
PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — Pasco County is expanding access to a major hurricane recovery program, allowing more homeowners impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton to qualify for financial assistance.
Your Observer
Manatee County names Myakka preserve after late commissioner Carol Felts
The Carol Ann Billberry Felts Preserve at David J. Crane Park Dedication and Public Memorial Service will be held April 18 at Crane Park in Myakka City.
WQCS
St. Lucie County voters to decide on extending half-cent surtax in November
St. Lucie County voters will once again decide the future of the county’s half-cent infrastructure sales surtax after commissioners approved placing the measure on the Nov. 3 ballot.
CYBERSECURITY
Route Fifty
Why small municipalities have become cybercriminals’ favorite prey
COMMENTARY | City and county managers can no longer see cybersecurity as an IT problem. They can take various practical steps before an incident occurs.
Route Fifty
Tech issues continue to haunt 911 systems
Many still operate using outdated technology and are prone to cyberattacks, leading advocates and lawmakers to call for more funding to make up the shortfall.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT
Florida Politics
Gov. DeSantis signs sweeping land-use bill curbing local zoning control
At least one municipality is looking into suing the state over the new law.
WLRN
The ‘Blue Ribbon’ Projects bill died this session. Will it come back?
A proposal to spur intense development in some of the most rural areas of the state died in the final days of the regular legislative session, due largely to strong opposition from Republican senators who declared that their constituents didn’t want any part of it.
WPTV
‘Granny flats’ get a boost as Florida lawmakers pass housing bill
Under the proposal, local governments would face new limits on how much they can restrict the construction of those units
LEGISLATION
Florida Politics
Gov. DeSantis says legislators can expect to be tied up in Special Sessions for up to 6 weeks
The budget, congressional districts, and property taxes all could be discussed.
News 4 Jax
Florida Gov. DeSantis signs 7 more bills into law. Here’s the full list
Many new laws take effect on July 1