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Studio 67FAC News Clips – June 2, 2026
June 2, 2026
COUNTY
Tallahassee Democrat
Leon County commissioners blast DeSantis property tax cuts
Leon County Commissioners are making themselves heard amid the ongoing special session focusing on a major cut in property taxes that could leave local governments in the lurch.
WTXL
Leon County kicks off 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season preparedness push
Residents are urged to build hurricane preparedness kits and make evacuation plans ahead of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
Tampa Free Press
Pasco County Drops Brand-New Interactive Disaster Guide As 2026 Hurricane Season Begins
The 2026 hurricane season has officially started, prompting Pasco County Emergency Management to urge residents to begin their storm preparations immediately.
PROPERTY TAXES
Gulf Shore Business
Florida counties face major losses from tax proposal
The Florida Association of Counties went on the offensive against a proposed constitutional amendment that would eliminate most property taxes, even before the Legislature votes on whether to place the measure on the Nov. 3 ballot.
Ocala Star Banner
Florida lawmakers vote on DeSantis property tax overhaul. Live updates
Cities and counties are bracing as Florida lawmakers are poised to vote June 2 on a revised version of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ property tax overhaul, which aims to deliver relief to homeowners even as local officials warn it could force difficult budget choices.
Florida Politics
House committee advances Ron DeSantis’ property tax plan but adds protections for schools
Public comment on DeSantis’ plan was overwhelmingly against it. Republicans were not moved
Florida Politics
‘This is the Governor’s proposal.’
Florida Phoenix
“We know this is a tax shift,” said Jeff Scala, deputy director with FAC in a webinar with members. “They’re framing this as a tax cut.”
South Florida Reporter
Legislature Changes The Math On Property Tax Plan To Protect Schools From Desantis’ Proposal
The Florida Legislature is moving quickly to put into play a revamped proposal pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to drastically reduce property taxes, homestead and otherwise, with potential final passage as early as Tuesday.
WUSF
DeSantis tax plan could cost Suncoast counties $380 million in 2 years
Local government officials are pushing back on a plan by Gov. Ron DeSantis to eliminate property taxes for many Floridians, saying the sweeping cuts would cripple basic services that range from classrooms to hospitals and libraries.
First Coast News
Northeast Florida leaders warn of local budget impacts under DeSantis’ property tax proposal
While the special session gets underway, city and county leaders on the First Coast are already sharing their concerns with the governor’s property tax proposal.
Merced Sun Star
DeSantis’ property tax measure would strip power from local governments
TALLAHASSEE – City and county governments across Florida are sounding the alarm on the proposal by Gov. Ron DeSantis to drastically cut homeowners’ property taxes, force them to follow a state-approved formula for future tax assessments and dictate how those dollars are spent.
LEGISLATION
Crete News
FY 26-27 budget done, vetoes are coming, and property tax debate lies ahead
The Florida Legislature signed off on a $114.5 billion budget Friday afternoon, even as some legislators worried it falls short of doing enough for schools, healthcare, and the environment.
St. Lucie News Tribune
Florida city’s beauty, success comes from local decisions | Opinion
I have often said that what defines Vero Beach is not simply where we are, but how we choose to shape our future. At City Council meetings, cultural events and planning discussions, our focus is protecting the exceptional quality of life generations have built.
News 4 Jax
Here are all the new Florida laws taking effect next month
Nearly 90 new laws set to take effect on July 1, 2026
FAC News Clips – May 29, 2026
COUNTY
WTXL
Historic harms amendment clears Citizen Charter Review Committee
DOWNTOWN TALLAHASSEE, FL — A proposed charter amendment that would require Leon County to examine the impact of past public policy on geographical areas cleared the Citizens Charter Review Committee on Thursday after more than two hours of debate.
WPBF
Okeechobee County looks to get the word out on text-to-911 service for emergencies
OKEECHOBEE, Fla. —
Okeechobee County has announced the launch of a text-to-911 service as part of its E-911 system, offering a vital alternative for emergencies when making a phone call is not possible or safe.
WPTV
Martin County dispatch center gets $2M upgrade for faster response
Facility features cutting-edge equipment designed to help the county’s six to eight dispatchers per shift manage Martin County’s growing emergency call volume more efficiently
Florida Politics
‘Elected officials still have the right to decide if school zone speed enforcement technology should be implemented in their communities.’
PROPERTY TAXES
Tallahassee Democrat
Tallahassee leaders weigh in on DeSantis property tax plan
Gov. Ron DeSantis presented the first look at his plans to cut Florida’s property taxes May 27, and local leaders in Tallahassee and Leon County are already trying to wrap their heads around what this might mean for the governments and citizens they serve.
Highlands News-Sun
DeSantis unveils property tax cut plan
TALLAHASSEE — Many Florida homeowners would see their property tax bills eliminated or severely cut under a plan released Wednesday by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
First Coast News
Gov. DeSantis’ property tax plan raises concerns over funding for local services
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a special legislative session on property tax relief.
Florida Phoenix
Teachers union on property tax plan: ‘The stakes for public education are enormous’
Florida’s largest statewide teacher union says schools would be at risk under Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposal to significantly increase the homestead property tax exemption.
Tampa Bay Times
DeSantis wants to spend $5.5 million promoting Florida property tax amendment
The governor’s plan says the required mailers aren’t advocating for the amendment’s passage.
Miami Herald
DeSantis property tax proposal raises too many questions
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has been talking about cutting property taxes for over a year.
DATA CENTERS
Sarasota Magazine
Developers Push Massive Data Center Complex in DeSoto County Amid Backlash
Florida-based DCIP Group has already secured rezoning approval for an initial 34-acre site at a decommissioned power plant near Arcadia, but company executives say the project could eventually expand to roughly 1,300 acres.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
WFLA
Acting FEMA chief Bob Fenton on incoming hurricane season: ‘We are playing catch-up’
TAMPA, Fla. (The Hill) — Bob Fenton, the acting FEMA administrator, is reassuring the public that the agency is prepared for hurricane season, even as the Trump administration pushes for states to take a more active role in recovery.
LEGISLATION
News 4 Jax
Florida lawmakers ready to vote Friday on $114.5B budget after special session to get it done
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida lawmakers could vote just before noon Friday on an approximately $114.5 billion budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1.
Orlando Sentinel
Florida legislature expected to approve budget Friday
TALLAHASSEE — With the Legislature set to vote Friday on a $114.5 billion spending plan that includes nearly 2,000 member projects, Gov. Ron DeSantis is preparing to use his line-item veto.
Florida Politics
Florida Clerks of Courts relieved by measure allowing them to retain more funding
The legislation allows Clerks of Courts to keep more funding from fines and fees.
FAC News Clips – May 28, 2026
COUNTY
TC Palm
Florida island home to celebrities could be severed by erosion
A wealthy, narrow island home to Tiger Woods, Venus Williams and other celebrities is at increasing risk of flooding and coastal erosion.
WTXL
Leon County School Board approves property tax hike to fund school programs
The board voted 4-1 to place a 1-mill property tax referendum on the November 2026 ballot to fund teacher pay, school safety, arts, and athletics.
Alachua Chronicle
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – At the May 26 meeting, Alachua County Commissioners selected artwork for the County’s Fire Headquarters and Emergency Operations Center, heard an update on regulations for data centers, and deferred a decision on Westside Christian School’s request for water and sewer services.
Tampa Bay Times
St. Petersburg would lose $75M with hiked homestead property tax break
State lawmakers would still need to approve Gov. Ron DeSantis’ plan before voters weigh in on the issue on November ballots.
Tampa Bay Times
Dunedin eyes fire fee as Tallahassee targets property taxes
The special assessment could replace as much as $9 million in property tax revenue that the city stands to lose.
PROPERTY TAXES
The Destin Log
Florida leaders react to Gov. DeSantis on property tax cut
The governor has called the tax-cutting idea the ‘Big Kahuna.’
CPA
‘A Plan to Have a Plan.’ Key Details Still Undefined in DeSantis’ Tax-Cut Pitch
After more than a year of publicly hyping the idea of major property tax relief, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday finally unveiled what he called a plan to deliver it. What he did not unveil was an actual proposal.
WLRN
DeSantis calls for special legislative session on property taxes to begin Monday
Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled a plan Wednesday in Tampa to gradually eliminate most property taxes.
Islander News
How DeSantis’ tax cut could affect schools and public safety
Critics and local government say the governor’s proposed homestead tax changes could strain funding for education, healthcare and other core services
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Tampa Bay Times
What is a ‘super El Niño’? And what does it mean for hurricanes in Florida?
Experts are debating whether a supercharged El Niño will emerge this summer. Here’s what they know so far.
FAC News Clips – May 27, 2026
COUNTY
WCTV
FEMA approves nearly $1 million to reimburse Leon County for Hurricane Helene cleanup
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Leon County is being reimbursed nearly $1 million that was spent after Hurricane Helene.
WQCS
St. Lucie County to change its economic incentives encouraging development
- LUCIE COUNTY — St. Lucie County officials have approved sweeping updates to the county’s economic incentive programsin an effort tostandardize how businesses are rewarded for building and expanding in the area.
PROPERTY TAXES
Florida Today
Florida ending property taxes won’t really save us money | Opinion
We are in a season of giving, but one trendy giveaway idea has actually been making the political rounds for months.
DATA CENTERS
My Panhandle
Jackson County BOCC place moratorium on discussion for AI Data Center
JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. – Hundreds gathered outside and inside the Jackson County Commission board room to have their voices heard on an item that wasn’t even listed on the agenda.
Florida Politics
Citrus County places temporary halt on data centers
‘We’re trying to get the guardrails in place.’
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Florida Politics
Local leaders encourage Floridians to begin making preparations ahead of start to hurricane season
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) – With the official start of hurricane season just days away, officials across Florida are advising residents to make sure they’re prepared.
LEGISLATION
Florida Politics
Budget conference: Lawmakers want to spend millions on affordable housing
The Legislature wants to fully fund the state’s affordable housing trust funds.
Tampa Bay Times
Florida’s delayed $115 billion budget puts money toward AI, AIDS drugs
TALLAHASSEE — Florida’s legislative leaders, after weeks of negotiations and delays, are ready to give Gov. Ron DeSantis his final budget.
FAC News Clips – May 19, 2026
COUNTY
Fox 35
Helmets, speed limits, fines: New e-bike, e-scooter rules being considered by Orange County
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County leaders are considering requiring helmets, setting speed limits, and/or fines to help enforce e-bike and e-scooter safety among kids and teens.
PROPERTY TAXES
USA Today
Why Florida’s property tax plans could upend local governments
These are trying times for municipal governments in Florida.
Flagler Live
DeSantis Renews Push For Florida Property Tax Cuts
Still without a public proposal to offer, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday doubled down on his year-long call to slash Florida’s property taxes.
FAC News Clips – May 18, 2026
COUNTY
News-Press
Collier County landfill expansion approved
While there isn’t a need to expand Collier County’s landfill yet, the county is planning for it.
News 4 Jax
Ironman Jacksonville hit its stride with athletes, but locals say the city wasn’t race-ready
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Ironman Triathlon wrapped up a busy weekend in Jacksonville, drawing nearly 2,000 athletes from around the world.
Bradenton Herald
Orlando teen’s death underscores concerns about e-bikes, e-scooters
The death of a 13-year-old Lake Nona boy, fatally injured on Mother’s Day while riding an electric scooter to buy flowers for his mom, has cast a pall over the Orange County commission’s scheduled discussion Tuesday about regulating so-called micro-mobility devices.
The Apopka Voice
Orange County recognized nationally for environmental health and extreme heat resilience efforts
Orange County was honored in the Extreme Heat category for its targeted, data-driven efforts to protect residents and strengthen long-term environmental resilience.
ENVIRONMENT
WFSU
Florida municipalities are spearheading shoreline resiliency
Florida has the longest coastline in the contiguous United States with about 8,500 miles of tidal shoreline.
PROPERTY TAXES
BWHL
Property taxes already low in Escambia, Santa Rosa amid Florida debate
Despite all of the noise in the Florida Legislature over the possibility of Florida cutting or even eliminating property taxes, state homeowners are actually better off than much of the United States. And in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, it’s even better.
Florida Politics
Rick Scott throws salt on Ron DeSantis’ property tax repeal pitch
‘How are you going to fund education and transportation, the environment, things like that?’
LEGISLATION
Florida Politics
Good news.