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Studio 67FAC News Clips – July 7, 2026
COUNTY
WCTV
Taylor County Commission votes down data center moratorium, residents wonder what comes next
PERRY, Fla. (WCTV) – Taylor County Commissioners met Monday night to discuss several key topics for the county including, approval for a local option fuel tax ordinance and a Steinhatchee seafood facility study.
WFLA
Manatee County sees 56% drop in opioid deaths — the biggest decrease in Florida
MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — There’s been a major turnaround in Manatee County’s fight against the opioid epidemic.
WGCU
Charlotte County Community Services wins 27 national awards for local programs
Charlotte County Community Services received 27 national awards last month, recognizing community programs and a local park.
Keys News
County officials and staff attend conference in Orlando
Monroe County elected officials and senior staff attended the annual Florida Association of Counties (FAC), Florida Association of County Managers (FACM), Florida Association of County Attorneys (FACA), and Florida Association of County Engineers and Road Superintendents (FACERS) in Orlando recently.
Florida Politics
FEMA funding headed to four municipalities impacted by Hurricane Ian in 2022
Charlotte County, Palatka, Seminole County and Port of the Islands municipalities have Ian recovery funds earmarked for them.
PROPERTY TAXES
Florida Politics
‘What the Legislature did wasn’t my proposal.’
Florida Politics
Could property tax relief cost Florida more? New group says yes.
New opposition campaign warns property tax amendment threatens essential local government services.
Midflorida Newspaper
DeSantis: Property tax on ballot ‘wasn’t my proposal’
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis continues to put some distance between himself and a property tax measure he pushed for that is going before voters in November.
WLRN
A new PAC has formed to lobby against passing the property tax referendum
A political action committee has been incorporated in Tampa to lobby against the property tax referendum on November’s ballot.
WFLA
Poll: Florida’s property tax relief amendment has enough support to pass
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Government and political public relations firm Sachs Media has released findings after a survey about the property tax relief ballot measure.
DOGE
Bradenton Herald
DeSantis gives update on state DOGE audit of Manatee budget
Gov. Ron DeSantis provided a long-awaited update to the state’s fiscal audit of Manatee County Government, criticizing some previous decisions as “questionable.”
LEGISLATION
News 4 Jax
Here’s why Florida Gov. DeSantis vetoed e-bike speed limits
Over 200 new laws approved this year
Click Orlando
These new Florida tax rules just took effect. Here’s what you should know
Another 11 bills signed into law on Monday
Florida Politics
Long live the king: Gov. DeSantis vetoes sovereign immunity bill
Lawmakers scaled back the proposal’s liability limits before final passage to build wider support, which evidently didn’t extend to the Governor’s Office.
FAC News Clips – June 17, 2026
COUNTY
Fox 13
Hillsborough County leaders divided over proposed property tax reform amendment
TAMPA, Fla. – Hillsborough County leaders are preparing to discuss a new report that warns of significant budget challenges if Florida voters approve a proposed property tax reform amendment this November.
Observer Local News
Flagler County Commissioners weigh budget effects of proposed property tax reform
County commissioners review preliminary estimates and discuss how a proposed constitutional amendment could affect future revenues and local services.
Tallahassee Reports
Leon County Commission Addresses Budget Issues
During a budget workshop, Leon County Commissioners considered some changes to cut expenses if taxpayers vote to roll back property taxes this fall.
Yours Sun
DeSoto County data center defies negative image
Social media, and even Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, have spread dire concerns over the development and impact of data centers in Florida and the nation.
SNNTV
‘It’s perfectly doable’: Manatee Commissioners request review for vacation rental ordinance
MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — Manatee County residents are at odds over short-term rentals, as some say they leave them with long-term problems.
PROPERTY TAXES
My Panhandle
FAC report: Panhandle counties among hardest hit if property tax cuts pass
FLORIDA (WMBB) – The Florida Association of Counties has released the amounts each county is expected to lose if property tax cuts are approved by voters.
Florida Politics
Gov. DeSantis wants court challenge to property tax amendment settled ‘pretty quickly’
Timing matters since Election Supervisors have work to do.
Tampa Bay Times
DeSantis’ property tax plan could be unconstitutional. Here’s why
The Florida Supreme Court has already shot down a 5-year residency requirement for property tax benefits.
Orlando Sentinel
Property tax cuts could hurt local government credit ratings
A massive overhaul of the state’s property tax structure being pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis would have a sweeping impact on the financial stability of local governments across Florida and place devastating constraints on their ability to borrow money, according to three of the nation’s biggest credit rating agencies.
Tampa Bay Times
Floridians should think twice before embracing property tax elimination | Column
Few things unite homeowners more than their shared disdain for rising property taxes.
DOGE
WFLA
Florida’s CFO: Palm Beach County Spends Tax Money Like ‘Drunken Sailors’
Sharing an update on what he calls ‘excessive spending,’ Florida’s chief financial officer paid a visit to Boca Raton.
FLGFC
TBBW
UTampa seeks $150M for 833-bed housing project
The University of Tampa is seeking up to $150 million in bond financing for a student housing development planned at 110 South Boulevard, providing the first public indication of the project’s financial scale.
LEGISLATION
News 4 Jax
Gov. DeSantis signs 14 more bills. Here’s the list of what’s new to Florida law
On the same day that he touted the signing of five bills related to law enforcement, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed another 14 bills into state law.
Florida Politics
To veto or not? All eyes are on Gov. DeSantis, sovereign immunity bill
Records show the bill drew 242 lobbyist registrations.
FAC News Clips – June 11, 2026
COUNTY
Bradenton Herald
How property tax changes could reshape Manatee’s budget
As Manatee County budget talks started this week, officials stressed how proposed changes to property taxes would drastically cut the county’s funding.
WFLA
‘A terrible job’: Hernando Commission rejects fire department’s request for tax hike
HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — Hernando County officials heard presentations from Hernando County Fire Rescue and the Public Safety Director Wednesday, where first responders asked for a tax increase between 4% to 6% for improvements to infrastructure, new fire stations, improved equipment, and increased staffing.
Jax Today
St. Johns County announces new young professionals program
St. Johns County and the local chamber of commerce are partnering to launch a new program for young professionals and other business-minded young people.
PROPERTY TAXES
Florida Politics
‘They took out what I had proposed.’
Tallahassee Democrat
Leon County fears $71M loss after Florida property tax cut
Commissioner Christian Caban was a voice of positivity amid the gloomy outlook saying “we will get through this.”
WGCU
Rural governments sounding the alarm over impending November vote on property tax plan
Hendry is one of the state’s 29 fiscally constrained counties. Collectively, the small counties with a slow-growing tax base represent nearly half of Florida.
CW 34
DeSantis says state may use surplus to help some communities if property tax relief passes
BROOKSVILLE, Fla. (CBS12) — Gov. Ron DeSantis said Wednesday he supports using state surplus money to help some local governments fund essential services if voters approve a property tax relief measure.
Florida Politics
Semantic schism: Ron DeSantis rebukes Wall Street Journal jab at ‘progressive’ property tax measure
The Governor gets pushback from the corporatist right.
WPTV
Palm Beach County leaders brace for property tax reform impact on local budget
County commissioners are already facing a budget gap and could lose hundreds of millions if voters approve a property tax referendum
DOGE
Sun Sentinel
Florida DOGE team turns its focus to Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale now finds itself under the scrutiny of the Florida Department of Government Efficiency, just as the city is bracing for possible passage of a ballot measure in November that would impose statewide property tax cuts.
FAC News Clips – June 9, 2026
June 9, 2026
COUNTY
Siesta Sand
County moves forward with Stickney Point waterfront purchase
Sarasota County commissioners approved moving ahead with the 1500 Stickney Point Road acquisition and authorized up to $20.77 million in borrowing for a future waterfront park near the south bridge to Siesta Key.
My News 13
Hillsborough expanding aid program for those with damage
TAMPA, Fla. — Hillsborough County is expanding access to its Rebuilding for Tomorrow Storm Damage Assistance Program, bringing application help directly to residents in communities outside of Tampa.
Hometown News
FPL crews replace overhead neighborhood power lines with underground lines in a Treasure Coast neighborhood.
PROPERTY TAXES
The Bradenton Times
The property tax blast radius nobody is talking about
Everyone is talking about property taxes. Almost nobody is talking about power.
WTXL
Florida property tax reform proposal: critics share concerns about cuts
DOWNTOWN TALLAHASSEE, FL — Florida voters will decide whether to dramatically increase homestead exemptions, but groups advocating on behalf of Counties warn the change could threaten public safety and basic services.
The Usual Suspects
The Usual Suspects – June 7, 2026
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – “The Usual Suspects,” airing in 38 counties, has become one of North Florida’s and South Georgia’s premier political talk shows.
Miami Community Newspaper
Governor DeSantis, It’s a Strange Time to Break Local Government
Florida voters will soon be asked to decide a constitutional amendment that would dramatically reduce local property tax revenues.
Florida Politics
‘This is absolutely alarming’: Orange County Commissioners worry about property tax plan’s impact
‘We have a fight ahead of us.’
DOGE
Action News Jax
‘Not even close’: CFO claims COJ now overspending by $276 million, up from $199 million last year
Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia claimed excessive spending in Jacksonville continues to spiral during a stop in the city on Monday.
DATA CENTERS
News 4 Jax
Nassau County approves data center moratorium
NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. – Nassau County commissioners approved a 12-month moratorium Monday night on accepting, reviewing or approving applications tied to data center facilities — giving the county time to study potential impacts before deciding how to handle future projects.
LEGISLATION
WFSU
Here’s some of the money in the new state budget that could be heading for Florida’s rural counties
Florida lawmakers have okayed a $114.5 billion state budget. Now, it’s up to the governor to decide what stays and what goes.
FAC News Clips – June 5, 2026
COUNTY
ABC 7
Manatee County delays submitting comprehensive plan after public pushback
BRADENTON, Fla. (WWSB) – Manatee County commissioners voted Thursday to delay action on the county’s proposed comprehensive plan after residents packed commission chambers and voiced concerns about growth, development and the public review process.
WFLA
Pinellas County deputies incorporate AI translation technology in body cameras
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is using artificial intelligence to better serve the community they’ve sworn to protect.
Click Orlando
Seminole County seeks second year of state funding to sustain SCOUT micro-transit growth
Software upgrades, new vehicles aim to cut waits for growing ridership
My News 13
Hillsborough considers new ordinance for loose livestock
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Hillsborough County leaders are moving forward with plans to create a new county-wide ordinance aimed at reducing the growing number of loose livestock incidents that have become a recurring public safety concern.
PROPERTY TAXES
Naples Daily News
Property tax amendment threatens local budgets
If voters approve a state constitutional amendment to cut property taxes in November, Collier County stands to lose more than $62.9 million in revenue in the first year alone.
CFPM
Fact-checking claims that Florida’s property tax amendment will ‘defund’ essential public services
Some Florida Democrats are warning that a Republican plan to drastically reduce property taxes on Floridians’ primary homes isn’t as good as it seems, because it could mean losing essential local services.
My News 13
Property tax costs; potential help for farmers
Leaders in Florida disagree about the true cost of the property tax proposal, and lawmakers seek to provide financial relief to Florida farmers.
Florida Politics
‘Tallahassee takeover’: Donna Deegan pushes back on property tax reduction amendment
Local leaders continue to voice alarm about what could be drastic revenue cuts starting next year.
WCJB
Columbia County commissioners discuss proposed property tax changes
LAKE CITY, Fla. — Columbia County commissioners discussed a proposed statewide property tax exemption and local funding transparency measures during their board meeting Thursday.
Florida Politics
‘This is absolutely alarming’: Orange County Commissioners worry about property tax plan’s impact
‘We have a fight ahead of us.’
LEGISLATION
Florida Politics
Florida’s 2026 Sessions deliver wins for homeowners as budget heads to Governor
‘These are meaningful steps toward a more affordable and resilient Florida.’
FAC News Clips – June 3, 2026
COUNTY
North Escambia
Escambia County Deploys 43 New Artificial Reefs
Escambia County recently deployed 43 new artificial reefs, providing excellent habitats for marine life and adding even more local reef sites for anglers and divers to explore.
WTXL
Leon County leaders grapple with state decisions on taxes, business programs
County commissioners are voicing concerns after state lawmakers passed new exemptions on property taxes and new restrictions on minority business contracting programs.
News 4 Jax
Jacksonville-area leaders voice concerns as Florida Legislature passes property tax cut proposal
Full measure approved by Legislature now goes on November ballot for voters
WINK
Charlotte County commissioner backs Animal Welfare League funding push
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (WINK)—A Charlotte County commissioner is speaking out for the first time about contract negotiations with the Animal Welfare League.
WCTV
Commissioner shares specifics on impact property tax cuts could have on Leon County services
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Florida lawmakers sent a revised plan that will slash property taxes to the ballot.
PROPERTY TAXES
The Bradenton Journal
Florida Legislature OKs DeSantis property tax proposal. How will you vote in November?
Florida voters will be asked to sharply curtail the property taxes cities and counties rely upon under a far-reaching resolution championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis and approved Tuesday by a supermajority of the Florida Legislature.
Orlando Weekly
Florida Legislature changes the math on property tax plan to protect schools from DeSantis’ proposal
The plan still faces opposition from both Republicans and Democrats
The Destin Log
Florida lawmakers OK DeSantis property tax cut for 2026 ballot
The DeSantis-backed plan is aimed on providing massive tax relief, although cities and counties warn of peril to many public services.
Bradention Herald
DeSantis has claims about his tax amendment. Here’s what it actually does | Bradenton Herald
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis has made some bold claims about his property tax plan since unveiling it last week.
Florida Politics
How Sam Garrison, Senate leaders led the way on protecting property tax revenue for schools
Gov. DeSantis is not happy.
DATA CENTERS
WJHG
Holmes County moves forward with a moratorium on AI data centers
HOLMES COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – Another Panhandle County has jumped on board with potentially stopping future AI data centers from being built.
WJHG
‘Red Flag’ on data centers: Bay County starts research ahead of possible moratorium
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – Data centers are a hot topic across the nation, uniting people on opposite sides of the aisle.
WFLA
Hernando County moves forward with proposed data center moratorium after resident concerns
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Hernando County commissioners are moving forward with a proposal that would temporarily halt new data center development applications as county leaders work to determine how those facilities should be regulated.