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Studio 67FAC News Clips – May 14, 2025
COUNTY
Chronicle Online
Davis pulls back quasi-judicial code change
Citrus County Commissioner Holly Davis on Tuesday suggested staff prepare an ordinance to amend the code for quasi-judicial hearings, but after a lengthy discussion with commissioners, the county attorney and hearing from the public, rescinded her motion to gather more information.
WJHG
Walton County prepares for possible changes to beach access laws
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – As a senate bill aimed at repealing a 2018 customary use law heads to the governor’s desk, Walton County commissioners are now weighing what the future of the beaches could look like if it’s signed into law.
Citrus County Chronicle
County votes for new lobbying ordinances
County Commissioner Diana Finegan on Tuesday introduced three ordinances aimed at strengthening lobbying rules and promoting government transparency.
WCTV
Late Leon County Commissioner J. Lee Vause remembered as ‘role model,’ ‘true gentleman’
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – The Leon County Commission held a moment of silence Tuesday to memorialize former Leon County Commissioner J. Lee Vause Sr. after his death Monday.
LEGISLATION
Islander News
House invites DeSantis to present tax plan — Perez: “We’re always willing to have the debate”
As House Republicans and Gov. Ron DeSantis continue to exchange barbs over taxes and the state’s budget breakdown, legislators charged with looking at property taxes challenged the governor to offer his ideas to them in person.
Bay News 9
Florida House moves to extend session yet again
TALLAHASSEE, Fl. — It takes two to tango — yet the Florida House found themselves dancing alone Tuesday in the Florida Capitol.
Florida Politics
House Select Committee on Property Taxes members acknowledge local government leaders are voicing anxiety about possibly losing tax revenue.
FEDERAL
WDPF
House Republicans push Trump’s ‘one big beautiful bill’
Ahead of a self-imposed Memorial Day deadline, House Republicans are pushing forward a major spending bill that includes sweeping tax cuts offset by cuts to Medicaid and other social programs.
FAC News Clips – May 13, 2025
COUNTY
Bradenton Herald
FL makes surprise move to stop Manatee’s wetland protections
As Manatee County leaders were poised for a final vote to restore local wetland protections, state officials shocked them with a last-minute opposition.
FOX 35
Orange Co. leaders fight for federal funding in D.C.
Orange County Commissioner Michael Scott joined FOX 35’s Garrett Wymer to talk about several County Commissioners traveling to Washington, D.C. to meet with federal lawmakers in an attempt to secure federal funding for several programs, including the Head Start program for early education for children.
Bay News 9
Pasco County to receive $585.7 million for storm relief
PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — A little more than $585 million is coming to Pasco County in the form of storm relief.
LEGISLATION
WUWF
DeSantis rejects idea of a budget ‘summit’ for Legislature, says people should do their jobs
Gov. Ron DeSantis said there’s no need for a special summit to agree on a budget, which has kept the Legislature from ending its session over a week after it was supposed to.
WESH
Florida bill could strip local government power to control growth
The Volusia County chair says it would nullify land development rules.
Miami Times
Senate President Albritton walks away from tax deal, citing $2.5B in recurring cuts
A $2.8 billion tax cut deal reached between Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Daniel Perez last week to help bring the 2025 regular session to a close is now off the table.
AROUND THE COUNT(R)Y
WSFL
California Gov. Newsom urges cities and counties to ban homeless encampments
The issue has become one of the most intractable issues in California and one sure to dog Newsom if he runs for national office.
FAC News Clips – May 9, 2025
COUNTY
Fox 35
Orange County firefighters test augmented reality helmets in smoke-filled rescues
ORLANDO, Fla. – Orange County Fire Rescue is testing new augmented reality (AR) helmets that improve visibility through thick smoke.
WFTV
Volusia County approves hurricane recovery plan with $20 million for home buyouts
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Volusia County will spend up to $20 million to buy properties that have flooded multiple times.
The Daytona Beach News-Journal
Volusia County approves incentives for affordable housing
Volusia County has new incentives to attract affordable housing and low-impact development, which the County Council approved this week.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
ABC Action News
With FEMA in limbo, Florida’s top emergency leader says state need not worry
“We’re going to continue to perform at a very high level for the residents of Florida,” FDEM’s Kevin Guthrie told ABC Action News.
SHORT-TERM RENTALS
Florida Politics
Do Airbnbs produce extra trash? Raquel Regalado wants to know — and maybe charge a fee if so
She has focused on issues of waste disposal and recycling for years.
TAXES
TC Palm
Florida’s big tax cut plan comes at a bad time for economy | Editorial
The state of Florida dodged a bullet, thanks to what many may see as a political debacle within the state capitol.
LEGISLATION
Florida Politics
Multiple affordable housing measures shelved this Session
The measures aimed to allow property owners more autonomy, as well as expand tax credits for affordable housing.
FAC News Clips – May 8, 2025
COUNTY
WTSP
Pinellas County commissioners approve $813M ‘Disaster Recovery Action Plan’
Following a public comment period, the county says it will submit the plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for approval.
Plant City Observer
COUNTY LOOKS INTO WAYS TO LESSEN FLOODING
Initiated by Plant City’s Christine Miller, District 4 County Commissioner, Hillsborough County is hosting a series of eight public meetings to gather input about the 2024 cumulative flooding impacts of seasonal rainfall, and Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton.
Tampa Bay Times
Here’s why Hillsborough residents are mistaking tax refunds for spam
The settlement for a defunct transportation sales tax has stirred confusion, an expert and local officials said.
My News 13
Volusia OKs plan for $133.5M U.S. funds for storm recovery
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — The Volusia County Council has approved a $133.5 million Hurricane Milton recovery plan to help improve infrastructure and to buy out the property of some residents whose homes were flooded during the storm.
SHORT-TERM RENTALS
Herald Tribune
Manatee County Commission to vote in June on vacation rental rules
Manatee County will decide on new regulation of short-term vacation rentals in unincorporated Manatee County next month, but the vote could be split.
TAXES
Orlando Sentinel
Central Florida’s county budgets ballooned in last five years
Central Florida county budgets have ballooned since 2020, fueled partly by rising property tax collections that have pumped billions more dollars into municipal accounts.
Florida Politics
Gov. DeSantis drives argument for property tax cuts, threatens to veto House sales tax plan
‘This is what it means to be a low-tax state.’
Sun Sentinel
Broward governments brace for Florida tax and spending cuts
The Florida Legislature’s apparent commitment to statewide tax relief is going to leave local government scrambling to come up with cash to cover emergency, parks and health services for years to come — and it’s not too soon to start bracing for that potential impact, officials said this week.
IMMIGRATION
South Florida Reporter
DeSantis Stands By AG James Uthmeier’s Defiance Of Federal Court Order
Gov. Ron DeSantis is standing by Attorney General James Uthmeier’s open defiance of a federal court order requiring law enforcement agencies in Florida to halt immigration arrests under a new state immigration law.
FAC News Clips – May 7, 2025
COUNTY
Your Observer
Sarasota commissioners OK a range of dredging plans, spending
The first of what could be a succession of dredging projects in Phillippi Creek will likely begin this summer, but county commissioners on Tuesday urged their constituents and county officials to reach out to federal authorities — namely U.S. Rep. Greg Steube — for help to move things along.
My News 13
Orange County considers implementing a stormwater fee
ORLANDO, Fla. — Orange County leaders are considering ways to raise funds for new stormwater projects.
First Coast News
E-bike safety debated during St. Johns County commissioner meeting
St. Johns County commissioners discussed whether there is a need for a new e-bike ordinance, since helmet and speed laws are already in effect.
HURRICANE SEASON
ABC 27
Commissioner Rick Minor explains concerns about potential cuts to FEMA, NWS
The District 3 Commissioner Rick Minor mentions the potential loss of federal reimbursement and concerns about the accuracy of weather forecasts.
ABC Action News
Trump declares Hurricane Preparedness Week ahead of start to hurricane season
This comes as Trump has made deep staffing cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which includes the National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service.
LEGISLATION
WDBO
Statewide fluoride ban receives backing from Governor Ron DeSantis
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — For months, Gov. Ron DeSantis has participated in a nationwide discussion and now states he will sign the bill to implement a statewide fluoride ban in Florida’s water supply.
Florida Politics
Lawmakers’ addresses could soon be exempted from public records, if Gov. DeSantis signs off
Many privacy measures were introduced this Session, but only a small portion will make it to the Governor.
FAC News Clips – May 6, 2025
COUNTY
Fox 13
Pinellas leaders to weigh plan for $813M in hurricane relief funds
- PETERSBURG, Fla. – Pinellas County commissioners are expected to talk Tuesday about a plan to spend more than $800 million in federal hurricane relief funds.
News 4 Jax
- JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – St. Johns County officials are expected to discuss a proposed e-bike ordinance during a county commission meeting Tuesday morning.
Flagler Live
Sales Tax Proposal to Protect Beaches Takes Another Lashing
Flagler County’s $114 million beach management plan is looking like a sand castle on the county’s critically eroded shore, and the water is rising.
DOGE
Florida Politics
Jax City Council committee wants Gov. DeSantis’ DOGE team to probe books
Tallahassee will get the locals’ blessing. But not everyone’s on board.
HURRICANE SEASON
WCTV
2025 Hurricane Preparedness Week is here
The 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season starts on June 1 and runs until November 30
Florida Politics
3 hurricanes that struck Florida in 2024 caused a combined $138B in damage in the state.
LEGISLATION
WUWF
Lawmakers are wary of Florida’s increasingly busy hurricane seasons
After three hurricanes hit the state in 2024, Florida lawmakers Friday gave final approval to a bill that would make changes involving issues such as debris removal and rebuilding storm-damaged homes.
Orlando Sentinel
Florida Legislature exempts Wekiva Study Area from Live Local Act
The vote returns autonomy to local governments to decide whether apartments can be built on environmentally sensitive land
Florida Politics
Medicaid expansion group sues to block new law targeting citizen-led amendment petitions
‘We are fighting back with this lawsuit. We are challenging this law because we believe in democracy.’