LEGISLATION 

The Floridian  

Proposed Bill Would Increase State Worker Pensions, Costs Taxpayers $2 Billion  

Florida lawmakers in the state legislature are currently mulling over HB 151 – Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of Retirement Benefits – which would increase the pensions of approximately one million state employees with a 3% increase due to “cost-of-living.” 

 

Florida Politics 

Unhoused in Florida? You may need a permit to sleep in public soon  

A new bill would ban public ‘camping’ with some limited exceptions, and would impose financial obligations on local governments. 

 

Florida Politics 

In the zone: House Committee advances bill creating 2-mile protection buffer around Everglades  

‘Each year, this Legislature allocates funds to protect the Everglades and for Everglades restoration. This will help continue those efforts.’ 

 

COUNTY 

Tampa Bay Times 

Pasco to focus on future challenges from sea-level rise to next pandemic  

With Pasco County hugging the Gulf of Mexico, officials and residents have always known they are vulnerable. But hurricanes and sea-level rise are not the only potential threats in the county’s future. 

 

Your Observer 

Manatee County considers value of citizen advisory boards  

In theory, advisory boards assist the Manatee County Commission by providing opinions on major issues like affordable housing and child welfare in the county. 

 

Orlando Sentinel  

Editorial: Last week, Florida’s defenders claimed big wins  

For local environmentalists and growth-management advocates, last week was a tumble of triumphs: 

 

AROUND THE COUNT(R)Y 

Route-Fifty 

FEMA to overhaul disaster aid to better help those most in need  

The changes would address “the inequitable distribution of benefits” and help more low-income and homeless people