COUNTY 

Fox 13  

Could Pinellas County soon have a county mayor? Proposal would create new top office  

  1. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Pinellas County commissioners are weighing a proposal to establish a county mayor’s office – and while it’s not a done deal, a countywide mayor could take office in less than three years.

 

Your Observer 

Commissioner warns that wetlands reversal will spring legal action  

The science of wetland buffers was up for debate among Manatee County commissioners for a second time, but the only real debate centered around the law.   

 

My News 13 

Manatee County prioritizes hurricane affected residents 

But this year, those who were affected by last year’s hurricanes will receive priority when determining who gets part of the $1.2 million in funds. 

 

Miami Herald 

Fluoride debate spreads across Central Florida – next up Seminole County  

As fluoridation bans sweep smaller cities across Central Florida, Seminole County, north of Orlando, is poised Tuesday to consider removing the cavity-fighting chemical from its drinking water – the largest public water provider in the region to confront the issue. 

 

Tampa Bay Times 

Scalping appointment times at the DMV office? Florida county outlaws it. 

The tax collector blamed driving schools that used the state’s online booking system to lock up dozens of appointments for customers paying the schools to get their licenses. 

 

Tampa Bay Times 

Pinellas County to begin enforcing new vacation rental rules 

The ordinance requires owners to register their properties and imposes stiff fines for infractions. 

 

DOGE 

Florida Politics 

Terrance Freeman wants Jax to opt into state DOGE effort 

Duval County could sign on to a priority of Gov. DeSantis. 

 

IMMIGRATION 

WLRN 

Jacksonville council members debate illegal immigration ordinance that mandates jail time  

Jacksonville is in the spotlight for its recent efforts on immigration enforcement.   

 

LEGISLATION 

Mid Florida Newspaper 

Let’s protect the American traditions of self-governance, property rights, and agriculture by standing in opposition to SB 1118  

As a Lake County Commissioner and native Floridian, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impacts of both poorly planned and thoughtfully planned growth management on our communities.