School tax proposals will share ballot with Amendment 3, prompting fears about voter confusion
As state lawmakers push to cut property taxes through Amendment 3, over 40% of Florida’s public school districts will also have their own property tax before voters on the ballot.
ENVIRONMENT
Watchdogs warn Amendment 3 may cut funding for flood control and drinking water
The measure would cut funding for Florida’s five water management districts, which are responsible for stopping floods, securing the drinking water supply, preventing toxic algae blooms and overseeing millions of acres of public land. About 30% of the districts’ budgets, on average, come from property taxes.
Florida sets new course for controversial herbicide program behind closed doors
Florida’s herbicide spraying has sparked public backlash and promises to reform the way the state manages invasive aquatic plants. But state officials are starting to form that strategy in secret.
This state agency owes millions in immigration bills. Lawmakers just cut a check
The emergency preparedness fund was originally set aside for recovery from hurricanes and other natural disasters. This past year, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration used much of the money to build and operate the now-shuttered Everglades immigration detention facility dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.”
Criminal Justice
‘Profoundly sick’ Florida Death Row prisoner pleads for medical care
More than 100 doctors who have reviewed William Lee Thompson’s case are urging Gov. Ron DeSantis to reverse his death warrant
Florida has left mentally-ill defendants in jail for months past legal limits, lawsuit says
At least three people died, and the psychiatric conditions of others deteriorated, while waiting for transfer to state hospitals
‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detainees were held in cages the size of a phone booth
The report gives a rare glimpse into the sprawling makeshift facility that was built in a matter of days by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration.
EDUCATION
At UNF, sole finalist for presidency rekindles fight over secrecy law
At issue is a 2022 state law that shielded most of the presidential interview process from public view, a law some former supporters now regret
Florida’s public school enrollment falls while vouchers soar
Broward, Duval, Hillsborough, Orange and Miami-Dade County Public Schools have bled students in recent years, according to a collection of enrollment data.
Once a powerhouse, Moms for Liberty expected to hold majority on just two Florida school boards
Culture war fights that once fueled the rise of Moms for Liberty are now losing steam in local Florida politics.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Recently released from prison, Aaron Zahn could be entitled to damages from JEA, arbitrator rules
The arbitrator, Leslie W. Langbein of Miami Lakes, issued a 36-page decision that does not once mention Zahn’s convictions, which followed a years-long federal grand jury investigation.
Ex-JEA CEO Aaron Zahn released from prison 20 months after reporting for 4-year sentence
Aaron Zahn was found guilty of charges connected to his contentious push to sell Northeast Florida’s public utility to enrich himself and his top executives.
Is Jacksonville prepared for the $200 million shortfall if Amendment 3 passes? Short answer, no.
So far, the Finance Committee has cut $30 million, most of which likely won’t amount to actual savings and falls millions short of next year’s potential revenue shortfall.
STATE GOVERNMENT
How Hope Florida quietly hollowed out Florida’s safety net
Trio of powerful DeSantis appointments will face voters for the first time
DeSantis pledged millions for restoring reef ‘then pulled the rug from under us’
Democrats want to impeach Uthmeier, but accountability may rest with the voters
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