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.
Category: Environment
Posted inEnvironment
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.
Posted inImmigration
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.”
Posted inEnvironment
DeSantis pledged millions for restoring reef ‘then pulled the rug from under us’
Organizations that spent taxpayer money to build new facilities and train staff to work on the state-led project are now scrambling to find grants and private donations to keep the lights on.
Posted inState Government
New state law to protect consumers from data center costs faces its first test
Data centers have become a political lightning rod across the country, galvanizing a bipartisan outpouring of opposition from residents alarmed by the sheer scale of the energy and water needed to run the facilities, which are used to power artificial intelligence and cloud computing.
Posted inEnvironment
Weakened federal heat protection rules leave Florida workers sweating
Florida is the national epicenter for workplace heat injuries — and workers organizing to convince their employers to offer voluntary heat protections.
Posted inEnvironment
Behind the anger and scientific brawl over Florida’s Atlantic red snapper season
At the heart of the conflict lies one deceptively difficult question: Just how many red snapper are there in the sea?
Posted inElections
Who is pouring millions into the sleepy race for Florida’s ag commissioner?
Despite incumbent Wilton Simpson’s towering cash advantage, special interests have continued to pour cash into the commissioner’s coffers
Posted inEnvironment
Florida wildlife under threat from Trump administration rule
The reinterpretation of the Endangered Species Act would affect hundreds of species nationwide, but it would have an especially big impact in the Sunshine State
Posted inLocal Government
Facing rising costs, JEA hikes electric, water rates again
For the average Jacksonville residential customer, the combined water and electric bill will rise from $231.67 to $239.83.