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Florida Lawmaker Jeff Brandes Warns of Fiscal Strain on Cities Post-Amendment 3, Urges Legislative Action

Florida Lawmaker Jeff Brandes Warns of Fiscal Strain on Cities Post-Amendment 3, Urges Legislative Action

Former Florida Senator Jeff Brandes has issued a warning regarding the potential fiscal challenges that Florida cities could face if Amendment 3 passes. He highlights that the amendment is projected to reduce local non-school property tax revenue by approximately $5 billion in its first year, potentially escalating to nearly $12 billion by 2031-32. This reduction, coupled with the indexing of the higher homestead exemption to inflation after 2028 and rising costs for local services, will create a significant financial squeeze for municipalities. Brandes points out that while revenue may decrease, essential obligations such as road maintenance, police and fire department salaries, pension payments, and debt servicing will remain. He cites the 2008 dissolution of Cedar Grove as a precedent, where the town ceased operations as a municipality due to financial unsustainability, leaving Bay County to absorb its assets and liabilities without a clear state-level template for such an event. Brandes argues that man...
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Backs Amendment 3 Property Tax Proposal Amidst Debate Over Economic Impact

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Backs Amendment 3 Property Tax Proposal Amidst Debate Over Economic Impact

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is supporting Amendment 3, a property tax proposal that will be on the November ballot. This amendment aims to significantly alter property tax structures in Florida by expanding the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. Additionally, it proposes to reduce the annual assessment-growth cap on non-homestead properties, which include rental homes, second homes, and commercial properties, from 10% to 5%. Florida TaxWatch, a nonpartisan watchdog group, has launched an online resource center to help voters understand the potential impacts of this amendment, estimating that it could cut local property taxes by approximately $45.8 billion over five years. The ballot summary for Amendment 3 was recently rewritten after a Leon County judge deemed the Legislature’s original wording biased and misleading.
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Greater Palm Springs Pride Faces $325,000 Funding Shortfall Amidst Political Climate

Greater Palm Springs Pride Faces $325,000 Funding Shortfall Amidst Political Climate

Greater Palm Springs Pride is proceeding with its annual four-day celebration despite a significant $325,000 shortfall in sponsorship funding. According to Ron deHarte, President of Palm Springs Pride, 60% of this deficit stems from a sponsor in Florida whose governor has directed a pullback from supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) or related programs. The remaining 40% is attributed to broader economic challenges, leading to tighter budgets for partners who have historically supported the event. DeHarte emphasized that LGBTQ+ organizations are crucial for providing essential services, including crisis intervention for homeless youth, HIV/AIDS prevention, legal aid, and safe spaces. The funding gap puts these vital services at risk, impacting the well-being and safety of the individuals they serve. Despite these financial pressures, organizers are committed to making the festival a vibrant and political statement, highlighting the community's resilience and self-reliance.
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Opposition Mounts Against Florida's Amendment 3 Property Tax Changes

Opposition Mounts Against Florida's Amendment 3 Property Tax Changes

A growing coalition of organizations in Florida is raising concerns about Amendment 3, a measure slated for the November ballot that proposes to increase the homestead property tax exemption to $250,000 by 2028. While the amendment aims to offer savings to homeowners, critics argue that the collective costs to the state would outweigh individual benefits. Groups such as the American Planning Association Florida Chapter, the Florida Engineering Society, the American Council of Engineering Companies of Florida, the Florida Association of County Engineers and Road Superintendents (FACERS), and the Florida Fire Marshals & Inspectors Association (FFMIA) have united under the 'Vote No on Amendment 3' campaign. These organizations contend that the proposal would significantly reduce local revenue sources without providing a sustainable replacement, impacting funding for infrastructure, public services, and responsible growth. They are joined by other groups including the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association, the Flor...
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As Palm Beach County swelters, here's when cool temps usually arrive

As Palm Beach County swelters, here's when cool temps usually arrive

Palm Beach County, like the rest of Florida, is sweltering now, but cooler weather is in our near future. Here's when to expect crisp, cool air.
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Palm Beach County high school football: Week 1 FHSAA scores

Palm Beach County high school football: Week 1 FHSAA scores

Don't miss any of the best high school sports coverage from The Palm Beach Post sports department from the 2026 fall season.
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Lightrail and wider lanes: Western communities address traffic snarls

Lightrail and wider lanes: Western communities address traffic snarls

"We can't only plan for everyone driving forever because we are running out of space," said one planning official.
Palm Beach Post Palm Beach Post
E-bike crash in North Palm leaves man with serious head injuries

E-bike crash in North Palm leaves man with serious head injuries

The crash near the old Twin City Mall site comes as reports of e-bike injuries sending riders to trauma centers have surged across Florida.
USA Today USA Today
Heat advisory, feels-like temperatures could reach 112 in South Florida

Heat advisory, feels-like temperatures could reach 112 in South Florida

Feels-like temperatures in South Florida could reach above 110 degrees today, with the entire region under a heat advisory once again.
USA Today USA Today
‘The streets are empty:’ How Miami’s Little Haiti reacted to losing TPS

‘The streets are empty:’ How Miami’s Little Haiti reacted to losing TPS

In Little Haiti, the largest community of Haitians living in the U.S., the end of TPS has disrupted life at every level.
Palm Beach Post Palm Beach Post
Lake Worth stays with PBSO amid ICE complaints; may seek shorter deal

Lake Worth stays with PBSO amid ICE complaints; may seek shorter deal

This Palm Beach County city with a large immigrant population will renew its contract with PBSO even as many decry recent ICE enforcement actions.
Palm Beach Post Palm Beach Post
Post reader thinks homestead exemptions need to be targeted | Letters

Post reader thinks homestead exemptions need to be targeted | Letters

Readers weigh in on Florida homestead exemptions, political commentary, newspaper sections, and voter fraud concerns.