Florida's Latest News

Florida’s local governments raise concerns about property tax cuts

Local government officials on Tuesday offered some pushback against state efforts to cut property taxes and question city and county spending.

With a Florida House panel finishing a two-day review of property-tax issues, city and county officials defended their financial management amid Gov. Ron DeSantis’ push to ask voters next year to slash taxes on homesteaded properties.

Casey Cook, chief of legislative affairs for the Florida League of Cities, called local governments “the most transparent forms of government in the state,” as municipal officials hear daily from neighbors expecting higher levels of service than what is provided in unincorporated areas.

As an example, Cook pointed to street sweepers that some people might see as waste, daily cleaning streets, but they are removing trash that could clog storm drains and result in flooding.

“Nobody likes paying taxes, but safety isn’t free. Clean isn’t free,” Cook told members of the House Select Committee on Property Taxes. “Those taxes pay the police officers. They pay the firefighters. They pay the parks and rec employees. They pay for the new swing sets at the parks.”

Florida bill proposes 'Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue' for 2026 session

In the first bill of its kind for Florida's 2026 legislative session, a Republican lawmaker is proposing to rename a portion of a state road after slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

State Rep. Juan Carlos Porras, R-Miami, filed his measure (HB 33) on Sept. 23.

If approved, a "portion of S.R. 985/S.W. 107th Avenue between S.W. 24th Street and S.R. 90/S.W. 8th Street in Miami-Dade County" would be renamed "Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue," the bill says.

The bill also would direct the Florida Department of Transportation "to erect suitable markers designating Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue." It would take effect July 1, 2026.

Mourners across Florida and throughout the nation have held vigils to honor Kirk, who was killed Sept. 10 during a speaking tour stop at Utah Valley University.

Kirk, 31, was a prominent and polarizing political figure – an author, radio host, and podcaster – whose outspoken critiques of what he described as dangerous liberal ideas made him both an influential voice and a lightning rod in political circles.

Florida International University maintains a Top 50 Public University Ranking: US News & World Report

Florida International University remains among the nation’s top 50 public universities in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings.

The university was ranked No. 46 among public universities and climbed to No. 97 in the overall national ranking, the national media outlet announced Tuesday.

The university's strong performance is particularly notable in key categories, with FIU securing the No. 1 national ranking in social mobility and No. 2 in international business among public universities (No. 3 nationally).

FIU President Jeanette M. Nuñez said the rankings "reflect the university’s commitment to excellence and momentum."

"FIU is on a clear path to becoming a Top 30 public university by 2030," she said in a statement. "We continue to lead in academics, research, student success, and upward economic mobility.”

Florida receives 163,459 bear hunt applications for 172 permits

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced the application results Tuesday for the state's first black bear hunt in a decade: 163,459 applications were submitted for 172 permits.

That means hunters who applied for a bear hunting permit have around a 0.1% chance, on average, of actually getting one.

Permit allocations will be split across four bear hunting zones, and depending on the zone, the odds of getting a permit can be slightly better or much worse than the average.

The East Panhandle Zone will have a total of 68 bear hunting permits issued. That zone received 28,966 applications, meaning hunters have a 0.23% chance of being awarded the chance to purchase one in the lottery.

The North Zone will only have 31 permits — meaning the 34,120 applicants will have a 0.09% chance of getting one.

The South Zone received 50,724 applicants for 55 permits, which means each hunter has a 0.1% chance of being selected in the lottery.