When lawmakers begin budget conference talks Tuesday, a couple of priorities of Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, and House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, likely will already be off the table, including a plan to bolster rural areas and cut the overall sales tax rate.

Long & Scott Farms, a staple in Central Florida’s agricultural scene, might be changing hands soon.

Grocery stores are restricting eggs and raising prices as national farms grapple with persistent bird flu outbreaks and the rising cost of feed. For Central Florida’s egg farmers, their chickens are revving up for egg-laying season, and they are trying to meet the demand.

In Pierson, several ferneries are still dealing with damage from Hurricane Milton, gearing up for their busy season, and now, trying to keep their plants warm and alive.

Farmers will be keeping a close eye on their crops as cold weather makes its way to Central Florida this week.

Florida citrus growers took another hit Thursday, more than three months after Hurricane Ian swept through the heart of the industry.