
With Florida Amendment 3’s victory, Gov. DeSantis eyes a special session
Read full article: With Florida Amendment 3’s victory, Gov. DeSantis eyes a special sessionGov. Ron DeSantis told reporters Wednesday he’ll convene a special legislative session in the next two months to install the large property tax cut approved by voters Tuesday evening.

Florida Amendment 3 and renters: What we know, and don’t know
Read full article: Florida Amendment 3 and renters: What we know, and don’t knowIf you are renting a home, what will Florida Amendment 3's passage mean for you? There are a lot of unknown questions that we are working to find answers to. Here is what we know.

Groveland advances nearly $27M in water, sewer funding to prevent future outages
Read full article: Groveland advances nearly $27M in water, sewer funding to prevent future outagesAfter months of water outages, boil-water advisories and growing frustration among residents, Groveland city leaders took a significant step Monday toward addressing the aging infrastructure behind many of those problems.

How much could Amendment 3 save Central Florida homeowners?
Read full article: How much could Amendment 3 save Central Florida homeowners?A controversial new constitutional amendment will go before Florida voters on Tuesday — but before then, a handy new tool has been released to help homeowners determine how much they could save on their homes in particular.

‘Lighting money on fire’: Florida paid $82M for Canadian drug program that never imported a drug
Read full article: ‘Lighting money on fire’: Florida paid $82M for Canadian drug program that never imported a drugFlorida records show taxpayers paid a Texas company about $1.2 million a month for nearly five years to run a prescription program that, despite promises, has never imported a single prescription from Canada.

Maitland considers changes to bulk trash pickup that could affect bills
Read full article: Maitland considers changes to bulk trash pickup that could affect billsMaitland residents could soon see changes to how they get rid of large trash items, including old furniture and broken couches, as city leaders weigh two options for future bulk waste collection.

Winter Springs boil water advisory lifted
Read full article: Winter Springs boil water advisory liftedThe city of Winter Springs says they need two clear water tests within 48 hours in order to lift a boil water notice. A power surge at Water Plant 1 caused the lines to lose pressure, which could introduce contamination.

Volusia County launches Florida’s 1st domestic violence offender database
Read full article: Volusia County launches Florida’s 1st domestic violence offender databaseVolusia County has launched what officials say is Florida’s first online database allowing residents to search for domestic violence offenders — giving people a new tool to make more informed decisions about who they allow into their lives.

Oviedo approves new rules for e-scooters, e-bikes, 1st for Seminole County
Read full article: Oviedo approves new rules for e-scooters, e-bikes, 1st for Seminole CountyOviedo on Monday became the first city in Seminole County to adopt local regulations for e-bikes and other micromobility devices, with city leaders saying the rules are aimed at improving safety for riders and pedestrians.

Orange County mayor proposes $800 million tourist tax plan for 13 projects
Read full article: Orange County mayor proposes $800 million tourist tax plan for 13 projectsOrange County commissioners are set to consider a proposed $800 million spending plan that would use tourist tax dollars to fund 13 projects, including major investments in the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Eatonville and the University of Central Florida. The largest recommended investment would go to the Dr. Phillips Center in downtown Orlando.

Activists, doctors clash over vaccine repeal proposal at Florida health panel hearing
Read full article: Activists, doctors clash over vaccine repeal proposal at Florida health panel hearingFlorida Department of Health wants to remove the immunization requirements for Hepatitis B, varicella (chicken pox), Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) and pneumococcal conjugate to attend Florida schools. At a public meeting Thursday, parents rights activists and doctors clashed over the plan.

Seminole planning board recommends rejecting change to rural boundary for development
Read full article: Seminole planning board recommends rejecting change to rural boundary for developmentA well-known developer is continuing a push to remove dozens of acres from Seminole County’s rural boundary for construction of a 136-home community. However, on Wednesday, a government panel recommended rejecting the plan.

Volusia County Council hits pause on license plate reader cameras for a year
Read full article: Volusia County Council hits pause on license plate reader cameras for a yearVolusia County Council members on Tuesday agreed to a one-year moratorium on license plate readers, including revoking the permits for 79 license plate reader cameras installed on county-maintained roads.

Families of Florida’s medically fragile children sound alarm as feds back out of lawsuit over care
Read full article: Families of Florida’s medically fragile children sound alarm as feds back out of lawsuit over careThe federal government once sued Florida to protect medically fragile children. Now it’s reversing course — and families are sounding the alarm.

Orange County considers future use for Developer Inn after $13M purchase
Read full article: Orange County considers future use for Developer Inn after $13M purchaseOrange County commissioners have approved spending $13 million to purchase the Developer Inn, a hotel near the Orange County Jail, as the county considers new uses for the property. One possibility is transforming the roughly 200-room hotel into transitional housing as the county works to address homelessness.

Osceola County seeks $2.5M to study flood risks after Hurricane Ian
Read full article: Osceola County seeks $2.5M to study flood risks after Hurricane IanOsceola County leaders are seeking $2.5 million in federal funding to better understand and reduce flooding risks in areas hit hard during Hurricane Ian, including the Good Samaritan Society community, where residents had to be evacuated in 2022.

535-home development near Ocala Buc-ee’s project gets OK from planning board
Read full article: 535-home development near Ocala Buc-ee’s project gets OK from planning boardA unanimous Planning and Zoning Board vote moved a proposed 105-acre mixed-use development in northwest Ocala — featuring up to 535 homes, a 500-room hotel, and 450,000 square feet of commercial space — one step closer to approval, despite concerns from longtime residents about traffic, noise, and the project's impact on the community's character.

High-stakes Amendment 3 vote prompts forums across Central Florida
Read full article: High-stakes Amendment 3 vote prompts forums across Central FloridaA proposed constitutional amendment could save Florida homeowners tens of thousands of dollars in property taxes, but local governments and other organizations warn it could also lead to billions of dollars in lost revenue. The Orlando Economic Partnership is hosting a forum Friday morning to discuss the amendment and its potential effects on Florida’s economy. Local leaders, including Orange County Sheriff John Mina, are expected to participate.

‘If we lose this, we lose a lot’: Neighbors react to Tuscana approval
Read full article: ‘If we lose this, we lose a lot’: Neighbors react to Tuscana approvalHomeowners near Shingle Creek say they fear a newly approved development could change their neighborhoods, raising concerns about flooding, traffic and wildlife after Orange County commissioners allowed the Tuscana project to move forward.

DeLand water bills set to rise as city prepares for PFAS cleanup, infrastructure upgrades
Read full article: DeLand water bills set to rise as city prepares for PFAS cleanup, infrastructure upgradesDeLand water and wastewater customers will pay more over the next five years as the city prepares to remove PFAS “forever chemicals” from its water system and pay for hundreds of millions of dollars in needed improvements.

Orange County commissioners set to vote on more than $9 billion budget
Read full article: Orange County commissioners set to vote on more than $9 billion budgetThe proposed budget totals more than $9 billion. It prioritizes public safety, infrastructure, housing, economic development and quality-of-life improvements, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said.

Senate hearing on Flock cameras to include Florida woman wrongfully arrested for fatal crash
Read full article: Senate hearing on Flock cameras to include Florida woman wrongfully arrested for fatal crashA Flagler County woman who was wrongfully arrested for a crash that she did not commit earlier this year will go before a Senate hearing on surveillance cameras Wednesday. Lindsey Isaacs, 23, will appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism at 2:30 p.m.

98 Orange County Public Schools educators remain unassigned after enrollment drop, budget changes
Read full article: 98 Orange County Public Schools educators remain unassigned after enrollment drop, budget changesRight now, Orange County Public Schools said it has about 20 openings available for the 98 unassigned educators. The district told News 6 it has until Oct. 2 to fill those vacancies. Educators who are not placed by then will be let go, though the district said they will be notified if openings become available later.

Trump administration to remove 760,000 Affordable Care Act enrollees over fraud claims
Read full article: Trump administration to remove 760,000 Affordable Care Act enrollees over fraud claimsVice President JD Vance and White House officials are announcing plans to remove 760,000 Affordable Care Act enrollees from public healthcare exchanges.

Kissimmee OKs final budget with hiring freeze, eye on Amendment 3
Read full article: Kissimmee OKs final budget with hiring freeze, eye on Amendment 3On Tuesday, Kissimmee approved a final budget that includes a hiring freeze as leaders brace for a potential loss in revenue if Amendment 3 passes in November. Construction of a community center has also been canceled since the city cannot afford the positions to run it, and purchases of vehicles, equipment and other city needs have been put on hold for now.

Osceola County will keep its property tax rate the same
Read full article: Osceola County will keep its property tax rate the sameThe property tax rate will stay the same in Osceola County. Commissioners on Monday voted unanimously to maintain the general fund millage rate at 6.7 mills for the 16th consecutive year. The county said to hold the line on the millage rate, it cut planned expenditures by $12 million, instituted a hiring freeze, and postponed nearly $92 million in capital projects.

Palm Bay pool supporters rally as city weighs closure, search for partner
Read full article: Palm Bay pool supporters rally as city weighs closure, search for partnerFamilies, coaches and swimmers say losing the Palm Bay Aquatic Center would affect everything from Special Olympics programs to swim lessons and physical rehabilitation. However, the city says closing the facility would save about $700,000 in operating costs.

Oviedo, Longwood set to vote on millage rates amid Amendment 3 concerns
Read full article: Oviedo, Longwood set to vote on millage rates amid Amendment 3 concernsTwo Seminole County cities are moving to finalize their upcoming budgets as uncertainty lingers around the potential impact of Amendment 3.

Magnolia Avenue goes two-way after nearly 70 years as Orlando drivers face an old-habits adjustment
Read full article: Magnolia Avenue goes two-way after nearly 70 years as Orlando drivers face an old-habits adjustmentDowntown Orlando's Magnolia Avenue is now a two-way road. Orlando says the change is designed to make downtown easier to navigate, safer for people walking and biking and more accessible to businesses — but even people who work downtown say decades of one-way habits may take time to break.

'Red Hot & Boom' cut from Altamonte Springs budget, library saved
Read full article: 'Red Hot & Boom' cut from Altamonte Springs budget, library savedTo free up $950,000, Altamonte Springs is cutting “Red Hot and Boom,” its long-running Fourth of July celebration, but the city’s beloved neighborhood library got a lifeline.

Florida board adds AI guidelines for schools and colleges. What you need to know
Read full article: Florida board adds AI guidelines for schools and colleges. What you need to knowThe Florida Board of Education on Wednesday passed rules for the use of artificial intelligence in K-12 public schools and state colleges, including parental consent and a prohibition on using AI for certain graded assignments.

Public safety leaders urge Floridians to vote no on Amendment 3
Read full article: Public safety leaders urge Floridians to vote no on Amendment 3Public safety officials stood shoulder to shoulder, lining the walls of a conference room in Lake Mary on Tuesday as leaders gathered to speak out against Amendment 3. Those leaders are warning voters that Amendment 3 could reduce the property tax revenue local governments use to pay for police, fire and other emergency services.

Florida’s unclaimed property website gets a new name. See if the state is holding something for you
Read full article: Florida’s unclaimed property website gets a new name. See if the state is holding something for youFlorida has renamed its unclaimed property website. You can go to Claim Your Cash Florida.gov and see if you have some of the $3 billion in unclaimed property that the state oversees.

Longtime Sanford city manager retires, months before city welcomes new mayor
Read full article: Longtime Sanford city manager retires, months before city welcomes new mayorThe City of Sanford will be looking for a new city manager after the current leader resigned this week. Norton Bonaparte Jr. announced his retirement Monday, effective Oct. 14. The longtime chief administrator for the city’s government has served for 15 years.

Daytona Beach city auditor resigns amid state investigation into questionable spending
Read full article: Daytona Beach city auditor resigns amid state investigation into questionable spendingAbinet Belachew, who was appointed in September 2025, said his resignation will be effective Oct. 15, 2026 — just one year after taking the post.

Osceola County braces for budget cuts as Amendment 3 heads to ballot
Read full article: Osceola County braces for budget cuts as Amendment 3 heads to ballotOn Thursday, Osceola County commissioners will meet for the First Truth in Millage, or TRIM, public hearing to consider proposed millage rates and a tentative budget for fiscal year ending September 30, 2027. The county is bracing for a potentially massive budget hit if voters approve Amendment 3 in November.

Apopka commissioners OK rate hikes for water, sewer, garbage
Read full article: Apopka commissioners OK rate hikes for water, sewer, garbageCity of Apopka residents will pay more for water, sewer and garbage pickup starting Oct. 1. On Wednesday, commissioners unanimously approved a 6% rate hike for water, sewer and reclaimed water, as well as a 6.5% rate hike for garbage.

'Morale is very low': Cape Canaveral eyeing workforce reduction
Read full article: 'Morale is very low': Cape Canaveral eyeing workforce reductionA month after Cape Canaveral’s city manager said that the city is facing a $4 million budget deficit, council members are considering a substantial workforce reduction. Council members will be holding a workshop Thursday to discuss possibly cutting 67% of its current general fund positions.

State funding will help improve water quality at Winter Park’s Mead Gardens
Read full article: State funding will help improve water quality at Winter Park’s Mead Gardens$500,000 in Florida funding will pay for technology designed to remove excess nutrients from Alice’s Pond at Mead Gardens, which is part of a connected system of waterways that flows through the Winter Park chain of lakes and north into Seminole County, eventually reaching Lake Jesup and the St. Johns River.

‘Peacock patrol’ in Casselberry: Protected birds divide neighbors as city reconsiders sanctuary rules
Read full article: ‘Peacock patrol’ in Casselberry: Protected birds divide neighbors as city reconsiders sanctuary rulesThe peacocks have become a feathered fault line in Casselberry — loved by some as part of the city’s character and blamed by others for property damage they say they have little legal power to prevent. Now, for the first time in years, the protections surrounding them could be reconsidered.

Sanford seeks funding framework for special events, cultural celebrations
Read full article: Sanford seeks funding framework for special events, cultural celebrationsLeaders in Sanford are weighing options on funding for special events after last year’s sunset of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). At a meeting on Monday, commissioners will discuss whether the full cost of an event’s public safety requirement should fall entirely on the event applicant or if it should be shared with residents.

Vacant auto dealership to become new Volusia emergency services HQ
Read full article: Vacant auto dealership to become new Volusia emergency services HQVolusia County has approved construction of a new, centralized headquarters for Volusia County Emergency Medical Services, transforming a former automotive dealership into a hub for EMS administration, training and fleet maintenance.

How can a protected wild mustang end up in a kill pen? Sumter County rescue explains the gap in federal protections
Read full article: How can a protected wild mustang end up in a kill pen? Sumter County rescue explains the gap in federal protectionsA wild mustang can begin its life roaming federally managed land in the American West and, years later, end up thousands of miles away at a rescue in Central Florida.

Brevard County closes Melbourne tax collector’s office for persistent air conditioning issue
Read full article: Brevard County closes Melbourne tax collector’s office for persistent air conditioning issueThe Brevard County tax collector’s office in Melbourne is once again having air conditioning issues, and the county basically says it’s too hot to keep the office open right now.

Apopka’s Kelly Park Road widening hits funding snag
Read full article: Apopka’s Kelly Park Road widening hits funding snagA May City of Apopka notice says committed funding is insufficient to complete the Kelly Park Road widening project. The document lists a $13.7 million estimated funding deficiency, while the city says the shortfall against the developers’ $20 million funding cap was about $1.05 million at the time of the notice.

Port Orange council set to vote on new rules for derelict boats
Read full article: Port Orange council set to vote on new rules for derelict boatsPort Orange City Council is set to consider new rules Wednesday aimed at giving the city more authority to deal with abandoned and derelict boats in its waterways.

Altamonte Springs library closure reconsidered 2 years after tax hike
Read full article: Altamonte Springs library closure reconsidered 2 years after tax hikeThe City of Altamonte Springs may once again consider closing its library, two years after residents saw a property tax increase to keep it open. City Manager Frank Martz has recommended closing the library in its current form and location as part of the upcoming proposed budget. Martz said the cost to operate the 66-year-old library on Maitland Avenue is no longer sustainable — and he has an alternative in mind.

Apopka to pause hirings for new positions temporarily amid budget concerns
Read full article: Apopka to pause hirings for new positions temporarily amid budget concernsThe City of Apopka is hitting pause on hiring for vacant city positions, at least for a few months, while officials review city needs and responsibilities. This also comes amid concerns about hiring and the possibility of raising property taxes. The city released a public notice about the hiring freeze on Wednesday.

Kissimmee voters to decide on commission term limits, background checks in August primary
Read full article: Kissimmee voters to decide on commission term limits, background checks in August primaryAt the same time Kissimmee voters will choose two of their five city commissioners during the Aug. 18 primary, they will also determine whether those elected officials will be able to serve an extra term before they have to step down from the dais, at least temporarily. Voters will also decide if their successors must be subject to a criminal background check to even get on future ballots.

‘It’s a train wreck:’ Florida Sheriff Grady Judd rails against new property tax proposal
Read full article: ‘It’s a train wreck:’ Florida Sheriff Grady Judd rails against new property tax proposalDuring a news conference, Sheriff Judd criticized a statewide property tax proposal heading to the ballot later this year after lawmakers removed a key provision in the governor's original plan.

Volusia County audit reveals permit irregularities, resignations in building inspections office
Read full article: Volusia County audit reveals permit irregularities, resignations in building inspections officeA new internal audit is raising red flags inside Volusia County’s building inspections office — pointing to improperly issued permits, missing approvals and nearly $400,000 in potential revenue loss. Three employees resigned as part of a human resources investigation stemming from the audit, county officials confirmed.

Florida’s old ‘drag show’ law can be enforced once again. Here’s what that means
Read full article: Florida’s old ‘drag show’ law can be enforced once again. Here’s what that meansFlorida’s “Protection of Children” Act was upheld by a circuit court this week after a drag venue originally accused it of chilling free expression, according to court records obtained by News 6.

Mount Dora street changes aim to improve emergency vehicle access
Read full article: Mount Dora street changes aim to improve emergency vehicle accessThe City of Mount Dora is set to give final approval on a plan that will change how drivers move through downtown. On Tuesday, the city council will vote to authorize a contractor to complete the Downtown One-Way Street Conversion Project. The plan, which was initially approved in 2025, calls for changes to three streets so emergency vehicles have more room to respond to parts of downtown.

Florida’s new ‘public nuisance’ law is now in effect. Here’s what it does
Read full article: Florida’s new ‘public nuisance’ law is now in effect. Here’s what it doesThis month, well over 100 laws finally kicked off in Florida — including a public nuisance law that brings several new rules to the table.

Orange County fire chief resigns after budget hearing controversy
Read full article: Orange County fire chief resigns after budget hearing controversyOrange County Fire Chief Anthony Rios resigned Monday, citing a misleading response he gave to county commissioners during a recent budget presentation as the reason for his departure. In his resignation letter, Anthony Rios acknowledged his words fell short during a question from commissioners about the purchase of a county-assigned vehicle.

Apopka’s proposed property tax rate hike leaves neighbors wondering where the money would go
Read full article: Apopka’s proposed property tax rate hike leaves neighbors wondering where the money would goAhead of a vote that could increase property tax rates in Apopka, News 6 sent city leaders five questions, including what specific services, positions or projects the additional money would fund; what could be reduced under a lower rate; and why the city continues to face a budget gap as its population and tax base grow. Monday’s decision will establish the maximum rate the city may consider through the remainder of the budget process.

Midway nears halfway point in first phases of drainage improvement project
Read full article: Midway nears halfway point in first phases of drainage improvement projectFamilies living in Midway are seeing the price of progress as work is happening on a long-awaited plan to fix flooding issues that have plagued the community for decades. Road closures are happening along sections of Jitway Avenue and Hughey Street as four phases of the eight-part drainage improvement project are in progress.

‘NOT what people voted for...!’ Florida Gov. DeSantis calls out new federal bill
Read full article: ‘NOT what people voted for...!’ Florida Gov. DeSantis calls out new federal billThis week, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis took to social media to call out legislation that’s being considered by federal lawmakers.

Daytona Beach proposal bans certain e-bikes, sets minimum age to be on city roads and sidewalks
Read full article: Daytona Beach proposal bans certain e-bikes, sets minimum age to be on city roads and sidewalksDaytona Beach leaders will hear a new proposal on Thursday night that would add strict new rules for e-bikes, bicycles and motorized pedicabs. The proposed ordinance bans anyone under the age of 11 from using an e-bike on any roadway or sidewalk.

'Dealing with this for far too long': Orange County signals end of Tymber Skan
Read full article: 'Dealing with this for far too long': Orange County signals end of Tymber SkanOrange County leaders signaled Tuesday that they are ready to close the door on a condominium complex with a checkered past. Commissioners directed county officials to schedule a vote to be taken at an upcoming commission meeting on the future of Tymber Skan on the Lake.

Alexander Island nature park in DeBary moves closer to reality with state funding
Read full article: Alexander Island nature park in DeBary moves closer to reality with state fundingDeBary is getting $2.5 million from the state to bring its massive nature park to life. The city plans to open the 200-acre Alexander Island, just off Fort Florida Road, with an initial phase expected to welcome visitors as early as December 2026.

Casselberry warns trash pickup could run late during extreme heat
Read full article: Casselberry warns trash pickup could run late during extreme heatCasselberry has warned residents that trash, recycling, and yard waste pickup could be delayed due to extreme heat and storms, with the city emphasizing employee safety as a priority. Waste Pro, the city's contracted sanitation company, may adjust collection times to protect workers from dangerous temperatures. Many residents expressed understanding and support for the precautions, with some even leaving refreshments out for crews. The city assures that delayed pickups will resume once conditions are safe for workers.

DeBary’s oldest neighborhood to get stormwater relief after state funding secured
Read full article: DeBary’s oldest neighborhood to get stormwater relief after state funding securedDeBary’s oldest neighborhood is set to get its first stormwater system after the city secured state funding to address a long-standing flooding problem.

Obamacare premiums surged this year. A new analysis shows it's likely to happen again in 2027
Read full article: Obamacare premiums surged this year. A new analysis shows it's likely to happen again in 2027A new analysis of early rate filings shows that Affordable Care Act insurers are proposing another year of double-digit premium increases.

After months of debate, Winter Garden development faces court challenge
Read full article: After months of debate, Winter Garden development faces court challengeA controversial 300-acre development approved by the City of Winter Garden is now facing a legal challenge from a nearby homeowner who wants a judge to overturn the project’s approval. The lawsuit centers on the proposed Johns Lake Urban Village on Williams Road and Marsh Road. The project includes more than 600 homes, a bed-and-breakfast, retail space and an event venue.

Daytona Beach Shores leaders to consider proposal to rename city ‘The Shores’
Read full article: Daytona Beach Shores leaders to consider proposal to rename city ‘The Shores’The Daytona Beach Shores City Commission is set to consider a proposal to rename the city “The Shores.” A recent city survey found most respondents support the change, though some residents remain divided over the potential costs and loss of the well-known Daytona Beach name.

Can you pass a U.S. citizenship test? Check out the 128 questions applicants may face
Read full article: Can you pass a U.S. citizenship test? Check out the 128 questions applicants may faceTo become a naturalized U.S. citizen, you have to pass about American government and history. Check out the 128 questions immigrants may be asked, and see how many you can get right.

Central Florida toll rates increase as drivers brace for higher costs. What to expect
Read full article: Central Florida toll rates increase as drivers brace for higher costs. What to expectStarting Wednesday, toll rates operated by the Central Florida Expressway Authority increased, adding to financial pressures many drivers say they are already feeling from higher everyday expenses, including gas prices. The rate changes affect major expressways, including State Road 408, State Road 417, State Road 528, and State Road 429.

DeSantis signs Florida budget, slashes $800M with veto pen
Read full article: DeSantis signs Florida budget, slashes $800M with veto penGov. Ron DeSantis signed his eighth and final budget of his tenure Monday, vetoing more than $800 million from a $114.5 billion spending plan. The budget also includes $30 billion for schools, $4.5 billion for school vouchers, $665 million for Everglades restoration.

Central Florida cities discuss budget against the backdrop of potential property tax reform
Read full article: Central Florida cities discuss budget against the backdrop of potential property tax reformBudget discussions are underway across Central Florida as local governments prepare for a possible major shift in property tax revenue.

Florida governor vetoes e-bike safety bill, leaving cities, counties to set own rules
Read full article: Florida governor vetoes e-bike safety bill, leaving cities, counties to set own rulesFlorida cities and counties can continue to operate under their own e-bike and e-scooter rules after Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a bill that would have created a uniform statewide system — leaving parents and advocates questioning what comes next.

Frost urges Congress to protect Haitian, Syrian migrants, says it’s ‘a matter of life and death’
Read full article: Frost urges Congress to protect Haitian, Syrian migrants, says it’s ‘a matter of life and death’Florida Congressman Maxwell Frost is calling on lawmakers to act after a ruling that allows the Trump administration to end legal protections for migrants fleeing violence and natural disasters in Haiti and Syria.

FEMA backlog leaves Florida disaster survivors waiting; 2 reform plans offer different paths forward
Read full article: FEMA backlog leaves Florida disaster survivors waiting; 2 reform plans offer different paths forwardAs Florida hurricane survivors wait for FEMA to approve their grant applications, Congress and a council appointed by President Trump push different plans to overhaul FEMA.

Appeals Court agrees part of Daytona Beach panhandling ban violated First Amendment
Read full article: Appeals Court agrees part of Daytona Beach panhandling ban violated First AmendmentA Daytona Beach ordinance banning panhandling partially violates the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, a U.S. Appeals Court affirmed this week. But the judges also ruled the lower court went too far in blocking the whole ordinance.

Rapid growth raises question: Could Horizon West become its own city?
Read full article: Rapid growth raises question: Could Horizon West become its own city?Currently, Horizon West remains an unincorporated community, meaning it does not have its own city government. Instead, services are managed through Orange County. But the area has experienced rapid growth, with thousands of new residents, homes and businesses moving in. Now people are asking: should Horizon West be its own city?

Florida adds sloth import restrictions after Sloth World deaths
Read full article: Florida adds sloth import restrictions after Sloth World deathsPeople who want to bring sloths into Florida will have to file for a special permit under a new rule by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The new policy was created after dozens of sloths died in the care of a group planning to open the Sloth World attraction on International Drive in Orlando.

Battle over landmark estate raises big questions about Winter Park’s historic preservation
Read full article: Battle over landmark estate raises big questions about Winter Park’s historic preservationIn the final week of June, the City of Winter Park is poised to set a major precedent for both lakefront development and historic preservation — or the lack of it. City commissioners will decide whether to give a local developer the green light to demolish the notorious Merrywood Estate.

4 Oviedo charter amendments head to the November ballot
Read full article: 4 Oviedo charter amendments head to the November ballotOviedo voters will have four charter amendments to decide on during the upcoming November elections, including another chance to end off-year elections. Our News Collaborative of Central Florida partner, Oviedo Community News, has the details.

Eatonville council weighs transparency push as data center raises resident concerns
Read full article: Eatonville council weighs transparency push as data center raises resident concernsEatonville leaders will consider a “call to action” aimed at increasing transparency and community input as a data center project draws questions from residents.















