DeSantis slashes funding for child abuse protection in Okaloosa, despite funding same programs around Florida
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed funding to support the Niceville Exchange Club’s initiative to bring a child abuse prevention center to the Emerald Coast for the second year in a row, despite granting funds to Exchange Club chapters in Jacksonville and Palm Beach, FL. According to an Appropriations Project Request, Representative Patt Maney sponsored the […]
DeSantis vetoes dozens of funding requests from Maney & Boyles, reps who opposed property tax cut
Florida State Representatives Patt Maney and Nathan Boyles made headlines in June as the only two Republicans to vote “no” on Governor Ron DeSantis’ controversial amendment that would eliminate property tax for Florida homeowners. This week, DeSantis signed Florida’s official budget for Fiscal Year 2026, deciding the fate of hundreds of local funding requests submitted […]
‘Just vote yes’: Calkins explains support for controversial property tax-reduction proposal.
James Calkins, Republican candidate for Walton County Commissioner, voiced his support for Governor Ron DeSantis’ “Save Our Homes” proposal, which would increase Florida’s homestead exemption and eliminate property taxes for qualifying properties over a two-year schedule. Speaking to Mid Bay News on Wednesday, Calkins said the proposal’s passing would be “the best thing ever to […]
This could ‘destroy the state of Florida’: What would DeSantis’ property tax cut mean for citizens?
On Nov. 3, Floridians will head to the polls and vote on a proposal that would drastically reduce property taxes for homeowners. This “Joint Resolution” would increase the Florida homestead exemption — the portion of a home’s value that isn’t taxed — to $250,000 over two years. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis spearheaded the “Save Our […]
Florida Governor candidate Jay Collins kicks off tour in Santa Rosa County
In Brief: Florida’s Lieutenant Governor and gubernatorial candidate Jay Collins kicked off his statewide “Come and Take It Tour” at Grey Man Armory in Milton, FL on Tuesday. “I’m here to talk about two things that go together: The Second Amendment and public safety,” Collins said. “Those two things are completely linked. For too long, […]
‘Let me take that weight’: Congressional candidate Gay Valimont hears voter concerns at Niceville meet-up
In Brief: Florida congressional candidate Gay Valimont held an open discussion at Tango 3 Coffee Roasters on Saturday, inviting residents of the area to share their biggest concerns and considerations they’ll take to the polls on Nov. 3. Running for Florida’s 1st district, encompassing the western panhandle, Valimont lives in Pensacola. “All over the state […]
Maney explains his painful vote on controversial property tax proposal
State Rep. Patt Maney warns that a proposed property tax amendment could cause significant revenue losses for local governments, including fire districts and cities in Okaloosa County. He cautions that the measure lacks a clear funding replacement plan and could unfairly shift the tax burden onto renters and small businesses.
What you want to know about Florida’s controversial property tax idea on the official 2026 ballot.
Voters in Florida will decide on an amendment this November that would significantly increase the homestead exemption, potentially eliminating non-school property taxes and providing savings for long-term residents. However, this change is expected to create “crushing deficits” for local governments, which rely on property taxes to fund essential services like law enforcement and fire protection. Furthermore, a clause requiring five years of residency to receive the new, additional exemptions would place a “heavier load” of increased taxes on active-duty military members and other new residents in the short term, as local governments may be forced to raise millage rates to offset revenue loss.
Cities Across Florida Brace for New Property Tax Fight
Florida cities are warning lawmakers that Governor Ron DeSantis’ proposed property tax overhaul could dramatically impact local services and municipal budgets statewide.
Major Breakthrough in the 2022 Okaloosa County Murder Case
A Felony Minute Sheet signed May 14, 2026, confirms that Isaiah Lamar Luna entered a nolo contendere plea in a 3rd degree felony murder case and was sentenced to 20 years in the Florida Department of Corrections.
