Florida Property Tax Proposals Draw Sharp Warnings from Okaloosa Officials
Should Florida eliminate property taxes? Okaloosa County mayors and managers told state lawmakers that doing so would destabilize city budgets, threaten police and fire services, and shift control away from local voters. A new statewide study supports their warning.
Okaloosa NAACP Blasts Plan to Redo 2020 Census
Okaloosa NAACP Blasts Plan to Redo 2020 Census Staff Reports December 10, 2025 4:50 pm Government, Okaloosa County, State Government In Brief: The Okaloosa County NAACP strongly opposes Florida’s proposal to redo the 2020 Census, calling it unconstitutional and politically motivated. President Sabu Williams says the effort would weaponize the census process to boost Republican […]
DeSantis Unveils Florida’s New “AI Bill of Rights” and Data Center Crackdown
Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a sweeping proposal to establish an “Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights” in Florida, setting new rules for how AI can be used by businesses, governments, and insurers. The plan also places strict limits on hyperscale data centers, aiming to protect residents from higher utility costs, safeguard water resources, and give local communities the power to reject major tech developments.
Tourism Pumps $133B Into Florida Economy
Florida’s tourism industry delivered a record-setting year in 2024, generating $133.6 billion in economic impact, supporting 1.8 million jobs, and saving Florida households nearly $2,000 in taxes. New data from VISIT FLORIDA shows visitor spending reached historic highs, with 99 cents of every tourism dollar staying in the state’s economy.
DeSantis Moves to Shut Down Puppy Mills in Florida
Governor Ron DeSantis has unveiled a sweeping proposal to crack down on abusive puppy mills and strengthen protections for dogs across Florida. The plan calls for statewide breeder licensing, tougher penalties for animal abusers, a new hotline to report mistreatment, and requirements for pet stores to prioritize shelter adoptions as overcrowding reaches crisis levels.
Death Row Timeline Nears End for Frank Walls
Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a death warrant for Frank Athen Walls, the Okaloosa County man convicted in the 1987 murders of Airman Edward Alger and Ann Peterson and later linked to three additional slayings. Walls is scheduled to be executed on December 18, marking another addition to Florida’s record-setting year for executions.
Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Proposal for Florida to Manage Atlantic Red Snapper Season Beginning in 2026
Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Proposal for Florida to Manage Atlantic Red Snapper Season Beginning in 2026 Staff Reports November 12, 2025 9:14 am State Government In Brief: 👤 Who: Governor Ron DeSantis, FWC Executive Director Roger Young, and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick 🎣 What: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission submitted an Exempted Fishing […]
Destin Council calls for transparency after $83M land deal for Norriego Point
Destin leaders say Florida’s $83 million beach buy came with too many closed doors — and too little local say. Here’s what they’re doing to bring the deal into the sunshine.
Governor DeSantis Announces Successful Evacuation of 28 Floridians from Jamaica Following Hurricane Melissa
Twenty-eight Floridians were safely evacuated from Jamaica following Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, with the Florida Division of Emergency Management coordinating the operation under Governor Ron DeSantis’ direction. The evacuees arrived at Tampa International Airport on November 3, 2025.
Tom Glavine Golf Outing Raises $200,000 to Support Walton County Education and Workforce Programs
The 5th Annual Tom Glavine Field of Dreams Golf Outing raised $200,000 to support Seacoast Collegiate High School and Northwest Florida State College South Walton Center, funding dual enrollment, college programs, and workforce development opportunities in Walton County.
