Florida DOGE to Audit Jacksonville

The Florida Department of Government Efficiency has launched an investigation into the City of Jacksonville’s property tax collections following a sharp 57% increase since 2020.

“It’s our money, so how is it being spent, and if there’s problems with it, and they’re uncovering it to make it better, then bring it on,” Jacksonville resident John Nooney said.

In a letter, DOGE said Jacksonville’s property tax hikes have far exceeded both population growth and inflation. State auditors will be in Jacksonville Thursday and Friday to review records and interview staff.

Some officials welcomed the audit, with Councilman Terrance Freeman saying, “We know that if they find even just one cent that is one penny saved for our constituents, that we can pass on those savings to them.“

Seven ‘Super Speeders’ Arrested in July

Seven “super speeders” have been arrested in Florida after a new law took effect July 1 that allows drivers going over 100 miles per hour to face criminal charges and lose their vehicles.

“Was I really going 105 (mph)? … I wasn’t looking (at the speedometer), I’m going to be honest with you,” Anthony Handam, 22, told officers after being pulled over in Volusia County on Wednesday. He was arrested on charges of reckless driving.

Officials say the new law will help them keep Florida’s roads safer for everyone.

“When you are going over 100 miles an hour and you get into a crash, you’re not going to survive that, and neither is anyone you hit going to survive that. You lose control of the vehicle really quickly,” Orange County Sheriff John Mina said.

Florida Adds More Solar Than Other States

Florida added more utility-scale solar than California last year, with over 3 gigawatts in capacity coming online.

The growth is being driven by utilities rather than home solar panels, with Florida Power & Light building 70% of Florida’s new capacity.

Towns such as Babcock Ranch in Charlotte County—which runs almost entirely on solar—kept power, internet, and water when most of southwest Florida went dark during Hurricane Ian, with homeowner Don Bishop saying, “That changes how you think about energy.”

Babcock Ranch continues to explore new ways to use solar power, with a Tampa-based startup, Streetleaf, installing off-grid solar-powered streetlights recently.

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➤ Blountstown: Calhoun Liberty Hospital opened a new $47 million facility Wednesday after Hurricane Michael caused extensive damage to the previous building in 2018. (See Video)

➤ Brevard County: The Florida Department of Health has confirmed four cases of locally acquired dengue. Symptoms typically occur within 15 days of a bite from an infected mosquito. (More)

➤ Tampa: The City Council has approved an easement clearing the way for long-awaited renovations to the historic Jackson House, a former boarding house for legends like Ella Fitzgerald and James Brown. (See Video)

➤ Panama City Beach: Dolly Parton’s investment company is taking over ownership of the popular SkyWheel. (See Video)

➤ Miami-Dade County: Around 100 small businesses have been displaced from the Bird Road Art District to make way for a new residential development. (Details)

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➤ The Miami Marlins capped off a wild 13-12 win over the New York Yankees with this walk-off fielders choice from Agustin Ramirez. (Watch Video)

➤ Miami Dolphins star receiver Tyreek Hill told reporters that he “didn’t really understand” the team’s offense until this training camp. (More)

➤ The Tampa Bay Rays have placed All-Star first baseman Jonathan Aranda on the 10-day injured list due to a fractured left wrist. (More)

Yesterday’s Results: MLB | Soccer | WNBA | PGA | LPGA | NASCAR

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➤ Florida A&M in Tallahassee rolled out a new license plate, inviting the community to “ride with rattler pride.” (See Plate)

➤ The Central Florida Zoo in Sanford is providing some animals with frozen treats to help them stay cool. (More)

➤ An Ocala woman found out she was the perfect match to donate a kidney to her husband. “It was shocking… When it’s someone you love, … you want to do what you can to save them,” Dawn Diaz said. (See Video)

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Have you ever attended a live horse race?

1. Yes
2. No

Yesterday’s Results:

Have you ever had the fermented beverage Mead?

1. Yes: 32%
2. No: 68%

Where in Florida was a settlement known as Lemon City in the late 1800s and early 1900s?

Show me the answer