Florida Voters Approved $1.9B in Tax Increases

Florida voters approved $1.9 billion in local tax increases and $1 billion worth of bond issues during the recent election, according to a new report by TaxWatch. You can download the PDF here.

The nonprofit fiscal watchdog organization found that 89% of all tax measures on the ballot during the 2023-2024 election cycle were approved by voters, including 31 county-wide sales and property tax increases and 18 bond issues.

Most of the bond issues will be repaid with property tax revenue.

Three counties voted to increase their tourist development taxes ($9.4 million), and voters in four special districts increased their taxes or special assessments.

Orange County May Replace School Resource Officers With Guardians

Parents and school board members in Orange County are advocating to keep school resource officers (SROs) on campuses for the 2025-26 school year amid budget disputes with law enforcement agencies.

During a Tuesday meeting, the board discussed the possibility of using Florida’s “Guardian Program” at 30 schools next year if agreements cannot be reached with five local police departments.

Several board members expressed strong support for keeping SROs, instead, emphasizing their critical role in school safety. Unlike armed guardians, SROs are fully trained law enforcement officers equipped to handle arrests, perform de-escalation tactics, and respond to crises.

Orange County Public Schools has a one-year contract with law enforcement agencies that expires at the end of June 2025. Those same agencies rejected a three-year contract.

Tampa’s Busch Gardens Among Most Crowded Christmas Spots

Busch Gardens in Tampa ranked fourth among the world’s top 10 most crowded destinations during the Christmas season.

A new study by Rustic Pathways, a student travel company, reviewed comments on Tripadvisor to identify the most visited tourist attractions during the winter months. The study examined data from 900 tourist attractions worldwide.

Universal Studios Hollywood in California took the top spot, followed by the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York and Silverwood Theme Park in Idaho.

➤ Tallahassee: Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Tuesday that state offices will be closed on Dec. 23, Dec. 24, and Dec. 31, in addition to Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, to observe the holidays. (More)

➤ Statewide: Rep. Brian Mast of Palm City has been selected to lead the House Foreign Affairs Committee in Washington, surpassing several others vying for the job before the House Steering Committee. (See Photo)

➤ Meanwhile, former Rep. Matt Gaetz will host a new show on One America News Network (OANN). The network announced that The Matt Gaetz Show will debut in January as part of its prime-time lineup. (More)

➤ Calhoun County: A legal battle over a proposed oil and gas drilling project in rural Northwest Florida has drawn dramatically opposing views from project supporters and an environmental group during a multi-day hearing. (See Details)

➤ Lake County: The school district has secured a grant to install vape detection devices in and around school restrooms after more than 1,000 vaping incidents were reported during the 2022-23 school year. (See Video)

➤ Clermont: A 60-foot sinkhole has swallowed a large amount of land and is now threatening businesses at a nearby shopping plaza. (See Video)

➤ The Orlando Magic were eliminated in the NBA Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday night after falling 114-109 to the Milwaukee Bucks. (More)

➤ Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler was named the AFC’s Defensive Player of the Week after a two-sack game on Sunday. (More)

➤ Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward was named the AP ACC Offensive Player of the Year. (More)

Yesterday’s results: NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW

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➤ Publix’s new Hollywood store, right by the Intracoastal Waterway, has a dock for boaters who want to shop. (More)

➤ Goodwill is the subject of a new report on the nonprofit company’s fiscal and economic impacts in Florida, including contributing nearly $1.2 billion to the state’s economy in 2023. (More)

➤ The price to park at Palm Beach International Airport could soon increase. The County Commission is set to vote on a proposal for incremental rate increases over the next five years, beginning Feb. 1. (More)

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➤ A new study by the University of Southern Florida reveals that your favorite junk food may be feeding cancerous colon tumors. (More)

➤ GOBankingRates says the definition of middle class has changed in Florida over the past 10 years. (See Why)

➤ A dozen ducklings were rescued from a storm drain in Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday by a woman who was out walking her dog and heard chirping. (See Video)

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Wednesday’s Results:

Do you have New Year’s Eve plans?

1. Yes: 29%
2. No: 71%

What Spanish tradition is honored by St. Augustine’s Night of Lights festival?

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