DeSantis Pushes for Property Tax Relief

Gov. Ron DeSantis is pressing the case for property tax relief, saying he won’t entertain a House plan to cut sales taxes from 6% to 5.25% during next week’s extended Legislative Session.

At Tampa’s Hula Bay Club on Wednesday, the governor convened a roundtable to address his request that lawmakers phase out millage in favor of taxing “snowbirds and tourists” via hotel and consumption taxes.

DeSantis said he is willing to work with senators and “relevant House members” on a Florida-first tax package, but directly threatened to veto House Speaker Daniel Perez’s proposal, saying, “Any Florida-last tax package is going to be dead on arrival.”

Despite the governor asking for an amendment on the 2026 ballot to eliminate the tax on primary homeowners, the House has instead created a 37-person select committee—including members the governor calls “far-left” Democrats—that he says is intended to “smother his proposal in the crib.”

Woman Killed by Alligator

A woman was attacked and killed by an alligator while canoeing with her husband Tuesday afternoon at Lake Kissimmee State Park in Polk County.

In radio transmissions from the sheriff’s office, one official said, “Gator grabbed her out of the canoe. (Her husband) tried to fight the gator off. We’re at the last place he saw her. He left the paddle here where he last saw her.”

The woman’s body was later recovered. While serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) urges residents with alligator concerns to call the Nuisance Alligator Hotline at (866) 392-4286.

A study released last month by the University of Florida found that roughly 96% of the 500 alligator attacks reported since 1948 were caused by risky human behavior.

Jupiter’s Dog Beach Named Best in Nation

Chewy, the pet supplies retailer, searched the country for the 10 most scenic, roomy, and welcoming dog-friendly beaches. They selected Jupiter Dog Beach as the best in the nation. You can see the full list here.

Jupiter’s leash-optional beach is a 2.5-mile stretch of beautiful East Coast sand with a free public parking lot, restrooms, and a shower area for a quick rinse.

Rosie’s Dog Beach in California and Cannon Beach in Oregon were ranked second and third. Chewy included a list of dog-friendly locations in all 50 states. You can see the list here.

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➤ Statewide: Gov. Ron DeSantis said he will sign a bill prohibiting local governments from adding fluoride to public drinking water. (More)

➤ Collier County: The bear suspected of killing an elderly man and his dog has been put down and sent to Gainesville for DNA testing. If confirmed, it would be the first recorded death by bear attack in Florida. (More)

➤ South Florida: NASCAR’s championship weekend will return to Homestead-Miami Speedway next year, marking the first time since 2019 that the champions will be crowned at the track. (More)

➤ Okaloosa: Commissioners are considering closing a problematic crossover on Highway 98, following a series of accidents, one of which was fatal. (More)

➤ Treasure Coast: Jeffrey and Janel Castillo were arrested for a sophisticated Publix gift card scam. When customers activated the card, the funds were deposited into an account controlled by the suspects. (More)

➤ Lee County: More than 10 locations in the area are lit with blue lights through May 10 in celebration of National Tourism Week, highlighting the importance of tourism to the local economy. (See Location List)

➤ Todd Golden signed a six-year, $40.5 million contract extension to remain the head coach for the Florida Gators men’s basketball team through 2031. Golden is now the fourth-highest-paid college basketball coach in the country. (More)

➤ Marlins outfielder Jesus Sanchez delivered a walk-off hit to take down the LA Dodgers in extra innings on Tuesday. Nearly one-third of the Marlins’ wins this season have been on walk-offs. (More)

➤ The Jacksonville Jaguars released wide receiver Gabe Davis yesterday, just 14 months after signing him to a $39 million extension. (More)

➤ The Florida Panthers lost to the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-3 last night in Game 2 of their second-round Stanley Cup Playoff series, falling behind 2-0 in the series. The teams face off in Game 3 tomorrow night. (More)

Yesterday’s results: MLB | NBA | NHL | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer

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➤ Miami International Airport (MIA) was named Global Traveler’s Best Airport for Layovers. MIA’s $9 billion Modernization in Action Plan continues to transform and enhance the airport. (More)

➤ A South Florida jury awarded $3 million to a man who was severely injured by a defective Takata airbag during a 2020 crash. (More)

➤ Brightline, the Miami-based intercity rail service, doubled its ridership in 2024 despite posting a $549 million loss. (More)

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➤ Florida Atlantic University is recruiting participants for a study on how Parkinson’s disease and normal aging affect cognitive performance, physical ability, and the mind-body connection. (More)

➤ Forty-two eastern indigo snakes were released at the Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve for the ninth consecutive year to reintroduce the native, non-venomous apex predator to the region. (More)

➤ The Beak and Barrel, a new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed tavern, will open later this year at Magic Kingdom in Disney World. (More)

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Have you ever driven with an expired driver’s license?

1. Never
2. Once or twice
3. I plead the fifth

Wednesday’s Results:

Have you ever practiced goat yoga?

1. Yes: 20%
2. No: 80%

In which Florida town can you find a 24-foot-tall potty chair?

Show me the answer