DeSantis Wants End to Property Taxes

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced his support for eliminating property taxes in Florida, calling the act of taxing land or property “oppressive” and “ineffective.”

“Property taxes are local, not state. So we’d need to do a constitutional amendment (requires 60% of voters to approve) to eliminate them (which I would support) or even to reform/lower them,” DeSantis wrote on X. “We should put the boldest amendment on the ballot that has a chance of getting that 60%.”

Last year, a state GOP lawmaker proposed a bill to study the impact of replacing property taxes with a sales tax. The proposal died in committee.

Property taxes help fund services such as local government, schools, police, and fire protection. As a state, Florida ranks around the middle of the pack for property tax rates.

Poll Reveals Floridians’ Concerns

A University of North Florida poll asked 871 active voters across Florida their opinions about state and national policy issues as well as public figures and companies in the news.

Housing and property insurance costs topped the list of concerns, cited by 34%. Twenty-one percent pointed to the economy, jobs, and inflation, followed by immigration and education at 9% each.

Gov. Ron DeSantis received strong favorability ratings among Republicans, with 86% approving, but came in below 50% overall. The survey was conducted this month.

President Trump received a favorable rating from 94% of those who said they voted for him in 2024.

When asked about possible candidates for Florida‘s 2026 governor’s race, Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis received the highest favorability rating among Republicans.

Orlando Named Top Spring Break Spot

If you’re staying in the U.S. for spring break, Orlando is the top budget-friendly destination for families, according to a study by Dollar Flight Club. You can see the full study here.

The study prioritized a mix of fun, relaxation, and budget-friendly options. Other factors included airfare trends, activities, and seasonal considerations such as hotel rates and the best weather conditions for travel.

Globally, prime spring break spots include Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Cancun, Mexico. In the U.S., other top locales include San Diego, Phoenix, and Keystone, Colo.

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➤ Statewide:  Authorities announced the elimination of hundreds of fake SunPass websites and phishing scams. (More) 

➤ Tallahassee: Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. said the state is “ready to assist” other states purging ‘woke ideology’ from education policy. (More)

➤ Lake Worth: Dredging underway at the channel’s entrance is expected to last six weeks, with the sand pumped to Phipps Ocean Park and nearby locations. (See Map)

➤ Kissimmee: The city is considering multiple hotel proposals near its airport and downtown, aiming to boost tourism and create jobs. (See Details)

➤ Tampa: University of South Florida President Rhea Law will step down after a national search for a successor is completed. Law has served as president since 2021. (More)

➤ Sarasota: The architect for the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center released revised plans, scaling back to two buildings and hiking the estimated cost to $407 million. (See Renderings)

➤ Florida men’s basketball moved up to No. 2 in the AP Top 25 poll after stretching its win streak to four games. (See Poll)

➤ NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion Mac McClung will donate the car he jumped over to a charity in his hometown. (Watch Dunk)

➤ The Miami Marlins may move Jesus Sanchez back to center field in 2025. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: NCAAM | NCAAW | NCAASB | Soccer 

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➤ Carrabba’s Italian Grill, a unit of Tampa-based Bloomin’ Brands, promoted Kelia Bazile to president. She will oversee 190 Carrabba’s locations, most of which are in Florida. (More)

➤ Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport experienced a slight decrease in passenger traffic in 2024, which airport officials anticipated as a result of hurricanes. (More)

➤ Delray Beach-based developer Kolter Urban says the starting price for one of the 12 units in a new Naples condominium complex will be $30 million. (More)

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➤ Hobby fossil hunters found more than 500 fossils from 500,000 years ago in the murky waters of the Steinhatchee River. (See Photo)

➤ A Delray Beach teen designed an app, Pizza for a Purpose, to support nonprofits through the love of pizza. (See Video)

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Did you get a scam text message telling you money was owed for your SunPass?

1. Yes
2. No

Tuesday’s Results:

Which variety of wine do you prefer?

1. Red: 28%
2. White: 21%
3. Rose: 15%
4. I don’t drink wine: 36%

Under which president was I-95 commissioned?

Show me the answer