Florida business leaders warn lawmakers on looming health coverage loss
Some 2.2 million Floridians could lose health coverage if Congress fails to extend tax credits these working families receive before the end of the year – a loss business leaders call a potentially devastating impact on the state. A coalition called Florida Conservatives for Affordable Care began sounding the alarm during a roundtable Aug. 13, a block from the Florida Capitol. The group is notable because it includes organizations usually allied with the GOP, which has long fought the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in this state and in Congress. Coalition leaders, though, say these tax credits have helped millions gain affordable insurance, some for the first time. Losing it will rock the state’s economy, they warn. [Source: Tallahassee Democrat]
‘Nobody’s going to do anything crazy’ to Florida’s property taxes, Senate President says
Speaking to a hometown crowd, Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, tried to ease concerns about the effects of potential property-tax cuts — particularly the effects on financially strapped rural communities. “When it comes to property taxes, everybody breathe. Everybody breathe. Nobody’s going to do anything crazy,” Albritton said Monday during a Hardee County legislative delegation meeting. “We’re going to take a measured approach. Measure three times, cut once. We’re going to take a measured approach to this and try to figure out what it is we can do.” [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Florida driver’s license change could cause you voting issues. Here’s what you need to do.
For the past year, people renewing their driver licenses or state ID cards have received a new number. And that could cause problems for voters in next year’s elections A warning about the implications of the new driver license and ID numbers came Tuesday from All Voting is Local, a voting-rights group that focuses on combatting policies that make it more difficult for people to vote. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
FWC approves Florida black bear hunting season amid protests, possible lawsuit
Florida hunters bagged their biggest trophy in memory Aug. 13 when state wildlife officials voted to approve rules that will resume an annual black bear hunting season. At the conclusion of more than two and half hours of public testimony nearly evenly divided between proponents and opponents, commissioners voted 5–0 to hold the state's first black bear season in a decade. It'll take place over 23 days in December. [Source: Florida Today]
Statewide organization aims to create more than 10,000 jobs within Florida’s semiconductor industry
The Florida Semiconductor Institute is a statewide organization dedicated to advancing research, education, and workforce development in Florida’s semiconductor industry. WCB recently held a connversation wth Elora Duong, host of UF Innovate, to discuss what the organization is doing around the state. [Source: WCJB]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Brevard commissioners vote to hire interim as permanent county manager despite nationwide hiring search
County commissioners voted unanimously to appoint interim Brevard County manager Jim Liesenfelt to the position permanently, reversing their decision earlier this year to hire a recruiting firm to look for candidates nationwide. Liesenfelt said some of the current challenges facing the county that he hopes to tackle include passing the new budget in September, maintain county workforce, road maintenance projects, the end of the Save Our Indian River Lagoon half-cent sales tax, and plenty of infrastructure projects of all kinds.
› Coworking spaces surge in West Palm Beach, stabilize in Miami, Fort Lauderdale
The footprint of coworking spaces in West Palm Beach-Boca Raton has surged, while stabilizing in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. More than five years on from the start of the pandemic, this suggests a sector in flux, with major metros pausing expansion while secondary markets see continued growth. West Palm Beach-Boca Raton’s coworking footprint increased by more than 8% in the second quarter, marking one of the highest growth rates in the country. Growth in Miami was much less pronounced, even as it maintained its spot as the largest coworking market in Florida.
› Tampa MSA home, condo prices spring decline signal 'a trend has emerged'
Tampa Bay’s housing prices declined again last month with condo prices continuing a free fall that legislative fixes have yet to resolve. The bleak housing news was reported by Homes.com, the Co-Star owned real estate research firm, which says early July data “underscores a continuation of the cooling trend seen throughout 2025.”
› Fast-growing North Port still seeking identity 66 years after founding
The city of North Port is circulating an online survey as it seeks to update its image with a rebranding, which may also include a change in the city logo. “We very much would like to know how some of our citizens view our image and what they think of when they think of the city,” said North Port Mayor Phil Stokes. The rebranding effort aims to better reflect North Port's current state and future direction.
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› Tampa Bay Lightning home has a new name, Benchmark International Arena
The Lightning’s home arena has a new name, and in searching for a naming-rights partner the organization found one it believes can enhance its commitment to the community during a time of transition. The average hockey fan or concertgoer might not know much — if anything — about Benchmark International, the Tampa-based but globally-reaching merger and acquisitions firm that now will have its name on the arena. But in time, the company hopes to make its mark on them.
› Did texts between Jacksonville council members violate Sunshine Law?
Jacksonville City Council President Kevin Carrico exchanged text messages with two City Council members about legislation during a council committee meeting, even though long-standing guidance from city lawyers has been for council members to never use text messages for official business. In addition to the advice by the city's Office of General Counsel, the state's Government in the Sunshine Manual says a government board should not "take part or engage in private discussions of board business" by using text messages.
› Melbourne City Council narrowly approves 65% raise, effective after 2026 elections
With some reluctance, the Melbourne City Council voted 4-3 to approve a 65% pay raise for the mayor and council members that would take effect after the November 2026 election. Even with the increase, their salaries would remain well below those of their counterparts in a number of cities in Florida with comparable populations.
› Two renovated Flagler Street blocks open, the rest may take years
Years into a $33 million makeover, East Flagler Street’s first two renovated sections have reopened to vehicles. The rest of the Flagler makeover may take several years more. Launched in 2021, the Flagler Street Beautification Project is transforming the stretch from Biscayne Boulevard to Northwest First Avenue into a walkable, festival-style corridor featuring curbless streets, widened sidewalks, upgraded drainage, new utilities, shade trees, LED lighting, public art and flexible spaces for markets and performances.