Tuesday's Afternoon Update

Report: Florida voters approved $1.9B in local tax increases

A report by Florida TaxWatch says voters approved $1.9 billion in local tax increases and $1 billion worth of bond issues during the recent election. According to the report by the independent nonprofit fiscal watchdog organization, 89% of these measures were approved by voters. They cast ballots to approve 31 county-wide sales and property tax increases and 18 bond issues during the 2023-2024 election cycle. Most of the bond issues will be repaid with property tax revenue. More from the Center Square.

Florida Trend Exclusive
Off course

Lucy Linet was among the first guests to stay at Sunseeker when it opened a year ago in December. She turned 70 that month and celebrated her birthday in one of the resort’s suites on New Year’s Eve. “It’s absolutely beautiful,” says Linet, who worked nearby as business development director for Punta Gorda’s Military Heritage Museum. “My mouth just dropped when I saw it. We needed something like this.” More from Florida Trend.

New USF study shows how junk food may be feeding cancerous colon tumors

Junk food like potato chips, ice cream and ready-made meals have long been linked with a spate of health conditions including cancers, heart disease and diabetes. Now, a new study by University of South Florida Health and Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute has revealed that these ultra-processed foods may be fueling cancerous growths in the colon. Scientists made the discovery after examining 81 cancerous colon tumors and their surrounding tissue. More from the Tampa Bay Times.

Florida GOP lawmaker eyes ending in-state tuition for undocumented students

In-state tuition for undocumented students could disappear in Florida. That’s if a Republican state lawmaker gets his way next session. State Senator Randy Fine (R-Melbourne) is known for making waves in Florida politics, and he definitely did Monday morning. The firebrand Republican re-filed an effort to do away with in-state tuition for undocumented believing it’s unfair. That’s despite some potential high-ranking opposition from his own party. More from ABC Action News.

Repairs to Alligator Alley trail at Circle B in Lakeland could take months

One of the most picturesque and popular trails at Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland could remain closed for months following damage from Hurricane Milton. The storm, which churned through Polk County on Oct. 10, interrupted planned repair work to address the effects of Hurricane Ian in 2022, said Tabitha Biehl, Polk County’s Land and Water Natural Areas manager. More from the Lakeland Ledger.