DeSantis on Republican sales tax cut: ‘Dead on arrival’
It’s not every day that a Florida Republican comes out against a tax cut. But that’s what happened Wednesday at a Tampa news conference when Gov. Ron DeSantis voiced his opposition to a Florida House plan to cut the state sales tax. The veto threat from DeSantis comes as state legislative leaders haggle over Florida’s finances. The allotted 60-day legislative session came and went without lawmakers agreeing on how to craft the 12-figure state budget. More from the Tampa Bay Times and the News Service of Florida.
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Florida Icon | Shannon Miller
The seven-time U.S. Olympic medalist tells us: "In 1993, I won the gymnastics world championship. The summer after, I went through a tough time. I really thought about quitting gymnastics. My coaches forced me to think about why. It was about not having a new goal. I had done the Olympics. I had done world championships. For a gymnast, I didn’t know what was next." [Source: Florida Trend]
Florida business owners seek solutions to spam call epidemic
Spam and robocalls are more than just a nuisance — for small-business owners they’re a daily disruption that's hurting business. The constant interruptions are not only frustrating, they are also potentially harmful to business. Missing a legitimate order could mean losing a customer. To cope, business owners have resorted to answering, hanging up, and blocking the number — a short-term fix that has not stopped the flood. [Source: Gulfcoast News Now]
Florida hemp industry wins another reprieve from regulations this year
A year ago, members of Florida’s hemp industry were lobbying Gov. Ron DeSantis to veto a bill regulating hemp-derived THC products that many claimed if signed into law would be a devastating blow to their livelihoods. Their mission was accomplished when he did in fact veto the proposal last June. That won’t be required this year. [Source: Florida Phoenix]
Grace period extended for small businesses looking for aid after hurricanes Helene and Milton
There is some relief for the many Southwest Florida business owners still navigating hurricane insurance claims and facing urgent rebuilding needs. Just in time for Small Business Week (May 4-10), the Small Business Administration has extended a critical 60-day grace period for Hurricane Helene and Milton survivors to apply for disaster recovery assistance. [Source: WGCU]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Boca Raton skate park may be moved to ex-golf course. Some residents are protesting.
A Boca Raton skate park may be rebuilt at a former golf club, but residents already are decrying this possible relocation with concerns about noise and safety. The Tim Huxhold Skate Park is currently located on land that will be used in the city’s plan to overhaul the government campus, which is the 30-acre plot at the intersection of West Palmetto Park Road and Dixie Highway. This redevelopment project will include apartments, offices, a hotel, shops, restaurants and new government facilities.
› 1,000+ jobs at Piper Aircraft were at risk. And then they were saved
Piper Aircraft Inc., the largest private employer in Indian River County, stood to lose more than 1,000 jobs because of tariffs threatened against Canada. Some two-thirds of its workforce could have been laid off. But behind-the-scenes efforts by U.S. Rep. Mike Haridopolos, R-Indian Harbor Beach, helped find a provision in a federal trade agreement that may have saved those jobs and perhaps the entire company.
› State's aggressive tax collection strategy leads to spike in Orange County liens
A sharp increase in state business tax liens filed in Orange County in early 2025 appears to reflect Florida’s more aggressive enforcement strategy targeting outstanding tax obligations. State tax lien filings in Orange County began climbing rapidly in February. That month saw 523 liens filed, a notable increase from 293 in February 2024 and 163 in February 2023.
› Manatee County approves purchase of administration office space in Lakewood Ranch
Manatee County will purchase a new administrative building in Lakewood Ranch, a project expected to cost about $34.8 million, in a move that will relocate some county services away from downtown Bradenton. Concerns have been raised about accessibility for residents and availability of county-owned land on Lena Road already intended for future county facilities.
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› Pair of multimillion Naples sales buck housing slowdown narrative
Two major sales in Naples, and an industry report, last month show that the luxury real estate market is doing well despite home sales struggling. Despite the positive signs, luxury buyers are concerned by inflation worries political uncertainties and ups and downs in the stock market.
› Waterborne transit efforts flow on in Miami-Dade
The Miami-Dade County Transportation Planning Organization is in the final stage of development of its study for the feasibility of a waterborne transit network, following an initial report first published last October. According to a representative of the Department of Transportation and Public Works, the planning organization is finalizing a secondary study regarding the technology necessary to implement this system.
› At annual festival, Orlando Fringe looks to regroup and revive
After a precipitous attendance drop in 2024, a subsequent attack by Gov. Ron DeSantis as he defunded arts organizations statewide, a sudden leadership change and the closing of its first year-round presenting space, Orlando Fringe has a lot riding on its upcoming annual festival. But leaders of the organization say they aren’t worried as they take steps to shore up the 2025 Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival — the nation’s oldest Fringe.
› Jacksonville Jaguars headquarters touching down at One Shipyards Place
The Jacksonville Jaguars landed a permit for the team’s new headquarters at the One Shipyards Place office building at a cost of almost $12.21 million. On May 6, the city issued a permit for Jacksonville-based Auld & White Constructors LLC to build-out 63,500 square feet of space on the second, third and fourth floors at 1 Shipyards Place on the Northbank of the St. Johns River.