Government Digest: May 7 - May 13

Disaster emergency loans for coastal businesses
TALLAHASSEE — Small businesses along the Florida coast impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf could become eligible for Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans and funds from the Florida Small Business Emergency Loan Program.

State CFO Alex Sink requested the SBA to expedite federal disaster loans and suspend loan repayments for Florida coastal businesses impacted by the oil spill. The state emergency loan program provides short-term emergency funds to small businesses as a form of bridge loan between the time a disaster strikes and when a business secures other resources.

Economic development property tax exemption
SARASOTA COUNTY — County Commissioners adopted an ordinance to establish an economic development property tax exemption for qualifying new businesses and existing businesses that want to expand. State law gives County Commissioners the authority to grant a property tax exemption if voters approve it in a referendum. In late May, commissioners will consider placing the referendum on the Aug. 24 primary election ballot.