Government

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By Jim Stinson
January 30, 2024

Polk County city seeks to ban food trucks

A coalition of food trucks operators are urging Haines City to cease efforts to pass a "near-total ban" on food trucks and to allow all banned food trucks to resume operations.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

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By Mark Gordon
January 15, 2024

Former Sarasota chamber CEO to run for hospital board seat

Kevin Cooper, a well-known advocate for businesses and nonprofits in Sarasota and former U.S. Army sergeant, has filed to run for the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Board.

Manatee-Sarasota

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By Mark Gordon
January 11, 2024

Report: California to lose four congressional seats, Florida to gain three

The population surge of the past three years will be a win for Florida's congressional presence in Washington, D.C.

Florida

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By Mark Gordon
January 5, 2024

Former St. Pete state senator targets big changes in Tallahassee

A pair of policy-first leaders look to inject a sense of strategy into the chaos that often dominates in Tallahassee through a nonprofit think tank and policy bank, the Florida Policy Project.

Florida

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By Brian Hartz
January 4, 2024

Florida inches closer to recreational marijuana with 2024 ballot initiative

A proposal that would legalize adult recreational cannabis use — and bring a massive influx of tax revenues — in Florida appears headed to the general election ballot in November.

Florida

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By Jim Stinson
January 3, 2024

State legislators aim to address health care, insurance, shoplifting

As in past Florida Legislative sessions, the power of the Senate president and House speaker will dictate much of the bills that either get passed or languish in committees.

Florida

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By Louis Llovio
December 20, 2023

Crucial impact fee discussion in Manatee gets costly, complicated

The collection of impact fees — when and how much — has stirred up a significant amount of controversy in Manatee County, with few answers.

Manatee-Sarasota

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By Mark Gordon
December 19, 2023

Region wins nearly $40M in state funding for water pollution reduction projects

Funding for five water quality projects in the region worth nearly $40 million has been approved by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office.

Florida

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By Mark Gordon
November 13, 2023

Florida legislators file bill to impose term limits on county commissioners

The legislation models a bill passed in 2023 for term limits on school board members.

Florida

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By Louis Llovio
November 8, 2023

Florida lawmakers OK funds for program said to cut homeowner insurance bills

The state House and Senate passed the funding during a special session that included hurricane relief and sanctions against Iran.

Florida

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By Mark Gordon
November 7, 2023

Sarasota tax office returns nearly $18 million to county in excess fees

The office has returned $114 million in the past decade.

Manatee-Sarasota

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By Jim Stinson
November 6, 2023

Proposed Ybor business curfew at 1 a.m. criticized but remains in play

Ybor City has been the victim of violence, and the business community has concerns.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

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By Amanda Postma
November 2, 2023

North Port official hopes to boost city’s profile across Florida

Jerome Fletcher plans to use his statewide appointment to the Florida League of Cities committee to better the community through meaningful conversations.