Lawmakers seek money amid belt-tightening
Florida lawmakers have started filing what are expected to be hundreds of proposals seeking money for local projects and programs — but legislative leaders are cautioning not to expect as much spending as in the past few years. As of Tuesday, House members had filed 40 funding proposals, while one had been filed in the Senate, according to legislative websites. Lawmakers will consider the proposals as they negotiate a budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year during the legislative session that will start March 4. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Proposals for Florida’s ballot initiative process could effectively end it
For years, Floridians have used the ballot initiative process to pass popular measures that have been otherwise stymied by the state’s political leaders. That process is how Florida got its $15 minimum wage, medical marijuana and felon voter rights restoration. It’s the reason why Florida’s governor and lawmakers have term limits. But new proposals from Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office could make it nearly impossible for the state’s residents to amend their constitution. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
State springs rules draw challenge
A springs-advocacy group is challenging newly proposed state rules, saying they will not adequately prevent water withdrawals that could harm what are designated as “Outstanding Florida Springs.” The Florida Springs Council filed the challenge last week after the state Department of Environmental Protection held a Jan. 6 hearing on the proposed rules, which are designed to carry out a 2016 law. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Florida's largest insurer could be forced to change its coverage
Abill being considered by lawmakers in Tallahassee could make Florida's insurer of last resort, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, available to all homeowners in the state, but it would only cover windstorm damage. House Bill 13, sponsored by state Representative Hillary Cassel of Broward County, is expected to be introduced in the upcoming legislative session, when lawmakers will discuss solutions to the ongoing property insurance crisis in the state. [Source: Newsweek]
Florida's political relevance lures top lobbying firm
Florida’s relevance on the national political stage has drawn lobbying and law firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber and Schreck to the Tampa Bay region. The Denver-based firm’s new office in downtown Tampa marks its first location in the Sunshine State and 13th nationwide. Longtime Brownstein shareholder and Florida native Melissa Kuipers Blake is relocating from Denver to Tampa to lead the expansion as managing partner. [Source: Tampa Bay Business Journal]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Spring groundbreaking planned for Orlando’s downtown sports district
Developers of the Westcourt Sports + Entertainment District in downtown Orlando are aiming for a spring groundbreaking after the city’s Appearance Review Board blessed the project last week. Scheduled to open in early 2027, the project will serve as the home of the Orlando Magic, a luxury Kimpton hotel, housing, a Live Nation entertainment venue and retail space. Machete Group is co-developing the Westcourt district with JMA Ventures.
› Jacksonville Jaguars issue another bid invitation for Stadium of the Future
The Jacksonville Jaguars issued another invitation to bid on the Stadium of the Future as the organization continues seeking contractors for the $1.4 billion project that is scheduled for completion in time for the 2028 NFL season. Work starts on renovating the 30-year-old EverBank Stadium now that the 2024 season ended.
› Naples wealth advisory firms, one with $2.5B in assets, announce partnership
A pair of well-known Naples wealth advisory firms are merging together in what the entities call a strategic partnership. The two companies are Capital Wealth Advisors and Bray Capital Advisors, according to a statement. Financial terms of the partnership weren’t disclosed. Founded in 2004, Capital Wealth Advisors is an independent financial advisory firm serving high-net-worth families and entrepreneurs.
› New Florida Atlantic University president? These 3 finalists are now in the running
Former House Majority Leader Adam Hasner is one of three finalists to become president of Florida Atlantic University, after five other ex-lawmakers have been appointed to top state higher-education posts in recent years. An FAU search committee picked Hasner and two longtime academics as finalists following a bumpy process that started after former President John Kelly announced his resignation in 2022.
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› Citywide recycling in Miami could be eliminated by upcoming City Commission votes
Recycling services could soon end in the city of Miami. On Thursday, the City Commission is scheduled to vote on a piece of legislation that would allow the city to stop its biweekly recycling collection service. The proposal gives the Solid Waste Department director “the power to establish the type, frequency and amount, if at all, of City-serviced recycle pickup in all areas of the City.”
› Polk County art museum completes $8 million expansion
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art, formerly the Polk Museum of Art, recently opened its doors on a 14,000-square-foot expansion. Two new buildings were added to a museum building completed in 1988, tripling the capacity of the main exhibition area. Renovations were made to the original building, and additional amenities were built in, including seven new galleries, educational spaces and a new creativity lab, according to a statement.
› City of Orlando cracks down on clubs over security violations
Three clubs in Orlando’s downtown entertainment area had their after-midnight alcohol sales permits suspended during a Jan. 17 hearing that saw 20 venues scrutinized for security practices. Hearing Officer Patrick Brackins heard Assistant City Attorney Anna Mompremier, representatives for the clubs and witnesses during two days of testimony.
› Turtle Creek Golf Course in Rockledge to close after five decades in business
Turtle Creek Golf Club in Rockledge this week announced that it will be permanently closing its doors later this year after 52 years in business. While no reason was given in the course's official statement for the closure, city records show a 294-home subdivision is planned for the site. The area is undergoing a development boom.