Fabrizio GowdyCorrespondent At its Oct. 21 meeting, the Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to search for a new lobbying firm to represent the board’s interests, choosing not to extend its agreement with Tallahassee-based Ballard Partners. Commissioners say decision was driven by Ballard’s failure to send a representative to the meeting or appear…
Jim SaundersNews Service of Florida The Supreme Court’s decision will have a big impact on the Florida lawsuit.After the U.S. Supreme Court this week said it will hear a case focused on the same federal law, a judge Thursday put on hold a long-running lawsuit about whether Florida medical-marijuana patients can be barred from having…
Jim TurnerNews Service of Florida State legislators are discussing the possibility of revising a new law that has drawn legal challenges because it blocks cities and counties from approving “more restrictive or burdensome” changes to growth plans.Senate Majority Leader Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, said Monday during a Manatee County legislative delegation meeting that he has talked…
Dara KamNews Service of Florida A hearing that began Monday is slated to run through mid-February. The new licenses are required under a 2017 law that called for boosting the number of licenses as the number of eligible patients increases.A monthslong hearing kicked off Monday in a fierce licensure battle over a rare opportunity to…
Jim TurnerNews Service of Florida The Florida House of Representatives has rolled out a series of proposed constitutional amendments to cut property taxes, while looking to shield funding for schools and law enforcement.House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, outlined the menu of proposals, which came as Gov. Ron DeSantis has made a top priority of asking…
Dara KamNews Service of Florida An appeals-court panel on Thursday grilled attorneys about a new state law making it a crime for undocumented immigrants to enter Florida, questioning whether enforcement and oversight of such issues should be left to the federal government.The Republican-controlled Legislature passed the law during a February special session aimed at helping…
Jim TurnerNews Service of Florida As an increasing number of Florida food-stamp recipients will have to meet work requirements to remain eligible, the state faces a potential hefty bill from the federal government for the program.Currently, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits — commonly known as food stamps — distributed by the state are…
Senate Bill 180, which became effective in June and restricts local governments’ ability to adopt stricter land-use and development regulations. Fabrizio GowdyGadsden County News Service At its regularly scheduled Oct. 7 board meeting, the Gadsden County Commission discussed how to respond to SB 180, which became effective in June and restricts local governments’ ability to…
Dara KamNews Service of Florida An appeals-court panel on Thursday grilled attorneys about a new state law making it a crime for undocumented immigrants to enter Florida, questioning whether enforcement and oversight of such issues should be left to the federal government.The Republican-controlled Legislature passed the law during a February special session aimed at helping…
Fabrizio GowdyGadsden County News Service On Sept. 30, the Gadsden County Commission approved the 9.0 millage rate tentatively adopted at its first budget hearing on Sept. 15. The 3-1 vote in favor of keeping the mill rate the same came in spite of significant public pressure to approve the rollback rate of 8.6383.Commissioner Alonzetta Simpkins…
