Amendment 3 would substantially expand Florida’s homestead exemption and limit annual assessment increases on non-homestead properties. While homeowners could pay less, the projected $11.8 billion annual revenue loss could lead to higher taxes and fees elsewhere or cuts to local services. more

  Affordable apartments often cost more to build than market-rate units because developers must navigate complex financing and regulatory requirements. Colorado is reversing that pattern through inexpensive public land, streamlined reviews, parking reform and alternative construction methods. Reducing the administrative and regulatory costs associated with building affordable housing can increase the housing supply in Colorado. Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post via … more

The Apopka Development Review Committee will consider plans for retail, restaurant, and fueling uses along West Kelly Park Road during its July 29 meeting. The agenda also includes a 16-unit multifamily project and new tennis and pickleball courts at the Northwest Recreation Complex. more

As the United States marks 250 years since its founding, the dream of owning a home remains one of the country's defining aspirations. This historical look explores the laws, programs, and milestones that transformed homeownership from a privilege for a few into an attainable goal for millions of Americans. more

The Seminole County Chamber has received a Communications Excellence Best in Show award for its ChamberWORKS! video series. The national recognition is the chamber’s third major industry award in the past 18 months. more

Florida recorded more foreclosure filings than any other state in June, according to new data from ATTOM. The report shows foreclosure activity continued to rise year over year, with Charlotte, Polk, Okeechobee and Osceola counties reporting the highest filing rates in the state. more

Apopka’s Development Review Committee will review eight applications Wednesday, including three residential projects representing 851 proposed lots. The agenda also includes two warehouse proposals, an outdoor-storage request and two future land-use amendments. more

Prices for tomatoes, lettuce and other fresh produce have climbed substantially over the past year as disruptions ripple through the agricultural supply chain. Shoppers can reduce costs by choosing less-affected foods and substituting canned or frozen produce when appropriate. more

CareerSource Central Florida will bring more than 20 employers together for a National Hire a Veteran Day Job Fair in Orlando. The event will prioritize opportunities for veterans and military spouses but will be open to everyone seeking employment. more

Florida has recorded at least 50 cyclosporiasis cases across 24 counties since May 1 as infections rise nationwide. The foodborne intestinal illness can cause diarrhea, appetite loss, and weight loss, with symptoms sometimes lasting more than a month. more

The Apopka Development Review Committee will review another busy agenda on Wednesday, featuring residential subdivisions, commercial construction, and the first technical review of the Kelly Park South master plan amendment. The meeting also includes site plans for an AutoZone, a commercial outparcel, and three community events. more

Orange County is offering a free four-part training series designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners better understand the county services and regulations that affect their businesses. The workshops will cover zoning, building safety, business development, and procurement opportunities while connecting participants with county experts. more

University of Florida researchers have found that conventional fungicide spraying may unintentionally help spread bacterial spot disease in tomato fields under certain weather conditions. The findings could lead to new spraying techniques that better protect crops while limiting the movement of harmful bacteria. more

A new Florida law taking effect July 1 gives qualifying farmland owners a faster path to develop residential and commercial projects, even if local governments object. Environmental groups warn the measure will fuel suburban sprawl and erode local planning authority, while supporters say it protects private property rights. more

Orange County will celebrate the opening of its new Innovation Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and community open house on Wednesday, July 8. The center will offer technology, makerspace, and workforce development programs designed to serve residents of all ages. more

After surviving breast cancer and overcoming years of financial and personal challenges, Apopka resident LaTonya Riley achieved her dream of homeownership through Habitat for Humanity Seminole-Apopka. Her story highlights how Orange County's investment in affordable housing is helping families build long-term stability. more

Goodwill Industries of Central Florida and WFTV 9 Family Connection have launched their annual summer food drive to help combat food insecurity across the region. Community members can donate nonperishable food items at participating Goodwill stores through July 11. more

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Florida's heritage cattle are serving as a living reminder of the state's agricultural roots, tracing their lineage to Spanish livestock introduced in the 1500s. Today, ranchers and UF/IFAS researchers are preserving the hardy breed while applying its traits to more sustainable, climate-resilient ranching. more

The Apopka City Commission will meet on Wednesday to consider several development proposals, including a 363-unit apartment community that is expected to draw the most attention. Commissioners will also review a proposed child care facility, an annexation request, and several routine consent agenda items. more

Recent Apopka High School graduate Jayden Safford received a $3,000 scholarship from the Lake Apopka Natural Gas District to pursue a career in welding. The scholarship is part of LANGD's effort to support students entering high-demand skilled trades and strengthen the region's future workforce. more

A new Florida TaxWatch report says the conflict involving Iran has created a "severe shift" in Florida's short-term economic outlook. Rising energy costs and disruptions to global oil shipments are expected to impact tourism, unemployment, and overall economic growth in the years ahead. more

While Central Florida avoided major hurricane impacts last year, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida warns that storms, inflation, and shrinking food supplies are creating a growing risk of hunger across the region. The organization is encouraging residents to volunteer, donate, and support local hunger-relief efforts ahead of hurricane season. more

As families spend more time around water during the summer months, swim instructors are reminding parents that water safety starts earlier — and lasts longer — than many realize. Beyond learning strokes, swim lessons help children develop confidence, awareness, and essential survival skills that grow over time. more

University of Florida researchers have developed two web-based applications that use artificial intelligence and drone imagery to help strawberry and tomato growers predict yields. The tools, known as PhenoSeg and PhenoSnap, aim to reduce the time and labor required for traditional crop counting while improving forecasting accuracy. more

Orange County has launched a new training program aimed at helping nonprofit and faith-based organizations develop affordable housing projects. The initiative supports the County’s goal of producing or preserving 11,000 affordable housing units by 2030. more