The Apopka Voice logo

Nesta proposes Apopka government restructuring; former campaign manager expresses interest in chief of staff role

Log in
Florida
Sort by: Featured Most recent
528 results total, viewing 26 - 50
State Rep. Doug Bankson says affordability remains the defining issue facing House District 39 as he seeks another term representing Apopka and northwest Orange County.
Doug Bankson makes affordability the centerpiece of his bid for another House term
State Rep. Doug Bankson says affordability remains the defining issue facing House District 39 as he seeks another term representing Apopka and northwest Orange County. In a wide-ranging interview, Bankson outlined his positions on property tax reform, insurance, housing, healthcare, education, and the accomplishments he believes have prepared him for another two years in Tallahassee. more
|
Florida is one of 10 states that haven't expanded Medicaid, leaving close to half a million people in the coverage gap, according to estimates.
More than 311,000 Floridians lose health coverage amid federal cuts
More than 311,000 Floridians have lost health insurance coverage over the past year, according to a new report from Protect Our Care, making Florida one of the states most affected by recent federal changes. Health policy advocates say the losses are increasing uncompensated care costs and renewing debate over whether Florida should expand Medicaid. more
| | 1 comment
A white-tailed deer photographed by Randy Traynor in a Florida wildlife refuge. Traynor says the refuges offer something increasingly rare: a place where animals can just be animals.
Florida's National Wildlife Refuges offer a window into wild America as funding concerns grow
Florida's 29 National Wildlife Refuges offer visitors opportunities to experience native wildlife and protected habitats throughout the state. Conservationists say proposed federal staffing and funding cuts could make it more difficult to manage these landscapes and protect the species that depend on them. more
|
In his first run for public office, Orlando Health physician Dr. Jarod Fox says his experience in medicine has shaped his approach to tackling Florida's biggest challenges, from health care access to housing affordability. The Democratic candidate also discusses education, growth, infrastructure, and why he believes local governments should retain more decision-making authority.
Dr. Jarod Fox enters House District 39 race with a physician's perspective and focus on affordability
In his first run for public office, Orlando Health physician Dr. Jarod Fox says his experience in medicine has shaped his approach to tackling Florida's biggest challenges, from health care access to housing affordability. The Democratic candidate also discusses education, growth, infrastructure, and why he believes local governments should retain more decision-making authority. more
|
Three weeks after the Florida Legislature placed a proposed constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would increase the state’s homestead property tax exemption, a political committee has launched a campaign opposing the measure.
Committee launches campaign opposing Florida's proposed property tax amendment
A newly formed political committee has launched a campaign opposing Amendment 3, the proposed constitutional amendment that would significantly expand Florida's homestead property tax exemption. The group argues the measure would reduce local government revenues by billions of dollars while shifting costs to renters, businesses, and consumers. more
|
A teacher works with elementary school students to improve literacy skills.
Florida ranks last again in national report on legislative support for public schools
A new report from the Network for Public Education ranked Florida last in the nation in legislative support for public schools for the third consecutive year, citing low funding, low teacher pay, and extensive school privatization. However, other national rankings and student achievement data suggest Florida's education system performs better under different evaluation criteria. more
|
Tests by UF scientists found Gemini Springs in Volusia County had some of the worst PFAS contamination in Florida. The cancer-causing chemical has turned up all over the state.
Opinion: Florida lobbyists shouldn't play both sides of the PFAS fight
A new investigation alleges that several prominent lobbying firms are simultaneously representing chemical industry groups opposing stricter PFAS regulations while also working for Florida local governments coping with contaminated drinking water. The column argues that such dual representation raises ethical concerns as communities struggle to address the costly cleanup of "forever chemicals." more
|
Floridians and visitors can enjoy free admission to most Florida State Parks during the July Fourth holiday weekend. The fee waiver, offered July 3-5, is part of Florida's celebration of America's 250th anniversary and encourages residents to explore the state's natural and historic treasures.
Florida State Parks to offer free admission July 3-5 for America's 250th anniversary
Floridians and visitors can enjoy free admission to most Florida State Parks during the July Fourth holiday weekend. The fee waiver, offered July 3-5, is part of Florida's celebration of America's 250th anniversary and encourages residents to explore the state's natural and historic treasures. … more
|
Pediatric Associates is suing the DeSantis administration alleging it used bad math when calculating new managed care rates to account for the costs of covering applied behavioral analysis services for children with special needs or autism. This kind of care in Florida has exceeded $2 billion in the past, according to the state.
Largest Medicaid pediatric provider sues DeSantis administration over pay rates
Florida's largest pediatric Medicaid provider is challenging the DeSantis administration over changes to Medicaid payment rates that it says have dramatically reduced funding for children's healthcare. Pediatric Associates argues the state's methodology contains significant errors that could jeopardize access to care for more than 300,000 Medicaid-enrolled children. more
|
Condominiums and hotels line the Atlantic coastline in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Photo: Natalie Chandler / The Center Square
Florida TaxWatch warns Iran conflict could slow Florida economy, tourism growth
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 Americans prepare to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary, Florida's Revolutionary War history is often overlooked. In 1776, Florida was a British colony that remained loyal to the Crown throughout the American Revolutionary War, illustrating the complicated and often contradictory nature of history.
If you want to celebrate Florida history, you ought to know what it is
While Americans prepare to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary, Florida's Revolutionary War history is often overlooked. In 1776, Florida was a British colony that remained loyal to the Crown throughout the American Revolutionary War, illustrating the complicated and often contradictory nature of history. more
|
Biologists with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida are holding a 17-foot, 148 lb female python they captured in an armadillo burrow last fall near the start of mating season. They use “scout snakes” to track down gigantic female pythons before they can lay eggs.
Python captures by Florida scientists overshadowed by hoopla over annual amateur contest
As Florida prepares for the annual Python Challenge, researchers warn that the invasive Burmese python population continues to grow and spread beyond the Everglades. Experts say the highly adaptable predators are threatening native wildlife and could become an increasing concern for Central Florida. more
|
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ property tax reform measure has hit a potential legal snag in the form of a lawsuit by two former mayors.
Lawsuit challenges ‘unconstitutional’ ballot measure to slash Florida property taxes
A legal challenge seeks to block Gov. Ron DeSantis' proposed property tax amendment from reaching voters, arguing the ballot language is misleading and unconstitutional. The lawsuit comes as local governments and tax policy experts continue debating the proposal's potential impact on public services and local control. more
|
The Orlando Utilities Commission was on the verge of shutting down its 39-year-old coal-fired power plant at the Stanton Energy Center when Energy Secretary Chris Wright ordered it kept open for at least 90 days.
Feds order an Orange County plant to keep burning coal
A federal order requiring Orlando Utilities Commission to continue operating a coal-fired power plant has sparked criticism from environmental groups, public health advocates, and local officials. Critics argue the decision could increase air pollution and utility costs while delaying Central Florida's transition to cleaner energy sources. more
|
In fall 2024, Tampa and other Florida cities on the Gulf coast were hit by hurricanes Helene and Milton within 13 days of each other.
Home insurance and the unraveling of Florida communities
As hurricanes intensify and insurance costs continue to rise, some Florida homeowners are finding it increasingly difficult to afford life in the state's most vulnerable coastal areas. A new analysis explores how climate risk, insurance markets, and housing affordability are combining to reshape communities across the Sunshine State. more
|
Florida remained ranked 35th among states for child well-being.
Florida child well-being remains stagnant as education improves but health rankings decline
Florida's overall ranking for child well-being remained largely unchanged in the 2026 Kids Count Data Book, despite improvements in education and family indicators. Advocates say persistent challenges related to housing costs, healthcare access, and economic stability continue to hinder progress for children and families. more
|
Audubon birdwatchers gather along one of the Stormwater Treatment Areas in the Everglades to observe the birds roosting there. The STAs are manmade marshes built to filter pollution before it reaches the River of Grass, but they’re not eliminating nearly enough of it.
Now hitting deadline, Florida flunks Everglades pollution cleanup
For decades, Florida leaders have promised to restore the Everglades, but a key piece of the effort remains unfinished. New concerns about phosphorus pollution are raising questions about whether the state can meet long-promised water quality standards. more
|
Sen. Bryan Avila closes on the resolution he sponsored to reduce property taxes during a special session on June 2, 2026.
It’s up to the voters now: Legislature OKs DeSantis property tax proposal
Florida lawmakers have approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would significantly restrict how local governments use property tax revenue, sending the issue to voters in November. The measure was revised to protect public school funding but continues to draw criticism from local governments and policy groups that warn it could force cuts to essential services. more
|
The initial $250,000 property tax exemption would cost counties an average of $4.8 billion annually, or $8.65 billion if homestead taxes are fully eliminated by fiscal year 2030-31, according to the Florida Policy Institute.
Florida cities, counties warn DeSantis property tax plan could slash local revenues
Local government leaders across Florida are sounding alarms over a proposed property tax overhaul backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. They warn that the measure could significantly reduce revenues for cities and counties while creating uncertainty about how essential services would be funded in the future. more
| | 1 comment
Photo Caption
Rising food costs are forcing many Florida families deeper into debt, poll finds
A new poll suggests the rising cost of groceries is placing growing financial pressure on Florida households, with many families taking on debt just to afford food. While some items, such as eggs, are expected to become less expensive this year, shoppers are likely to see continued price increases across many other grocery categories. more
|
State Sen. LaVon Bracy Davis and Rep. RaShon Young issued a joint statement defending Congressional District 20 and warning against efforts they say weaken Black political representation through redistricting. The lawmakers linked the issue to the broader history of voting-rights struggles in Florida, including the legacy of civil rights pioneers Harry T. and Harriett V. Moore.
Congressional District 20 was built for representation, and we should not forget why
Members of the Central Florida Delegation of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus are urging voters and candidates to protect Congressional District 20 as a Black opportunity district. Bracy-Davis and Young argue that recent redistricting efforts threaten Black political representation in Florida and across the country. more
|
Gov. Ron DeSantis announces his proposal to provide property tax relief in Tampa on May 27, 2026.
Schools, health care, and public safety could be hit under the property tax plan released by DeSantis
Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled a proposal Wednesday that could eliminate homestead property taxes for millions of Florida homeowners. The plan, which would require legislative and voter approval, has already sparked debate over how local governments would fund schools, healthcare, and public safety. more
| | 1 comment
Florida lawmakers finalized a proposed $115 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27 following extended negotiations between House and Senate leaders over Memorial Day weekend.
$115 billion state budget finalized over Memorial Day weekend
After another delayed budget process, Florida legislative leaders reached an agreement on a $115 billion state budget and accompanying tax relief package ahead of the new fiscal year. The plan includes environmental funding, targeted employee raises, health care spending, and several politically debated tax exemptions. more
|
Florida officials say ongoing drought conditions and extreme wildfire danger could impact Fourth of July fireworks celebrations across the state this year.
Florida drought could threaten Fourth of July fireworks celebrations, officials warn
Florida officials are warning that Fourth of July fireworks celebrations could face restrictions if severe drought conditions continue across the state. More than 2,100 fires have already burned this year, and officials say Florida’s wildfire season is nearing record territory. more
|
Florida officials warn that wildfire risks could remain elevated through the summer as severe drought conditions persist statewide. More than 2,100 fires have already burned across 135,000 acres in Florida this year.
Florida officials warn wildfire danger could intensify through summer as drought deepens statewide
State officials are urging Floridians to prepare for a prolonged and dangerous wildfire season as drought conditions continue across much of the state. Officials say most fires this year have been human-caused, while lightning from summer storms could create additional risks in the months ahead. more
|
« Prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 … 22 | Next »
Currently viewing stories posted within the past 5 years.
For all older stories, please use our advanced search.

© Copyright 2026 The Apopka Voice Terms of Use
Powered by Creative Circle Media Solutions