News from the South - Florida News Feed

Florida general fund budget to increase by 2.8% under proposed budget deal | Florida

Published

3 days ago

June 3, 2025

www.thecentersquare.com – By Steve Wilson | The Center Square – (The Center Square – ) 2025-06-03 12:01:00

(The Center Square) – According to numbers released by the Florida House of Representatives, a tentative budget deal would result in a 2.8% increase in general fund appropriations for fiscal 2026.

The new fiscal year, which starts on July 1, could have $49.96 billion in general fund spending if the two chambers pass the budget conference report. The state’s general fund is primarily funded by the state’s 6% sales tax and other tax revenues.

With federal and dedicated funds, such as the Florida Lottery, the total budget is likely to be about $119.8 billion. Lottery revenues are allocated specifically for K-12 education.

The two chambers are working on the details of the compromise in joint budget hearings that will continue this week before a final vote (after the constitutionally mandated 72-hour cooling off period) scheduled for June 16.

The two sides are nearly $62.5 million apart when it comes to funding for the state’s higher education system, with the Senate seeking a larger outlay, $8.73 billion in total funds (general, federal and dedicated funds) versus the House’s proposal of $8.66 billion.

The biggest sticking point is workforce education, with the Senate seeking $124.4 million and the House seeking nearly half of that outlay at $67.3 million.

On K-12 education, the two chambers are nearly $250 million apart, with the Senate seeking a total outlay of $20.9 billion and the House countering with $20.6 billion.

Under the funding allocation released by the House, K-12 education would receive $16.09 billion in general funds and higher education would receive $6.52 billion from the general fund.

The state’s entitlement programs and Medicaid would receive a general fund appropriation of $17.53 billion.

Criminal justice would receive $6.53 billion, while transportation, tourism and economic development would be allocated $552.6 million.

Agriculture, environmental protection and natural resources would receive nearly $1.54 billion from general fund revenues. General government would be allocated $674.6 million, while what was termed “administered funds and statewide issues would receive $527.4 million.

Tax relief in the budget package would be about $2.25 billion that includes the elimination of the business rent tax ($900 million) and permanent sales tax exemptions ($350 million). The deal also includes $250 million in debt reduction.

According to the state constitution, 5% to 10% of the general fund revenues must be redirected to the state’s rainy day fund, known as the Budget Stabilization Fund.

Any revenues in addition can be redirected to non-recurring appropriations or tax relief.

Last year, lawmakers appropriated $48.6 billion, which constitutes about 42% of the state’s total budget, which was $116.5 billion. The rest consists of federal funds (about 33%) and 26% from state trust funds,

The post Florida general fund budget to increase by 2.8% under proposed budget deal | Florida appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com

Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Centrist

The article primarily presents factual information about Florida’s proposed budget without using language that endorses or opposes specific policies. It reports on the budget figures, the differences between the House and Senate proposals, and the allocation across various sectors in a straightforward manner. The tone is neutral and devoid of emotionally charged or persuasive language, indicating an absence of ideological framing. The piece outlines the actions and positions of political entities without adopting or promoting a particular ideological stance, maintaining objective and balanced reporting throughout.

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News from the South - Florida News Feed

South Floridians speak out on travel ban

Published

8 hours ago

June 5, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – CBS Miami – 2025-06-05 21:21:29

SUMMARY: South Floridians express frustration over President Trump’s travel bans impacting 19 countries, including Cuba, Venezuela, and Haiti. The bans, aimed at protecting the US from foreign threats, restrict visas for various categories, with Haiti facing a full travel ban. Many are upset about family separations and uncertain reunions. Carmen, from Venezuela, fears when she’ll see her son again, while others worry about the country’s future. Legal experts note this ban differs from the previous “Muslim ban,” making challenges harder due to detailed justifications. Immigration lawyers urge affected individuals to seek legal advice before traveling. The issue deeply affects South Florida’s immigrant communities.

CBS News Miami’s Larry Seward reports on South Floridians speaking out about the upcoming travel ban.

Source

News from the South - Florida News Feed

New York won’t rescind Native American mascot ban, despite Trump’s threat of cutting federal funds

Published

13 hours ago

June 5, 2025

Staff Editor

www.clickorlando.com – Philip Marcelo, Associated Press – 2025-06-05 16:21:00

SUMMARY: New York education officials refuse to rescind the state’s ban on Native American mascots and team names despite threats from the Trump administration over potential federal funding loss. The state suggested expanding the ban to include offensive mascots from other racial or ethnic groups. The U.S. Department of Education’s civil rights office found the ban discriminatory since other ethnic-based mascots like “Dutchmen” remain allowed. New York legal counsel highlighted the federal government’s conflicting stance, noting previous rulings deeming Native American mascots harmful. School districts must comply by June 30 or risk losing state funding, with some granted extensions.

Read the full article

The post New York won’t rescind Native American mascot ban, despite Trump’s threat of cutting federal funds appeared first on www.clickorlando.com

News from the South - Florida News Feed

Florida sheriff charged in public corruption, illegal gambling scheme | Florida

Published

14 hours ago

June 5, 2025

Staff Editor

www.thecentersquare.com – By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributor – (The Center Square – ) 2025-06-05 15:34:00

(The Center Square) – A Florida sheriff has been charged in a public-corruption related investigation that involved an illegal gambling operation.

Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution charged Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez and others in a massive Central Florida gambling operation on Thursday.

The charges allege that Lopez initially got involved in the gambling operation to receive campaign contributions and personal payments, but later “played a multifaceted role in expanding and protecting this illegal enterprise, using his office to shield the enterprise from law enforcement.”

“This is a solemn day for Florida and our law enforcement community. We put great trust in our constitutional officers, especially those who are our communities’ first line of defense,” Uthmeier said. “However, the law must be applied equally, regardless of position, power, or branch of government. Public servants should never exploit the public’s trust for personal gain.”

The AG’s OSP prosecutes crimes that impact two or more judicial circuits in the state and works with state and federal counterparts. Prosecutors in the office focus on complex, often large scale, organized criminal activity.

“As law enforcement, we are held to higher standards of integrity and character than other professions. This case revealed that Lopez violated the trust and integrity expected of him as the duly elected sheriff of Osceola County,” Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass said. “Florida’s sheriffs are leaders for not only their office and deputies, but for their community and the citizens that elected them.”

The charges were brought after a two-year investigation.

In 2023, Homeland Security Investigations and the FDLE launched a multi-agency investigation, which uncovered a criminal organization operating a $21.6 million illegal gambling enterprise throughout central Florida, primarily in Lake and Osceola counties.

After Lopez was elected in November 2020, he continued to advance the interests of the criminal organization and receive money from the illegal gambling proceeds for his involvement, according to the charges.

Lopez was charged with racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering.

His arrest “underscores HSI’s commitment to holding everyone, including public officials, accountable. No one, regardless of their position, is above the law,” HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge John Condon said. “Corruption undermines the integrity of public trust, HSI along with our partners are committed to combatting it.”

Other individuals listed in the charges include Ying Zhang, Sharon Fedrick, Sheldon Wetherholt, Carol Cote, charged with unlawful use of a two-communication device; and Zhang on money laundering charges.

The charges allege that Zhang, Lopez and Wetherhold operated and managed Fusion Social Club in Kissimmee, which conducted a lottery for money in violation of the law, and unlawfully possessed slot machines.

Other crimes listed include Zhang, Lopez and Wetherholt keeping gambling houses; Wetherholt, Fedrick and Cote, agents or employees of gambling houses.

From Jan. 5 through Dec. 31, 2021, the charges state that Lopez, while being a public servant, received unlawful compensation in violation of state law and intentionally obstructed or prevented a criminal investigation related to the enterprise.

Lopez, Zhang, Fedrick, Wetherholt and Cote were all charged with conspiracy to commit racketeering.

The case is being prosecuted in Florida’s Fifth Judicial Circuit.

The post Florida sheriff charged in public corruption, illegal gambling scheme | Florida appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com

Political Bias Rating: Centrist

The article presents a straightforward factual report on the public corruption charges against Florida Sheriff Marcos Lopez and others. It focuses on official statements from law enforcement and prosecutorial authorities, detailing the allegations and investigation without editorializing or framing the story through a partisan lens. The language is formal and neutral, emphasizing the legal process and public accountability. The article reports on actions and positions of government officials without promoting any ideological viewpoint or political agenda, maintaining a clear separation between reporting the facts and interpreting them.