Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–Aug. 27

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State budget negotiations to begin this week

Legislative committees to talk before special session
 
TALLAHASSEE — The budget ax starts swinging this week when lawmakers return to Tallahassee for committee meetings that will set the stage for a Sept. 18 gloom-and-doom special session.

 

Florida facing $2 billion deficit next year

Florida lawmakers will get more bad news Monday: A new three-year financial outlook for the state not only shows a shortfall for this year, but that the deficit will grow to more than $2 billion by next year.

 

Corporations get the most relief in Legislature-approved tax reforms

The Florida Legislature approved tax reforms this summer primarily aimed at providing homeowners with tax relief.

 

Elections ruling snuffs out issue polling

TALLAHASSEE — Florida elections officials have thrown a curveball onto the state’s political playing field — campaigns can’t poll voters about issues.

 

Low tax revenue could delay schools

The Brevard County School Board may have to delay building projects or eliminate some to offset an estimated $5 million decline in property tax revenue, district officials said.

 

Sales tax woes tighten budget vise

Budget woes may not be over for Treasure Coast governments, even after they pass their new budgets next month.

 

Lawmakers’ rhetoric falls flatter than tax savings

That was the sound of my expectations for tax and insurance reform hitting the floor after I found out how much I’ll save next year.

 

Property tax vote a threat to our society’s vulnerable

Each day, Diane Gilbert hears from people to whom the Florida Legislature is turning a deaf ear.

 

South Florida exodus sends school kids packing

When Broward County public schools opened last week, there were 5,192 fewer students than the first day last year. Mitch Serna’s three children were among those missing.

 

Leaders discuss Florida’s goals

Sunday’s talks focused on water policy.

Leaders from around the state met in Largo Sunday to discuss long-term goals for Florida’s future.

 

Johnson pushes end-of-course tests

Nudged by a state requirement to pay teachers bonuses based on test scores, Superintendent Art Johnson wants the district to give end-of-course exams in every subject in an effort to evaluate student – not teacher – performance.

 

At least 7 interested in Palm Beach County School Board seat

Bob Kanjian left the Palm Beach County School Board last week with high praise from Superintendent Art Johnson and the board’s remaining six members.

 

Elections ruling snuffs out issue polling

TALLAHASSEE — Florida elections officials have thrown a curveball onto the state’s political playing field — campaigns can’t poll voters about issues.

 

Governor doesn’t accept his gift tie

Florida’s rules about gifts to elected officials got the best of School Board Vice Chairman Martin Karp last week during Gov. Charlie Crist’s visit to Miami.

 

South Florida city could be largest in state to dissolve

WEST PARK, Fla. — A South Florida city of 14,000 could be the first of its size to dissolve if Broward County voters choose property tax changes that would save individual homeowners, but drain what little tax base the city has left.

 

School without germs

A video link is a window of learning for a boy with fragile health.

SPRING HILL – Mrs. Lewis had a perfect voice, but her video image was a mess – doubling at times, coming and going, pixels dancing.  Kevin O’Connell saw a few kids dart past the teacher as the clock struck 9 a.m., searching for their seats in the third-grade class at Spring Hill Elementary. 

 

Two-officer patrols may be safer but seen as too costly in Broward

If you’re a New York City police officer, you can’t leave the station without your partner. In Broward County, you’re on your own.