Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–October 30
Oct 30, 2008
To view a complete story, click on a headline below:
Save Our Homes challenge rejected — trio to appeal
Three recent homebuyers who moved to Florida from other states will appeal a judge’s ruling that dismissed their challenge to property-tax breaks offered by two state constitutional amendments, one of their lawyers said Tuesday.
SENATOR MIKE BENNETT: Rule needed to fix property tax inequity
Since the release of property tax bills from county tax collectors, I have received numerous calls and e-mails to my Senate office regarding constituents’ confusion and concern with the way their properties are valued and taxes assessed. Of special concern is an increase in property values when market values have clearly declined.
Amendment language may baffle some
As a record number of voters head to the polls, one factor that could add to voting delays are the six constitutional amendments on the general election ballot.
Florida Education Association: Save schools or lose a generation
This month, I called on the Legislature and Gov. Charlie Crist to support my plan to save Florida’s public education system from a fiscal catastrophe. I believe my plan represents a practical, straightforward and targeted approach to the growing crisis in our public schools, community colleges and universities during this economic recession, the likes of which we haven’t seen in decades.
Broward Commission approves $98M in affordable housing bonds
Broward County commissioners on Tuesday voted to authorize the issuance of close to $98 million in tax-exempt bonds for construction of nearly 1,000 low- to moderate-income housing units in Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, North Lauderdale and Pompano Beach.
Dade appraiser hopefuls as diverse as community
Miami-Dade residents will vote for a property appraiser for the first time. Backers suggest the changing system could result in lower property tax bills.
Of Florida’s 67 counties, only Miami-Dade doesn’t elect its property appraiser. But that will change Tuesday, when voters finally get a chance to elect the person responsible for setting the biggest tax roll in the state.
School principals: We’ve lost state funding
We certainly agree with state Rep. Larry Cretul that “Alachua County has a school system of which we can be proud.” (Talking Back, 10-27)
Judge OK’s Miami fire-fee refund
After a decade of legal wrangling — and much controversy — a judge has approved a settlement of Miami’s fire-fee litigation.
Miami property owners who have waited years for a fire-fee refund will finally get their wish in the coming months — maybe even in time for the winter holidays.
Ex-con leads misguided plan to reduce county charges to favor a few at the expense of many
Despite his criminal background, Joe Paladin has managed to become a key adviser to the Indian River County Commission.
Worn-out middle school teachers decry longer school day
A controversial schedule change that lengthened the middle school day this year is wearing out teachers and hurting students, a group of teachers told the Pinellas School Board Tuesday night.
Private schools feel pinch of hard times
Enrollment is up about 3 percent at Father Lopez Catholic High School this fall, but the number of families seeking financial aid to keep their children in classes there rose even faster.
Lee school employees aren’t educated on raise implications
They’re not sure how the raise will affect them. They don’t know how much the new health insurance options will cost.
Vote to End Choice School Upsets Parents
More than a dozen parents pleaded with Polk County School Board members for Valleyview Elementary to remain a choice school so their children could still attend.
Sports, arts at Collier schools could get cut if voters don’t pass referendum
Collier County will never be without high school or third grade.
Scripps Research Institute moving into new home on FAU campus in Jupiter
Biotech research giant has been in temporary quarters since 2003
Coffee mugs, computers and mass spectrometers? Packed and ready to go.
No Dropouts Left Behind: New Rules on Graduation Rates
It’s a staggering statistic: one in four American teenagers drops out of school before graduation, a rate that rises to one in three among black and Hispanic students. But there’s no federal system keeping track of the more than 7,000 American teenagers who drop out of school each day.
Economic meltdown puts chill in tourism
South Florida sun is getting less competitive against global economic gloom.
Recent news from the tourism sector points to growing softness and alarm. Hotel bookings appear to be off for this weekend’s boat show in Fort Lauderdale, the biggest fall event for that city.
Broward teens compete to help make state laws
High school students faced off for a chance at turning their ideas into state law.
The potential laws had all the addendums: detailed charts, cost analysis, reasoned arguments and possible consequences.
To unsubscribe from this newsletter, please send an e-mail to ccochran@cftlaw.com