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A House proposal that would ask voters to phase out non-school homestead property taxes moved forward Thursday, as lawmakers and Gov. Ron DeSantis try to reach agreement on a November ballot measure.

A House proposal that would ask voters to phase out non-school homestead property taxes moved forward Thursday, as lawmakers and Gov. Ron DeSantis try to reach agreement on a November ballot measure.

Legislative proposal backed to phase out property taxes

Jim Turner
Thursday, January 15, 2026
News Service of Florida — A House proposal that would ask voters to phase out non-school homestead property taxes moved forward Thursday, as lawmakers and Gov. Ron DeSantis try to reach agreement on a November ballot measure.
City staff, like Mayor Chris Robertson (pitching) played a game against the St. Coud Little League Challenger program Saturday. The city negotiated a new fee structure with the League that “raises the rent” but waives fees for the special-needs teams. (Photo/City of St. Cloud)

City staff, like Mayor Chris Robertson (pitching) played a game against the St. Coud Little League Challenger program Saturday. The city negotiated a new fee structure with the League that “raises the rent” but waives fees for the special-needs teams. (Photo/City of St. Cloud)

St. Cloud Little League, city swing at higher fee schedule

Ken Jackson
Thursday, January 15, 2026
In the same week the city of St. Cloud cut the ribbon on its newly-refurbished baseball field complex on 17th Street, it also agreed to a new rent agreement with its biggest user.At Thursday’s City Council meeting, leaders unanimously approved a one-year facility use agreement with St.
“Fireman Rob” Verhelst models some of the rescue gear he’ll don as he attempts the RunDisney “Dopey Challenge” this weekend. (Photo/David Chivers)

“Fireman Rob” Verhelst models some of the rescue gear he’ll don as he attempts the RunDisney “Dopey Challenge” this weekend. (Photo/David Chivers)

‘Fireman Rob’ inspires Boys and Girls Club ahead of Disney Marathon

David Chivers
Thursday, January 15, 2026
On a sunny Wednesday morning “Fireman Rob” Verhelst was in Kissimmee, playing a vigorous game basketball with a group of Boys and Girls Club members before starting a grueling schedule of four straight days of road races, all run while wearing full firefighter gear.
The City of Kissimmee has approved an extension of its contract with Freebee, a company that provides free on-demand, “last-mile” shuttle service to downtown, medical and academic locations. (Photo/City of Kissimmee)

The City of Kissimmee has approved an extension of its contract with Freebee, a company that provides free on-demand, “last-mile” shuttle service to downtown, medical and academic locations. (Photo/City of Kissimmee)

Kissimmee draws new contracts for Freebee, pain management clinic, CRA logo

Ken Jackson
Thursday, January 15, 2026
The City of Kissimmee has approved an extension of its contract with Freebee, a company that provides free on-demand, “last-mile” shuttle service to residents between downtown transportation hubs and government buildings, medical centers and Valencia College.
Some riders will fall, like at the 2025 154th event, and some will make it the full eight seconds when they mount their steeds at the 156th Silver Spurs Rodeo Feb, 19-22. (Photo/Taylor McFee)

Some riders will fall, like at the 2025 154th event, and some will make it the full eight seconds when they mount their steeds at the 156th Silver Spurs Rodeo Feb, 19-22. (Photo/Taylor McFee)

Rodeo season: 2 weekends of February fun with the Silver Spurs Rodeo

Ken Jackson
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Now that we’ve turned the calendars to 2026, it’s time to mark the February page with one of Osceola County’s traditional, unique and most enduring events … The Silver Spurs Rodeo! The rodeo festivities, in their 85th year, are wrapped around the Osceola County Fair and Livestock Show Feb.
Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital President Brian Wetzel (right) celebrated 30 years with the Orlando Health network last week with Philip Koovakada, senior vice president of Orlando Health’s South Florida Region. (Photo/Orlando Health)

Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital President Brian Wetzel (right) celebrated 30 years with the Orlando Health network last week with Philip Koovakada, senior vice president of Orlando Health’s South Florida Region. (Photo/Orlando Health)

NEWS BRIEFS — Sen. Arrington remote office hours; local hospitals celebrate awards, anniversaries

News Staff
Thursday, January 15, 2026
State Sen. Arrington remote office hoursKicking off the new year with a focus on accessibility and service, District 25 State Sen. Kristen Arrington (D– Kissimmee) has announced January Remote Office Hours.
Senate President Ben Albritton hopes to pass a "rural renaissance" plan during the 2026 session. (Photo/Colin Hackley, News Service of Florida)

Senate President Ben Albritton hopes to pass a "rural renaissance" plan during the 2026 session. (Photo/Colin Hackley, News Service of Florida)

10 Legislative issues to watch during the current session

Jim Saunders
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Florida lawmakers started the 2026 legislative session Tuesday. With hundreds of bills filed for consideration during the session, here are 10 issues to watch:ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Gov. Ron DeSantis has made a priority of creating what he has dubbed an “Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights.
Wednesday's crash on State Road 60 west of Yeehaw Junction was another fatality along a road being considered for widening.

Wednesday's crash on State Road 60 west of Yeehaw Junction was another fatality along a road being considered for widening.

FHP reports another fatal crash on stretch of State Road 60 considered for widening

News Staff
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Wednesday's crash on State Road 60 west of Yeehaw Junction was another fatality along a road being considered for widening.According to Florida Highway Patrol, a semi tractor-trailer was traveling westbound just west of Peavine Road about eight miles west of U.S.
State Legislature leaders spoke of providing voters the opportunity to pass "meaningful property tax relief" at the start of the legislative session Tuesday.

State Legislature leaders spoke of providing voters the opportunity to pass "meaningful property tax relief" at the start of the legislative session Tuesday.

Tallahassee lawmakers start new 'journey'

Jim Turner
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Republican legislative leaders opened the 2026 legislative session Tuesday citing a need to make life more affordable for Floridians.But they offered few clues about what will pass in the coming weeks and downplayed divisions between the House and Senate that emerged during the 2025 session.
The News Collaborative of Central Florida has contracted with Erica Rodriguez Kight as a dedicated project manager to establish governance, coordinate communication across partner organizations and support community engagement efforts that bring residents into the reporting process.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida has contracted with Erica Rodriguez Kight as a dedicated project manager to establish governance, coordinate communication across partner organizations and support community engagement efforts that bring residents into the reporting process.

News Collaborative of Central Florida announces next reporting initiative and first hire

Staff Report
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
The News Collaborative of Central Florida (NCCF), a collective of independent local news outlets and aligned partners working toward a more informed and engaged Central Florida, is announcing the next phase in its evolving service to the region.NCCF launched publicly in Jan.
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