Florida’s Republican political world has been busy this week debating about debates. That comes after the state Republican party announced it will not host one because only one candidate meets its metrics to qualify. WFSU’s Tristan Wood spoke with political watchers about what is going on and the implications for this year’s elections.
The debate over AI data centers is taking place in communities across Florida. Some have pressed pause on any decisions about the centers that power artificial intelligence. In rural Wakulla and Jackson Counties, commissioners have passed an all-out ban following pressure from community members who worry about the centers’ water use and environmental impact. But as Randy Vuxta with WFSU’s rural news service reports, experts say bans won’t stop those impacts from crossing county lines.
Jeff Brandes, a Pinellas County Republican who served for 12 years in the Florida Senate, isn't holding back on his analysis of a proposed property-tax overhaul going before voters in November. Brandes is the founder and president of the nonprofit Florida Policy Project. He recently joined the “Between the Lines with Dara Kam” podcast from State Affairs to discuss how the property tax plan could significantly change who wields power over local government spending.
If voters approve a proposal to drastically reduce property taxes, experts say, there could be an unintended consequence: more mosquitoes. WLRN environment editor Jenny Staletovich reports.
Juneteenth, the federal holiday observed each year on June 19th marks the end of slavery in the United States. Events in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami are focusing on how Black people express their existence on the heels of the 250th anniversary of the United States. WLRN’s Wilkine Brutus has more.