Public Education Watch: Florida again landed last in a national report card on public school support, earning an F (14/100) from the Network for Public Education, which says the state is failing on funding, teaching conditions, and protections for homeschoolers. Property Tax & Local Budgets: Lawmakers advanced a constitutional homestead exemption plan that would raise the exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, while capping non-homestead assessment growth at 5%—a move critics warn could squeeze local services. Surfside Accountability: Federal investigators say the Surfside condo collapse began in early June 2021 after failures between garage columns and the pool deck, with NIST’s construction safety team pointing to column problems weeks earlier. Utility Regulation Fight: David Jolly’s campaign floated capping utility return on investment, while Byron Donalds pushed back, arguing caps would mean worse service and less grid investment. Immigration Enforcement & Faith Leaders: Faith groups say access to the Alligator Alcatraz migrant facility was uneven and are urging lawmakers to repeal a state law requiring local law enforcement to cooperate with ICE. Local Data Center Backlash: Hernando County approved a one-year data center moratorium, and Santa Rosa County is also moving toward a temporary pause as residents demand answers on water, power, and impacts. Nonprofit & Community: United Way of Indian River County held its annual Thank You Block Party/Trike Wars, with Indian River County taking the championship. State Budget Deadline: Florida lawmakers sent the $114.5 billion 2026-27 budget to Gov. DeSantis, who has vowed line-item cuts before the July 1 start of the fiscal year.