DeSantis Pushes Amendment 3 Property Tax Relief at Miami Roundtable

Governor Ron DeSantis held a roundtable in Miami on Wednesday to build support for Amendment 3, a proposed constitutional amendment that would expand homestead exemptions and create a path toward eliminating non-school property taxes on homesteaded properties.

According to the Governor's Press Office, DeSantis highlighted that property tax revenues across Florida's 67 counties have nearly doubled over the past seven years—from about $32 billion in 2019 to over $60 billion today—outpacing inflation and population growth. "Local governments are taking in almost twice as much money," DeSantis said, arguing that as the state has reduced its budget four years running, local governments should do the same.

Under Amendment 3, homeowners would see immediate relief through an expanded exemption on non-school property taxes, starting with up to $150,000 of a home's value in 2027 and rising to $250,000 in 2028, with future inflation adjustments. The Governor's office estimates an average Miami-Dade homeowner with a $250,000-plus home value could save roughly $2,500 annually once fully implemented. The amendment would also cap annual assessment increases on non-residential properties at 5%, down from 10%.

Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz joined DeSantis at the event, stating that tax relief and public safety are complementary, not competing priorities. She cited her office's $12 million in annual technology cost reductions as an example of government efficiency.

Foley Police Adds Drone System for Emergency Response

The Foley Police Department is deploying a new drone system designed to respond to emergency calls, according to WKRG-TV 5. The unmanned aircraft will add capabilities to the department's emergency response toolkit, allowing officers to assess situations from the air before ground units arrive.

Details about the specific features, deployment timeline, and how the system will be integrated into dispatch protocols were not immediately available. The move reflects a growing trend among law enforcement agencies across Alabama and the Southeast to adopt drone technology for faster situational awareness and improved officer safety during initial response calls.

Foley, located in Baldwin County, is among a number of municipalities exploring how aerial platforms can complement traditional policing methods.

Cat Country 98.7 Wins Prestigious National Marconi Award

Cat Country 98.7, Pensacola's locally owned and operated radio station, has won the prestigious Radio Station of the Year Marconi Award, presented by the National Association of Broadcasters. The station was chosen among medium-sized market radio stations nationwide for the honor.

Station Owner and General Manager Mary Hoxeng accepted the award last night at the Marconi Radio Awards Ceremony at Edison Ballroom in New York City during the National Association of Broadcasters Show. The NAB Marconi Awards, established in 1989 and named after inventor and Nobel Prize winner Guglielmo Marconi, are given annually to radio stations that recognize excellence in broadcasting.

According to Hoxeng, the award specifically recognized the station's efforts during the historic snowstorm experienced in January 2025. "This award was specifically awarded due to our team's efforts during the historic snowstorm we experienced from January of 2025," Hoxeng said.

The station's commitment to community service during the weather emergency was exemplary. "With the important leadership of Morning Host Brent Lane, everyone pitched in and kept our communities informed 24/7," Hoxeng explained.

Hoxeng expressed her pride in the Cat Country 98.7 team's dedication and teamwork. "I could not be prouder of our Cat Country 98.7 team!" she said.

During the January snowstorm, the station maintained round-the-clock coverage to ensure residents had access to critical information about weather conditions, road closures, emergency services, and community resources. This commitment to serving the Pensacola community during a time of crisis exemplified the station's mission and values.

The Marconi Awards remain one of the most prestigious honors in the broadcasting industry, recognizing stations that demonstrate outstanding achievement and community impact. Cat Country 98.7's recognition adds to the station's reputation as a vital news and information source for the Pensacola area.

The award underscores the importance of local radio stations in times of emergency and their role in keeping communities connected and informed.