Property Tax Relief Unlikely to Pass, Northwest Florida Lawmaker Says

Tallahassee, FL -- A Northwest Florida state representative says he's not optimistic about property tax relief passing this year, despite personally supporting it.

State Rep. Alex Andrade, R-Pensacola, says he wants to put a property tax proposal on the November ballot but doubts it will get the 60 percent supermajority required to pass a constitutional amendment in Florida.

"I don't like that we have to rent our property from the government, but I think it's really tough right now in this climate, especially if we're not unified between the legislature and the governor's office, to see anything getting 60 percent on the ballot in November this year," Andrade said.

Andrade, who chairs the House Healthcare Budget Committee, says he's sensing a shift in public sentiment around the issue.

"More and more folks are kind of not souring on the idea of a property tax proposal, but they're either realizing the revenue has to come from somewhere else, or they're realizing that anything that gets on the ballot is likely to fail," he said.

Property tax relief has been a major topic of discussion in Tallahassee, with local governments watching closely. Counties and cities rely heavily on property tax revenue to fund services, and any reduction would require cuts or alternative funding sources.

Despite his doubts, Andrade says he still wants voters to have their say.

"I'm a little bit bearish on the idea that we're going to actually have property tax relief, even though I want it," he said. "I think we're going to put something on the ballot. I just don't think anything's going to pass."

City Waiting on Consultant Report Before Bay Center Talks with County

Pensacola, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- Pensacola city leaders are taking a measured approach to discussions about the future of the Bay Center.

City Council President Allison Patton says the city plans to wait on a report from its own consultant, WT Partnership, before holding a joint meeting with Escambia County commissioners to discuss redevelopment of the downtown venue.

Escambia County commissioners will hear a presentation Friday on a $189 million redevelopment proposal from Legends Global. The three-part plan includes $71 million in improvements to the existing Bay Center, construction of a new multipurpose event center, and a practice ice rink — all connected as an integrated campus. The proposal projects a regional economic impact of $60 million annually. Friday's presentation will be a discussion item only with no vote expected.

Patton says she has not reviewed the full plan but wants to ensure the city has input. She clarified that while the county controls the Bay Center property, the city actually owns a portion of it under a lease agreement.

"It's very important I think for the downtown area to make sure that what happens there is something that's good for the city," Patton said. "And so I really hope that we are able to be involved."

Patton said the city's consultant will focus on surrounding areas while also recommending the best uses for the Bay Center itself.

She pointed to additional momentum in the area, noting the FPL property nearby is for sale with active negotiations underway.

"I really see all this coming together and I hope it's something transformative for that area," Patton said.

She added she hopes the city can participate in whatever project moves forward, though details remain to be determined.

Firefighters Contain Mobile Home Ceiling Fire

Escambia County, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- Firefighters quickly contained a mobile home fire in Escambia County Monday night. The fire broke out around 10 p-m in the 1500 block of North 50th Avenue. Crews found the ceiling on fire and rapidly applied water to prevent it from spreading. The county says an electrical issue with a ceiling light caused the fire. No one was hurt and the home can be reoccupied after repairs.