Answering questions and addressing concerns about incorporation will be the focus next week of a Palm Harbor Coalition town meeting. The coalition will conduct the public meeting 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 21, at the Palm Harbor Community Activity Center, 1500 16th St., off Nebraska Avenue. ...more

February 16, 2008

Some voted because they were excited about change. Others hit the polls to save money on their property tax bills. Still others are regular voters who wouldn't miss a chance to cast a ballot in a presidential primary. ...more

January 30, 2008

On Jan. 29 the voters of Highlands County will be deciding on an amendment to the Florida Constitution which, if passed, will result in some property tax relief. Is it everything we need in tax reform? No! However it does provide much needed relief to Florida residents who are "stranded" in their homesteads, unable to move to either a larger or smaller home because they would lose the protection they have accrued over the years through the Save Our Homes exemption. Amendment 1 will, if approved, make Save Our Homes portable. If the amendment passes, a young family will be able to take their lower tax rate with them when they outgrow their residence and purchase a larger home. A retired couple will be able to "downsize" without running the risk of doubling or tripling (or worse!) their current property tax bills. ...more

January 27, 2008

An idea gaining support in a tax-reform panel would cut all property taxes in Hillsborough County by more than 20 percent. ...more

January 20, 2008

More than 100 real estate professionals rallied Friday to hear spirited endorsements of a proposed property tax amendment from the core of Pasco County's legislative delegation. ...more

January 12, 2008

If next-door neighbors compare property-tax bills in almost any part of town, one in every three of them is likely to be furious about the inequities. The other two might sympathize. ...more

December 9, 2007

District 1 County Commissioner Ted Schrader is seeking a third term, and a longtime supporter has filed paperwork to oppose him in next year's Republican primary. ...more

November 8, 2007

Voters will have final say on a property tax overhaul after a reluctant state House overcame 'tremendous disappointment' with the final package of legislation on Monday and placed it on the Jan. 29 primary election ballot. ...more

October 30, 2007

In 2002, my husband and I began investing in property in Highlands County. This county has always been a great place to "get away from it all." The fishing is fabulous, the traffic less congested and the beauty breath-taking. We were extremely excited to be able to retire early in 2006 to an area that we both love and enjoy. Our excitement quickly disappeared as we reviewed our 2006 Highlands County property tax bills. Our taxes had increased by 62 percent! If this county had adequate staff in 2005, why would a small 3 percent decrease this year (2007) be such a big deal when increases of 62 percent and higher in the prior year should have more than covered any additional staffing needs for police and fire protection? I am sick of hearing how devastating this tax rollback is for the county. What about the tax increase from 2005 to 2006 that many of us have been burdened with? What happened to those extra funds? A 3 percent rollback is peanuts compared to the previous years' increase. ...more

October 20, 2007

With negotiations on the state budget wrapped up, Gov. Charlie Crist is renewing his proposal to double the homestead exemption and offer some sort of portability of 'Save Our Homes' benefits to allow homeowners to keep significant property tax savings. ...more

October 10, 2007