Florida House Backs Down on DeSantis Emergency Fund Limits & State Education Budget Battle Heats Up
February 19, 2026 - This Week's News from Central Florida
Welcome to this week’s edition of the Central Florida Times. We are an independent, reader-supported newsletter focusing on the most important local news stories from Florida.
This week in Florida, it was political ping-pong in Tallahassee over emergency funds and education budgets as the House and Senate entered into a high-stakes game of “Price is Right.” While House lawmakers sprint away from their own proposal to rein in the governor’s emergency fund powers, Manatee County residents are rallying to save the undeveloped coast from cruise ships. Not to be outdone in the “spending money we don’t have” category, Tampa’s $36 million “Big Blue” police HQ sits unsold—proof that even prime real estate can’t outrun a complicated lease clause. In St. Pete, Mayor Welch touted post-storm recovery and resilience in his annual State of the City address. Add in wildfires, political ad blitzes, and a lawsuit over hundreds of forgotten Black graves, and you’ve got another classic Central Florida news cycle—messy, consequential, and impossible to look away from.
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Here’s the latest from Central Florida…
House Lawmakers Back Down on Restricting DeSantis’ Use of Emergency Fund for Immigration Enforcement
The Florida House of Representatives is retreating from a proposal that would have limited Gov. Ron DeSantis’ use of a multibillion-dollar emergency fund after sharp criticism from the governor and his allies. House leaders are preparing to adopt an amendment that would permit the administration to continue funding immigration-related initiatives—including the “Alligator Alcatraz” detention center—through the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund. This fund is traditionally reserved for hurricane recovery efforts and is limited to expenditures related to officially declared states of emergency. Following concerns over high-spending and questionable expenditures that bypassed legislative scrutiny, the Florida House moved to limit the emergency fund’s scope to natural disasters and introduce new oversight measures. This prompted accusations that the GOP-led House was defunding immigration enforcement efforts. DeSantis and supporters argued the change would undermine public safety in communities and jeopardize state security. House Speaker Daniel Perez (R-Miami) said immigration enforcement could have been funded separately, but denied that lawmakers intended to cut it off. The House proposal would extend the fund through 2030 with added reporting requirements. The Florida Senate has already passed a bill reauthorizing the governor’s continued use of the emergency fund without additional restrictions.
Florida House & Senate Education Budgets Diverge in Per-Student Funding, Vouchers
The Florida Legislature’s 2026 budget debate has gained momentum after the Florida Senate unveiled its education spending plan on Friday, a day after the Florida House of Representatives released its proposal. A primary point of contention is the state’s massive voucher program; while both chambers expect costs to surge by $500 million, the Senate is pushing for structural overhauls to the scholarship system, while the House leans toward short-term stabilization. The House plan would increase total per-student funding by $247.60, including a $129 boost to the base allocation. The Senate proposes a $150.98 overall increase, with $50 added to base funding. Both budgets set aside about $101 million for teacher raises. The House includes $4 million more for student transportation; the Senate does not. Senators also propose rural teacher incentives and $25 million in aid for districts facing enrollment declines. These opening gambits from House Speaker Daniel Perez (R-Miami) and Senate President Ben Albritton (R-Wauchula) set the stage for intense negotiations over the final balance of Florida’s education funding.
Florida House, Senate Budgets Freeze University Tuition, Propose New Investments
State colleges and universities are poised for new investments under budget proposals advancing in the Florida Legislature. Both the House and Senate are holding the line on tuition freezes, ensuring affordability while prioritizing campus safety and workforce preparedness. The Florida Senate proposes $4.7 billion for the State University System, while the Florida House of Representatives allocates $4.5 billion. Both set aside $350 million for performance-based funding, including $100 million for preeminent institutions such as Florida State University, University of Florida, and University of South Florida. Lawmakers also agree on funding to expand the Guardian program to universities and colleges, dedicating $1.8 million for universities and $4.2 million for state colleges, This controversial measure allows trained, volunteer staff to carry firearms on campus—a move supporters claim provides an essential layer of defense. Workforce education remains a priority, with the Senate proposing $787 million and the House $724 million. The Senate sets aside $90 million for faculty recruitment and retention, dramatically higher than the $30 million in the House plan. A potential sticking point involves a proposed transfer of USF’s Sarasota-Manatee campus to New College of Florida, including a debated $22.47 million funding shift from USF to New College that is not mirrored in the Senate proposal.
Hundreds Rally Against Proposed Cruise Port Near Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Hundreds gathered last Saturday along the coast of Manatee County to oppose a proposed multi-berth cruise terminal near the mouth of Tampa Bay, warning the project would threaten one of the region’s last undeveloped waterfront areas. Attendees at the “Save the Bay” rally—a coalition of environmentalists, commercial anglers, and local families—held signs reading “No Cruise Port!” and voiced their opposition through demonstrations. They heard speeches from environmental scientists, fishing advocates, and clean-water groups as some attendees wrote letters to county commissioners, urging them to reject the proposal. The proposed 328-acre site, located south of the Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge, includes mangroves, seagrass beds, and oyster reefs that supporters say are vital to marine biodiversity and regional water quality. With determination to protect one of Tampa Bay’s last wild and undeveloped stretches of sensitive coastal waters, the rally was intended to send a defiant message to the developers. The project has been proposed by cruise operator SSA Marine and landowner Slip Knott LLC., seeking to address a long-standing logistical problem: modern “mega-ships” that are too tall to fit under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and reach Port Tampa Bay. Project representatives estimate the development could generate approximately 31,000 jobs and deliver a privately funded economic boost that could result in a $5 billion total economic impact for the region. A formal rezoning application requiring approval from the Manatee County Commission has not yet been submitted. In response to public opposition, SSA Marine issued a statement highlighting its environmental compliance record and committing to protect nearby Rattlesnake Key from development. Critics, however, remain skeptical, citing limited publicly available project details and concerns about environmental compatibility. Local officials have acknowledged heightened tensions surrounding the proposal. Earlier this month, Manatee County leaders reported that public employees received threatening messages related to the proposed cruise terminal.
St. Pete Mayor Welch Highlights Recovery, Resilience in 2026 State of the City Address
St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch delivered the 2026 State of the City address from the Palladium Theater on Wednesday, emphasizing storm recovery, infrastructure upgrades, and economic mobility as central themes for the year ahead. Welch said 2025 centered on rebuilding and strengthening infrastructure after the destructive 2024 hurricane season, with the city completing 89 resilience projects totaling $47.3 million. Repairs to Tropicana Field were finished on time and within budget, and the mayor said the stadium will be ready for Major League Baseball’s 2026 Opening Day. The city also reopened the President Barack Obama Main Library following extensive renovations. Welch also highlighted the past year’s efforts advancing affordable housing, workforce development, and public safety initiatives. The city completed 434 multifamily affordable and workforce housing units, with another 423 units currently under construction. Public safety metrics improved, with overall crime down 16% in 2025 and the lowest homicide count recorded since 1967. Looking forward, Welch is backing a proposed $600 million referendum to address aging sewer lines and chronic flooding. He also highlighted continued investment through the $160 million Sunrise St. Pete initiative, aimed at expanding homeownership, small business support, and neighborhood revitalization.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Face 2027 Lease Deadline at Raymond James Stadium Amid Renovation Talks
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have until Jan. 31, 2027, to exercise a five-year lease extension at Raymond James Stadium, according to the Tampa Sports Authority. The team is widely expected to remain in Tampa, but the 28-year-old stadium is approaching the window when major capital improvements are typical for NFL venues. If extended, the Bucs’ annual rent would double to $7 million. County leaders have signaled that funds earmarked for football upgrades will not be diverted to the Tampa Bay Rays as they pursue financing for a proposed $2.3 billion ballpark. Commissioner Ken Hagan said the Buccaneers remain a top priority. County leaders have signaled that funds earmarked for football upgrades will not be diverted to the Tampa Bay Rays as they pursue financing for a proposed $2.3 billion ballpark. Commissioner Ken Hagan said the Buccaneers remain a top priority. More than $160 million in renovations were completed between 2016 and 2018, including new video boards and premium seating upgrades. Still, long-term modernization may require the team to play temporarily elsewhere, with venues such as Camping World Stadium or USF’s upcoming on-campus facility occasionally mentioned as a contingency site. Team officials say they continue evaluating enhancements to keep the stadium competitive for major events.
Florida House Unanimously Passes Bill to Protect State Conservation Lands from Secret Swaps
The Florida House of Representatives has unanimously approved a bipartisan bill aimed at increasing transparency around state conservation land decisions. House Bill 441 would require at least 30 days’ public notice before the state sells or trades protected lands. It also mandates disclosure of the parcels involved, their appraised value, the percentage remaining in conservation, and a written explanation outlining why the land is deemed unnecessary. Rep. Allison Tant (D-Tallahassee) and Rep. Kim Kendall (R-St. Johns) sponsored the measure after controversy over a proposed swap involving 600 acres at the Guana River Wildlife Management Area. Critics said the plan surfaced with minimal public input and transparency. The bill passed 109-0 and has cleared its final Senate committee stop. If approved by the Florida Senate, it will head to Gov. Ron DeSantis for consideration. Supporters say the measure ensures Floridians have meaningful time to weigh in on public land decisions.
Lawmakers Advance Sweeping Transportation Bill on Red-Light Cameras, Disabled Parking, and Data Privacy
A wide-ranging transportation measure, HB 543, cleared the House Budget Committee after emotional testimony over disability access and privacy protections. Sponsored by Rep. Fiona McFarland (R-Sarasota), the bill would require the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to lengthen yellow-light timing by 0.4 seconds at intersections with red-light cameras. But the debate focused on an amendment allowing vehicles with valid disabled permits and ramps or lifts to occupy multiple spaces if no accessible spot is available. Disability advocatesurged lawmakers to revisit a 2025 law permitting pregnant women to use disabled parking spaces, arguing it worsens shortages. Some lawmakers signaled openness to future discussions. The bill also sets baseline residential speed limits at 30 mph, tightens rules on license plate reader data sharing, creates an optional secure digital ID system with consent safeguards, and adds reporting requirements for certain spaceport-supporting seaports. Comparable Senate bills, SB 1274 and SB 1080, are moving through committees. If approved, the measure would take effect July 1.
No Bids for Tampa’s $36M “Big Blue” Police Headquarters
The City of Tampa received no offers for its iconic yet aging “Big Blue” downtown police headquarters after listing the property for $36 million late last year. Despite its prime location in downtown, the city’s Request for Proposals (RFP) closed on February 6 with zero responses. Mayor Jane Castor pitched the 10-story building at 411 N. Franklin St. and adjacent parking garage as a “once-in-a-generation” redevelopment opportunity, but the market appears hesitant. City officials said the solicitation was intended to test market interest. However, one major hurdle may be the requirement that the future buyer lease the building back to the city for one year to allow time for the police department’s relocation to an undetermined site. The building, purchased in 1996, has long been criticized by city leaders as outdated. Still, some council members question how Tampa would finance a new headquarters without proceeds from a sale.
Byron Donalds Launches $1M Ad Blitz Highlighting Trump Endorsement in Florida Governor Bid
A seven-figure advertising campaign launched this week to boost U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Naples) in Florida’s race for governor—a first for the GOP frontrunner. The digital and streaming ad buy, funded by Friends of Byron Donalds PAC, highlights his endorsement from President Donald Trump. It features images of Trump praising Donalds as a “superstar of the future” and underscores that the President has “strongly endorsed” his candidacy. The message frames Donalds as an “America First” conservative focused on curbing illegal immigration, lowering costs, and keeping Florida firmly Republican. A representative for the PAC said more than $1 million has been committed initially, with additional spending expected. He described the effort as part of a broader strategy to ensure voters become familiar with Trump’s preferred candidate. Donalds currently leads the Republican field in fundraising and polling, though a sizable share of voters remain undecided ahead of the primary contest.
Clearwater HR Firm Seeks Court Order to Remove Black Graves Beneath Corporate Office
FrankCrum, a Clearwater human resources company, is returning to court in its effort to require the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to pay for the relocation of hundreds of Black graves discovered beneath its corporate campus. The company alleges the CRA falsely certified decades ago that the land—formerly the St. Matthews Baptist Church Cemetery—was clear of human remains. FrankCrum sued the Clearwater CRA in 2023 after archaeologists confirmed that remains from the historic cemetery lie under its property near downtown. Last month, the Florida Second District Court of Appeal upheld a lower court decision allowing the case to proceed. More than 500 graves may be affected, with relocation costs potentially reaching millions. The cemetery, established in the early 1900s in Clearwater Heights, primarily served Black residents. Community members and descendants have called for the remains to be reinterred in the nearby North Greenwood area. FrankCrum has requested a jury trial and seeks to have the city cover removal expenses.
Hillsborough College President Backs Rays Ballpark Project for Campus Transformation
Hillsborough College President Ken Atwater is embracing a proposal to anchor a new Tampa Bay Rays ballpark and mixed-use district at the Dale Mabry campus, calling it a transformative opportunity for the school. Atwater said the concept—featuring a 31,000-seat stadium surrounded by retail, residential, and academic space—could allow the college to replace nearly 600,000 square feet of aging facilities and redesign the campus for “21st-century learning.” The Rays are seeking about 100 of the campus’s 120 acres, leaving the college on a reconfigured footprint. The Board of Trustees has authorized negotiations on a potential long-term lease and redevelopment under a nonbinding agreement, while county leaders have opened talks on potential public financing.
Kissimmee Voters to Decide on Term Limits as Commission Passes Park Smoking Ban
Kissimmee residents will have the final word this August on whether to extend city commissioner term limits from eight to 12 years. On Tuesday, the City Commission voted 4–1 to place the charter amendment on the ballot that would allow three consecutive four-year terms instead of two. Despite public concerns regarding political accountability, proponents argued that continuity can help major long-term projects. A separate measure requiring mandatory criminal background checks for all future candidates was also approved for the August vote. Commissioners also unanimously adopted a smoking and vaping ban in city parks, turning an existing policy into enforceable law after advocacy from local students.
Dozens of Wildfires Scorch Hillsborough, Polk Counties as Severe Drought Fuels Fire Danger
Firefighters battled a surge of wildfires across Hillsborough County and Polk County over the weekend as extreme drought and gusty winds created dangerous conditions across the Tampa Bay region. In southern Hillsborough, a fast-moving blaze near Wimauma grew from two acres to roughly 350 acres after strong winds pushed embers across fire lines, according to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. Helicopters from local law enforcement agencies helped crews contain the fire by early evening. No injuries were reported, though several outbuildings were damaged. Polk County firefighters responded to more than 30 separate blazes, including one that burned over 400 acres near State Road 60. Polk County Fire Rescue officials urged residents to follow burn bans as illegal fires continue to spark emergencies. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, extreme drought conditions persist across much of Central Florida, with heightened brush fire risks expected until the rainy season begins.
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