Violations could lead to daily fines of $500.<\/p>\n
The bill would permit the display of some flags, including those of other countries.<\/p>\n
The bill has special stipulations for local governments.<\/p>\n
They \u201cmay not adopt an ordinance or regulation that authorizes the flag of the local government to contain or depict any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawing, symbol, or advertisement of any nature which represents political partisanship, political ideology, race, gender, or sexual orientation.\u201d<\/p>\n Any ordinance they might have passed permitting that would be rescinded upon SB 426 becoming law.<\/p>\n Former Sen. Randy Fine<\/a> carried a version of this legislation in the 2025 Legislative Session, but it was withdrawn when he was elected to Congress.<\/p>\n That\u2019s not the only Yarborough bill that could be a big talker in 2026.<\/p>\n SB 430<\/a> proposes that teachers and administrators in public schools, colleges and universities affirm the following.<\/p>\n \u201cI do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, protect and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States and the Constitution and Government of the State of Florida; that I am duly qualified for employment as a member of the school personnel in this state; that I will well and faithfully perform the duties of a member of the school personnel in a professional, independent, objective and nonpartisan manner; that I will uphold the highest standards of academic integrity and professional ethics; that I will foster a respectful learning environment for all students which promotes critical thinking, civic responsibility and lifelong learning; and that I will serve as a positive role model in both conduct and character, so help me God.\u201d<\/p>\n Yarborough\u2019s bill is a companion to HB 147<\/a>, which is sponsored by Rep. Tom Fabricio of Miami-Dade.<\/p>\n Tax break<\/p>\n While it\u2019s ultimately unclear which proposals will emerge from the Legislature to eliminate homestead property taxes, a new bill in the Senate would prevent homeowners from being penalized for preparing for storms.<\/p>\n Sen. Tom Leek\u2019s SB 434<\/a> would stop property appraisers from boosting a home\u2019s \u201cjust value\u201d just because the homeowner adopted \u201cchanges or improvements made to improve the property\u2019s resistance to wind damage,\u201d which people often do to fortify their properties and lower their insurance costs.<\/p>\n The following would be covered: Strengthening roof decks; creating secondary barriers to block water intrusion; installing wind-resistant shingles, gable-end bracing, storm shutters and opening protections; and reinforcing roof-to-wall connections.<\/p>\n The bill would take effect in July 2026 if passed, but it would only apply to work after the beginning of 2027, meaning that, as currently written, modifications would still lead to increased tax penalties through the end of next year.<\/p>\n No House version of this bill has been filed yet.<\/p>\n Like father, like son<\/p>\n Republican Chase Brannan continues to build momentum in the race for House District 10, announcing that his campaign leads the field in fundraising while adding a slate of new local endorsements.<\/p>\n Brannan\u2019s campaign said most contributions came from within HD 10<\/a> \u2014 covering Baker, Bradford, Columbia, Alachua and Union counties \u2014 signaling strong local support.<\/p>\n The Macclenny native also picked up endorsements from four North Florida Mayors: Starke Mayor Andy Redding, Raiford Mayor Lamar Griffis, High Springs Mayor Tristan Grunder and Lake Butler Mayor Melissa Hendrix. They join previously announced backers, including Macclenny Mayor Mark Bryant and Lake City Mayor Noah Walker.<\/p>\n \u201cThis campaign is powered by North Florida,\u201d Brannan said. \u201cOur support comes from friends, neighbors and families who care deeply about their communities and the future of our region. I\u2019m honored to have the backing of these outstanding Mayors and so many local leaders who believe in our shared values of service, hard work and integrity.\u201d<\/p>\n Brannan said his campaign\u2019s fundraising strength and widespread local support and endorsements demonstrate growing momentum across HD 10 and a shared desire for strong, homegrown leadership.<\/p>\n \u201cLeading the field in fundraising isn\u2019t just about dollars \u2014 it\u2019s about direction,\u201d Brannan added. \u201cPeople across our district want someone who will fight for our small towns, defend law enforcement, protect agriculture, and preserve the values that make North Florida home.\u201d<\/p>\n HD 10 is currently represented by Brannan\u2019s father, Rep. Chuck Brannan, who is term-limited in 2026.<\/p>\n No silence on violence<\/p>\n A total of 230 Mayors, including Jacksonville\u2019s Donna Deegan, have signed the Oklahoma City Declaration, a document that opposes political violence in all of its forms.<\/p>\n \u201cAt some point, we have to start seeing each other\u2019s humanity,\u201d Deegan added. \u201cI know these are difficult times, but even in our passionate disagreements, we won\u2019t find our way back with hate for each other. Let\u2019s choose love over fear. It has never been more important than it is now.\u201d<\/p>\n Mayors from Florida who signed on include Boca Raton\u2019s Scott Singer, Coral Springs\u2019 Scott Brook, Davie\u2019s Judith Paul, Deltona\u2019s Santiago Avila Jr., Fort Lauderdale\u2019s Dean J. Trantalis, Gainesville\u2019s Harvey Ward, Hallandale Beach\u2019s Joy Cooper, Deegan, Lake Worth Beach\u2019s Betty Resch, North Miami\u2019s Alix Desulme, North Miami Beach\u2019s Michael Joseph, Oakland Park\u2019s Tim Lonergan, Orlando\u2019s Buddy Dyer, Panama City\u2019s Allan Branch, Pembroke Pines\u2019 Angelo Castillo, Pensacola\u2019s D.C. Reeves, Pompano Beach\u2019s Rex Hardin, Tampa\u2019s Jane Castor and Winter Springs\u2019 Kevin McCann.<\/p>\n \u201cWe will condemn those who use or condone political violence, and will seek full accountability for their actions, even if their political position was one with which we agreed,\u201d the Mayors wrote.<\/p>\n Home sale signs<\/p>\n Housing sales for the six-county First Coast region ticked up slightly in October, while prices for single-family homes are starting to come down.<\/p>\n The Northeast Florida Association of Realtors (NEFAR<\/a>) released its housing market statistics<\/a> for October this week. There were 1,662 single-family homes sold in the region last month.<\/p>\n That\u2019s a slight 2.3-percentage-point uptick compared to October 2024, when there were 1,625 houses sold on the First Coast. Meanwhile, October\u2019s figure is a decrease from the month before<\/a>, when 1,716 homes were sold. That\u2019s a drop of 3.1 percentage points, and it\u2019s the fourth consecutive month of falling home sales dating back to June, when there were 2,056 homes sold.<\/p>\n Home prices are also starting to moderate, as the median cost of a home on the First Coast in October was $385,000. That\u2019s a 1.7-percentage-point drop from the October 2024 figure of $391,589 and a 0.7-percentage-point decline from September\u2019s price of $387,597.<\/p>\n NEFAR\u2019s report also shows that the number of homes for sale in Northeast Florida is increasing. There were 7,903 homes on the market in October, a 1.2-percentage-point increase from a year ago and a 1.4-percentage-point increase from September. The inventory of homes for sale has fluctuated throughout much of the year. The high point was in May, when 8,545 homes were for sale.<\/p>\n In the individual county breakouts, Duval County, home to Jacksonville and the region\u2019s largest population, saw an increase in home sales, with 882 closing in October. That\u2019s up 4.9 percentage points from a year ago and is a 0.5-percentage-point increase over September. The median sales price dropped, though, to $325,000, down by 1.8 percentage points from a year ago and 1.5 percentage points from September.<\/p>\n St. Johns County, the region\u2019s fastest-growing county, saw a notable decrease in sales, with 393 homes sold last month. That\u2019s a 4.1-percentage-point decline from October 2024 and a sizable 10.9-percentage-point drop from September. The median sales price in St. Johns was $559,000 in October, up 0.5 percentage points from a year ago but down 0.2 percentage points from September.<\/p>\n Nassau County had a mixed bag of home sale indicators last month, with 99 houses sold, a 5.3-percentage-point increase from a year ago but a 9.2-percentage-point drop from September. The median sales price came in at $450,000, a 5.8-percentage-point drop from a year ago and a 5.1-percentage-point decline from September.<\/p>\n Contraction consternation<\/p>\n North Florida manufacturing contracted in October, signaling continued sluggishness among First Coast industries.<\/p>\n The University of North Florida Jacksonville Economic Monitoring Survey shows a stubborn trend among local manufacturers. Of the 12 manufacturing sectors the survey follows, 10 either contracted or remained unchanged from September<\/a>.<\/p>\n Only two areas \u2014 output prices and average input prices \u2014 expanded.<\/p>\n UNF Coggin College of Business<\/a> interim Dean Albert Loh oversees the manufacturing survey.<\/p>\n \u201cThis slowdown reflects continued caution among manufacturers as they adjust production and purchasing levels in response to weaker demand and persistent cost pressures,\u201d Loh said in his summary of the survey, which taps First Coast manufacturing companies each month to see where they stand on production and several other factors.<\/p>\n Preservation of property<\/p>\n The Florida Defense Support Commission<\/a> is giving a sizable grant to the North Florida Land Trust (NFLT<\/a>) to help block any development near Camp Blanding.<\/p>\n The NFLT has been acquiring thousands of acres<\/a> of property near Camp Blanding in the past decade to preserve the land, as much of that property is part of the Ocala to Osceola (O2O<\/a>) wildlife corridor. The grant from the Defense Support Commission is for $550,000. It\u2019s designed to help the nonprofit environmental conservation organization block any further development deemed \u201cincompatible\u201d near the Camp Blanding preserves and the Joint Training Center<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cThis grant will assist us in continuing our work with Camp Blanding, ensuring these lands remain natural spaces, because it is now or never,\u201d said Allison DeFoor, President and CEO of NFLT.<\/p>\n \u201cCamp Blanding is a critical link in the O2O, and conserving the property surrounding the base is both essential for the military and for protecting essential wildlife and plant habitats. We have been able to protect thousands of acres in coordination with Camp Blanding and look forward to conserving even more.\u201d<\/p>\n Taylor\u2019s version<\/p>\n Unless you\u2019re associated with the Kansas City Chiefs or with pop music royalty, chances of being photographed with the reigning queen of the charts are close to nil.<\/p>\n That is, unless you head to Potter\u2019s Wax Museum<\/a> in St. Augustine.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re there this month, you not only can pose with singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, but you also can win a prize for your efforts.<\/p>\n \u201cChannel your inner Swifty! Pose with Taylor, showcasing your favorite era, and upload your original photo \u2026 and be entered to win! Enter now through Nov. 30. We will announce the winner in the first week of December via the email provided. The winner will receive four Taylor Swift-themed spa packages, a VIP professional photo shoot and a themed high tea experience at The Modern Rose.\u201d<\/p>\n If you enter and win, please let us know what the spa package includes.<\/p>\n History repeating<\/p>\n An old axiom is that the winners craft the narrative of history.<\/p>\n If that\u2019s the case, at the San Marco Library, anyone can be a winner through Nov. 15.<\/p>\n \u201cSan Marco Library is concluding its anniversary celebrations by preserving mementos from its last 75 years in a time capsule \u2026 including letters, photos and other trinkets. These items can be dropped off at the library any time before the sealing ceremony later this month,\u201d the Resident News<\/a> reports.<\/p>\n The capsule will be opened in 2050, so if you have donor\u2019s remorse in the next quarter century, you can retrieve your keepsakes then.<\/p>\n Cuppa Jax<\/p>\n Cuppa Jax\u2019s next community breakfast is on Wednesday, Nov. 19, featuring Joe Mobley, managing partner and shareholder at The Fiorentino Group, working in both Jacksonville and Tallahassee.<\/p>\n Mobley brings decades of experience in legislative affairs, having previously served at Fidelity National Financial and as an aide to former Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll. Active in statewide politics and community organizations, Mobley will discuss leadership, public policy, and civic engagement in Northeast Florida.<\/p>\n Cuppa Jax connects local leaders, residents, and professionals to foster dialogue about regional growth and collaboration.<\/p>\n The event begins at 8 a.m. in the Riverplace Tower Skyline Room, 1301 Riverplace Boulevard, Jacksonville. Open to the public, tickets are $15 and include breakfast from Fresh Fork.<\/p>\n For tickets and more information, please click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Sagging students<\/p>\n Members of the legislative delegation in Duval County are likely to hold planning sessions with officials from the Duval County Public Schools to formulate an approach to a charter school program that\u2019s dragging down enrollment.<\/p>\n Duval Superintendent Chris Bernier, in a WUSF National Public Radio affiliate report<\/a>, said he is seeking to change the District\u2019s Schools of Hope charter programs on the First Coast. Those schools are organized and operated by nonprofit organizations and have tax-exempt status. The schools serve low-income families with students from kindergarten through 12th grade, as overseen by the State Board of Education.<\/p>\n During a recent town hall meeting at Riverside High School, Bernier noted that enrollment declines are emerging and that they are linked to charter schools.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have enrollment issues. And it\u2019s not just about taking kids from charters. There\u2019s less kids coming,\u201d Bernier said in the WUSF report. \u201cAll these things are starting to pile on your superintendent, and he\u2019s trying to figure out a way to navigate through this.\u201d<\/p>\n Bernier said such an enrollment pattern is unsustainable, and he wants the help of Florida legislators from the Northeast Florida area to alleviate the \u201ccomplicated\u201d issue and develop modifications to charter school policies that could return enrollment to higher levels.<\/p>\n Shuttle showoffs<\/p>\n The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA<\/a>) proudly showcased the inner workings of its shuttle system and autonomous vehicle technology to visitors from Japan on Nov. 5.<\/p>\n JTA officials hosted a contingent of 13 members of the Highway Industry Development Organization from Tokyo, Japan. JTA officials explained the urban system and the city\u2019s Ultimate Urban Circulator and Neighborhood Autonomous Vehicle Innovation (NAVI) program.<\/p>\n JTA CEO Nat Ford also invited Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan and U.S. Rep. John Rutherford, a Republican, among other dignitaries, to interact with the delegation from Asia.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was an honor to welcome the Japanese transportation delegation to Jacksonville and show them what the JTA is doing with autonomous vehicle technology, and the impact it will have on our city, on our economy, and in the lives of Jacksonville residents and tourists,\u201d Ford said.<\/p>\n The Japanese contingent hoped to incorporate some of the Jacksonville technology and approaches into their cities in their home nation.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are grateful for the visit from (the) delegation from Japan. Their interest in NAVI speaks to the JTA\u2019s global leadership in autonomous vehicles and the future of public transportation. It also represents the vast economic impact that this project is bringing to Jacksonville,\u201d Deegan said.<\/p>\n Housing crisis<\/p>\n The average home in Nassau County now nears $500,000, according to the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors \u2014 a staggering price that\u2019s forcing many working families out of homeownership and even stable rentals.<\/p>\n News4JAX<\/a> tells the story of Lisa, a 30-year resident, who became homeless after selling her house during the market boom. She quickly discovered that rent deposits and monthly payments had soared beyond her reach. \u201cThey keep building $400,000, $500,000 houses,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s not helping single parents or the elderly.\u201d<\/p>\n Her situation reflects a growing trend seen by Affordable Housing First<\/a>, a nonprofit founded last year by Carlene McDuffie and Kevin Harriman. The group helped Lisa secure a new home and is now building affordable housing in Yulee.<\/p>\n The nonprofit has raised $1.9 million toward developing 14 acres along Pages Dairy Road, where it plans to build hundreds of homes for working families earning below 80% of the area\u2019s median income. McDuffie says more community support is crucial: \u201cIf you change one person\u2019s life, you\u2019ve created a miracle.\u201d<\/p>\n Running man<\/p>\n In all the chaos, running brought peace for Michael Sickler, a two-time cancer survivor who lost his parents to the disease.<\/p>\n He put on his heavy metal and listened to his favorite songs over and over as he trained at Neptune Beach, stopping first to admire the sunrise.<\/p>\n At the start of the year, Sickler was too ill to run.<\/p>\n Now, on Saturday, Sickler will test himself in Saturday\u2019s Wild Florida 50K<\/a>.<\/p>\n Sickler envisions the finish line and thinks about how much his legs will hurt at the end.<\/p>\n \u201cI love it. I can\u2019t wait,\u201d said the 31-year-old Jacksonville resident who works as a Trulieve project manager for the dispensary<\/a>.<\/p>\n Sickler, who grew up in Tallahassee, was heading into his senior year of high school when the wrestler and soccer player underwent a routine annual physical. The blood test was off, a red flag that something was wrong. His white blood cell count came back 10 times normal.<\/p>\n The cancer had been caught early, so Sickler didn\u2019t need formal chemotherapy or radiation. He took eight pills a day that \u201ckilled cells indiscriminately,\u201d ravaging his body for a few months. He threw up 10 to 20 times a day.<\/p>\n After an ordeal lasting years, doctors told him the cancer was undetectable in February.<\/p>\n He started slowly. Walking. Then jogging. Then he kept going.<\/p>\n Since February, he has run 1,000 miles, leading up to Saturday\u2019s race.<\/p>\n He counts his blessings.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t articulate how thankful and appreciative and blessed I feel,\u201d Sickler said.<\/p>\n Save the date<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AdobeStock_1764257981-640x427.jpeg\")
<\/a>Clay Yarborough proposes banning partisan flags and requiring teacher loyalty oaths in Florida schools.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/LEEK-copy-640x360.jpg\")
<\/a>Tom Leek\u2019s proposal shields homeowners from tax hikes for wind-resistance home improvements.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PMI_IIA_Static_600x400_V1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/chase-brannan-copy-640x360.jpg\")
<\/a>Chase Brannan gains North Florida endorsements while pursuing the House seat held by his father.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/donna-deegan-2-copy-640x360.jpg\")
<\/a>Donna Deegan joins 230 Mayors nationwide condemning all forms of political violence.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Baptist_Wolfson-ad.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/home-sales-Large-640x371.jpeg\")
<\/a>First Coast home prices dip slightly while overall housing inventory continues to rise.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/florida-manufacturing-Large-640x366.jpeg\")
<\/a>North Florida manufacturing slows as UNF survey shows weaker demand and cautious production levels.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/kirwan-ad-640x426.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/NFLTBRADFORDCOUNTy-640x480.jpg\")
<\/a>North Florida Land Trust receives $550,000 grant to protect Camp Blanding lands from development.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Picture3.png\")
<\/a>Potter\u2019s Wax Museum invites fans to pose with Taylor Swift and win themed prizes. Image via Potters\u2019 Wax Museum.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Picture2.png\")
<\/a>San Marco Library celebrates its anniversary by sealing community mementos inside a 75-year time capsule. Image via City of Jacksonville.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/mobley-cuppa-jax-640x360.jpg\")
<\/a>Lobbyist Joe Mobley to discuss leadership, policy, and civic engagement at Cuppa Jax breakfast event.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/duval-public-schools-640x480.jpeg\")
<\/a>Duval County leaders confront declining charter school enrollment and seek legislative solutions to ensure sustainability.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1762976774_10_Picture1.jpg\")
<\/a>A contingent of Japanese transportation officials meets with Jacksonville Transportation Authority leaders on Nov. 5. Image via JTA.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/home-prices-rise-Large-640x358.jpeg\")
<\/a>Affordable Housing First combats Nassau County\u2019s soaring costs with new homes for working families.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Michael-Sickler-640x360.jpg\")
<\/a>Cancer survivor Michael Sickler trains for Wild Florida 50K after overcoming years of illness.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Jaguar-Jackpot-640x811.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/jaguars-lose-to-texans-640x427.jpg\")
<\/a>Injury-plagued Jaguars face a crucial must-win matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers to stay playoff-relevant.<\/p>\n