We aren't dropping the civic news just because outdoor concerts, markets, and well ... everything is back for the fall. Local budgets are approved and other major updates are rolling in too.

Pinellas approves budget

The Pinellas County Board of county commissioners approved the $5.4 billion fiscal year 2027 budget. Commissioners made the county less reilient on property taxes by lowering the millage rate and cutting more than $16 million per department. See the cuts.

Half-penny sales tax

Hillsborough voters will decide whether to sign onto another decade of the Half Penny Promise come November. A reminder: The money goes toward Hillsborough County Public Schools, which reports it's invested $1.326 billion in school improvements, since the referendum passed in 2018.

Join the virtual forum on Microsoft Teams from 6 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 14 to learn more about how the money is spent + ask questions about the program.

St. Pete parking

St. Pete City Council is considering bumping the overtime parking fee up to $32.50, parking zone violations to $45. Parking passes could also go up, with downtown parking permits marked up to $25 and residential permits up to $30 per month. We'll keep you posted on their decision.