State Budget: Florida lawmakers passed a $114.5 billion budget after months of delays and overtime work, with the Senate voting unanimously and the House passing 99-6; Republicans tout funding for education, public safety and healthcare, while Democrats criticize the plan for not addressing voucher abuse and affordability pressures. Local Economy: Highlands County and the Town of Lake Placid toured Amazon’s Lake Placid delivery facility, highlighting jobs, workforce training and a $10,000 United Way donation for disaster preparedness. Environment & Land Use: Highlands County staff are recommending the county deny a proposed 243.7-acre sand mine in Venus, with residents warning of impacts to wells, Fisheating Creek and nearby sensitive wetlands. Health Care (Nursing Homes): CMS data spotlights Volusia’s Beachside Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing as the county’s largest nursing home in Q1 2026 and one of the top-rated facilities, while other counties’ nursing homes show a wide range of CMS star ratings and fines. Weather: A slow-moving front is keeping South Florida in a wetter pattern, with increasing chances for showers and thunderstorms and localized flooding risk. Elections: Florida’s 2026 primary is set for Aug. 18, with early voting running Aug. 8–15 and the voter registration deadline July 20. Public Safety: A warrant was issued for a driver accused of killing a beach toll booth attendant in Daytona Beach Shores after a crash into the booth.