The state has taken more pythons out of the Everglades than expected this year.
They took out 738 snakes in July alone and 1,022 between May and July.
Python removal is also available in all state parks.
They have a new deal with a Miami leather company that turns the pythons into various products.
They are also paying python hunters more. The South Florida Water Management District provides cash payments for the hunter that removes the most pythons each month.
They also set records in the Python Challenge this summer for removed pythons.
Gov. Ron DeSantis was in Martin County to announce the news.
He said the state is also setting records for the amount of phosphorus and nitrogen reduction in water ways thanks to a $4.6 billion investment in the Florida Everglades.
The governor is asking for continued funding of $2 million to rid the Everglades of the invasive species.
Okeechobee County Administrator Deborah Manzo was one of the witnesses chosen to testify before the Florida House Special Committee on property tax reforms.
The legislature will consider seven different proposals related mostly to non school ad valorem taxes in 2026.
Manzo explained that small counties like Okeechobee are fiscally constrained and are not wasting money.
“Even small reductions in property tax revenue have an outsized impact on counties like Okeechobee where there is limited revenues and limited revenue sources.”
Manzo said she herself oversees 27 different departments and also has served as interim airport director, even fueling planes when the need arose at the county airport.
Indian River County Commissioners opted not to give Sheriff Eric Flowers more money and is ready to go to court over the issue.
Flowers filed a lawsuit stating his agency is being defunded.
Indian River County approved an 8.7 percent budget hike for the sheriff this year, $6.9 million, and funded the sheriff at just under $86 million.
County Administrator John Tatkanich said they have increased the sheriff’s budget by $34 over the past five years.
Flowers said he thinks the community supports him in his efforts to get more money.
Comcast Cable made a presentation on various improvements to cable service they plan in the city of Okeechobee.
Tom Colbey said they intend to make a long term investment in the Okeechobee market.
“We want to modernize your network. There is a lot of growth. There are 300 new homes, that 1,000 people and that is 20 percent of your population. You are about to start flying like the rest of Florida.”
They will bring in fiber optic cable. He called it a huge investment and a partnership that will be good for everybody.
Florida celebrated service dog month amidst an effort to legally give these dogs more access to businesses.
Deb Durham told St. Lucie County Commissioners that her service dog has changed her life and gave her independence again.
“This proclamation really matters. It says that disabled people belong here and deserve dignity and access.”
She thanked K-9 companions for 50 years of work to help people. Her dog Neely was present for the proclamation at the commission meeting.