Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lake County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
3 issues with critical priority
2026-27 School Budget and Millage Rates
The board finalized the district's $1.2 billion annual budget, covering everything from classroom operations to building projects. This determines how much the district can spend on schools in the coming year.
Florida Amendment 3 property tax reform
The constitutional amendment would raise the homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, shifting taxes to businesses and rentals. Separately, a statutory change already forces counties to use the base rollback rate — a quiet revenue cut — with any increase needing supermajority approval.
Heart of Florida Deep Well Injection Opposition
Sumter County wants to inject landfill leachate into a class I deep well near the Heart of Florida Landfill. LCWA hydrogeologist Blanche Hardy said the site sits in karst geology above 2,600 feet of freshwater and near 729 potable wells — she called it a very bad idea. The Board directed staff to bring back a formal resolution of opposition with a cover letter.