
Genevieve Taft-Vazquez, the candidate next door, seeks to represent home district on Santa Barbara City Council
By Marcus Chen
News-Press Fort Myers
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SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Florida voters face a decision that could change property taxes for homeowners across the state. Amendment 3 would raise the state’s homestead property tax exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and to $250,000 in 2028.Sarasota County officials said their biggest concern is what happens if property tax revenue goes down, because that money pays for services many families use every day.Officials warn of service cutsMark Smith said the change would affect road maintenance, lighting and beach maintenance.“It’s going to affect maintenance on roads, lighting, beach maintenance. It’s going to affect all of us. And like I said, we’re going to have to start charging fees for things that were free,” Smith said.Christine Johnson, president of Big Waters Land Trust, said communities could face tough budget choices if revenue shrinks.“Most people don’t know that if this passes, they are going to have to be paying one way or the other,” Johnson said.Tom Edward, a Sarasota County Scho