Ed Hooper

The talks were part of a flurry of meetings as House and Senate leaders try to meet a Tuesday deadline to complete the budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

Senate Appropriations Chair Ed Hooper said the money won't be set until local financing agreements are a "done deal," and lawmakers needs something more concrete than this week's approved MOU.

Longtime Sheriff Chris Nocco announced he will be running for the District 21 seat held by state Sen. Ed Hooper, who is retiring in November.

Hooper, 78, was elected to the state House in 2006 and served for eight years before moving to the Senate in 2018.

The Florida Senate delayed releasing its version. It's not expected to come until next week at the earliest.

The goal is to get the budget finished this week, along with accompanying bills that will include a tax package.

It allows people to carry concealed weapons without having to meet requirements such as firearms training and background screening.

A legislative analysis finds EV drivers in 31 states pay fees to make up for a drop in gas tax revenue. A proposal in the state Senate would add Florida to that list.

It would provide a tax break to property owners who elevate homes to address potential flooding and could go on the ballot in 2022 as a constitutional amendment.

The increased funds would go toward building a new campus.

Visit Florida reports a 34% drop in yearly visitors in 2020, and the lowest annual total since 2010.