TALHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) – Florida Doge continued to travel around the state with a stop in Manatee County Tuesday afternoon.
“We’re going to spend about three to four days on site,” CFO Blaise Ingoglia said. “We’re going to bring all the information back to Tallahassee, and we’re going to sneak up through this.”
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Chief Financial Officer Blaze Ingoglia said the Doge investigations people see across the state are driven by property tax concerns. But critics argue it is merely a distraction.
“At some point, there is property tax relief, whether it’s done locally by city or county, or constitutionally by voting,” Ingoglia said.
The debate surrounding property taxes has been a key player this year and has not been able to cut this session, but the governor and CFO continue to push the issue on Floridians.
“We recommend that constitutional amendments now be approved by voters at around 60-67%.
State Democrats are concerned about the abolition of property taxes.
“If you eliminate or significantly reduce property taxes, you’ll be a huge hit,” D-ST. Petersburg. “People’s quality of life will be degraded. People will be less safe in their communities because Republicans have not been able to deal with the property insurance crisis.
Ingoglia warned the public that local government complaints about these situations were inaccurate in his eyes.
“If they’re doing what they need to do, zero-based budgeting, then the first thing you’re going to make is the fire service and police. As the government’s first role is to be protected citizens, it’s pointless to cut back on those programs,” Ingoglia said.
When Floridians witnessed Doge’s efforts surge, the city of St. Petersburg is warned that it is the next on the list.
Florida Dozi, in a letter to St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch, wants access to city locations, data systems and personnel.
Mayor Welch shared a statement with eight people on your side.
We receive tracking letters from state government surveillance and efficiency and are carefully reviewed. The city of St. Petersburg will cooperate fully and provide additional information and explanations upon request.
My administration’s principles for accountability and responsible government continue to guide our work. Addresses questions that may arise from the state process and advances clarity and accountability for the best interests of the residents of St. Petersburg.
Mayor Kenneth T. Welch, St. Petersburg
“St. Pete was responsible for 72% of the population growth in Pinellas County between 2020 and 2024, so obviously people want to live in St. Petersburg,” Cross said. “The increase in property taxes is because it’s a desirable place to live. We’re building more homes for people, and that’s reflected in the increased income of the city.”
CFO Ingoglia said it will release the findings in about 60 days when the audit report is released.
