Southwest Florida debates taxes, jobs and data centers

Guests socialized and ate breakfast before the State of the Region program. -ANDREA STETSON / FLORIDA WEEKLY The controversial property tax, the hotly debated data center issue, and the future of business and the workforce in Southwest Florida were the hot topics at the State of the Region 2026 forum this week. Business leaders, community stakeholders, elected officials and regional experts spoke both individually and on panels to inform more than 100 people in the audience about these arguable issues. William McDaniel, Collier County Commissioner, District 5 and Kevin Ruane, Lee County Commissioner, District 1, were the panelists tackling the property tax debate. On Nov. 3, voters will be asked whether they want an amendment that would expand the non-school property tax exemption from $25,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. Both commissioners were adamant that the amendment would be a mistake. “I honestly do believe, and this is not a scare tactic, we have the potential that