Sparks fly during town hall debate over property tax-cutting Amendment 3

A Largo town hall on Florida's Amendment 3, which would raise the homestead exemption and cut city revenue by an estimated $10 million in its first year, turned into a public spat between former state Sen. Jeff Brandes, an opponent, and Rep. Berny Jacques, a supporter. Jacques accused city officials of using police and fire chiefs as 'a scare tactic,' while Largo officials warned of real cuts to services.

Jacques countered with a pie chart showing homestead taxes make up only 19% of Largo's property tax revenue and under 4% of total city revenue, arguing cuts could come from parks and libraries instead of public safety. Brandes argued the amendment won't deliver the promised tax cut but a tax shift, pointing to St. Petersburg's consideration of new fees to cover revenue lost elsewhere. The state's own research arm estimates the amendment would cut government revenue by up to $12 billion annually statewide.

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