Florida Makes It Official: DOGE Is Now Law — And Nassau County May Be Under the State Microscope

It’s no longer just a pilot program or a political message — Florida’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is now codified into state law.

On July 22, the Florida Legislature officially passed a measure to make DOGE a permanent fixture in state government. With strong support from Governor Ron DeSantis and CFO Blaise Ingoglia, the move gives DOGE the authority, resources, and legal standing to investigate waste, abuse, and inefficiency in every local government across Florida — not just when invited, but when necessary.

The small town of Gainesville is currently in the hot seat.

Over the last four years, Gainesville’s local government has increased property taxes by more than 85%, growing the city’s annual budget by nearly $90 million, while refusing to provide a clear explanation for the spending spree. Despite repeated requests from our DOGE watchdog team and others, Gainesville officials have failed to justify the massive hikes or show how they benefit everyday residents.

Now, the DOGE unit — backed by state leadership and newly empowered by law — is preparing to review Gainesville’s financial operations from the inside out.

And this is just the beginning.

Nassau County taxpayers, take note.

As DOGE becomes a permanent arm of Florida’s government, counties and municipalities across the state are officially on notice. Here in Nassau, our own watchdog team has raised repeated concerns about rising budgets and questionable spending. The fact that the DOGE framework is now law means the state has an enduring mandate to step in — and Nassau could easily be next.

The message is clear: Transparency is not optional, and accountability is no longer negotiable.

From Gainesville to Broward, and perhaps soon to Nassau, DOGE is a reminder that Florida taxpayers have backup. Our dollars must be spent with integrity, and any local government falling short will face scrutiny — and consequences.

We applaud the Legislature and the DeSantis administration for enshrining DOGE into law and for backing the principle that the government works for the people and must do their best to lead with integrity, transparency and concern for its taxpayers.

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Reconsideration of the Westside Regional Park Investment

Petition to the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners

Subject: Reconsideration of the Westside Regional Park Investment

 

Dear Commissioners,

 

We, the undersigned residents of Nassau County, respectfully submit this petition regarding the allocation of public funds toward the development of the Westside Regional Park.

 

It would surprise many to learn that 82.7% of all Nassau County Ad Valorem taxes are paid by properties located east of Interstate 95. Yet, the County has programmed $22.86 million into the Westside Regional Park, located 20 miles west of Interstate 95 — a location largely inaccessible to the majority of residents who are funding it.

 

This project spans over 100 acres with an estimated construction cost of $21 million. Although the land was purchased in 2007 for $1.09 million, it has taken 17 years to bring forward a plan, raising additional concerns about the project's long-term viability and true priority.

 

Over 67% of Nassau County’s population lives in the easternmost zip codes of 32034 and 32097, areas where residents would have to travel up to 35 miles to access the park. Research shows that individuals living more than 10 miles away from a park are unlikely to use it regularly, if at all.

 

In short: the taxpayers bearing the largest burden for this project are the least likely to benefit from it.

 

Given these facts, we have serious concerns about whether the Westside Regional Park is the most responsible and equitable use of taxpayer dollars.

We respectfully request the following:

  • A full public reassessment of the Westside Regional Park's location, accessibility, and return on investment.
  • Consideration of alternative investments in parks and recreation facilities that are more geographically equitable and accessible to the majority of Nassau County taxpayers.
  • Greater transparency and opportunity for public input regarding major capital projects moving forward.

We urge you to pause further expenditures on this project until a thorough and transparent review is conducted.

 

It is time for Nassau County to ensure that public funds are invested fairly, wisely, and in ways that serve the entire community — not just a select portion of it.

 

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

 

We look forward to your leadership and stewardship of our county’s future.

{Your name will be here}

Petition Disclaimer & Terms of Signing

By signing this petition, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

  1. Voluntary Participation
    Your signature is submitted voluntarily and represents your personal support for the petition.
  2. Eligibility
    You confirm that you are a resident, taxpayer, or stakeholder in Nassau County, Florida, and are signing in good faith based on your interest in government transparency and fiscal accountability.
  3. Privacy and Use of Information
    The information you provide will be used solely for:
    • Verifying the integrity of the petition,
    • Communicating updates related to this petition or similar civic efforts,
    • Presenting to local government officials or relevant authorities in support of this request.

We will not sell, trade, or misuse your data. Your information may be shared with government officials only as part of the official submission of this petition.

  1. Non-Affiliation
    This petition is organized by Nassau FL DOGE, an informal group of concerned citizens. We are not affiliated with any political party, government agency, or official campaign.
  2. Non-Binding Nature
    This petition is intended to express collective community interest and support. Signing does not create any legal obligation for the signer or the governing body, nor does it imply formal membership or endorsement of any group or agenda.
  3. Accuracy
    By signing, you affirm that the information you provide is accurate to the best of your knowledge.

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