Gov. Rick Scott May 12 signed numerous bills approved during the 2014 legislative session, and one bill gives voters in the Southwest Florida community of Estero the ability to choose whether or not they would like to become the state’s newest incorporated town.

Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser Greg Brown announced May 6 that his staff had inspected nearly 500 homes and businesses that have been affected by flooding with an estimated $8.1 million in damage. Brown noted the estimates do not include cars or personal belongings.

It’s not hard to tell 2014 is an election year. Candidate signs are popping up in yards and businesses throughout the county. Some of those signs are placed in unauthorized locations, such as medians or right of ways.