It took some time, but property taxes have become the hottest regional topic in the nation. In Florida increased values, and reluctance for counties to move to roll back, spell disaster for homeowners, already reeling from higher than expected insurance, and a forced second bailout of Citizens Insurance.

Couple this with the sudden side effects of the Save Our Homes amendment adopted some years ago, people are feeling trapped in their homes.

The real problem, as I see it, is the denial of Florida governments to examine their own spending. For example, last week the Volusia County School board approved a budget without even trimming one item. Their total spending far exceeds the nation's CPI.

What is coming is a true tax revolt of the people, and one that will come with a wholesale change of elected leaders. Of course the problem is level headed; fiscally balanced leaders will be caught in the voters' cross hairs and be tossed out as well.

"Spending creep" by government is the greatest threat to the middle and working class in Florida. Unless something is done soon, we will revert to a two class system here.

Property owners can get the inside story on the rising values and even faster rising spending at the Board of Realtors meeting tonight at 6 in Holly Hill with special guest, Property Appraiser Morgan Gilreath.