Florida education leaders are trying to fend off a lawsuit filed by major publishing companies and authors over the removal of books from school libraries, disputing allegations that a controversial state law violates the First Amendment.

From left, new St. Cloud City Councilwoman Jennifer Paul and Mayor Chris Robertson were sworn in last week to join Shawn Fletcher, Kolby Urban and Ken Gilbert on the Council. PHOTO/KEN JACKSON

Local residents get the big picture on plans to widen Canoe Creek Road south of U.S. Highway 192. PHOTO/TERRY LLOYD

County Commissioners approved the preliminary subdivision plans for Edgewater West on Monday. The community would bring thousands of homes and other mixed-use development north of Kissimmee Park Road. GRAPHIC/BTI

The public is being asked for input on areas of investment, such as housing, hotels or commercial establishments, input as to appearance issues in the Vine Street Redevelopment area through the city of Kissimmee. PHOTO/DAVID CHIVERS

Selvin and Gloria Brissett of Orlando. Their daughter Karen-Brissett-Robinson became their sole caregiver, inspiring her to learn and write about palliative and hospice care. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Cracker Barrel Kissimmee hosted a community celebration event on Nov. 12 to make a $10,000 donation to support A Gift for Teaching. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Incoming House Speaker Daniel Perez has already rolled out changes to House committees, while saying lawmakers have, “Spent taxpayer funds excessively and indiscriminately in the last few years.” PHOTO/NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

AAA anticipates record-setting travel numbers for Thanksgiving, both in Florida and across the nation. More than 4.5 million Floridians are forecast to travel 50 miles or more for the holiday, with over 4 million of them taking to the roads. PHOTO/METRO CREATIVE