Statewide News

Disney and DeSantis have locked horns since former Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced opposition to the law restricting instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity in schools. DeSantis has featured his stand against Disney in his presidential campaign. FILE PHOTO

Disney and DeSantis have locked horns since former Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced opposition to the law restricting instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity in schools. DeSantis has featured his stand against Disney in his presidential campaign. FILE PHOTO

DeSantis: State has ‘Moved On’ amid Disney fight

Jim Turner
Thursday, August 17, 2023
News Service of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has said Walt Disney Parks and Resorts should drop a federal lawsuit that claims retaliation by the state and accept changes to a special district that long benefited the theme-park giant.
Gov. Ron DeSantis' security costs increased in the fiscal year that ended June 30. File photo

Gov. Ron DeSantis' security costs increased in the fiscal year that ended June 30. File photo

DeSantis security costs jump

Jim Turner
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
News Service of Florida As Gov. Ron DeSantis geared up his presidential campaign, taxpayer costs to transport and protect the governor and his family surged during the past fiscal year, according to a new state report. Florida spent more than $9.
Confusion over the College Board’s Advanced Placement psychology course is rooted in a controversial Florida law and a state regulation that restrict instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in schools.

Confusion over the College Board’s Advanced Placement psychology course is rooted in a controversial Florida law and a state regulation that restrict instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in schools.

Districts grapple with AP Psychology course confusion

Dara Kam
Friday, August 11, 2023
News Service of Florida School district leaders across the state are taking a patchwork of approaches to a college-credit psychology course, as many high-school students head back to class this week amid a dustup between Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration and the College Board.
The state’s Department of Education has released a series of proposed rules that would outline restrictions on “adult live performances” at field trips, prohibit school districts from using the social-media app TikTok and allow parents to control “any deviation from their child’s legal name” in schools. FILE PHOTO

The state’s Department of Education has released a series of proposed rules that would outline restrictions on “adult live performances” at field trips, prohibit school districts from using the social-media app TikTok and allow parents to control “any deviation from their child’s legal name” in schools. FILE PHOTO

TikTok, adult performances targeted at schools

Ryan Dailey
Thursday, July 13, 2023
The state’s Department of Education has released a series of proposed rules that would outline restrictions on “adult live performances” at field trips, prohibit school districts from using the social-media app TikTok and allow parents to control “any deviation from their child’s legal name” in...
More than 200 new laws were passed during the 2023 legislative session, and many go into effect on July 1. FILE PHOTO

More than 200 new laws were passed during the 2023 legislative session, and many go into effect on July 1. FILE PHOTO

New state laws take effect Saturday – from vouchers to guns

Jim Turner
Thursday, June 29, 2023
News Service of Florida More school vouchers. Expanded restrictions on teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity. Limits on using TikTok. Carrying guns without concealed-weapons licenses. A larger Florida State Guard.
Florida's May unemployment rate was down from 2.9 percent a year earlier and was below the national rate last month of 3.7 percent.

Florida's May unemployment rate was down from 2.9 percent a year earlier and was below the national rate last month of 3.7 percent.

Florida jobless rate stays at 2.6%

Jim Turner
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Florida’s unemployment rate remained at a near-historic low of 2.6 percent in May and has been unchanged since January, according to a report released by the state Department of Economic Opportunity.
The law (SB 766), which will take effect in July, could lead to drivers facing $225 fines if they get nabbed illegally passing school buses.

The law (SB 766), which will take effect in July, could lead to drivers facing $225 fines if they get nabbed illegally passing school buses.

DeSantis signs school bus camera bill

Ryan Dailey
Thursday, June 8, 2023
News Service of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a bill that will allow school districts to use cameras designed to capture images of drivers who illegally pass school buses. The law (SB 766), which will take effect in July, could lead to drivers facing $225 fines if they get nabbed.
While the state legislature passed a measure to give high school students more sleep, educators question how to implement it as it relates to school bus routes. PHOTO/FIRST LIGHT SAFETY

While the state legislature passed a measure to give high school students more sleep, educators question how to implement it as it relates to school bus routes. PHOTO/FIRST LIGHT SAFETY

School start time changes raise questions

Ryan Dailey
Friday, June 2, 2023
School officials will soon be gearing up to push back start times for many high schools under a new law that mandates changes to the beginning of the school day — but some lawmakers and education experts are wary of the challenges that could come with such a change.
The rule will carry out part of a controversial 2022 law (HB 1467) that increased scrutiny of school library books and instructional materials, amid a broader push by state officials to weed out inappropriate content. PHOTO/NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

The rule will carry out part of a controversial 2022 law (HB 1467) that increased scrutiny of school library books and instructional materials, amid a broader push by state officials to weed out inappropriate content. PHOTO/NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

Library book objection list approved

Ryan Dailey
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
The state Board of Education has approved a new rule that will lead to Florida officials publishing an annual list of library books and instructional materials that have drawn public objections, in a move that the board’s chairman said will “provide transparency for our families.
Alt Text for ImageThe budget, which will take effect July 1, still needs approval from Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has line-item veto power.

Alt Text for ImageThe budget, which will take effect July 1, still needs approval from Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has line-item veto power.

Small details fill big state budget

Jim Turner
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Florida lawmakers this month passed a record $117 billion budget that covers more than 500 pages and includes high-profile issues such as money for schools, health care, environmental projects and road construction.
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