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Northwest Florida Roundup
Digital teacher evaluation software from The University of West Florida
INNOVATION
Digital Teacher Evaluations
The University of West Florida’s Haas Center has developed and sold a software system for the electronic evaluation of Santa Rosa County School District teachers.
The Professional Educator Assessment and Results System, or PEARS, was developed by UWF’s faculty, IT professionals and UWF students. The school district paid $125,000 for the software.
The PEARS system allows administrators to electronically review and evaluate teachers in several areas, including verification of student assignments, student and parent surveys, student performance, self-assessment and supervisor evaluation.
"This sale of UWF intellectual property is important on multiple fronts," says, Matthew Schwartz, assistant vice president for the Office of Research Administration and Engagement. “It demonstrates UWF’s capability to respond to real-world needs of our regional partners.
“And it also shows that UWF can develop intellectual property that is valued by the marketplace,” Schwartz adds.
REAL ESTATE
- TownePlace Suites by Marriott is scheduled to open in early 2020 its 124-room hotel in Pier Park in Panama City Beach. The project was developed by St. Joe Co. and InterMountain Management.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
- St. Joe Co. CEO Jorge Gonzalez recently told Panama City Beach officials that the Walton County-based company has 30 development projects either planned or under way in Bay County. The developments include two hotels under construction. “We wouldn’t be making this investment if we didn’t believe that the city is doing well,” Gonzalez says.
TECHNOLOGY
- Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed University of West Florida’s Eman El-Sheikh to the Florida Cybersecurity Task Force. The seven-member group will review and assess the state’s cyber-security infrastructure, governance and operations, analyze and identify potential improvements of state government cyber-security programs and prioritize the risks posed by threats.
TOURISM
- Jackson County and 13 surrounding Northwest Florida counties could become Florida’s first federally declared National Heritage Area. The designation requires an act of Congress. It would be the first such heritage area in Florida. Jackson County Tourist Development Executive Director Christy Andreasen says the designation will generate more national visibility and boost tourism in the rural areas of the Panhandle.
Read more in Florida Trend's December issue.
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