Parent groups question Florida's $15.6 million investment in school materials database
The state of Florida is investing nearly $15.6 million in a contract with Trinity Education Group to develop a “comprehensive, modern, cloud-based solution for viewing K through 12 instructional materials.” This initiative aims to “provide a singular method for parents, as well as district and school staff to view instructional materials, educational resources, and library media materials.” [Source: News4Jax]
FAU renames football stadium after striking $22 million sponsorship deal with local bank
Florida Atlantic University will rename its football stadium after nailing down its first naming-rights deal for the 13-year-old facility. Flagler Credit Union has agreed to pay the university $22.5 million over 15 years for its name to adorn to the 30,000-person-capacity stadium. The stadium’s new name will be Flagler Credit Union Stadium. [Source: Palm Beach Post]
Florida state senator proposes bill to ban political, ideological flags in public schools and government buildings
A Florida state senator introduced a bill Monday aimed at preventing flags representing political viewpoints, race, sexual orientation, gender, and more from being displayed at public schools, colleges, universities, and government buildings. Florida State Sen. Randy Fine, R-Melbourne Beach introduced Senate Bill 100, which if passed, would ban flags that are deemed political or ideological. This bill will be up for discussion in Florida’s legislative session in March. [Source: News4Jax]
Fees will rise for Polk County school volunteers as state requires tougher background checks
Volunteering for Polk County Public Schools could soon be much more costly. Responding to a state law that takes effect March 1, the district will increase the rate it charges potential volunteers from $25 to nearly $100 to cover the cost of more intensive background screenings. The district seems to anticipate a decline in volunteers. Polk County Public Schools posted a notice Dec. 12 on its website and on social media announcing the change in policy for volunteers. The district will temporarily stop taking applications for new or renewing volunteers on Friday. [Source: The Lakeland Ledger]
Tampa General Hospital and USF partner to boost Florida’s nursing workforce with Legislative LINE funding
Tampa General Hospital and University of South Florida (USF) College of Nursing announced $1,000,000 in funding to expand opportunities for student nurses in Florida. $500,000 was awarded to USF through the Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) Fund. Additionally, Tampa General matched the state funds with an additional $500,000 invested in nursing education for students at the USF College of Nursing through a 2023 gift to the simulation center. [Source: TGH]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› After initial doubts, UF found a willing partner in Mayor Donna Deegan for new campus
UF had kicked off exploring the potential for a new grad campus at the request of Lenny Curry in late 2022 when Curry was mayor. He couldn't run again because of term limits and Deegan won election in 2023.
› Court splits on school ‘Sunshine’ issues
An appeals court Wednesday said an Indian River County School Board textbook committee violated the state’s open-government Sunshine Law but a committee that reviewed school library books did not.
› Daytona State College esports club takes national championship in Rocket League
Daytona State College's esports team has had a spectacular liftoff, as its Rocket League team took the school's second national championship in two semesters.
› All Points celebrates new dynamic collaboration with Florida Institute of Technology
All Points, a leading space and tech firm based on the Space Coast of Florida, has announced a dynamic new collaboration with the nationally-ranked Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne.