Florida's Latest News

Florida’s new special education rule misinterpreted, state official says

Florida students with significant cognitive disabilities should not be at risk of losing services because of a recently approved state rule, a top Florida Department of Education official says.

“It’s never been the intent of the rule,” senior chancellor Jacob Oliva told the Tampa Bay Times.

Yet many parents and educators have complained that the measure, adopted by the State Board of Education in June, appears to have exactly that effect. They noted the new criteria set by the board include a minimum IQ score, among other provisions, which suggests schools must reevaluate children to determine if they are still eligible for alternative standards and testing.

“The State Board of Education doesn’t have the authority to undermine the parents” or the teams creating individual education plans, known as IEPs, for students with special needs, Oliva said. The state’s goal was to meet a federal requirement that the number of students using the standards and tests not exceed 1 percent of total state enrollment.

DeSantis announces $394 million will go toward wastewater improvements

More help is on the way for Florida’s treasured and troubled waterways, especially its springs. 

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Tuesday more than $394 million for wastewater treatment improvements. 

The money is aimed at leaky septic tanks and aging wastewater infrastructure, which can enable the nutrient pollution and harmful algae blooms fouling Florida waters. 

DeSantis made the announcement at Weeki Wachee, one of the state’s most famous springs, known for live mermaid shows. The governor says the money will fund projects statewide. 

“The 72 wastewater projects are expected to reduce total nitrogen statewide by more than 619,000 pounds per year," DeSantis said. "That a lot. That’s a big deal.” 

Leon Schools pulls out of DOAH appeal challenging DeSantis ban on mask mandates

In an abrupt about-face, Leon County Schools is withdrawing from an appeal to a judge's order last week that upheld a Florida Department of Health emergency rule, which banned all mask mandates.

“While we continue to believe in our right to make decisions that are overwhelmingly supported by our community we no longer believe it is prudent for us to peruse a short term legal remedy to determine where the line is drawn between state rights and the rights of our local school system,” said Superintendent Rocky Hanna in a statement.

“We will continue to look for other avenues to advocate for home rule and local control in the future.”  

With a new mayor decided for St. Petersburg, Rick Kriseman reflects on eight years in office

This week on Florida Matters, we have a wide ranging conversation with St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman about his time in office as he wraps up leading Florida's fifth largest city.

Kriseman and host Steve Newborn discuss what's next for Kriseman, what he think his legacy will be, and the accomplishments he wasn't able to achieve during his tenure. They touch on St. Pete's progress with its environmental issues, the city's revitalization, and the future of Florida's Democratic Party (Kriseman is a registered Democrat).

They also briefly talk about the redevelopment of Tropicana Field and projects in historically Black neighborhoods. That includes the development of a vacant city-owned strip mall known as Tangerine Plaza and financial investment into "The Deuces" — the once busy business corridor for the city's Black community.