Stay informed about education news and updates in Tampa Bay, FL.
State officials expressed skepticism regarding New College of Florida's request for $15 million in funding, citing the institution's high per-student operating costs, which are significantly above the state average. The Board of Governors debated the request, highlighting concerns over the financial implications for the state's public university system.
Victory High School is set to hold its "Golfing for Victory" charity golf tournament on September 30 to raise funds for its nonprofit recovery school aimed at helping teens struggling with addiction. The event will support the school's mission, which has expanded to three locations across the Tampa Bay area.
The City of Tampa is set to honor the late Dr. Walter L. Smith with a ceremonial street renaming on September 17, 2024, at 10 a.m. on N. Albany Avenue. Dr. Smith, a Tampa native and the former president of Florida A&M University, made significant contributions to education and the community. The event will celebrate his legacy and contributions alongside city officials, community members, and family.
Pinellas County school officials are grappling with the implications of a new state law requiring later start times for middle and high schools by 2026. The changes necessitate significant logistical adjustments, including transportation and school choice programs, and the district seeks input from parents on their preferences.
A Florida sheriff is combating a surge of false school shooting threats by publicly posting the mugshots of offenders on social media. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood expressed his frustration over the disruptions caused by these hoaxes and urged parents to take responsibility for their children's actions.
Classes at Newsome High School in Lithia will resume on Monday with increased security measures following a series of threats, including a potential bomb threat and a threat to shoot a teacher. Students will undergo searches and metal detector screenings upon arrival to ensure safety.
The ongoing debate over the appropriateness of certain books for children in Florida has shifted from schools to public libraries, particularly concerning titles with LGBTQ+ themes. Notably, while Nassau County reinstated several books, Pasco County removed over 130 titles after a review prompted by a county commissioner.
The City of Tampa will honor the legacy of Dr. Walter L. Smith by renaming a portion of N. Albany Avenue in his memory. The street renaming ceremony, hosted by City Councilman Luis Viera, is scheduled for September 17, 2024, and will celebrate Dr. Smith's significant contributions to education as the former president of Florida A&M University.
Newsome High School in Lithia was placed on lockdown due to a reported threat, prompting a significant response from law enforcement. After several hours of investigation, students were dismissed on time, with no credible threat found. The incident follows a worrying trend of false threats in the area since a recent school shooting in Georgia.
Urban planner Steven Fernandez from the University of South Florida expresses concern over recent flooding in Tampa Bay, highlighting that sea levels have risen eight inches in the last 50 years. He notes that even long-term residents are now experiencing flooding, emphasizing the need for better drainage solutions in low-lying areas.