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In Osceola County, confusion over the proper placement of school zone speed cameras led to the Sheriff’s Office temporarily halting their use and relying on deputies to physically stop speeding drivers. The Florida Department of Transportation clarified that the cameras are permitted to be installed within specific guidelines, but discrepancies in statutory language have created uncertainty about enforcement. As a result, 35 contested citations from spring were dismissed, with the Sheriff’s Office seeking legal guidance before resuming camera operations.

 

News 13

Gov. Ron DeSantis emphasized the potential benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) for medical research while also highlighting its dangers. He said: "It's very hard to tell what's real or what's not real anymore." DeSantis proposed regulations to ensure AI does not solely determine insurance claims and to protect utility customers from increased costs due to data centers. The governor, joined by parents affected by AI-related tragedies, outlined a proposed AI "Bill of Rights" that includes notifying consumers when they interact with AI. Despite President Donald Trump's recent executive order aimed at limiting state regulations, DeSantis asserted that Florida has the authority to act independently. He warned that without regulation, AI could lead to more severe consequences, remarking: "They're spending ungodly amounts of money on capital investment for AI."

 

Orlando Sentinel

Brevard's school board convened on December 9 to discuss future objectives, including the utilization of unused school space and the expansion of year-round schooling. Board member Katye Campbell emphasized the importance of careful public conduct leading up to the November election, clarifying: "We want the stories that are coming out of our board to be the great things that are happening with our students." The board also considered updating guidelines on artificial intelligence to adapt to its evolving nature. Other goals included enhancing security measures, extending assistant principal contracts, and expanding a reading initiative aimed at improving third-grade literacy. The meeting concluded without concrete decisions, but it set the stage for future planning and collaboration.

 

Florida Today

Leon County Schools unveiled a new website, featuring an updated design and enhanced communication tools for parents. The district anticipates saving over $30,000 with this upgrade, which comes as the current vendor contract ends on December 31. Chris Petley, a spokesperson for the district, said: "The new look is going to feature our students and help better tell the story of why people should choose Leon County Schools." The rollout will occur in two phases, starting with the new design, followed by improved communication features. Petley reassured parents that all existing elements will remain accessible, advising them to report any issues with links. "It's really going to be more than a website," he added, emphasizing the goal of better communication with families.

 

Tallahassee.com

Will Frazer, founder of The Frazer School, has accused the school's owners, James and Rachel Schrader, of financial mismanagement, stating he will not return next year unless the school is handed over to "an unpaid board." In a Facebook post, Frazer highlighted issues such as delayed teacher pay, millions in unpaid renovations, and steep tuition hikes. He claimed that funds raised for the school were misappropriated to the Gainesville Christian Community School (GCCS), which he alleged charged excessive rent for the building. The Schraders denied these accusations, asserting that they have not misused funds and have supported the school financially. Frazer emphasized his commitment to educational excellence, noting: "I do not intend to retire and am working on plans that will allow me to provide the same level of educational excellence previously given to our incredible students."

 

The Gainesville Sun

Florida is striving to become the leading state for workforce education, yet skills gaps persist due to rapid technological changes. By 2030, nearly 40% of core skills may become obsolete. To address this, Florida can leverage its extensive education data system to enhance student performance and workforce outcomes. "Smart investments and strengthened policies would yield a tremendous return on investment," said the Helios Education Foundation, highlighting that a 10% increase in college enrollment could generate $8.38bn annually. The Central Florida Educational Ecosystem Database (CFEED) exemplifies successful data collaboration, improving student support and advising. By harnessing data effectively, Florida can build a resilient workforce for future economic growth.

 

Florida Politics

In a significant move, the Florida Department of Health is working to eliminate four school vaccine requirements. As the state navigates these adjustments, the conversation around education and health continues to evolve.

 

Tampa Bay Times

A proposed bill, HB 757, aims to enhance safety at Florida State University (FSU) following a tragic shooting that left two dead and several injured. Rep. Michelle Salzman, R-Pensacola, who was personally affected by the incident, made the case for a safer environment, claiming: "This bill isn't about the Second Amendment. This bill is about providing a safer environment for the campus." If passed in the 2026 legislative session, the bill would establish a uniform safety framework requiring emergency response plans and threat-assessment teams at public colleges. It would also permit trained faculty to carry concealed firearms as "guardians." While the Guardian Program has garnered bipartisan support, concerns remain among students about increasing gun access on campus. Madalyn Propst, an FSU student, expressed fears that lawmakers might further loosen gun restrictions, including open carry on campus.

 

Daily Commercial

Daytona Beach News Journal

WPTV

Orange County Public Schools is contemplating the closure of seven campuses due to declining enrollment. The School Board will convene to address concerns from parents, particularly those of McCoy Elementary School, which is on the closure list. Angelica Rujano, a parent and PTA president, expressed her distress, claiming: "We are not just a number on a graph; we are talking about community." The district has seen a decrease of 5,539 students this year, a 2.9% drop, contributing to a projected loss of $41m in funding. School board member Stephanie Vanos emphasized the need for consolidation to ensure resources and opportunities for remaining students. She urged: "We need to protect the children that are in our public schools." A work session is scheduled for Tuesday to discuss the potential closures and gather input from affected families.

 

News 13

Florida Polytechnic University has been recognized as the top institution in Florida for undergraduate computer science education and ranks among the nation's best in data science, according to new rankings from Research.com. The university's computer science program is ranked No. 1 among public universities in Florida, while its data science program is No. 18 overall and No. 11 among public universities nationwide. University President Devin Stephenson said: "These rankings underscore the high quality of our programs, as well as the talent and commitment of our faculty and students." The rankings consider factors such as university quality, student program views, cost, post-graduation earning potential, and research strength. Florida Poly has also received accolades from U.S. News & World Report and WalletHub, further solidifying its reputation for academic excellence and affordability.

 

Florida Politics

A survey by Quebec’s Fédération autonome de l’enseignement (FAE) union found that 90% of teachers have experienced some form of violence at work. Eighty-one percent reported being a victim of psychological or verbal abuse, 63% reported physical violence, and nearly 11% reported sexual violence. The union is urging Education Minister Sonia LeBel to urgently address what it calls a systemic issue, particularly acute in early childhood education where injuries from preschoolers are common. “We are here to teach, not to be beaten up,” Catherine Renaud, a FAE vice-president told a news conference on Monday. “Like any other worker, we have the right to work without being subjected to acts of violence.”

 

The Globe and Mail