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Florida lawmakers have advanced a comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI) package, incorporating new regulations for AI usage in schools. The legislation, part of Gov. Ron DeSantis' agenda, aims to establish rights for residents interacting with AI systems, including mandatory disclosures when communicating with machines. The bill also allows parents to opt their children out of AI instructional tools in K-12 classrooms. "What we're doing is really just exercising our core constitutional responsibilities to make sure that people in Florida are treated well," DeSantis said. The proposed regulations also require schools to notify parents about AI tools used in classrooms and provide alternatives for students who opt out. While the Senate supports the bill, some House leaders express concerns about its broad definitions and compliance burdens. Sen. Tom Leek emphasized the need for regulations that do not hinder AI's educational benefits, saying: "If your plan is to wait for Congress, God help you."

 

The Miami Herald

A New Hampshire federal judge has formally dismissed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s directive targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in public schools, after both sides agreed the case was no longer necessary. The lawsuit stemmed from a February 2025 “Dear Colleague Letter” issued by the U.S. Department of Education, which warned school districts that DEI-related policies or contracts could violate federal civil rights laws and risk the loss of federal funding. The letter prompted concern among school officials nationwide and led New Hampshire districts to review contracts for potential violations. The National Education Association and the American Civil Liberties Union, along with several New Hampshire school districts, sued the administration, arguing the directive was unconstitutional. The plaintiffs secured early court victories, including a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement in New Hampshire. Similar rulings in other jurisdictions further weakened the policy. In early February, the Department of Education agreed it would no longer rely on or enforce the challenged actions, leading Judge Landya McCafferty on Wednesday to dismiss the case as moot. Plaintiffs welcomed the decision, saying it protects educators’ ability to teach subjects involving race, gender, and inclusion without fear of federal penalties.

 

New Hampshire Bulletin

UPI

Florida's largest teachers union is pushing back against accusations from state education leaders that it encouraged student walkouts protesting immigration enforcement. Students across Florida have been protesting the Trump administration's immigration policies, with one student saying: "At this point, it’s not about politics — it’s about humanity." Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas criticized the union for a press conference where student activist Zander Moricz defended the protests, saying they were "rational" and "required." Union president Andrew Spar denied the allegations, asserting: "We have never encouraged or organized students to walk out of class in protest." He emphasized that the criticism is part of a broader political effort to weaken unions. Despite the controversy, student protests have remained peaceful, occurring during lunch with parental permission. The education commissioner is now urging parents to report any evidence of schools or educators promoting student demonstrations.

 

Florida Politics

WPTV

Tallahassee News

Lacoochee Elementary School is set to expand into a K8 campus, with the addition of middle grades beginning in 2027.

 

Tampa Bay Times

Charlotte County is implementing school zone speed enforcement cameras starting February 27, 2026, to enhance safety. During a 30-day warning period, drivers will be notified of violations. From April 1, those exceeding the speed limit by over 10 mph will incur a $100 fine, with notices sent to vehicle owners shortly after. Each violation will be documented by cameras and reviewed by law enforcement before citations are issued. Drivers can either pay the fine, submit an affidavit for an exception under Florida State Statute 316.1896(8), or request a hearing.

 

WINK News

In San Carlos Park, Florida, a collision occurred between a Jaguar and a school bus, prompting a response from the Lee County Sheriff's Office and the San Carlos Park Fire Department. The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding road safety, especially involving school transportation. "The safety of our children is paramount," said a local official, emphasizing the need for vigilance on the roads.

 

WINK News

Earl J. Lennard High School in Ruskin recently unveiled its newly renovated weight room, thanks to a partnership with Wellpoint and the Impact Fitness Foundation. This modern facility will serve over 800 student-athletes and is the school's first major update in nearly two decades. Richard Peacock, Assistant Principal and Athletic Director, said, “This new weight room represents so much more than updated equipment... a space our 2500 students can take pride in.” The renovation involved around 50 volunteers and aims to promote healthy habits among students, as research indicates that physical activity during adolescence is crucial for lifelong fitness. Dr. Marc Kaprow, chief medical director at Simply Healthcare Plans, emphasized Wellpoint's commitment to community health, stating, “Through initiatives like this, Wellpoint is expanding access to the tools and opportunities students need.”

 

Midfloridanewspapers

The Florida Legislature is considering a bill to enhance compensation for high school coaches, allowing booster clubs to pay stipends directly. Supporters, including Gov. Ron DeSantis and former FSU coach Jimbo Fisher, argue this measure is essential to prevent other states from luring Florida's coaches with better pay. "Our coaches are under compensated," Fisher said, emphasizing their role as educators. The proposed legislation, SB 538 by Sen. Corey Simon, aims to expand funding sources for coaches, enabling them to receive stipends from booster funds. Currently, Florida coaches earn significantly less than their counterparts in neighboring states, with some Georgia coaches making over $100,000 annually. Simon noted the urgency of the bill, stating: "I'm tired of losing good men and women that lead our programs." The bill has passed six committee hearings with unanimous support and is set for a Senate floor session.

 

Tallahassee.com

Jolene Sheive has been appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to fill the vacant District 3 seat on the Osceola County School Board, following the abrupt resignation of Anthony Cook. Sheive, who has lived in Osceola County for over 20 years, is well-connected in the community and has a background in real estate as a broker at Legacy Realty of Central Florida. She also owns Stadium Place Administration and has been active in local organizations, including the Osceola County Association of Realtors and the Osceola Chamber of Commerce.

 

Florida Politics

Miami Dade College (MDC) approved six charter school applications, marking its first exercise of authority since becoming a charter school authorizer in 2022. This shift, enabled by a 2021 state law, allows MDC to operate alongside the elected school board, which loses oversight of charter schools once they are approved by the college. Crystal Etienne, president of EduVoter, expressed concerns, remarking: "I believe it's a violation of our Florida Constitution." The Florida Charter Institute at MDC, which oversees charter school operations, raises potential conflicts of interest, particularly with board chairman Michael Bileca, who owns a charter school company. This new arrangement could limit the Miami-Dade school district's decision-making power regarding charter schools.

 

The Miami Herald

In Florida, a proposed merger between the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) and New College of Florida has sparked significant opposition. Dr. Anila Jain, a USFSM board member, emphasized the importance of USFSM, stating, “For the last 50 years, we've been a vital part of the community here.” The plan, proposed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, would transfer USFSM's assets and debt to New College, which has a different academic focus. Critics, including former USFSM president Laurey Stryker, argue that this move would harm students and the local economy, particularly in sectors like hospitality and healthcare. Local legislators have also expressed concerns, with James Buchanan stating, “USFSM has been a pillar here for decades.” The future of this merger remains uncertain as public support is lacking and community engagement has been minimal.

 

Business Observer

Teacher unions, student representatives, and civil liberties advocates say Ontario’s recent takeover of seven school boards is a distraction from years of chronic underfunding in public education. At a news conference at Queen’s Park earlier this week, representatives from the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation, the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario, and the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association argued that provincial supervision does not address staffing shortages, larger class sizes, or the financial pressures facing schools. They cited estimates that public education has been underfunded by C$6.3bn ($4.6bn) since 2018. Education Minister Paul Calandra has defended the interventions, saying the province stepped in over financial mismanagement and to protect classroom resources. He has also signaled he may eliminate elected school board trustees entirely in favour of provincial supervisors. Critics say the moves undermine democratic governance and silence student and parent voices, with some student trustees reporting limited access to provincially appointed supervisors.

 

CBC News