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Florida
24th July 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Gun carriage in schools declines

According to a new study published in JAMA Network Open, the percentage of U.S. high school seniors reporting firearm carriage has significantly declined over the past three decades. The research analyzed data from nearly 65,000 12th-grade students from the Monitoring the Future survey between 1994 and 2023. While the average rate of seniors carrying a gun to school dropped to 2.2%, the study found no significant decline among non-Hispanic Black students. The authors said: "Broader violence prevention efforts are needed alongside school-based policies." The findings highlight that carrying firearms to school increases the risk of firearm-related injuries, especially in crowded environments. The researchers suggest that pediatric primary care and emergency departments could help identify at-risk youth by discussing firearm access and exposure to violence. However, limitations in the survey may lead to an undercount of firearm carriage among students who are absent or have dropped out.

STATE NEWS

New law aims to enhance campus safety

The Florida Board of Education has adopted a new provision under HB 757 aimed at enhancing campus safety by requiring the transfer of student disciplinary records to postsecondary institutions. This initiative follows the tragic campus shootings at FSU in 2025, which resulted in two fatalities. Board Chair Ryan Petty, whose daughter was a victim of the Parkland shooting, emphasized the importance of sharing information to track threats, stating: "This builds on the system that we've developed... to keep track of threats that are posed to the schools." The policy mandates that records include serious behavior patterns and psychological evaluations. However, concerns were raised about the potential punitive use of these records in college admissions, prompting discussions on balancing safety with the privacy of students transitioning to adulthood.

Poll reveals property tax amendment risks

A recent University of North Florida poll indicates that the proposed constitutional amendment to reduce property taxes on primary homes may hinge on how it is presented to voters. When informed that the amendment would require cities and counties to fund only core services, 61% of voters supported it, just above the 60% threshold needed for approval. However, when voters learned it could lead to an $11.8 bn shortfall over two years, support plummeted to 45%. Jackson Peel, communications director for Save Our Services, No On 3, said: “I think that if Floridians know what it's going to cost them — they're going to vote no.” The amendment, which will be on the Nov. 3 ballot, aims to increase homestead exemptions but lacks a clear plan for funding essential local services. Legal challenges regarding the ballot language are ongoing, with concerns about its clarity and potential bias.

Tragedy strikes: child drownings surge

In Florida, child drownings have reached alarming levels, with 74 fatalities reported this year alone, making it the leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 4. Casey McGovern, who lost her daughter Edna Mae to drowning in 2009, now advocates for water safety, emphasizing the need for supervision and protective measures. “It was 29 minutes from checking out with groceries for a family of five to watching my daughter fight for her life,” McGovern said. Despite ongoing public education efforts, many parents remain unaware of the risks associated with water. Experts stress the importance of supervision, barriers, swimming lessons, and CPR training to prevent these tragedies. The rise in drownings is attributed to distractions, particularly from technology, which can divert parents' attention away from their children.

NATIONAL NEWS

Limited access to advanced math linked to STEM workforce gaps

A new report from Just Equations argues that systemic barriers continue to limit Black students’ access to high-quality mathematics, with Black students representing 15% of U.S. public school enrollment but only 6% of those taking AP math courses during the 2021-22 school year. The report says unequal access to Algebra I in middle school, Algebra II, calculus, and other advanced courses restricts college and career opportunities, contributing to Black workers accounting for 9% of the STEM workforce despite making up 12% of the overall workforce. The organization is calling for reforms that expand access to advanced math, redesign high school math pathways, invest in culturally responsive instruction, and remove admissions practices that reinforce inequities, arguing that improving math opportunities would strengthen both educational outcomes and workforce diversity.

TECHNOLOGY

School districts expand data privacy policies

K–12 school districts are increasingly adopting formal data governance programs to strengthen student data privacy, improve cybersecurity, support compliance with regulations such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), and prepare for the growing use of artificial intelligence in education. District leaders are documenting policies, enforcing least-privilege access, reviewing software vendor agreements, and using tools such as multifactor authentication, single sign-on, identity management, and data loss prevention to better safeguard sensitive information. School technology leaders say effective data governance requires districtwide collaboration rather than being treated solely as an IT responsibility.

New AI tools aim to detect student engagement in real time

Ambient artificial intelligence could help teachers personalize instruction by analyzing classroom interactions, participation patterns, and environmental factors in real time, potentially identifying student disengagement, adjusting lesson pacing, and reducing administrative workloads without requiring direct user prompts. While early applications are emerging in K-12 classrooms, experts say widespread adoption remains years away due to significant concerns over data privacy, surveillance, accuracy, bias, and the collection and use of sensitive student information. 

GOVERNANCE

Retaliation scandal rocks local school

An independent investigation into Julie Lawson, the former principal of Kate Sullivan Elementary School, revealed serious misconduct, including retaliation against staff and improper disclosure of confidential information. The 36-page report, obtained by the Tallahassee Democrat, highlighted a toxic school culture, with witnesses comparing it to the film "Mean Girls." Investigators noted: "The investigation revealed serious cultural issues," indicating a division among staff. Lawson allegedly downplayed incidents of physical abuse involving a special needs student and leveraged her past relationship with Superintendent Rocky Hanna to exert influence. Following the investigation, which concluded on July 2, Lawson's contract was not renewed, and she was replaced by Nikki Bradley. The report also documented a pattern of retaliation against teachers and concerns about a hostile work environment.

Lee County School Board race heats up

The Lee County School Board is gearing up for a primary election on August 18, with four of its seven seats on the ballot. District 5 incumbent Armor Persons, a lifelong resident and small business owner, is running against Carline Saintilus and Crystal Johnson. Persons emphasized his commitment to fiscal responsibility and parental involvement, stating: "My focus remains simple: putting students first." The district faces a $92.4m budget deficit, prompting candidates to prioritize fiscal transparency and teacher retention. Voters in District 5 will decide who advances to the general election on Nov. 3 if no candidate secures over 50% of the primary vote. The Lee County School District serves over 100,000 students across 118 schools, making it the eighth-largest in Florida.

DISTRICTS

Baker County's education revolution

Katie Wilford, co-founder of Baker County Christian Co-Op, highlights the importance of educational choice in Florida. Founded a decade ago, the K-12 hybrid school offers flexible learning options for home-educated students, allowing attendance up to four days a week. However, a lawsuit from the state's largest teachers union threatens the Florida education choice scholarship, which supports nearly 1m K-12 students. Wilford said: "Parents know what's best for their children; they need options and the flexibility to find the best match." The co-op has grown from 45 students to an expected 300 next year, with a waiting list of 600, demonstrating the demand for diverse educational opportunities. The union's actions could jeopardize these options, impacting countless families seeking tailored education solutions.

SAFETY & SECURITY

AI cameras to boost bus safety

Broward County is set to install AI cameras on all 1,300 school buses by August 10, aiming to enhance student safety. These cameras will identify drivers who illegally pass stopped buses, with enforcement starting on September 9, resulting in $225 fines for violators. The program, initially delayed, will now be managed by the Broward Schools Police Department after the Broward Sheriff's Office agreed to contract enforcement. The initiative follows a similar program in Miami-Dade County, which flagged over 400 violations daily.

STUDENT SUPPORT

Record scholarships awarded by Woman's Club

The Woman's Club of Stuart has awarded a record $136,200 in college scholarships to 40 recipients this year, as reported by Jennifer McTeague, chair of the scholarship committee. The awards, ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, benefited 18 high school seniors and 19 students with renewable scholarships. Additionally, scholarships were granted for various educational programs, including a local college baccalaureate, a master's program, and a certificate program. Knight Kiplinger, a supporter of the scholarship program, praised the winners, stating: "Education is the key to lifetime financial security."

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Summer construction boom in Manatee County

Manatee County School District is leveraging the summer break to advance its construction projects, according to Reginald Goff, director of the Construction Services Department. “Summer is the time where we have the most opportunities,” he said, emphasizing the need to expedite work while students are away. Major projects include the $144m Rangeland High School, which will accommodate over 1,000 students by August 2027, and expansions at Lake Manatee K-8 and Lakewood Ranch High School. The latter is undergoing a $30m HVAC system overhaul after mold concerns were raised. Goff noted that summer serves as a “great accelerator” for timely construction, ensuring that schools are ready for students in the upcoming years.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Back-to-school savings: are they real?

Florida's back-to-school sales tax holiday is currently active, running until August 20, 2026. This initiative aims to help families save on essential school supplies, clothing, and technology. However, the actual savings may be modest. A recent analysis revealed that for a fifth-grader's supply list, parents could save approximately $25.15 during the holiday, which is "about the price for three McDonald's Happy Meals, with a little change left over." While the tax exemption applies to various items, including computers priced at $1,500 or less, parents are encouraged to explore local options for potentially better deals. Overall, the holiday offers some savings, but shoppers should remain vigilant for the best prices.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Future officers: Tampa's new initiative

The University of Tampa has partnered with the Tampa Police Department to create a program that allows criminology and criminal justice seniors to attend the police academy during their final semester. This initiative enables students to earn course credit while the police department covers their tuition. Upon graduation, they will step into full-time officer roles. Carly Hilinski-Rosick, chair of the criminology and criminal justice department, noted that this partnership was inspired by similar programs elsewhere, providing students a "four-month head start" in their law enforcement careers. Police Chief Lee Bercaw emphasized the program's significance, stating, “By working alongside the University of Tampa, we're creating a direct path for students to begin their law enforcement journey with the Tampa Police Department.”

HIGHER EDUCATION

Culverhouse donates $1m to UF

Hugh F. Culverhouse Jr., a prominent Sarasota lawyer, has donated $1m to the University of Florida (UF) to establish the Hugh F. Culverhouse Jr. Chair in Constitutional Law at its law school. This endowment aims to attract a nationally recognized scholar and enhance discussions on public policy and legal matters. Culverhouse expressed his excitement for UF's future under new President Stuart Bell, stating: “I have seen firsthand the impact of his leadership and am proud to support the vision he brings to the University of Florida.” This contribution marks the first major donation since Bell's appointment. Culverhouse has a history of philanthropy, including a $1.1m donation in 2020 for scholarships in honor of civil rights leader John Lewis.
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