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Florida
18th August 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Bishops clash with AG over vaccines

Florida Catholic bishops are challenging Attorney General James Uthmeier's authority, claiming he is infringing on their First Amendment rights regarding vaccine policies. In a letter, Michael Sheedy, executive director of the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, expressed concerns over Uthmeier's threat to revoke state-funded scholarships for Catholic schools that do not comply with vaccine exemption requests. Sheedy said: "Any inquiry is foreclosed by the First Amendment," emphasizing that decisions on vaccine exemptions involve religious teachings and should be left to the Church. With over 86,000 students attending Catholic schools receiving state scholarships, the bishops argue that parental rights and religious beliefs must be respected. Uthmeier's office has not responded to the bishops' letter, but he has criticized the Church's stance on vaccinations, questioning whether schools that do not adhere to state laws should receive funding.

STATE NEWS

Groups fight back against Moms for Liberty

The Equality Florida Political Action Committee and Southern Poverty Law Center Action Fund are investing $250,000 in mailers to reach over 200,000 voters in critical Florida School Board races. The initiative aims to help voters identify candidates who prioritize student success and oppose censorship in education. Joe Saunders, director of Equality Florida's PAC, said: “Together, we can fire Moms for Liberty, get politics out of our classrooms, and elect public school champions.” The funding also includes $150,000 for digital ads and direct voter contact. Despite previous successes, Moms for Liberty's influence is reportedly declining, with recent reports indicating a lack of investment in this election cycle.

DISTRICTS

Election fever hits Orange County

Orange County voters are set to elect a new School Board Chair and members for Districts 1, 2, and 3 amid significant challenges, including a budget crisis and declining enrollment. Current members Alicia Farrant and Angie Gallo are competing for the Chair position, with Farrant representing conservative views and Gallo advocating for educational inclusivity. "Students shouldn't be censored from learning history," Gallo said, emphasizing the importance of access to diverse materials. Other candidates include Melissa Lopez Marantes and David Shepard for District 1, Marisol Lugo and Gloria Reina O'Neal for District 2, and three candidates for District 3, including Ilia Adorno and Diana Moore. U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost has endorsed Gallo, while the Orange County Republican Party supports Farrant. The elections will take place on Tuesday.

Tucker challenges Chong for school board

Flagler School Board Chair Christy Chong faces challengers Trevor Tucker and Ron Long in the District 4 primary election. Tucker, a lifelong Flagler County resident and local business owner, previously served on the board and emphasized the importance of the education system, stating: "The education system in Flagler County is extremely important to me." He criticized the board's lengthy deadlock over selecting a vice chair, questioning their ability to handle more significant issues. Tucker also discussed the recent proposal to include a controversial anti-abortion video in the curriculum, calling it "very odd timing" during election season. He supports maintaining the district's "A" rating and believes in the effectiveness of school resource deputies for campus safety, opposing the guardian program for staff. 

Palm Beach County School Board shakeup

Marcia Andrews and Erica Whitfield are stepping down from the Palm Beach County School Board, creating two open seats. Whitfield's District 4 seat has attracted four candidates: Tiffany Bryant, Anthony Hamlet, Christina Romelus, and Daniel Zapata. Romelus, endorsed by Whitfield, emphasizes her public service background, while Hamlet, a former superintendent, runs on a “results, not rhetoric” platform. In District 6, John McGovern, Wanda Rosario-Schoenfeld, and Widline Pierre are competing to succeed Andrews. McGovern has a financial edge and focuses on safe schools and better teacher pay. Pierre aims to rebuild enrollment, which has dropped by 6,000 students. All candidates will appear on todays primary ballot, with a runoff in November if no one secures over 50% of the vote. "The race is heating up," said Whitfield.

Broward County's School Board races heat up

Broward County voters are set to decide on five School Board races amid significant challenges facing Florida's second-largest district. The district has experienced a nearly 5% enrollment drop in the past year, leading to a $90m deficit and the elimination of 1,000 positions. Despite these financial strains, the Florida Department of Education reported academic gains, with 129 district-operated schools earning “A's.” Incumbent Maura McCarthy Bulman is seeking re-election in District 1, while District 4 features a competitive race between Sharry Kimmel and Nicole Morst. In District 6, incumbent Adam Cervera faces four challengers, and District 7 has two Democrats vying for the seat. Allen Zeman is defending his at-large seat against Sonja Azim, both Democrats.

Candidates clash for Manatee County District 2 seat

Five candidates are competing for the District 2 seat on the Manatee County School Board in the upcoming 2026 election. Incumbent Cindy Spray aims to retain her position against challengers James T. Golden, Sharon Jefferson, Margi Nanney, and JT White. Each candidate brings unique experiences and perspectives on improving the school district. Spray emphasized her focus on early education and workforce readiness, stating: “My focus when I got on the board was reading and math results.” Jefferson, a history teacher, highlighted the need for community-focused solutions, saying: “We have to use our resources to make sure that we are addressing all the issues.”

GOVERNANCE

New principals shake up Lee County Schools

The Lee County School District is set to welcome 14 new principals and assistant principals for the 2026-27 school year, effective July 1. Robert Spicker, the district's communications director, confirmed the appointments made during summer school board meetings. Notable new leaders include Robert Cooper, named principal of Edgewood Academy, who previously served as principal at Bonita Springs Elementary and was recognized as Lee County Principal of the Year in 2020. "Strong relationships between students, staff, families, and the community are what truly drive a school forward," said Ryan Atwood, the new principal at Mariner Middle School, emphasizing the importance of community in education. Other appointments include Thomas Millins at The Sanibel School and Danielle Pinkerton at Gateway High School, among others.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Leon County Schools prioritize student safety

Leon County Schools are implementing safety measures in response to an extreme heat warning, with "real feel" temperatures expected to reach between 110 and 117 degrees. The district announced on social media that it will provide frequent water breaks and limit strenuous outdoor activities to protect students. "The health and safety of our students and staff will always remain our top priority," the district said. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights that school-age children are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Additionally, student athletics will follow Florida High School Athletic Association guidelines during this heat wave. The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories for Tallahassee and surrounding areas, indicating dangerous conditions are likely to persist throughout the week.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Coping with back-to-school stress

As the new school year begins, many students experience anxiety due to changes in their environment. Mental health experts emphasize the importance of recognizing early signs of stress and developing coping strategies. Techniques such as deep breathing, grounding exercises, and talking to trusted adults can help manage overwhelming feelings. Neeley Hughey, a licensed mental health counselor, said: “When students notice those signs, the goal isn't necessarily to make the feeling disappear, instead, they can focus on helping their nervous system settle enough to get through the moment.” Parents can support their children by establishing routines, ensuring adequate sleep, and limiting social media use. It's crucial for families to recognize when to seek help, as some anxiety is a normal reaction to transitions.

PERFORMING ARTS

Arsht Center unveils exciting arts lineup

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County has announced its 2026-27 lineup, featuring over 20 free arts education performances aimed at connecting students to live theater, music, and STEAM learning. This initiative, part of Arsht Impact, is expected to serve around 80,000 students and teachers through various programs, including field trips and hands-on learning experiences. "These experiences are provided at no cost to Miami-Dade County Public Schools students," said the center. The lineup includes performances like "Superheroínas" and "Kitty Hawk," designed to enhance students' learning and engagement with the arts. Additionally, the Arsht High School Musical Theater Awards Program will offer students opportunities to work with Broadway professionals.

FURTHER EDUCATION

Vocational education dream realized

Lake Technical College is set to open its South Campus in the former Clermont Elementary School building, offering vocational courses in HVAC, paramedics, nursing, and more. President DeAnna Thomas said: “This day has been a very long time coming,” highlighting the significance of expanding educational opportunities in South Lake County. The campus aims to serve the community's workforce needs, particularly for young adults. The Lincoln Park Education Center, which opened in May 2024, supports high school students balancing jobs and education. With a recent $3.7m state appropriation, the college is committed to creating new opportunities for individuals to build rewarding careers. Lake County Schools Superintendent Diane Kornegay emphasized the need for innovative education solutions post-COVID, stating: “We had to serve the needs of our kids but also the community as well.”
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