Author
What’s up with Amendments 7, 9 and 11 — and 6, 8 and 10?
The fate of three Constitutional Amendments is still hanging in the balance about six weeks from election day Nov. 6, and another three Amendments may suddenly be in a quandary. The good news: There’s been some movement on reaching a conclusion on Amendments 7, 9 and 11 at the Florida Supreme Court. As of noon […]
With AG race close, Republican Ashley Moody endorsed by most sheriffs; Democrat Sean Shaw says he has support from “wide range of Floridians.”
In what is playing out as an extremely competitive race for Florida’s Attorney General, Republican nominee Ashley Moody announced today that nearly 90 percent of the state’s sheriffs have endorsed her — including eight Democratic sheriffs. The Democratic sheriffs are mostly in North Florida, while Republican sheriffs sprinkle the state. Sheriffs in big South Florida […]
A closer look at Florida Constitutional Amendment 2
About this Florida Phoenix series: Florida voters could face a whopping twelve different proposed amendments to the state Constitution on Nov. 6 – one of the longest lists ever. The amendments cover a wild ride of subjects, including complex changes to tax policy, banning offshore oil drilling and greyhound racing, expanding gambling, automatically restoring voting […]
A closer look at Florida Constitutional Amendment 1
About this Florida Phoenix series: Florida voters could face a whopping twelve different proposed amendments to the state Constitution on Nov. 6 – one of the longest lists ever. The amendments cover a wild ride of subjects, including complex changes to tax policy, banning offshore oil drilling and greyhound racing, expanding gambling, automatically restoring voting […]
Focus on public education: DeSantis releases school policy plans; Gillum stands by his $1 billion proposal
In his first major policy plan on public education in Florida, Republican gubernatorial nominee Ron DeSantis released details Tuesday that would tackle everything from potential wasteful spending, political biases in textbooks and a “complete review” of academic standards to ensure that the federal government isn’t dictating standards to Florida. In terms of education spending, a […]
What taxpayers may not know about Florida’s charter schools
Florida’s booming charter movement – one of the largest in the country and now more than 20 years old — has increasingly moved away from independent, nonprofit “mom and pop” charter schools and nonprofit chains. Today, nearly half of the charters are run by for-profit private companies, “which earn profits from tax money in a […]
The clouds over Florida’s gubernatorial nominees
Life isn’t perfect on the gubernatorial campaign trail. Andrew Gillum, the Tallahassee mayor and Democratic nominee for governor, has been under a cloud related to an FBI corruption investigation into city government. Based on news accounts — particularly reporting done by the Tallahassee Democrat — the investigation involves undercover agents, trips outside of the state […]
U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos loses lawsuit over college misconduct and delays in student loans discharged
For the millions of students struggling with college loans and trying to stay abreast of what’s happening on the loan front, here’s the latest news: The U.S. Department of Education and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos lost a lawsuit this week related to lengthy delays in helping students get their federal loans discharged when colleges engage […]
State finance problems loom as next governor comes into office
Florida’s next governor and Legislature will face looming state finance challenges as well as concerns about threats to the tourism industry that yields billions of tax dollars for the state, a new financial picture shows. One of those threats to tourism has already occurred, the report notes: This summer’s toxic algae outbreaks, which washed tons […]
Appointed or elected officials? Voters will have a say
A cadre of elected officials, from sheriffs to tax collectors and supervisors of elections, launched a statewide initiative today to support Florida Constitutional Amendment 10, which will go before voters in the Nov. 6 election. The ballot measure proposes a provocative question: Must those local officials be elected or appointed? The group gathered on the […]
Trained law enforcement officers or “guardians” – the controversy continues
With the new school year now in session, educators, families, lawmakers, various advocacy groups and the governor are still grappling with campus security in the aftermath of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shootings – specifically about who should be patrolling campuses. A broad coalition today called on a key legislative commission to provide $58-million […]
FL Supreme Court knocks education Amendment 8 off November ballot; keeps other measures on
In a high-stakes decision on the future of public education, the Florida Supreme Court on Friday knocked so-called Amendment 8 off the November ballot, cementing the role of local school boards to create and oversee their public schools. The 4-3 decision came after oral arguments on Wednesday, with justices asking pointed questions about whether voters […]