March 28, 2024

Thursday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 8/1/2013

Florida Education Commissioner Tony Bennett resigns

Tony Bennett resigned Thursday as Florida education commissioner following two days of raging controversy over school grading in his home state of Indiana. His resignation is a major setback for Gov. Scott and state education leaders, who are working to overhaul Florida's system of school accountability and assessment in compliance with the national Common Core standards. More at the Times/Herald and the AP.

Statement from Florida State Board of Education Chairman Gary Chartrand Regarding the Resignation of Education Commissioner Tony Bennett

"Tony demonstrated great leadership transitioning Florida to new state standards – and he worked tirelessly during his tenure to provide students and teachers with the tools they needed to succeed. I thank him for his hard work and the support that he and Governor Scott have provided to educators and students across the state. In order to continue the success that Tony facilitated, it is my intention to convene a State Board of Education call tomorrow to recommend that the board appoint our K-12 Chancellor Pam Stewart as Interim Commissioner."

Read Bennett's official resignation letter here.


National Retail Properties has strong second quarter

Orlando-based real estate investment trust National Retail Properties Inc. reported second-quarter increases in revenues, profits and funds from operations. The company, which invests in shopping centers, generated $96.1 million in revenue — an 18.4 percent jump. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]


Florida Tech mentoring plan helps firms go

Business Profile

Fort Myers-based NeoGenomics Inc. bulks up

research scientist
NeoGenomics Inc., a cancer testing company based in Fort Myers, has expanded its sales force and continues to develop more tests to offset falling test revenues.

NeoGenomics provides testing services to pathologists, oncologists, urologists and other clinicians, and hospitals throughout the United States.

» Full story from the Fort Myers News-Press

Florida Tech Women’s Business Center this week is rolling out its “IGNITE Mentoring Program – Fueling Business Growth for Second Stage Entrepreneurs” to kick off the sixth annual Women’s Business Expo. The mentoring program is designed to provide expertise to small business operators who want to get to the next level of growth and profitability. More at Florida Today.


New Allegiant flights a boon for tourism

Allegiant Airlines' decision to beef up service to Punta Gorda Airport this fall will likely bring hundreds of thousands of new visitors to Southwest Florida and be a boon to regional tourism promotion efforts. More at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.


Column: Non-profits, businesses can be alike

For most non-profits, it is given that a board of directors will be established whether it is advisory or governing in nature. Yet, I’ve met very few small business owners these past few years who utilize advisory boards to their advantage. Why? More at Florida Today.

Out of the Box
Rising Legal Star

gabrielle turnquestWindermere native Gabrielle Turnquest was called to the Bar of England and Wales after passing her exams at just 18. The average lawyer undertakes the Bar Professional Training Course when they are 27. However, the young high-flyer will not go on to work in the UK as she wants to return to her native America to qualify as a lawyer there.

» More from Business Insider and News One.


Tags: Daily Pulse

In case you missed it:

Florida Trend Video Pick

Bitter-to-swallow cocoa costs force chocolate shops to raise prices
Bitter-to-swallow cocoa costs force chocolate shops to raise prices

Central Floirda chocolate shops are left with a bitter taste as cocoa prices hit an all-time high earlier this week.

Video Picks | Viewpoints@FloridaTrend

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