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Tuesday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida's high stakes school tests deemed valid
Florida's high stakes tests taken by millions of school children are valid according to a new independent study. But the study released Tuesday by the Department of Education continues to raise serious questions about the test known as the Florida Standards Assessment. More at the AP, StateImpact Florida, the Orlando Sentinel, and the Bradenton Herald.
See also:
» Florida tests shouldn't be used for student-level consequences, report says
Erika's wild ride shows difficulty of hurricane forecasting
Erika's path was all over the forecast map: Was it going to hit near Miami as a hurricane, barrel up the spine of the state or take aim at the west coast of Florida? The wildly changing forecasts frustrated some Floridians who didn't know whether they should buy supplies or ignore the warnings. More at the Orlando Sentinel and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
UF receives record $706.8 million in research funding in 2015
The University of Florida received $706.8 million in research awards last year, surpassing the previous record set in fiscal year 2014 by $5.1 million. Among the highlights of the 2015 fiscal year, which ended June 30, was a record $102 million in funding from industry, a 41 percent increase over 2014. More from UF News.
Insurance rates jumping for Florida's children's health program
Thousands of children in the Florida Healthy Kids health-insurance program will see their rates jump as of Oct. 1 — and state officials are blaming the federal Affordable Care Act. More at the Florida Times-Union and CBS Miami.
Melbourne businesses adding workers
A new firm is coming to Melbourne while an existing one is expanding. Both are involved in the medical field and both are in hiring mode. More from Florida Today.
Business Profile
Master Taxidermy Studio
The workshop at Master Taxidermy Studio looks like a cross between an antique tool shop and a medieval torture chamber. Business at the studio is picking up with the Florida alligator-hunting and South Carolina deer-hunting seasons in full swing.
» More from the Orlando Sentinel
Around the State
Charting Taylor County's Future
Big landowner Foley Timber & Land knew Taylor County wouldn’t stay out of the way of growth forever. It worked with local residents to craft a thoughtful master plan for development. But will the plan survive now that the landowner has decided to sell?
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