In Florida schools, a debate unfolds: What does ‘civics’ mean in 2026?

That very question of what it means to be a civic-minded America has long been a focal point in education debates across Florida and the nation. In the last few years, poor national scores on the “Nation’s Report Card” civics test heightened the political resolve to have schools do something about it. But what is that something? [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

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» What is civics, anyway? And why should Florida schools teach it?

Florida Trend Exclusive
Staking a namesake

Florida State University has named its College of Business after Herbert Wertheim, a highly successful optometrist, inventor, businessman and philanthropist. Wertheim recently gifted FSU $65 million, the largest single philanthropic donation in the university's history. In 2022, Wertheim donated $100 million to the University of Florida to be used for biomedical research. That gift remains the largest in UF's history. [Source: Florida Trend]

Task force delves into fiscal future of college sports in Florida

State university leaders kicked off efforts Monday to ensure college sports in Florida are competitive and sustainable amid the rapidly changing landscape of collegiate athletics. The system’s Board of Governors’ new Task Force on Intercollegiate Athletics held its first online conference call. Members grappled with how to tackle a host of issues that arose after litigation in recent years allowed athletes to receive payment for the use of their name, image and likeness (NIL), a split from the traditional amateur model held in place by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. [Source: News Service of Florida]

Legislature eyes fixes for voucher program despite inaction so far

Months after the state’s auditor general found a "myriad of accountability challenges" with Florida’s K-12 school voucher system, the Legislature failed to pass a bill providing better oversight of the $4 billion program. Now the Florida Department of Education and the scholarship funding organizations that administer the program, such as Step Up for Students, are attempting to fix the mismanagement of millions of dollars without legislative guidance. [Source: WLRN]

Keiser University marks nearly 50 years of career education while tackling Florida's nursing shortage

Keiser University is marking a major milestone after nearly 50 years of career-focused education, serving students across the state and beyond. That sense of community is part of what has driven the university’s growth over the years. "It's very humbling, and it brings back to that hometown feel. Feels like again, I'm part of their family," student Hailey Quick said. Since opening its first campus in 1977, the school has expanded across Florida. [Source: WTXL]

Florida Trend Mention

Talent Strong Florida Summit — May 6–8, 2026

Nearly half of Florida adults lack a postsecondary credential. By 2031, 64% of jobs here will require one. The Talent Strong Florida Summit brings together education, workforce, and business leaders to build the pathways Florida needs. Register today at FCANSummit.org. May 6–8, 2026 | Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay Learn more and register today.

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› South Florida high school's first graduating class turning opportunity into life-changing success [CBS News]
Cristo Rey Miami High School is celebrating a major milestone – its very first graduating class. And their achievements are extraordinary. Collectively, the senior class has earned more than $20 million in scholarship offers. School leaders say it's driven by a unique model.

› UF Board of Trustees vote to move weekend part-time MBA program to Jacksonville [Main Street Daily News]
The University of Florida Board of Trustees unanimously voted to move the Warrington College of Business Master of Business weekend part-time Master of Business Administration (MBA) one-year and two-year program formats from Gainesville to the new UF graduate campus in Jacksonville at a virtual meeting on Tuesday.

› Pasco asks voters to renew school tax for teacher, staff pay [Tampa Bay Times]
Pasco County voters will get a chance to decide in November whether to continue paying a local-option property tax that bolsters school teacher and support staff paychecks. The County Commission on Tuesday unanimously authorized placing the school district’s referendum on the 2026 ballot. Pasco joins several other Florida districts, including Broward and Brevard counties, in seeking voter support in the fall for extra tax revenue.

› Northwest Florida State College drives $283 million economic impact, supports nearly 4,000 jobs [Get The Coast]
Northwest Florida State College contributes $283.1 million to the regional economy each year and supports nearly 4,000 jobs across Okaloosa and Walton counties, according to a newly released economic impact report. The report found that for every $1 invested in NWFSC, students gain $6.50 in lifetime earnings. One out of every 58 jobs in the two-county area is supported by the activities of the college and its students.

Troy Pindell: One of Florida’s top YouTube stars