Tuesday's Afternoon Update

Will Short Gorham | 8/24/2010

Florida Wins $700 million in Federal Grant Money

The U.S. Education Department said Tuesday that Florida, eight other states and the nation's capital will get money to reform schools in the second round of the $4.35 billion Race to the Top grant competition. U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, has confirmed that Florida will receive $700 million — the maximum amount it could request — in Race to the Top funding. The money will go toward a plan that the state created that aims to create such changes as increased teacher evaluation and performance pay. [Source: St. Petersburg Times]

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MUST-KNOW FLORIDIAN Meet the Burmese Python. He is one of five large constrictor snakes that is now listed as a "conditional species" under state regulations. Conditional nonnative species are considered to be dangerous to the ecology and/or the health and welfare of the people of Florida. These species are not allowed to be personally possessed, although exceptions are made by permit. » Newsmakers: Python » List of Conditional & Prohibited Species

Kiplingers Puts Brevard on "Great" List

Quick, what do Brevard County, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Charlottesville, Va., and Dothan, Ala., have in common? They are the five best places in America to retire, at least according to Kiplingers.com. The personal-finance website came up with the eclectic list by rating areas on factors including cost-of-living, weather, the number of doctors, taxes, crime rates and recreational opportunities. Leading the way for the Space Coast were low taxes, beautiful beaches and abundant recreational activities.
[Source: Florida Today]

RELATED:
» Kiplinger's 5 Great Cities for Retirees

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School Nurses' Roles Expand as Budgets Get Cut

Even as nurses play a larger role in students' health, not all schools in South Florida have a nurse, thanks to cash-strapped budgets. The state of Florida has gotten a poor grade for its number of school nurses. There is one nurse for every 2,518 students, according to a recent survey by the National Association of School Nurses. The group recommends one nurse for every 750 students, if they are healthy. More nurses are needed for student populations with more complex healthcare needs. [Source: Miami Herald]

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Florida Panther Refuge Land Could Triple in Size

Several South Florida landowners are willing to sell enough land to the federal government to triple the size of the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, according to four environmental groups pushing the purchase as a way to provide Florida's state animal with more protected habitat. However, the environmental groups don't know how much such a purchase would cost. And they would not identify all the landowners involved. [Source: St. Petersburg Times]

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Ocala Breeders Calls Off Sale

Citing a dwindling supply of 2-year-old thoroughbreds available for sale, the Ocala Breeders' Sales Co. announced they will cut their February sale in 2011, traditionally the first juvenile sale in the nation, and consolidate it with the March sale. The move comes as the thoroughbred market continues to slowly recover from the economic downturn. [Source: Ocala Star-Banner]

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Out of the (Batter's) Box One, two, three strikes you're rich! In 2007, with the worst record in baseball, the Tampa Bay Rays netted $11 million. The next year, when they made a World Series run? $4 million net. These numbers, plus similar ones from the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Florida Marlins, confirm what many baseball observers have suspected for years: In some markets, holding down player salaries can be profitable — even when your hitters strike out, your shortstop has no range and your starting pitchers can't get out of the fourth inning. Read more from the St. Petersburg Times

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