Students' scores on Florida tests show benchmark improvements. National indicators aren't as promising
But one critic said these tests are not an accurate indicator of how students are — or aren’t — improving. Students take Florida Assessment of Student Thinking tests for math and English-language arts courses three times a year. End-of-course exams are given twice a year for some science and history courses. But while scores on state tests improved, the president of state's largest teachers' union says that Florida students’ national test scores are falling. [Source: WUSF]
Florida wants small farmers to sell chickens with organs and head intact. Farmers revolt
Chris Williams and his brother have plans to open a farm on family property in Century in Escambia County and sell homegrown chicken products. Chris’ brother, Travis, already operates a successful farm in North Florida, raising poultry and other livestock and Chris keeps more than two dozen chickens on his property in Milton and sells their eggs. However, the Florida Department of Agriculture (FDACS) is proposing a significant change to the definition of “dressed poultry” for small poultry farm producers, which they say would hurt Travis’ business and possibly kill their plans to launch another farm. [Source: Pensacola News Journal]
Column: Why hurricane prep must go beyond sandbags for Florida businesses
As hurricane season approaches, Florida employers must plan for more than just physical preparations. Operational disruptions, workplace safety and wage-and-hour compliance all become critical issues. A clear, updated hurricane policy should outline expectations for all employees before, during and after a storm. [Source: Tampa Bay Business Journal]
Which are the most popular retirement states? Not the ones you think.
Common wisdom suggests older Americans flock to sunny Florida and Arizona to retire. But where do Americans actually go to retire? Not where you think, according to a new study. Wyoming, home to Grand Teton National Park, has gained retirees at a faster pace than any other state in the past decade, according to a June analysis by BizInsure, the online insurance agency. South Carolina ranks second. More from USA Today and the Economic Times.
Florida lawmakers cheer end of U.S. Mexico agreement on tomato imports – but will it raise prices?
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s announcement that it will withdraw from an agreement with Mexico controlling tomato imports is being applauded by Florida lawmakers, who say it will allow Florida and other U.S. farmers to catch up to what the agency has labeled “unfairly produced Mexican imports.” But the proposal is fiercely opposed by lawmakers in Arizona and Texas, who claim the tariff being placed on Mexican tomatoes will harm their own economies and provide consumers with less choice and higher prices. [Source: Florida Phoenix]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Orlando theaters get creative with all-access passes and more
Central Florida theme parks enjoy robust annual-pass programs, but will the same idea work for theaters? In recent days, a couple of local theaters have introduced or refined programs that like a top-tier annual pass to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando allow unlimited access and other perks. The all-access pass at Orlando’s Renaissance Theatre and the annual pass at the Hideaway Performing Arts Center in Eustis join similar initiatives at places such as Theater West End in Sanford, which has added a new option to its pass program for “spontaneous theatergoers.” The goal is twofold, theater leaders say: To build a loyal clientele — and to reward patrons for their loyalty.
› Largo’s East Bay Drive corridor is experiencing a dining renaissance
The East Bay Drive corridor is experiencing a dining renaissance, with several new restaurants either recently opened or preparing to debut this fall. Largo Mayor Woody Brown called the business surge “long overdue,” crediting two decades of development efforts that began with securing the county’s first Culver’s franchise. “Fifteen years ago, the thought of a Stratchan’s Ice Cream or a Bogey’s Tavern opening in this area wouldn’t even be a consideration,” Brown said. “But here we are. And it’s great to see.”
› Jacksonville launches campaign to attack litter and blight
Jacksonville is beginning a campaign to fight litter and blight that will employ new technology and possibly drones to identify trouble spots and increase enforcement. Mayor Donna Deegan announced the program — Keep Jax Cute – Don’t Pollute — on Thursday. She described it as a combination of education, prevention, enforcement and community engagement to “take back our streets, parks and neighborhoods and bring back a sense of pride.”
› Outrage followed Miami’s vote to move election. Now some are trying to reverse it
Absurdity. A brazen power grab. Disenfranchisement. A slap in the face to democracy. The most self-serving non-solution. An absolute disgrace. Those are some of the things being said about the decision Miami city commissioners made last week to cancel the upcoming November election, where voters would have chosen a new mayor and two commissioners.
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› Israeli drone manufacturer opens US hub in Tampa
XTEND Reality Inc., an Israeli autonomous drone systems manufacturer, has opened its new U.S. headquarters in Tampa. According to the defense technology company, the facility expands its U.S. production capacity to meet a demand for advanced drone systems in the defense and public safety sectors.
› Miami is a top 25 tech ecosystem in the world, Dealroom’s ranking finds
A third global ecosystem ranking in recent months features the Miami metro area in a prime position. The latest one is by Dealroom, a global data platform that maps the world’s tech ecosystems. Dealroom analyzed 288 qualifying cities and metro areas across 69 countries to come up with its ranking.
› Space Force command shifts on the Space Coast
The Space Force officer in charge of overseeing each launch on the Space Coast has changed hands. Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen handed off some of her duties including the roles of commander for Space Launch Delta 45 and director of the Eastern Range to Space Force Col. Brian Chatman.
› State law forces Punta Gorda to repeal new development rules
Punta Gorda City Council voted to repeal its recently adopted Land Development Regulations after learning the updated rules conflicted with new state legislation that severely limits local authority on growth controls in hurricane-impacted areas. The regulations, approved by the former City Council in February 2024, allowed greater building heights and density in some areas of Punta Gorda.