Legislators under pressure to alter school testing

For nearly 2 million Florida public school students, the next few weeks could be a crucial moment in their education. The state is undertaking one of the biggest changes in its classrooms since former Gov. Jeb Bush pushed through his signature A+ school grading system nearly 16 years ago. More from the AP.

See also:
» Florida Testing Debate Shifts For Republicans
» School officials sweat as online testing looms next week
» Standardized test debate continues

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Gov. Scott faces concern from fellow Republicans over 'tax increase'

In touting his plan for record school spending, Gov. Rick Scott is ignoring a fact that concerns some of his fellow Republicans: He wants property taxpayers to pay more. Scott's $77 billion budget, awaiting review by the Legislature, includes $842 million more for public schools, raising per pupil spending to its highest level. More at the Tampa Bay Times and the Miami Herald.

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SeaWorld reports bigger profit loss, lower revenue

Innovation Eyeing a Fix Pensacola ophthalmologist Sunil Gupta and his team at Intelligent Retinal Imaging Systems have invented an optic camera that they hope can put an end to preventable blindness. » Access full story

SeaWorld Entertainment reported a bigger fourth-quarter profit loss and lower revenue than the previous year but says it sees attendance trends improving. The Orlando-based company reported an adjusted net loss of $25.4 million versus a net loss of $13 million a year ago. More at the Orlando Sentinel.

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More traffic means more money in Lee County

It's not your imagination. There is more traffic. Lots of people are escaping the cold to come to Southwest Florida. And while there may be some grumbling about the increased numbers of snowbirds and tourists, there is a lot of cheering about the economic gain they bring. More at the Fort Myers News-Press.

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Business-students network in works

Creating high-paying economic opportunities has been the focus of One Community One Goal since its inception more than two decades ago. But in its most recent iteration, a focus has become how to connect bright, educated people with businesses searching for them. More at Miami Today.

Florida Dining Eateries that Serve Helpings of History The U.S. National Register of Historic Places added the tiki restaurant to its list. The Mai-Kai isn't the only South Florida eatery with helpings of history. A select few restaurants are landmarks in their own right, notable for their longevity, what they were and what they continue to be. » Read more from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel