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Who is Anastasios Kamoutsas? State panel OKs DeSantis pick for Education Commissioner
Who is Anastasios Kamoutsas? State panel OKs DeSantis pick for Education Commissioner

By C. A. Bridges Gov. Ron DeSantis didn't look far for his pick to be the new Florida commissioner of education. On June 3, he recommended one of his top aides, deputy chief of staff Anastasios "Stasi" Kamoutsas, to replace Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr., who was elected a week prior to be... Continue Reading

Date posted06/5/2025


Budget conference: House proposes covering AP, IB, AICE credits with a categorical grant
Budget conference: House proposes covering AP, IB, AICE credits with a categorical grant

By Jacob Ogles The House wants to fully fund accelerated credit hours for students taking college level courses in high school. But it remains unclear if the Senate will match that dollar amount. The latest offer from the House PreK-12 Budget Subcommittee meeting includes funding for Advanced... Continue Reading

Date posted06/5/2025


5 Pasco schools get new principals, but more vacancies remain
5 Pasco schools get new principals, but more vacancies remain

By Jeffrey S. Solochek The Pasco County school district continues to shift its school leaders amid year-end retirements, resignations and promotions. Pasco High School’s next leader will be Mark Feldman, who will be promoted from his post as an assistant principal at Fivay High... Continue Reading

Date posted06/5/2025


Destin Middle School student named champion of Florida’s 2025 National Civics Bee
Destin Middle School student named champion of Florida’s 2025 National Civics Bee

by: Abby Yankle A Destin Middle School student has earned first place in the 2025 National Civics Bee and is moving forward to the National Finals. According to an Okaloosa County Schools news release, eighth-grader Noah Finkler began his Civics journey in early March at the Greater Fort... Continue Reading

Date posted06/5/2025


DeSantis recommends top aide to become commissioner of education
DeSantis recommends top aide to become commissioner of education

By: Jackie Llanos Gov. Ron DeSantis recommended one of his top aides as the state’s education commissioner, replacing Manny Diaz Jr. following his appointment as interim president of the University of West Florida. The Board of Education is scheduled to vote on Diaz’s replacement... Continue Reading

Date posted06/4/2025


Federal judge blocks Florida from enforcing social media ban for kids while lawsuit continues
Federal judge blocks Florida from enforcing social media ban for kids while lawsuit continues

By Kate Payne A federal judge has barred state officials from enforcing a Florida law that would ban social media accounts for young children, while a legal challenge against the law plays out. U.S. District Judge Mark Walker issued the order Tuesday, blocking portions of the law from taking... Continue Reading

Date posted06/4/2025


A true legend in his own time: Brevard residents mourn death of Richard 'Dick' Blake
A true legend in his own time: Brevard residents mourn death of Richard 'Dick' Blake

By Britt Kennerly The honors bestowed upon Richard "Dick" Blake in life were many and well deserved, from a Rockledge park and a Cocoa sports stadium named for him to receiving the Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Service Award from Brevard Democrats in 2015. Now, as word of Blake's death at... Continue Reading

Date posted06/4/2025


Santa Ono falls at final hurdle to become UF President
Santa Ono falls at final hurdle to become UF President

By A.G. Gancarski After an acrimonious process and personal attacks against him, Santa Ono failed in his attempt to become the new University of Florida President after one of the most dramatic meetings of the Florida Board of Governors in history. This throws the decision back to the UF... Continue Reading

Date posted06/4/2025


A top DeSantis aide could become Florida’s next education commissioner
A top DeSantis aide could become Florida’s next education commissioner

By Jeffrey S. Solochek A key aide to Gov. Ron DeSantis with little public profile could soon rise to the nationally prominent post of Florida’s education commissioner. Anastasios I. Kamoutsas, one of DeSantis’ four deputy chiefs of staff, has emerged as one of the most frequently... Continue Reading

Date posted06/3/2025


DeSantis signs bill restricting cellphone use in public schools
DeSantis signs bill restricting cellphone use in public schools

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday signed a bill that will expand a restriction on cellphone use in Florida schools. The bill (HB 1105), which was approved by the Legislature on May 2, revises a law that has prevented students from using cellphones during instructional time. The bill will prohibit... Continue Reading

Date posted06/3/2025


Trump administration pushing for national school voucher plan
Trump administration pushing for national school voucher plan

By Cory Turner, Michel Martin MICHEL MARTIN, HOST: Private school voucher programs have been popping up all over the country in recent years. But now, for the first time, a national voucher plan is on the table - part of the big tax bill passed by the House that the Senate is now... Continue Reading

Date posted06/3/2025


Florida Senate president's 'rural renaissance' proposal will have to wait
Florida Senate president's 'rural renaissance' proposal will have to wait

By Jim Turner When lawmakers begin budget conference talks Tuesday, a couple of priorities of Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, and House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, likely will already be off the table. Lawmakers aren’t expected to approve Albritton’s “rural... Continue Reading

Date posted06/3/2025