If a ballplayer batted .500, it would be stupendous. If a team wins half its games and loses the other half, it might be called a rebuilding year. If you broke even in a casino, you’d figure it’s better than losing. But Florida voters had a coin toss land on its edge this month in […]
Florida Supreme Court strikes Amendment 8 from November ballot
A controversial proposed constitutional amendment that could have significantly altered Florida’s public education landscape will not go to voters in November. In a narrowly divided 4-3 decision, the Florida Supreme Court on Thursday ruled Amendment 8 should remain off the ballot. It upheld the order of Leon County Judge John Cooper, who found the measure’s title and summary misleading. Read More
Florida justices ask pointed questions during hearing on Amendment 8
Florida Supreme Court justices poked holes in both sides of an ongoing debate whether to place Amendment 8 back on the November ballot during a 45-minute hearing Wednesday afternoon. They didn’t issue a ruling, but one is expected soon. Read More
Status of up to seven Nov. 6 measures uncertain as ballot-mailing deadline nears
Legal challenges to at least three and, perhaps, seven of the 13 proposed Constitutional amendments Florida voters will see Nov. 6 remain unresolved as the deadline for mailing ballots to out-of-state voters draws near. The Florida Supreme Court has scheduled two hearings Wednesday – one day after the deadline to set ballots for mailing by Sept. […]
Bucking allies, school choice group favors IRS proposal on tax credits
A Florida-based advocacy group that pushes Georgia and other states to help fund private schools so more children can attend them is breaking ranks with allies over a controversial proposed federal tax rule. The proposal by the U.S. Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service would limit or eliminate the federal tax break for donors in state […]
State responds to challenge of six bundled amendment proposals, calls them proper
Hours after a Leon County judge tossed proposed constitutional Amendment 8 off the November ballot, calling it misleading, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi filed a 47-page document asking the Supreme Court to leave the measure and five others on the ballot. Hers was a response to a separate challenge, filed a week earlier by former chief justice […]
Opinion – Ferrandino: Privatization weakens public schools
We are in a hidden battle in Florida, and in Sarasota County, to save our public schools. It’s one reason this primary election is so important. Public schools in Sarasota remain a source of pride and hope in our community. The Sarasota County School District has received an A rating for the 15th consecutive year […]
Supreme Court To Hear Oral Arguments In School Funding Lawsuit Nov. 8
A long-running lawsuit over whether the state is properly funding its public schools is now before the Florida Supreme Court. Oral arguments have been scheduled for November 8th. Read More
Judge orders Amendment 8 be removed from Florida ballot
A Leon county judge ordered that Amendment 8, the amendment that would have created a pathway for the state to oversee charter schools and bypass local school boards, be removed from the ballot. Judge John Cooper wrote in a summary judgement Monday morning that the amendment should be removed “because its ballot title and summary […]
Florida law requiring schools inquire about student mental health raises privacy concerns
A question about mental health service referrals on new student registration forms is raising concerns about privacy and worsening the stigma of mental illness. The new question is part of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act, passed by the Legislature in the wake of the mass shooting earlier this year. Read More