AGP Executive Report

UF Free Speech Fight: Two UF College Republicans say the university violated their First Amendment rights by banning them after a Nazi-salute photo circulated; a federal judge dismissed their lawsuit, saying the group lacked enough proof and UF had cause. Student Jobs & Economy: A report on recent college grads shows hiring delays and “crickets” after interviews, with employers citing a cautious economy and AI reshaping entry-level work. School Funding Pressure: Coverage of budget shortfalls highlights how districts nationwide are weighing cuts to athletics and activities, including mentions of Florida districts facing similar strain. Florida Higher Ed & Athletics: UF’s Scott Stricklin defends the $1.45B Ben Hill Griffin Stadium overhaul as necessary for code and accessibility compliance, even as it reduces seating. Local School Finance Vote: Glades County voters will decide in November on a ½-cent sales tax increase to support struggling public schools, with funds also earmarked for charters. Campus Safety/Justice: Lake Brantley teen suspect Isabella Valdez faces new child pornography charges tied to material found on her phone during an attempted murder investigation. Private School Bankruptcy: The Frazer School filed Chapter 11, alleging its former owner diverted more than $5 million raised for the school.

Florida School Safety Tech: Speed enforcement cameras around schools cut speeding by more than 90%, with violation revenue reinvested into public safety and community programs. Higher Ed Research Funding: FIU secured over $11 million for robotics and Everglades restoration, including naming a research robot after Rep. Fredrica Wilson. K-12 Enrollment Pressures: Miami-Dade is recommending closure and consolidation of four public schools as enrollment declines, including plans to convert some campuses into K-8 or 6-12 centers. Free Speech in Public Work: Florida’s wildlife agency adopted a social media policy restricting employees from making negative comments about the agency online, after a federal judge said a fired biologist’s speech was protected. Civics Education Legacy: Former Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice R. Fred Lewis lay in state, with colleagues highlighting his work promoting civics education in classrooms. Student Sports & Community: FAMU women’s basketball coach Bridgette Gordon announced youth camps, while Community Hospice & Palliative Care opened a pediatric center to expand day services for seriously ill children.

UF Athletics & Facilities: The University of Florida unveiled a $1.45 billion renovation plan for Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (“The Swamp”), with the 88,000-seat capacity staying the same while entrances, concourses, suites and other upgrades get overhauled. K-12 Staffing & Access: Bay District Schools held a job fair to fill nearly 300 openings for the next school year, including about 159 instructional roles and 140 support positions, with teacher starting pay listed at $50,500. Student Pathways: Florida SouthWestern State College announced summer teen camps (AI, drones, health care, video game design and more) running July 13-31 across its campuses, with limited scholarships available. Higher Ed & Student-Athletes: Florida second baseman Cade Kurland transferred to LSU after a shoulder-impacted stretch, adding veteran infield depth for the Tigers. Policy Fight: A lawsuit challenges Florida’s ballot language for a property tax amendment that would expand the homestead exemption, arguing the summary is misleading. Public Health: Miami-Dade issued a dengue alert as CDC data show a sharp national surge and local risk rises with summer conditions.

UF Leadership & Facilities: The University of Florida board of trustees has appointed Stuart Bell as UF’s 14th president, pending Florida Board of Governors approval, as the school also unveiled plans for a $1.45 billion Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (“The Swamp”) renovation with construction targeted to start in the 2027 offseason and finish by the 2030 offseason. K-12 District Impacts: Alachua County Public Schools mailed rezoning notices for 2026-27, affecting about 3,200 students as the district closes three elementary schools under its “Our Schools — Future Ready” plan. Budget Pressure in Schools: Santa Rosa County District Schools is projecting about $3 million in cuts and considering eliminating roughly 45 positions as state funding declines. Student Support & Community: United Way and the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools handed out nearly $200,000 in classroom supplies to hundreds of teachers ahead of the new year. Higher Ed Legal Fight: A federal appeals court revived a lawsuit alleging racial discrimination in Florida A&M University funding, setting up a potential retrial.

UF Leadership: The UF Board of Trustees has appointed Stuart Bell as the university’s 14th president, with state confirmation still pending. Bell says he won’t bring back DEI programs, while faculty and lawmakers criticize the search process. Higher Ed Costs: UF trustees are set to consider a 15% tuition increase for out-of-state and international students, continuing a recent trend of higher nonresident rates and raising concerns among students. K-12 Safety Policy: Rep. Dave Joyce reintroduced the School Access to Naloxone Act, aiming to expand naloxone access in elementary and secondary schools to reduce opioid overdose deaths. Local School Politics: Dr. Bernard W. H. Jennings announced his candidacy for Miami-Dade County School Board District 1, pitching a platform focused on academic excellence, safety, parent engagement, and career readiness. Courts & AI: Florida’s Supreme Court issued new rules requiring attorneys to certify that AI-assisted legal filings cite real, existing information, with sanctions for violations. Public Media Expansion: WLRN’s programming is now airing on a full-power station in Palm Beach County (WPBB 104.7 FM), expanding NPR and local news access.

School Bus Safety: Broward County approved a stop-arm camera program for district buses, aiming to catch drivers who illegally pass stopped buses as students board or exit—officials expect millions in annual revenue from civil penalties. Education Policy Debate: A Miami-Dade op-ed argues that instead of fighting to save every school building, leaders should focus on preserving and expanding educational opportunity as districts consider closures and consolidations. AI in K-12: MagicSchool released its “Districts Leading the Way: Class of 2026” report, highlighting nine districts using AI with guardrails and keeping teachers central. High School Sports: The FHSAA Board approved Florida’s new Open Division format for fall, using MaxPreps rankings to set the top teams and reshape postseason matchups. College & Career: Florida’s international students face uncertainty as travel bans disrupt graduation plans and timelines. Community Health & Support: A Florida entrepreneur known as “The Podcast Doctor” is seeking a living kidney donor, with a July 11 Orlando benefit also designed to educate the public about living organ donation.

FHSAA Overhaul: The FHSAA board approved an Open Division for high school athletics starting in 2026-27, aiming to separate elite teams into their own state championship path for sports including football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, baseball/softball, flag football, and lacrosse. Local School Facilities: A school board will form a new facilities plan committee to map out the next five years of maintenance and planning needs. Student-Athlete Fees: Polk County Schools approved a new $400 activity fee for certain non-traditional student-athletes under a new state law that standardizes eligibility and participation rules. AI in Schools: Florida schools are facing a new requirement to add an artificial intelligence safety policy to internet safety plans. Higher Ed & Policy: Florida’s international students are graduating, but travel bans are putting many in limbo. Campus/Community Learning: A Florida library roundup highlights “Library of Things” programs that let residents borrow tools and hands-on learning items. Health Research: UF researchers say GLP-1 drugs may reduce blood clot and ER visit risks for adults with obesity plus autoimmune disease.

College & Career Funding: EdFed awarded 15 Hubert O. Sibley 2+2 Florida Prepaid Tuition Scholarships to Florida high school seniors, adding to its $5.5 million in scholarships since 1995. Student Support & Access: Miami Barber Institute will now accept Florida Prepaid College Plans for eligible students, expanding how families can pay for barbering training alongside federal aid and scholarships. K-12 & School Choice/Policy: Florida’s FHSAA board voted to launch an eight-team Open Division in 11 sports starting 2026-27, using MaxPreps rankings to set matchups. Higher Ed Innovation: FAU received a 12-month $1 million AUKUS Maritime Innovation Challenge grant to develop next-generation underwater communication for autonomous systems. Campus Life Costs: UNF says first-time, on-campus students must buy meal plans, with automatic default options if they don’t choose. Local Spotlight: Seabreeze senior Lucy Kimble won a $2,500 PEO STAR scholarship to attend UF.

Special Education & Literacy: New IDEA 2026 public reporting highlights gains in special education outcomes, including improved graduation rates for students with IEPs and progress on fourth grade literacy. Higher Ed Budget: Eastern Florida State College’s 2026–27 budget keeps tuition flat and boosts employee pay. College Access & Career Pathways: Heart of Florida United Way hosted Future United STEAM Day for 300 Seminole County middle schoolers, pairing hands-on learning with college campus exposure. School Safety & Tech Policy: Florida schools are being directed to add an artificial intelligence safety policy to internet safety plans. UF Politics in Court: UF College Republicans’ lawsuit over the group’s dissolution heads to a bench trial. Earthquake Disruptions: A 6.1 quake off Cuba triggered evacuations and brief ride shutdowns across parts of Florida, including schools and businesses. Accountability Watchdog: Florida TaxWatch released its annual “budget turkeys” list ahead of final budget approval. Student/Community Spotlight: Kids Tag Art raised about $22,000 for Volusia elementary art programs.

Gun Violence & Student Safety: Florida marks 10 years since Pulse, with students and advocates pushing for stronger action as gun-violence awareness events continue statewide; the discussion also flags off-campus safety concerns near USF after recent incidents. UF Leadership Spotlight: WUFT covered UF’s presidential search forums introducing sole finalist Stuart Bell to students, faculty and staff. Higher Ed Enrollment Watch: Higher-education insiders say undergraduate enrollment likely peaked this spring, with growth driven by certificates while graduate enrollment dips amid demographic pressures. College Admissions Policy: Florida proposes a rule requiring proof of citizenship for public college admission. College Transfers: Florida State shortstop Isa Torres entered the softball transfer portal, signaling major roster churn ahead of her senior season. School Community Updates: Hernando County named Sandra Giraldo principal of Deltona Elementary, and a packed board meeting honored students for achievements from cybersecurity to FFA and SkillsUSA. Summer Learning: Horizon High School ran a summer music camp with hundreds of students and volunteers, ending with a public concert.

Citizenship Proof for College Admissions: Florida’s Department of Education is proposing a rule that would require applicants to provide “clear and convincing documentation” of U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status for admission to the state’s 28 public colleges, a move immigrant advocates say could block undocumented students from higher education and state-backed benefits. Summer Meals Access: Miami-Dade Public Schools will again run the federally funded Summer BreakSpot program, offering free breakfast and lunch to kids and teens up to age 18 at 170 school sites from June 8 to July 31, with meals required to be eaten on-site (no takeout) and no income checks or registration. Student Safety on E-Bikes: Brevard County law enforcement reports a rise in e-bike crashes, including juvenile riders (ages 12–17) making up 43% of incidents, as officials push for clearer rules on what counts as an e-bike under state law. Local Teacher Recognition: A “First Fridays” event in Mitchell honored local teachers and faculty as hometown heroes with meals and donations, highlighting community support for educators.

Free Summer Meals: Miami-Dade Public Schools will offer free breakfast and lunch to children and teens up to age 18 at 170 sites from June 8 through July 31 under the USDA-funded Florida Summer BreakSpot program, with no income checks and no takeout—meals must be eaten on-site. Student Support & Inclusion: Embracing Our Differences awarded $1,000 renewable scholarships to new high school graduates and renewed funding for college students through its Coexistence Club, supporting student-led inclusion efforts. Local School Leadership: Ola Elementary principal Rubylinda Zickafoose shared her “American dream” story—rooted in migrant farm-worker parents and early school struggles—highlighting how education can reshape opportunity. Higher Ed Leadership: Florida Polytechnic University named Clay Roberts as men’s soccer coach, adding another leadership move in the state’s college sports landscape. Community Spotlight: Gainesville cut the ribbon on the $2.6 million Tom Petty Park renovation, funded by the city’s Wild Spaces and Public Places half-cent sales tax.

High-Dosage Tutoring Reality Check: A new report argues tutoring can’t deliver without the “hard, steady work” of diagnosing needs and building strong implementation, noting many states lacked data and accountability after major COVID-era investments. K-12 Sports Health Policy: Florida’s new law starting July 1, 2026 requires first-time high school athletes to get ECG heart screenings before trying out or practicing, aiming to prevent sudden cardiac deaths. Immigrant Access to Education: Proposed Florida Department of Education rules would restrict immigrant students’ access to adult education and state colleges, raising concerns about vague standards and real-world barriers. Local Student Safety Reminder: In Bunnell, a 15-year-old on an electric scooter collided with a deputy’s patrol car after running a stop sign; officials say the teen wasn’t seriously hurt. College Sports in Florida: Florida A&M’s new head coach Quinn Fordham Gray Sr. held a first prospect camp with nearly 400 high school players on campus.

ECG Heart Screenings: Florida’s Second Chance Act kicks in July 1, requiring first-time high school student-athletes to get an ECG and be cleared before tryouts, conditioning, or workouts—aimed at preventing sudden cardiac deaths after past collapses. Immigrant Access Rules: The Florida Department of Education is proposing changes that could restrict immigrant students’ access to Adult Education and Florida State Colleges, drawing criticism for vague standards and potential harm to students already working toward affordable higher education. Tsunami Preparedness: Flagler County is nearing “tsunami ready” certification from the National Weather Service, using hurricane-style planning but with faster timelines, including beach warnings via lifeguards, a helicopter, and a county alert app. College & Career Pathways: Florida State University launched a Veteran Entrepreneurship Certificate Program for Leon County veterans, pairing training and mentorship to help turn business ideas into real ventures. Student Safety on Buses: A Miami-Dade bus no-show led to a driver’s arrest after a 6-year-old fell asleep, woke up alone, and wandered into a neighborhood. Higher Ed Innovation: The University of Miami opened a $5 million 3D-bioprinting lab to advance regenerative medicine, including projects for bone repair and personalized treatment models.

School Safety & Accountability: A South Florida teacher, Patrick Conor Russell, was arrested by the FBI on child sexual abuse material charges, after admitting to inappropriate online conversations involving minors. Local School Staffing Pressures: Santa Rosa County School District is considering cutting 45 positions to close a roughly $3 million budget shortfall, with impacts focused on administrators and paraprofessionals. State Higher Ed Governance: Gov. Ron DeSantis made multiple trustee appointments across Florida colleges, including Chipola, the College of the Florida Keys, Daytona State, and St. Johns River State. Student Life & Community Support: Volunteers beautified Parker Elementary in Bay County as part of United Way’s Day of Caring, highlighting community partnerships that support students’ needs. College Innovation: The University of Miami launched a STEM-designated Master of Science in Marketing for fall 2026, aiming to train graduates for an AI- and analytics-driven industry. Public Debate Over School Culture: A Brookings study finds pandemic-era school board conflicts were widespread and still lingering in many districts, especially in politically divided areas.

Summer Meals Access: Miami-Dade Public Schools will again offer free breakfast and lunch to kids 18 and younger at 170 schools from June 8 through July 31, with no income checks and meals eaten on-site. Reading Support: New Worlds Reading is urging Florida families to apply for its program that sends 11 free books a year (plus summer books) to VPK–5th graders reading below grade level, with no income requirements. Budget Pressure: Santa Rosa County Schools is weighing cuts tied to a $4.32 million 2026-27 deficit, including possible elimination of about 45 positions, while saying classroom ratios won’t be worsened. Higher Ed & AI: Florida’s Supreme Court adopted new rules requiring court filings to certify what’s cited exists and is accurate, aimed at curbing AI misuse in courtrooms. Campus Innovation: FAU received a $1M gift to launch an AI-enabled hands-on engineering lab for practical, career-focused learning. Policy & Culture-War: An op-ed argues UF’s DEI messaging signals a broader political vision for the university. CTE Conference: FETC 2027 in Orlando will add a Career and Technical Education track focused on workforce pathways.