Hurricane Helene has been keeping much of Florida occupied, and as a result there’s not a lot of non-storm news. Most of it is about whether classes are on or off. Here are a couple of those.
Hot tropics
The Pasco County school district took some heat for holding classes on Wednesday while Helene approached. Superintendent Kurt Browning defended the move. Later Wednesday, he announced the district would close both Thursday and Friday, while the Hillsborough and Pinellas districts continued to wait on a Friday decision.
Hernando County schools also will close Friday for any needed cleanup before an anticipated Monday return.
South Florida isn’t getting much of the storm. Broward and Miami-Dade county districts as a result will hold classes Thursday, the Sun-Sentinel reports. But outdoor activities are off.
The storm continues to strengthen as it approaches Florida. Get the latest from the Tampa Bay Times live blog.
There are still some stories that don’t focus on hurricane preparedness. Check these out.
Hot topics
Budgets: The State Board of Education approved a $27.2 billion legislative budget request for fiscal 2026, Florida Phoenix reports. It includes a $50 increase in base student allocation. Board members did not discuss the item before voting. See the request here.
College admissions: Alachua County’s annual college fair will begin rotating its location so students from all areas can have access to the information, the Gainesville Sun reports.
College costs: Some central Florida college and university students are coping with poverty and homelessness as they pursue their degrees, WMFE reports.
Locked doors: Alachua County students and parents said they appreciate the effort to keep schools safer by keeping all access points locked or staffed, the Independent Florida Alligator reports. But they have some concerns about the logistics of making it work.
Personal pronouns: A federal appellate court heard arguments on whether Florida’s law restricting teachers’ use of preferred pronouns and titles is constitutional, News Service of Florida reports. Lawyers for the state have argued that schools have the right to regulate employees’ speech. The three-judge panel had plenty of questions.
Principal pay: A Brevard County school board member raised concerns that the district accidentally overpaid principals and then did not communicate the issue with the board or public, Florida Today reports. So far, the district is not asking the principals to repay the amount.
School zones: No more warnings for drivers speed through school zones in South Miami. The violations now carry $100 fines, WTVJ reports. • Four months after installing speed detection cameras in school zones, Eustis in Lake County is finally seeing results, WKMG reports.
Security: The Sarasota County school district will begin using artificial intelligence for gun detection, Tampa Bay Business Journal reports.
Teacher discipline: A Broward County teacher was told he was under investigation a day after he criticized a union official. District leaders say it was all a misunderstanding, the Sun-Sentinel reports.
Don’t miss a story. Here’s a link to yesterday’s roundup.
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