Florida
2 State Senators wont Florida Governor to suspend testing after glitches
Published
11 years agoon
By
Willie DavidAssociated Press reports Florida Gov. asked to suspend testing after glitches
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Several school districts on Tuesday suspended Florida’s new standardized tests for a second day, despite assurances that the problems had been fixed.
Education Commissioner Pam Stewart asked districts early in the morning to resume using the online portal that middle-school and high-school students must use in order to log on and take the state’s annual standardized tests. Testing had been suspended a day earlier because of technological problems.
Stewart blamed problems on “software issues” and told school superintendents the company that had designed the test and online platform had worked overnight to fix it. She held a late afternoon phone call with more than 50 school superintendents and said even more improvements had been made.
“While we cannot guarantee that some users will not encounter similar issues tomorrow, I also do not want to prevent any districts who have had success from continuing their testing tomorrow,” she said in a Tuesday night email to superintendents.
But two Democratic state senators wrote to Gov. Rick Scott asking that he suspend testing statewide until all problems had been fixed.
Sen. Jeff Clemens and Sen. Dwight Bullard called the first day of the new test a “disaster for school districts and students across the state.”
“We are calling on you to immediately suspend the administration of these tests and allow time for educators to work out the problems, instead of using our children as guinea pigs for a flawed system,” stated the letter.
When asked about the request shortly after his annual State of the State speech to the Legislature, Scott did not answer and instead noted that last week he issued an executive order suspending the 11th-grade version of the test known as the Florida Standards Assessment.
Leon County schools superintendent Jackie Pons said the same glitches that had troubled the system on its first day were still evident around the state Tuesday. The Naples Daily News, for example, reported that Lee County had been forced to halt testing. Pons has suspended testing for both Tuesday and Wednesday.
“Based on my nine years of experiences as superintendent, we cannot afford to allow our students to go in to take a test with such high stakes and not have all the issues resolved,” Pons said in a written statement.
The standardized tests are crucial because officials use them to decide everything from who graduates to whether students are held back in the third grade. This year’s tests – which are being used for the first time – are based on the Common Core standards that have sparked opposition from some parents and teachers in Florida and other states.
School superintendents had already been bracing for potential problems, and had warned in recent weeks they weren’t sure how the rollout of the new test would go, especially in the middle-school and high-school grades where it’s is given online.
Stewart said in her email that the company administering the test reported that more than 150,000 students had successfully completed it during the first two days. She said that represented 23 percent of the middle- and high-school students signed up to take the test.
Earlier in the day Clemens and Bullard contended tens of thousands of students were unable to log-in and instructional time was “wasted.
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Florida
Jacksonville Rolls Past Los Angeles 35-6 as Hines-Allen Sets Franchise Sack Record
Published
7 days agoon
November 18, 2025By
Mike BrodskyJACKSONVILLE, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Jacksonville Jaguars (6–4) delivered a commanding 35–6 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers (7–4) Sunday at EverBank Stadium, marking their first meeting since Jacksonville’s historic 27-point comeback in the 2023 AFC Wild Card round.
Jacksonville Jaquard running back(#41) Bhayshul Tuten capped the Jaguars’ first scoring drive with a 4-yard rushing touchdown Photo by Arthur Morgan / Florida National News
Jaguars Take Control Early
Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker opened the scoring with a 41-yard field goal, but Jacksonville quickly answered. Running back Bhayshul Tuten capped the Jaguars’ first scoring drive with a 4-yard rushing touchdown, and kicker Cam Little added the PAT to give Jacksonville a 7–3 lead at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, defensive end Josh Hines-Allen sacked Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert to set a new franchise record with 56 career sacks, breaking Tony Brackens’ longstanding mark. Dicker followed with a 46-yard field goal to pull the Chargers within one, but Jacksonville responded again—this time with a 2-yard touchdown run from Travis Etienne Jr., extending the lead to 14–6 heading into halftime.
Jacksonville Jagaurs Quarterback (#16) Trevor Lawrence celebrating after a run for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers. Photo by Arthur Morgan / Florida National News
Lawrence Extends the Lead After Halftime
Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, making his first appearance at EverBank Stadium as a Jaguar, surpassed 5,000 career receiving yards early in the third quarter. Later in the drive, quarterback Trevor Lawrence powered into the end zone on a 1-yard keeper, and Little’s extra point pushed the lead to 21–6.
Jacksonville added another score early in the fourth when Lawrence connected with wide receiver Tim Patrick on a 1-yard touchdown pass. On the Chargers’ next drive, Herbert’s first throw was intercepted by safety Antonio Johnson, who returned the ball 44 yards to set up a short field for Jacksonville. Two plays later, Etienne broke free for a 13-yard touchdown to seal the 35–6 victory.
Standout Performances and Salute to Service Tribute
Lawrence finished the game with 153 passing yards, one passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown. Tuten led Jacksonville on the ground with 74 yards and a touchdown, while Meyers led all receivers with 64 yards. Attendance was announced at 58,461.
Sunday’s matchup also marked the Jaguars’ 2025 Salute to Service game, part of the NFL’s 15-year initiative honoring military members, veterans and their families. Since its launch, the league has raised more than $75 million for organizations supporting the military community.
Jacksonville next travels to Arizona to face the Cardinals on Sunday, Nov. 23 at State Farm Stadium. Kickoff is set for 4:05 p.m. The Jaguars then face the Titans before returning home to host the Indianapolis Colts on Dec. 7.
For more coverage, visit www.FloridaNationalNews.com.
Florida
Navy Veteran and Former NASA Chief of Staff Bale Dalton Launches Campaign Against US Rep. Corey Mills
Published
1 week agoon
November 17, 2025By
Willie DavidSANFORD, Fla. (FNN) – Bale Dalton, a Navy veteran, former NASA Chief of Staff and longtime public servant, announced Monday that he is running for Congress in Florida’s 7th Congressional District. Dalton, a retired Naval Aviator with more than two decades of military service, will seek the Democratic nomination to challenge U.S. Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla.
In his announcement, Dalton contrasted his background with what his campaign characterized as “self-serving and unethical behavior” by Mills. Dalton’s campaign referenced past allegations and ongoing inquiries involving the congressman, emphasizing that voters “deserve mission-first leadership.”
“I’m running for Congress because Floridians deserve leaders who know what real service looks like,” Dalton said in a statement. “It’s courage, sacrifice, and putting the American people first. I will put people ahead of politics to lower costs and deliver results.”
Dalton, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, served 23 years in the Navy and Navy Reserve — including deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa and the Pacific. He flew medical evacuation missions in Kuwait, provided Hurricane Katrina relief, supported special operations, and directed combat air support in Afghanistan.
After his active-duty service, Dalton worked at the State Department and served as a military legislative assistant to former U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson. He later returned to active duty as commanding officer of a Navy special operations support squadron before transitioning to the private sector and eventually becoming NASA’s Chief of Staff, where he helped manage an agency workforce of roughly 16,500 employees.
Dalton’s campaign said he is running to “restore integrity and service-driven leadership” to Washington. “Families in Central Florida want lower costs, safer communities, opportunities to thrive, and a representative who works for them — not himself,” Dalton said.
Florida’s 7th Congressional District includes all of Seminole County and southern Volusia County.
Bale Dalton’s Background in Service and Federal Leadership
Dalton brings more than two decades of military service, experience in federal agencies, and senior leadership roles — including serving as NASA Chief of Staff.
Dalton’s Contrast With Rep. Cory Mills (According to His Campaign)
Dalton’s announcement frames the race as a contest between “mission-first service” and what his campaign portrays as ethics concerns surrounding the incumbent.
Issues Dalton Says Will Define His Campaign
Dalton says he will focus on lowering costs for families, strengthening community safety, expanding opportunities, and returning accountability to Florida’s 7th District.
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News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Business
2025 Don Quijote Awards Reveal Finalists, Community Champion, and Lifetime Achievement Winners
Published
1 week agoon
November 17, 2025By
Willie DavidORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando and Prospera, two leading organizations supporting Hispanic business and professional success across Central Florida, unveiled the finalists for the 2025 Don Quijote Awards, along with this year’s Hispanic Community Champion and Lifetime Achievement Award recipients.
The announcement took place at the Center for Health and Wellbeing—space provided by the Winter Park Health Foundation—and featured remarks from Juan Amo, Chair of the 28th Don Quijote Awards Gala and Senior Vice President, Marketing Executive at Bank of America.
Amo emphasized the enduring spirit behind the awards. “What I hope our community takes away from this year’s Don Quijote Awards is a renewed belief in the power of perseverance and purpose. The stories of our finalists and honorees show that success isn’t defined by circumstance, but by the courage to lead, to serve, and to dream beyond limits,” he said.
The Don Quijote Awards honor individuals and businesses demonstrating excellence, innovation, leadership, and meaningful contributions to the Hispanic business sector. Winners will be announced at the 28th Don Quijote Awards Gala on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Epcot’s World Showplace Pavilion, from 6:00 p.m. to midnight.
2025 Gala Theme — “Legacy in Motion”
This year’s theme pays tribute to Hispanic American trailblazers whose leadership and vision helped shape opportunities across the United States.
“Every one of us carries a thread that was first placed by a mentor or someone who believed in us before we believed in ourselves,” said Pedro Turushina, President and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando. “This year’s theme, Legacy in Motion, reminds us that while a single strand can break under pressure, braided together we form a rope strong enough to pull the future forward.”
Prospera Central & Northeast Florida Regional Vice President Katia Medina added, “Leadership is not only about achievement—it’s also about the legacy we leave. We proudly celebrate those whose courage and determination have paved the way for others and continue to inspire new generations.”
2025 Finalists Announced
Hispanic Micro-Enterprise of the Year Finalists
Dr. Bling by Bling Aesthetics – Owners: Dr. Ariel Casillas & Javier Hernandez
Graceful Paws Pet Clinic – Owner: Dr. Lynette Reyes
Mia, Mia Brand – Owners: Juan Ceballos & Maria Tapias
Hispanic Enterprise of the Year Finalists
Angel For Kids and Families – Owners: Elizabeth & John Valencia
Taino’s Bakery – Owners: Nicolas Fuste & Liza Padilla
Coffee For The Soul – Owner: Paola Bornacelli
Professional of the Year Finalists
Dr. Andrea Guzman – Vice President for Access and Community Engagement, UCF
Rafael Caamaño – Director, UCF Innovation Districts & Business Incubation Program
Jeff Villanueva – CEO, AdventHealth Seminole Market
Excellence Award Finalists
Ana L. Cruz – HOLA Coordinator, City of Orlando
Dr. Valeria Baldivieso – Geriatric Medicine Medical Director, AdventHealth
Carlos Torres – Chief Deputy, Orange County Sheriff’s Office
2025 Community Champion & Lifetime Achievement Honorees
Hispanic Community Champion Award
The 2025 honoree is Jennifer Evins, President and CEO of United Arts of Central Florida.
Evins has expanded Hispanic representation on the United Arts board to 20% and launched the Diverse Leadership Pipeline program, connecting multicultural leaders with nonprofit board opportunities. She has supported more than 100 organizations and artists through grants, residencies, and visibility initiatives such as DTO Live and Artistry Magazine. Her leadership continues to strengthen cultural access and representation across Central Florida.
Lifetime Achievement Award
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Ramon Ojeda, Executive Director of the National Mango Board.
Ojeda, the first President of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando, transformed the organization into a nationally recognized leader for economic inclusion—doubling membership, tripling revenue, and earning national honors including “Chamber of the Year.” His continued work supports small business growth and promotes innovation and healthy lifestyles nationwide.
The Don Quijote Awards are supported by Walt Disney World Resort, Duke Energy, Wells Fargo, Orlando Health, Bank of America, Universal Destinations and Experiences, AdventHealth, Travel + Leisure, Hard Rock, OUC The Reliable One, Florida Blue, JPMorgan Chase, JCQ Services, and other partners.
For more information, visit donquijoteawards.com.