Florida

2 State Senators wont Florida Governor to suspend testing after glitches

Published

10 years ago

March 4, 2015

Associated 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.

Florida

Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez Outlines Vision for 92nd Legislature

Published

5 days ago

November 30, 2024

FNN NEWS

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez delivered a powerful and reflective speech during the Organization Session of the 92nd term of the Florida Legislature. In his address to the House Chamber, Perez set a tone of accountability, action, and dedication to serving the people of Florida.

Focus on People Over Politics
Perez emphasized his commitment to serving everyday Floridians rather than catering to lobbyists, special interests, or social media activists. He vowed to focus on the concerns of small business owners, families, and individuals across the state. “We are the People’s House, and it is the people of our state who should be our priority,” he stated.

Rejecting Empty Promises
Breaking from tradition, Perez declined to announce a narrow list of legislative priorities. Instead, he criticized the political culture of self-congratulation over superficial laws that fail to solve real problems. He committed to ensuring that every law passed under his leadership would meaningfully impact Floridians.

Tackling Florida’s Key Issues
Perez highlighted several issues vital to Floridians, including:

Insurance Reform: Ensuring laws are not written by and for insurance companies.
Homeownership: Fighting against predatory practices by private equity firms.
Education and Healthcare: Giving families access to good schools and the freedom to choose their doctors.
Small Business Growth: Removing bureaucratic barriers to entrepreneurship.

Fiscal Discipline and Accountability
Perez called for greater financial responsibility within state government, pointing out wasteful spending on natural disaster recovery, poorly managed land acquisitions, and IT projects that fail to deliver. He stressed the need for a budget that prioritizes “value over excess,” urging lawmakers to shift from merely reallocating resources to truly solving systemic issues.

Equality of Opportunity
Perez made a passionate case for dismantling barriers to employment and competition, advocating for laws that level the playing field for all Floridians. “Floridians want equality of opportunity. They want a system that treats the needs of everyday Floridians as special,” he said.

Looking Ahead
Perez encouraged his colleagues to work collaboratively, declaring the next two years as a pivotal time to deliver results for the people of Florida. “The time for talk is over. It’s time to get to work,” he concluded.

Perez’s speech underscored his vision for a Legislature that prioritizes action over rhetoric and meaningful change over political theater.

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Florida

Wasserman Schultz Secures $53M Grant to Cut Emissions at Port Everglades

Published

5 days ago

November 30, 2024

Willie David

WASHINGTON, D.C. (FNN) – U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) announced a transformative $53.3 million federal grant secured for the PEV Regional Port Operations With Emissions Reductions Project at Port Everglades. This groundbreaking funding, provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation, marks a significant step toward decarbonizing one of South Florida’s busiest ports and creating a cleaner, more sustainable future.

The federal grant will drive the purchase and deployment of advanced zero-emissions cargo-handling equipment, replacing older, diesel-powered machines that have been in use for over a decade. The project also includes vital infrastructure improvements to sustain long-term zero-emissions operations.

Equipment and Infrastructure Upgrades

The grant will fund:

Electric terminal tractors and forklifts
Hybrid gantry cranes and pickup trucks
Advanced tier-4 diesel reach stackers
Reefer racks
Electrical upgrades for charging stations
High mast lighting for enhanced operational safety
An electrification master plan for sustained zero-emissions operations

These upgrades will directly improve air quality for surrounding communities like Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Dania Beach while preserving nearby sensitive ecological areas.

Workforce Development

Beyond emissions reduction, the project includes a workforce development program to prepare the local community for clean-energy jobs, fostering economic growth and sustainability.

Statements from Leaders

“I will always fight for Port Everglades in our nation’s capital, and I am thrilled to help deliver more than $53 million for this emissions reductions project,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “In June, I directly urged Secretary Pete Buttigieg to fund this critical initiative, and now, we are one step closer to reducing health risks and environmental damage for communities surrounding the port.”

Broward County Mayor Nan Rich emphasized the significance of the grant, saying, “We’re grateful to the Congresswoman for her longstanding advocacy. These funds will empower terminal operators to tackle climate change, enhance resiliency, and implement key infrastructure improvements.”

A Foundation for the Future

This grant builds on more than two years of meticulous planning and market assessment by MARAD, Broward County, Port Everglades, and private terminal operators. The upgrades align with broader goals for environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and operational efficiency.

What’s Next?

The Port Everglades team will now proceed with:

Acquiring and deploying the new equipment.
Upgrading infrastructure to support electric operations.
Launching the workforce development program.
Monitoring environmental and community impact as operations transition to zero emissions.

These efforts aim to position Port Everglades as a national leader in sustainable port operations while improving the quality of life for nearby communities.

____________________________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

Florida

Mar-a-Lago: The New Global Power Hub in Florida as Trump Begins Second Term

Published

3 weeks ago

November 17, 2024

Willie David

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (FNN) – As Donald Trump prepares to begin his second term as President of the United States, Mar-a-Lago, his Florida residence and private club, has solidified its position as a global political epicenter. The FNN Politics & Power Series explores Mar-a-Lago’s influence and its broader impact on Florida.

In his second term, Trump’s homes—Mar-a-Lago, the White House, and Camp David—serve as central hubs of presidential activity. Mar-a-Lago, however, stands out for its blend of opulence, robust security, and pivotal role as a nexus for political and global decision-making, furthering Florida’s prominence on the international stage.

PALM BEACH, FL – MARCH 1: Aerial View of Mar-A-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida on March 1, 2021. Credit: mpi34/MediaPunch /IPX

Highlights on Mar-a-Lago

Winter White House: Mar-a-Lago is solidified as the “Winter White House,” hosting administration planning and critical meetings behind its lavish doors.
Elon Musk’s Presence: Musk has been a frequent visitor, joining Trump during family dinners and global calls, further amplifying Mar-a-Lago’s international significance.
Security at Mar-a-Lago: The estate boasts fortress-like security, including robot dogs and armed guards patrolling the perimeter, ensuring its exclusivity and safety.
CPAC Summit: The Conservative Political Action Conference’s investors’ summit will be hosted at Mar-a-Lago, with tickets ranging up to $25,000, showcasing its role as a political and economic nexus.
Argentine Connection: Argentina’s President Javier Milei is expected to visit Mar-a-Lago next week, underlining its growing diplomatic importance.

Trump’s Transition Picks and Florida’s Role

Florida Talent Pipeline: Trump’s reliance on loyalists like Susie Wiles as White House Chief of Staff underscores Florida’s growing political influence in his administration.
Marco Rubio: Nominated as Secretary of State.
Mike Waltz: Selected as National Security Advisor.
Byron Donalds: Considered a potential pick for Department of Education.
Joseph Ladapo: Florida Surgeon General and potential nominee for U.S. Surgeon General.

Joe Gruters’ Loyalty: Gruters, a Florida state senator, emphasizes Mar-a-Lago as a base for “true believers” who align with Trump’s vision.

Credit: Palm Beach Post Files

Impact of Trump’s Presidency on Florida

Florida as the Hub for the National Agenda: Florida’s congressional and Senate delegations are playing a pivotal role in shaping the national political agenda, with the state serving as a recruitment ground for key positions in the Trump administration.
Mar-a-Lago’s Prestige: Slater Bayliss, a prominent Florida lobbyist, calls Mar-a-Lago the “most sacred real estate in the political universe,” cementing Florida’s status as a center for global political power and influence.
Economic Boost for West Palm Beach: The local economy benefits significantly as hotels, restaurants, and other businesses thrive from the influx of political insiders, office-seekers, and influential visitors surrounding Mar-a-Lago.