Schools & Kids
Thursday, April 30, 2026 · Orange Park
FBLA Students Place at National Conference
Creekside High School FBLA students achieved national recognition at the recent National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California.
UF Eyes $500M Engineering Boom to Tackle Florida Tech Shortage
The University of Florida is pushing for $500 million in state funding to expand engineering facilities, aiming to supercharge STEM education amid Florida's booming tech sector. The proposal targets workforce gaps in high-demand fields like data science and advanced manufacturing. With Gainesville at the epicenter, UF's multibillion-dollar building spree could reshape the state's innovation landscape.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Florida Senate OKs Bill Capping Teacher Tenure at 4 Years
In a bold move to elevate classroom performance, the Florida Senate has passed legislation limiting teacher tenure to just four years while mandating merit-based evaluations. The measure, aimed at statewide public school gains, reignites a decade-old debate on accountability versus job security. Backed by GOP leaders, it heads to the House amid teacher union pushback.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Florida Lawmakers Advance Teacher Pay Reforms Amid Shortage Crisis
As Florida's teacher vacancies surge, lawmakers in the 2026 session are pushing bills to boost salaries, restore multiyear contracts and tackle retention head-on. From Tallahassee to Tampa Bay classrooms, these measures aim to value educators with higher minimum pay and incentives. The proposals signal a pivotal shift in addressing the state's education staffing emergency.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Miami-Dade Schools Win $1.37M Grants to Boost Voc-Tech Amid Teacher Crunch
Facing a persistent teacher shortage, Miami-Dade County Public Schools is doubling down on vocational training with $1.37 million in state grants for apprenticeships in auto tech and culinary arts. Partnerships with local businesses promise hands-on paths to high-demand jobs, easing the educator crisis by steering students toward trades. This expansion cements M-DCPS as Florida's CTE leader.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Lake Mary Coach Becomes Guardian to Orphaned Wrestler
A Lake Mary High School wrestling coach stepped up as legal guardian for student-athlete Maryellen Wingate after she lost both parents to cancer. The heartfelt act provides stability for the teen on and off the mat in Central Florida. Wingate's story highlights compassion amid tragedy.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Florida Public Libraries Weigh Impact of Digital Textbook Shift
Florida's accelerating adoption of digital textbooks in public schools is prompting libraries to reassess their role in providing learning resources. Concerns are rising about equitable access for students without home internet or devices.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Florida Students' Tobacco Use on the Rise, National Report Shows
A recent report in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) indicates a rise in the use of emerging tobacco products like e-cigarettes and hookahs among middle and high school students. The study highlights a trend in tobacco use within this demographic.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Clay County Parks and Recreation Announces Summer Program Registration
Clay County Parks and Recreation opens summer program registration on April 15, 2026, for various youth camps, sports, and activities.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Clay County FBLA Students Place at National Conference
Clay County High School FBLA students earned recognition at the recent National Leadership Conference, showcasing their business talents on a national stage.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Creekside Places in District Project Innovation Competition
Creekside High School is set to participate in the District Project Innovation Competition, highlighting student ingenuity and problem-solving skills.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
CHS Students Shine at National History Day District Competition
Clay High School students earned awards at the recent National History Day District Competition, showcasing their historical research and presentation skills.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
CHS Students Shine at National History Day District Competition
Clay High School students earned multiple awards at the recent National History Day District Competition, showcasing their research and presentation skills on this year's theme, "Turning Points in History."
Thursday, April 30, 2026
2026 National Merit Semi-Finalists Announced
Clay County awaits the announcement of its 2026 National Merit Semi-Finalists, recognizing high school students for their exceptional academic promise.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Creekside Students Recognized at End of Year Banquets
Creekside High School students will be honored at upcoming end-of-year banquets, celebrating their achievements in academics, athletics, and extracurriculars.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Creekside Students Recognized at End of Year Banquets
Creekside High School students will be honored at upcoming end-of-year banquets, celebrating achievements across academics, athletics, and extracurriculars in Clay County.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Creekside’s ACE Students Shine in 2025
Creekside High School's ACE program students from the 2024-2025 academic year achieved impressive success in academics and community service, bringing recognition to Clay County.
Thursday, April 30, 2026