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The president of Florida's only public historically Black university resigns after donation debacle
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — The president of Florida’s only public historically Black university is resigning amid backlash over the school’s apparent failure to properly vet a multi-million dollar donation from a dubious donor. Larry Robinson submitted his resignation last week and will leave Florida A&M University at a time when state officials are scrutinizing programs at the school that they say are underperforming and as increasing political influence reshapes the state’s higher education landscape. During a graduation ceremony in May, Robinson stood on stage in his academic regalia holding a jumbo check for $237 million, a gift that would have been the single largest private donation to a historically Black college or university – if it ever materialized. Robinson has led the 137-year-old HBCU for seven years. There has been public outcry over the university’s handling of the donation, which took the form of millions of shares in 30-year-old donor Gregory Gerami’s fledgling industrial hemp company. FAMU put the gift on pause and authorized an outside investigation of the debacle, which is ongoing.
Haines City to add speeding cameras in school zones
HAINES CITY, Fla. — Schools in Haines City will soon have cameras installed to catch drivers speeding through school zones. The ordinance was approved by the city commission earlier in June, making it the first city in Polk County to add these cameras to local schools. Before becoming police...
‘Free State of Florida’ welcome signs touting DeSantis motto cost $60K
Florida spent $60,000 on new highway welcome signs that feature a campaign slogan used by Gov. Ron DeSantis in speeches and on merchandise. Signs welcoming visitors to “The Free State of Florida” now stand at 24 locations along highways and at two welcome centers, said Michael Williams, a spokesperson for the Florida Department of Transportation, in an email.
Florida is quietly denying transgender residents updated birth certificates
In the past year, Florida’s health department has declined to amend gender markers on birth certificates for both transgender adults and minors. Although the agency says it is basing denials on pre-existing state statutes, transgender Floridians had previously been able to update their birth certificates for at least a decade. Now, they face an opaque process that seems designed to reject all applicants.
Woman Killed In Mosaic Accident
A 29-year-old woman from Fort Meade was killed Friday during an industrial accident at Mosaic. According to a statement from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the industrial accident occurred at Mosaic’s plant in the Bradley area south of Mulberry, Fla., in Polk County.
In 3-2 vote, Lake Wales Commission rejects proposed change to public comments at meetings
The Lake Wales City Commission narrowly rejected a proposal that would have split citizen comments into two periods, at the start and conclusion of its meetings. Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson, who conceived and promoted the resolution, said that it would reduce rancor and ensure that discussions early in meetings pertain only to official city business. But he failed to persuade enough of his colleagues.
Which Jacksonville hospital is tops in Florida? Here's U.S. News & World Report's rankings
Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville is the top hospital in Florida, according to U.S. News & World Report's latest "Best Hospitals" ranking, which has given the Southside facility the state's No. 1 honor for eight of the last 10 years. Advent Health Orlando took top honors in 2019 and, under its former name, Florida Hospital...
Olympic medalist signs NIL deal with hometown Sarasota before competing in Paris
SARASOTA, Fla. - Olympic medalist and Sarasota native Emma Weyant is representing her hometown ahead of her big trip to Paris with a Name, Image, and Likeness deal. TOKYO, JAPAN - JULY 25: Emma Weyant of Team United States poses with the silver medal for the Women's 400m Individual Medley Final on day two of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Tokyo Aquatics Centre on July 25, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Clive R.
Here's why people and pups should check Davis Islands water quality before hopping in
TAMPA, Fla. — It's no secret that it's hot out and the perfect place to cool off is the beach. What people may not know is it's important to check for water quality alerts before hopping in the water at specific Tampa Bay area beaches. One of those beaches...
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