Florida eases zoning restrictions for private schools

The big story: It just got easier for private schools to open classrooms in Florida.

Under law that took effect Monday, school operators don’t face as many zoning restrictions when selecting locations to offer their programs. The law allows them to use museums, libraries, theaters and other venues that weren’t necessarily available in the past.

Proponents of the measure said it should help expand options for families using vouchers for their children’s education. Some observers worried that the changes could hinder efforts to provide other services to needy communities. Read more from WMFE.

Hot topics

Testing: Some Palm Beach County parents complain that the state requires too much testing of students, WPTV reports.

Teacher discipline: The Duval County School Board delayed its vote on a proposal to increase student safety from teachers accused of impropriety, saying the measure needed to go further, Jacksonville Today reports.

Security: The Flagler County school district will pay 16% more for law enforcement services in the schools, though the number of crossing guards and deputies used will not change, Flagler Live reports.

Mental health services: The University of South Florida has begun using a “facility therapy dog” to provide comfort and emotional support to students.

Climate change: An independent analysis projected that several critical infrastructure sites in Jacksonville, including schools and hospitals, are at risk of disruptive flooding in future years because of rising sea levels, WJXT reports.

Charter schools: A Martin County charter high school is looking to double its enrollment after a successful first year, WPEC reports. • United Cerebral Palsy of Central Florida has purchased a site in downtown Kissimmee where it plans to open a new charter school, WFTV reports.

Affordable housing: The Monroe County school district plans to build a 150-unit affordable housing complex for employees in phases, Key West Citizen reports. Groundbreaking is expected in 2026.

Don’t miss a story. Here’s a link to yesterday’s roundup.

Before you go ... In honor of Independence Day, America’s national march by the U.S. Marine Band.