Regional

Virtual school growth spurs funding debate

TALLAHASSEE — The covid-19 pandemic prompted skyrocketing student enrollment in virtual education, putting a spotlight on competition among Florida providers — and igniting a debate about whether lawmakers should tweak the way public schools are funded as more students take classes online.

Tribe, pari-mutuels reach sports betting agreements

TALLAHASSEE --- Continuing to move forward with a major gambling deal with the state, the Seminole Tribe of Florida has reached agreements with five pari-mutuel facilities to help market sports betting. The gambling deal, which was negotiated by Gov.

Florida sues over federal vaccination requirement

TALLAHASSEE —Florida filed a federal lawsuit Thursday that challenges moves by the Biden administration to require employees of federal contractors to provide proof of covid-19 vaccinations by Dec. 8. Gov. Ron DeSantis and Attorney General Ashley Moody announced the lawsuit, which was filed in U.S.

Wellborn cooks up Cornbread Festival

WELLBORN — The inaugural Wellborn Cornbread Festival is still more than a week away. But the roots of the fall festival began more than a year ago.

DAR scholarships available

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution awards multiple scholarships to students showing dedication to the pursuit of degrees in diverse disciplines each year. Last year the NSDAR Scholarship Committee awarded 83 scholarships totaling $280,000.

Florida Surgeon General: Can’t communicate clearly with mask

TALLAHASSEE — Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo on Tuesday defended his decision not to wear a mask when attempting to meet with a state senator who told him she had a serious medical condition, saying he cannot communicate clearly “when half of my face is covered.” Ladapo, an appointee of Gov.

Live Oak CNA certificate suspended after fraud scheme

LIVE OAK — A Live Oak CNA’s license was suspended last week after a scheme to defraud over the summer. Joseph Ladapo, the state surgeon general, ordered the emergency suspension of Rinesha Allen’s certificate on Oct. 19 to practice as a certified nursing assistant in the state.

Gordy selected as Live Oak CRA coordinator

LIVE OAK — Encouraged by her experience already working for the City of Live Oak, the Live Oak Community Redevelopment Agency tapped a familiar face for its new department head. At a special meeting Oct.

Feds warn state over school board money

TALLAHASSEE — President Joe Biden’s administration on Monday warned top Florida education officials to “reconsider your threatened actions” after the state said it would try to thwart attempts to use federal money to cover salaries of county school-board members who approved student mask...

Pfizer says covid vaccine more than 90% effective in kids

Kid-size doses of Pfizer’s covid-19 vaccine appear safe and nearly 91% effective at preventing symptomatic infections in 5- to 11-year-olds, according to study details released Friday as the U.S. considers opening vaccinations to that age group.