The Florida Department of Education is following up on its controversial ranking of school districts, by ranking individual schools. Lynn Hatter reports the results have charter schools and specialty schools taking up a large chunk of the top 10 list of public schools in the state.
Should home-town businesses be given extra consideration when local governments are making contracting decisions? Some state lawmakers say no – not when Florida’s money is involved anyway. Regan McCarthy reports a bill moving through the legislature would prevent local governments from giving preference to local companies when letting contracts for projects that use state money.
A bill that would revamp the way public hospitals are sold or leased is facing some opposition from hospitals. As Sascha Cordner reports, while the measure seeks to put more oversight in place over the sale of a hospital, some argue the bill is not needed because hospitals already have enough procedures in place.
A Senate committee moved forward with a bill (today) Monday that raises the possibility of cutting the state's reliance on natural gas to fuel power plants and also includes tax incentives for renewable-energy companies. James Call reports Senators appear confident that they can develop a state energy policy but advocates for renewable and alternative sources of energy are calling on lawmakers to develop a bolder policy.
While a Florida Senate Committee was considering alternative fuels for the state’s power plants today (Monday), an alternative energy car was attracting attention just a few miles from the Capitol. Tom Flanigan reports the car is part of a growing movement to power motor vehicles with natural gas instead of gasoline…..