Ron DeSanits

Florida’s new surgeon general says the state shouldn’t be making public health decisions out of fear, and that vaccination mandates are not the answer to the coronavirus pandemic.

Florida school districts with mandatory face mask policies can keep their policies for a while longer. A Leon County judge has lifted a stay on his ruling that initially blocked the state from punishing districts that defy Gov. Ron DeSantis' effort to block such policies.

The Leon County School district is lawyering up to defend its school mask mandate. The district has hired the same firm that is also representing Miami Dade Schools in the ongoing fight over requiring students to wear face coverings.

A Leon County judge says the state cannot selectively enforce part of a law—and that the Parents Bill of Rights—which the administration has used to justify its mask ban—does NOT allow the state to issue blanket prohibitions. The ruling is likely to be appealed, but for now, school districts can keep their mask policies.

A ruling is expected Friday in a lawsuit over Gov. Ron DeSantis’ effort to ban school districts from requiring students wear face masks. Closing arguments are slated for Thursday.

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ effort to stop school districts from mandating students wear masks is in court this week. A Leon County judge is hearing a lawsuit brought by a dozen parents who want to overturn the governor’s mandate ban. DeSantis says school districts that require masks risk losing funding.

Florida’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year is the largest ever, coming in at $100 billion. Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed $1.5 billion in spending. Most of that is federal money the legislature intended to use to create an emergency response fund.

Florida’s average teacher salary is among the lowest in the nation. The Florida Education Association says the state suffers from high turn-over rates and…