While Florida has one of the best state college systems in the country, a new report from the LeRoy Collins Institute says the colleges can do better, particularly in helping low-income and minority students pay for their educations and complete degrees.
Among the findings from the non-partisan statewide policy organization, which is housed at Florida State University:
With a 48 percent increase in the number of students seeking counseling, Florida universities are asking for an additional $14.5 million in the coming budget year to hire more mental health professionals, including psychologists, counselors, psychiatric nurses and prevention specialists.
Former state Senate President Don Gaetz is among four candidates scheduled for on-campus interviews next week as the University of West Florida nears completion of its search for a new president.
Under federal indictment, state Rep. Reggie Fullwood was one of nine state House incumbents who successfully turned back primary challengers Tuesday.
Fullwood, a Jacksonville Democrat who is facing an October trial on wire-fraud and tax-related charges stemming from the alleged misuse of campaign funds, had about 45.3 percent of the vote to Tracie Davis' 42.5 percent with all precincts reporting in Duval County's House District 13. In the November general election, he will face Republican Mark Griffin, who won the GOP primary for the seat.
A political veteran with nearly four decades of experience and a first-time candidate are facing each other in the Republican primary in Florida's Congressional District 11.
U.S. Rep. Dan Webster, 67, is seeking a fourth term in Congress but is battling Justin Grabelle, 34, in the Aug. 30 primary.
When Sen. Nancy Detert decided this year to run for the Sarasota County Commission instead of seeking another term in Tallahassee, it opened up a seat that Republicans have long controlled.
And as the Aug. 30 primary approaches, five Republicans --- including four current or former office-holders --- are competing to replace Detert.
