Florida Schools See More A and B Grades in 2025 State Ratings & Epic Universe Drives Record Boost for Tourist Tax Collections
July 10, 2025 - This Week's News from Central Florida
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Florida Schools See More A and B Grades in 2025 State Ratings
Florida’s public schools posted stronger performance marks in 2025, with over 70% earning A or B grades, according to data released by the state Department of Education. A total of 1,526 schools received an A — up from 1,299 last year — while 935 earned a B. Meanwhile, the number of D and F schools dropped to 71 statewide, down from 117, with three-quarters of D-rated schools improving at least one letter grade. The department reported that 347 schools, representing 10%, received lower grades this year compared to the previous year. At the same time, 1,908 schools, or 56%, either improved their grades or maintained an A rating. State metrics indicate a 6% increase in the number of schools rated A this year compared to last year. Grades are calculated using metrics such as standardized test scores in math, science, reading, and social studies, along with graduation rates and student support benchmarks. Governor Ron DeSantis credited the gains to the state’s shift to progress monitoring, a system of three assessments throughout the year, calling it “real-time, actionable” feedback that enhances student achievement. He highlighted that nearly 200,000 more students now attend A or B schools compared to last year. At the district level, 28 of Florida’s 67 districts received an A, 31 earned a B, and none were rated D or F. Notably, Central Florida districts like Orange, Lake, Seminole, Brevard, and Sumter were all rated A, while Polk and Osceola earned B’s. In Tampa Bay, Pinellas retained its A grade, and Hillsborough and Pasco received B’s. Top-performing counties included Nassau and St. Johns at 74%, and Lafayette and Walton at 73%. Gadsden County had the lowest district score at 49%. Despite the improved ratings, critics questioned the accuracy of the grading model. Some lawmakers argue the model inflates school performance, while the Florida Education Association pointed to ongoing struggles on national test results, urging for more investment in teaching staff and classroom resources. The state’s current rubric awards A ratings to elementary schools scoring 62% or higher and middle and high schools scoring at least 64%. Grading thresholds were lowered from last year, where high schools required 70% for an A mark, whereas middle schools needed 68%. A bill to revise the school grading scale failed during the 2025 legislative session. However, state law requires adjustments next year if more than 75% of schools receive an A or B, which appears likely based on this year’s data. Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas defended the system, crediting “innovative policies” that emphasize core academics and accountability.
Epic Universe Opening Drives Record Month for Tourist Tax Collections
The highly anticipated opening of Universal's Epic Universe theme park has propelled Orange County's tourist-tax collections to a record high for the month of May, reaching nearly $30 million. This represents a 5.7% year-over-year increase, surpassing the previous May record set last year, despite Epic Universe only opening its gates on May 22nd. Comptroller Phil Diamond, whose office tracks the 6% surcharge on hotels and short-term rentals, expressed anticipation for June's figures, which will reflect the park's first full month of operation. Historically, new theme park openings, such as Disney's Animal Kingdom in 1998 and Universal's Harry Potter attractions in more recent years, have consistently boosted these tax revenues. Beyond the new theme park, May's strong performance was also supported by rising hotel occupancy (69.2%) and average daily room rates ($198.20), as well as three major conventions at the Orange County Convention Center, drawing more than 59,000 attendees. Visit Orlando reports that advance hotel bookings are slightly ahead of last summer, with short-term rental bookings pacing 15% higher. Through the first eight months of the current fiscal year, tourist tax collections are already $13.1 million ahead of the previous year's record pace, signaling continued economic vitality for the region's robust tourism industry.
Former Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy Enters Orange County Mayoral Race
Former U.S. Representative Stephanie Murphy, a Democrat known for her bipartisan approach during her time in Congress, officially announced her candidacy for Orange County Mayor. Murphy, 46, is poised to be a leading contender to succeed term-limited Mayor Jerry Demings, emphasizing her bipartisan track record and leadership skills to navigate a complex political landscape. Murphy, who made history as the first Vietnamese-American woman elected to Congress in 2016, highlighted the importance of strong local leadership amidst federal and state divisions, stating her ability to work with anyone willing to collaborate. Her entry into the race sets up a contest against declared opponents Orange County Clerk of Courts Tiffany Moore Russell and Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe, both Democrats, and Republican tech entrepreneur Chris Messina. A former civilian national security specialist for the U.S. Department of Defense and an instructor at Rollins College, she represented a battleground district in Orlando for three terms in Congress, unseating a long-time Republican incumbent. During this time, Murphy was a member of the moderate "Blue Dog Coalition," she focused on constructive legislation and securing projects for Central Florida. In her final year, she served on the January 6th Committee, voting to recommend prosecution for Donald Trump. Murphy voluntarily left her House seat and acknowledges the challenges of Orange County's rapid growth, which has brought the county to an estimated 1.5 million residents. She aims to address the affordability crisis and transportation issues, ensuring residents have access to the "American dream."
Florida Marijuana Legalization Effort Gains Momentum for 2026 Ballot
A renewed push to legalize recreational marijuana use in Florida is making significant strides toward placing a new constitutional amendment on the 2026 ballot, having submitted over 600,000 valid petition signatures. The Smart & Safe Florida political committee, spearheading the effort, reported 613,206 verified signatures as of Tuesday, bringing them closer to the 880,062 required to qualify for the statewide ballot. This marks a renewed push after a similar proposal in 2024, known as Amendment 3, garnered 56% voter support but fell short of Florida's stringent 60% approval threshold for constitutional amendments. The currently proposed "Adult Personal Use of Marijuana" initiative would permit adults 21 and over to buy and use cannabis for personal, non-medical use. However, it includes new provisions, such as prohibitions on marketing to children and bans on public smoking and vaping, addressing key criticisms raised by opponents, including Governor Ron DeSantis. Despite past opposition and an ongoing federal lawsuit challenging new state restrictions on ballot initiatives, Smart & Safe Florida has already surpassed the 220,016-signature benchmark that triggers mandatory review by the Florida Supreme Court and a financial impact analysis. The committee faces a February 1, 2026, deadline to submit all required signatures.
St. Petersburg Moves to Officially End Rays Stadium Deal with Vote on July 24
St. Petersburg’s City Council is set to vote on July 24 on a formal agreement to terminate the now-defunct stadium redevelopment deal with the Tampa Bay Rays and development partner Hines. Although the $1.3 billion stadium plan expired on March 31 when the Rays opted not to proceed, city officials are seeking a written dissolution to legally close the chapter on the failed Historic Gas Plant District project. The proposed termination would be recorded with the Pinellas County clerk and would free land for future redevelopment—possibly a convention center, which the city is reportedly commissioning a feasibility study to evaluate. The vote would also end plans for housing, office space, and retail surrounding the stadium. City attorneys have prepared new license agreements allowing the Rays to continue using Tropicana Field and nearby facilities until their current lease expires in 2028. Mayor Ken Welch remains committed to pursuing a new vision for redeveloping the Gas Plant area, emphasizing promises of affordable housing and economic opportunities for minority-owned businesses in the historically Black neighborhood. This latest action comes amid news of the Rays being in exclusive discussions to sell the team to Jacksonville-area home developer Patrick Zalupski, a prospect that Mayor Welch finds "exciting" and potentially open to new baseball discussions under different ownership.
Orange County Seeks to Curb Jail Population, Costs
Orange County leaders are pursuing reforms to reduce the jail population and ease rising incarceration costs, particularly among individuals affected by homelessness and mental illness. A committee, reconvened in January by Mayor Jerry Demings and co-chaired by Chief Judge of the Ninth Circuit Lisa Munyon and now-retired Chief Judge Belvin Perry, recently delivered a report with 31 recommendations. The panel found that many inmates are jailed for nonviolent offenses tied to untreated mental health issues and lack of shelter, costing taxpayers an estimated $4.5 million annually. It noted that the jail has become a "de facto behavioral health facility," absorbing the consequences of gaps in community services and serving as an ineffective solution for broader societal issues. Among the key recommendations is the creation of a diversion program to connect individuals with serious mental illnesses and substance use disorders to community-based treatment. The panel also suggested simpler, low-cost solutions like encouraging law enforcement to issue civil citations for non-violent misdemeanors instead of arrests and providing mental health de-escalation training for judges, lawyers, and jail staff. Additionally, they urged quicker resolution of technical probation violations, which contribute to lengthy and costly jail stays, and reusing the vacant Work Release Center. The committee also touched upon the jail's 25% staffing shortage, which remains a challenge despite recent pay raises, suggesting incentives like childcare for night shift employees. The jail faced a 25% staffing vacancy rate earlier this year. Mayor Demings, who was part of a similar task force two decades ago as Orlando police chief, expressed optimism for a "comprehensive review" to ensure the "right people remain in jail and those who perhaps should be released are released." The jail, the fourth-largest in Florida, has experienced a 31% surge in average daily population in four years, rising to 3,111 in 2024. However, even as the facility has temporarily housed hundreds of immigration detainees since the beginning of the year, the inmate population has recently seen a slight dip to 3,040.
Florida Reclaims $2.1B in Unused Reinsurance Funds
State lawmakers have pulled back $2.1 billion from a reinsurance fund initially created to stabilize the state’s property insurance market, following Gov. Ron DeSantis’ recent approval of legislation (HB 5013) signed into law last week. The funds, originally set aside in 2022 during special legislative sessions, were intended to help insurers secure backup reinsurance coverage amid escalating hurricane-related claims and widespread instability in the industry. The state committed $3 billion to two programs: Reinsurance to Assist Policyholders (RAP) and the Florida Optional Reinsurance Assistance program. However, demand for these funds fell short of projections. The RAP program is now expected to need only about $900 million, mostly for claims from Hurricane Ian, allowing lawmakers to return $1.1 billion to the state’s general revenue coffers. The optional reinsurance program also saw limited participation and no payouts, freeing up another $1 billion. HB 5013, which passed unanimously and was signed by DeSantis, redirects the unused funds to be used for other state priorities or savings. The change reflects improved market conditions and reduced immediate need for state-backed reinsurance support as the property insurance market experiences some stabilization.
Florida Without FEMA
Florida, still reeling from a destructive 2024 hurricane season that saw over $23 billion in damages from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, faces a potentially dismal future if President Donald Trump follows through on his promise to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after this year's hurricane season. Experts warn that without FEMA's crucial support, Florida and its municipalities would be solely responsible for the immense costs of disaster response and recovery. Last year alone, Florida received over $4 billion from the federal government for hurricane recovery—more than any other state. Losing this funding would create severe shortfalls in state and local budgets, severely hampering recovery efforts. However, FEMA's role extends beyond financial aid, deploying nearly 900 staff members for water rescues, debris removal, and first aid—vital support for both rural and urban communities. The federal agency not only funds disaster response but also prevention efforts. Its now-defunct Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, which had provided Florida with $312 million for hurricane-hardening infrastructure projects, including $293 million in already distributed funds that were recalled by the Trump administration. BRIC was ended in April as part of the sweeping DOGE efforts to reduce “wasteful” and “politicized” spending, freezing storm-resilient infrastructure projects from moving forward across the state. This included critical projects to raise flood-prone roads, fund wastewater lift stations, and harden South Florida’s sprawling canal system. Other experts warn that shifting the entire natural disaster cost burden to states could jeopardize other critical programs that rely on FEMA funds like Elevate Florida, which help homeowners strengthen or rebuild their storm-damaged properties. While President Trump previously suggested dissolving FEMA and reallocating funds directly to states, which could result in aid being deployed more quickly, Florida lacks the existing capacity to fully replace the agency's comprehensive network of support and resources. This potential loss of access to critical support for both immediate relief and long-term resilience projects raises serious concerns about the state’s ability to protect Floridians and rebuild after catastrophic storms.
Orange County Jail Makes ICE Detainee Names Public After Outcry
Orange County has reversed its policy of concealing the identities of inmates held on federal immigration detainers, drawing praise from immigrant advocates and local officials. Detainees with active immigration holds are now clearly marked on the county jail’s online roster with a yellow “Immigration Hold” banner beneath their mugshots. Previously, individuals held solely on immigration charges were excluded from the jail’s public database, leaving attorneys and family members unable to locate loved ones. The change follows complaints that detainees were being “disappeared” into the federal system without notice, often being swiftly transferred to facilities like the new "Alligator Alcatraz" in the Everglades or out-of-state centers. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings directed corrections staff to implement the new policy in late June, stating it would "assist family members of detainees in locating their loved ones." Orange County's Intergovernmental Service Agreement (IGSA) with Immigration and Customs Enforcement allows the county jail to house federal inmates, including those arrested outside county borders. This agreement has faced scrutiny due to the county only being reimbursed $88 per day per detainee, while the actual cost to the county is approximately $145. County commissioners are slated to further discuss this agreement next week.
Trump Signs Bill Adding Billions for Kennedy Space Center, Artemis Lunar Missions
President Donald Trump signed the sweeping tax and spending package titled the “Big, Beautiful Bill,” on July 4, providing more than $10 billion in supplemental funding for NASA. This is a sharp contrast to the president’s proposed 2026 budget, which would have slashed NASA’s science program budget by half and ended the Space Launch System (SLS), Orion spacecraft, and Gateway lunar station after Artemis III. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) led a successful amendment to restore funding, emphasizing the need to maintain U.S. leadership in space amid competition with China. The amendment secures funding over the next seven years for critical space initiatives, including $4.1 billion for Space Launch System (SLS) rockets needed for Artemis IV and V, $2.6 billion for the Gateway lunar space station, and $250 million for Kennedy Space Center infrastructure upgrades. It also provides $1.25 billion to support International Space Station operations through 2030 and $85 million to move the retired space shuttle Discovery from the Washington, D.C. area to Houston’s Space Center. The additional funds aim to counter Trump’s proposed phaseout of key NASA initiatives and shifting future missions to commercial companies like SpaceX and BlueOrigin. The approved reconciliation bill preserves major NASA contracts and thousands of jobs, particularly in Florida and Texas. While these funds offer a lifeline to specific programs, Trump's overall 2026 budget proposal still seeks to slash NASA's total funding to $18.8 billion—the smallest since 1961. It calls for several billions in deep cuts to science, space technology, and STEM education, a move that The Planetary Society has deemed an "extinction-level event" for NASA's scientific endeavors.
SpaceX Proposes New Satellite Facility in Manatee County
SpaceX is looking to expand its Florida footprint with a proposed satellite communications facility in Manatee County, according to public records. The Elon Musk-founded aerospace company filed preliminary plans to build a secure, gravel compound on a 0.73-acre site in Myakka City that will house 40 satellite antennas. Located south of Lake Manatee and west of Waterbury Road on County Road 675, this facility is intended to support high-bandwidth, low-latency data communication services. These services are likely to bolster Starlink, SpaceX's subsidiary that provides global internet access via satellites, particularly in remote areas. This local development comes as SpaceX is already significantly expanding its presence in Florida, having recently announced a $1.8 billion capital investment at the Kennedy Space Center. Those plans are estimated to create 600 new jobs by 2030, reinforcing the state's role in the commercial space industry.
Winter Park Narrows Protest Restrictions at Library and Events Center
Winter Park officials are scaling back a proposed ordinance that would restrict protests near the city’s public buildings following concerns by city commissioners about potential infringements on free speech. An updated ordinance, which passed a commission vote on first reading, narrows the no-protest zone at the Winter Park Library and Events Center campus to the buildings themselves and adjacent walkways, rather than the entire area. City leaders say the change aims to prevent disruptions to private and city-hosted events without broadly infringing on First Amendment rights. The city-owned and operated events center generates significant revenue for the city as a rental facility, hosting as many as 20 events per month. With the recent changes, protests would still be allowed elsewhere on the roughly 100-acre property at Morse Boulevard and Harper Street, which includes Martin Luther King Jr. Park. Records show just one of 15 recent disturbances at the complex involved a protest. The ordinance now caps repeat-offender fines at $300 and bars disruptions within the buildings or on areas not expressly prohibited by the city or library.
Byron Donalds Rakes in $22M for Gubernatorial Bid
U.S. Representative Byron Donalds (R-Naples) has announced a formidable $22 million fundraising haul for his campaign to become Florida's next governor, a sum that significantly outpaces his two dozen rivals. This financial success further solidifies Donalds' position as the frontrunner in the Republican primary, bolstered by a crucial endorsement from President Donald Trump. The campaign revealed Donalds secured $12 million immediately after declaring his candidacy on February 26, followed by an additional $10 million in the recently concluded second quarter. Notable contributors include several former donors to Gov. DeSantis, such as billionaires Thomas Peterffy, Dick Uihlein, and Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE). Active registered Republican voters in the state now outnumber Democrats by approximately 1.3 million. This substantial GOP advantage means the winner of the Republican primary is heavily favored to win the general election.
Gov. DeSantis to Elon Musk: Don’t Create a New Political Party
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a former presidential hopeful who launched his ill-fated campaign with Elon Musk on X (formerly Twitter), publicly advised the tech billionaire against forming a new political party. Musk recently announced his intention to create the "America Party" amidst a renewed feud with President Donald Trump over the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which Musk calls a "wasteful" federal spending package. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO has sharply criticized Trump’s signature legislative bill for dramatically increasing federal spending and the national debt. He has publicly called it a “disgusting abomination” and “debt slavery,” arguing that it undermines efforts to reduce government waste and fiscal irresponsibility. Independent estimates suggest the bill could add over $3 trillion to the deficit over the next decade. DeSantis urged Musk to abandon his plans to launch a third political party, suggesting he instead focus on "primarying" Republicans or advocating for constitutional amendments on term limits and a balanced federal budget. Musk recently announced his intention to create the "America Party" amidst a renewed feud with President Donald Trump over what Musk calls a "wasteful" federal spending bill. DeSantis, while not directly criticizing the bill, acknowledged a "problem in the Republican Party" with members failing to curb spending once in office. Musk’s plans are drawing criticism and concern from Republicans who fear it could siphon votes and benefit Democrats. DeSantis said a third party would “just end with Democrats winning elections.” “I think Washington needs to be overhauled 100 percent, but I just don’t think a third party is going to do it,” DeSantis added.
South Tampa’s Britton Plaza Set for Major Redevelopment
South Tampa's Britton Plaza, a bustling shopping center recently acquired by New York-based Brixmor Property Group, has unveiled new renderings showcasing a significant redevelopment plan. The vision includes a more walkable district featuring a diverse mix of retail, from value brands like Marshalls to the existing Publix Super Market, aiming to attract a broader range of shoppers. Brixmor says the renovations to the longtime shopping center will enhance convenience while aiming to attract new tenants and draw 3 million annual shoppers. The company surveyed 500 nearby residents and cited strong support for an improved tenant mix and shopper experience. However, current long-standing small business tenants have expressed concerns about potential displacement as construction begins. They fear rising rents or the developer’s strategy to introduce a new lineup of tenants could jeopardize their ability to remain in the plaza.
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