Florida Finalizes $29.5B Education Budget & $1.7B for I-4 Expansion, Congestion Relief
June 12, 2025 - This Week's News from Central Florida
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Florida Lawmakers Finalize $29.5B Education Budget
Florida legislators have neared an agreement on a $29.5 billion K-12 education budget for the upcoming year—a roughly 3% or $945 million increase over current funding. The approval boosts per-student funding by $142.74 to $9,130, a 1.59% rise. Much of the added revenue, however, comes from local property taxes, which will account for nearly 70% of the increase, even as Governor Ron DeSantis and many lawmakers continue to advocate for the elimination of property taxes. To limit spending, lawmakers trimmed planned increases for key areas such as teacher pay and mental health services. Lawmakers have allocated an additional $101.6 million for teacher salary increases, though the amount is less than previous years and falls short of the $250 million proposed by Gov. DeSantis. Accelerated academic programs such as AP and IB courses will maintain current funding levels of $596 million after initial proposals to reduce support were met with pushback. The agreement comes amid a decline in public school enrollment due to expanded school choice programs, which allow families to use public funds for private school tuition or homeschooling. At the same time, legislators revived the “Schools of Hope” program with $6 million in new funding to expand privately run charter school options in struggling communities. Local school leaders have expressed concern. In Pinellas County, the proposed base student allocation increase by the state is less than 1%, which fails to meet rising costs, and the district faces additional strain after absorbing over $50 million in storm-related expenses with no state aid. Like many school districts, Pinellas County, which already faces declining student enrollment, plans to eliminate hundreds of unfilled teaching and administrative positions to weather the financial challenges ahead. As the Legislature extended its session to finalize the budget, discussions continue over policy changes—some of which may be revived through conforming bills. Among them: allowing Schools of Hope to operate within failing public school campuses and improving accountability for school choice scholarships.
Lawmakers Expedite $1.7B for I-4 Congestion Relief, Expansion Projects
State lawmakers have approved $1.7 billion to fast-track three major transportation projects aimed at easing traffic congestion along Interstate 4 in Osceola and Polk counties. The funding, greenlit by the Joint Legislative Budget Commission, will allow the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to begin construction this fiscal year—two years ahead of schedule. The projects include two express lanes in each direction over two stretches: a 2.6-mile section from east of World Drive to east of U.S. 192, and a 3.1-mile segment from east of County Road 532 to west of World Drive. The third project is the new 3.5-mile Poinciana Connector, linking State Road 429 to Osceola Polk Line Road and ultimately I-4. The improvements are part of FDOT’s “Moving Florida Forward” initiative, which seeks to deliver long-term congestion relief statewide and regional mobility enhancements. The substantial investment aims to minimize mounting traffic pressure in Osceola County, one of Florida’s fastest-growing areas, especially around Poinciana. FDOT also stated these projects will create a continuous express lane system from Seminole County to U.S. 27 in Polk County. Building upon the early completion of two new I-4 lanes earlier this year, officials say the added funding will expedite delivery timelines and significantly bolster Central Florida’s express lane network, improving access and easing daily commutes.
Federal Appeals Court Upholds Block on Florida Immigration Law
The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has rejected Attorney General James Uthmeier's request to allow enforcement of a new Florida law targeting undocumented immigrants while legal challenges play out. The law, SB 4-C, passed in a February special legislative session, creates state-level crimes for undocumented immigrants entering or re-entering Florida. A U.S. District Judge blocked the law in April, finding it likely conflicts with federal immigration authority. Uthmeier appealed, seeking a stay of the court’s injunction during the appeal process. The appeals court agreed with the lower court, ruling the Attorney General failed to demonstrate that the district court erred in its decision. Similarly, they emphasized the federal government's distinct interest in regulating alien admission and entry. The three-judge panel also criticized Uthmeier’s actions in the case, referencing a “seemingly defiant posture” toward the district court’s ruling. The court also declined to narrow the injunction to only apply to Uthmeier and state prosecutors, a move that would have allowed police to enforce the law. The decision keeps the law blocked while the legal battle continues by immigrant advocacy groups. The law's constitutionality remains a contentious issue, with opponents arguing it infringes on federal authority and could lead to conflicts with federal immigration proceedings.
Florida Teens Face New Driver Education Requirement Starting July 1
Starting July 1, Florida teens must complete a driver education classroom course before obtaining a learner’s permit. Previously, applicants only needed to pass a course on traffic laws and substance abuse. The new requirement, signed into law by Governor DeSantis, aims to enhance teen driver safety by ensuring more comprehensive education before hitting the road. The change applies only to students aged 15 to 17. Adults 18 and older are not subject to the new rule. While some schools, including Florida Virtual School, already offer driver education, many districts have scaled back such programs in recent years due to budget cuts.
Florida Teacher Shortage Lingers Despite State’s Fiscal Strength
Florida continues to face a significant teacher shortage even as the state boasts a record budget surplus and strong financial health. More than 3,000 teaching positions remain unfilled statewide, and the number of educators teaching outside their certified subject areas has increased by 16%. Despite $1.25 billion in pay increases for teachers since 2019, current proposals from lawmakers would add just $91 million to $100 million—well below the previous annual $250 million boost. Florida's average teacher pay remains near the bottom nationally. This comes amid broader debates over permanent tax cuts, not funding gaps. With $17 billion in reserves and budget growth from $82.6 billion in 2019 to $118.6 billion today, critics argue the state should invest more in education and public services. House Speaker Daniel Perez (R-Miami) and Governor Ron DeSantis have prioritized tax relief over essential needs and workforce investment, a move Democrats say ignores the state’s growing challenges. House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) cited the lack of investment in public education, the prison system, and unemployment programs as detrimental to the interests and quality of life of Floridians. While recent years of state funding have led to some improvements in public schools, Florida Education Association leaders maintain that these efforts fall short of closing the teacher vacancy gap and ensuring certified educators in every classroom, with Florida's average teacher pay remaining near the bottom nationally. Compounding these workforce challenges in a state with a growing and aging population is a projected shortage of 59,100 nurses by 2035. In response to this critical healthcare workforce need, lawmakers' $716 million investment through the Live Healthy Act aims to expand health care access and address workforce demands, though the ongoing budget negotiations continue to scrutinize such allocations amidst calls for broader public service funding.
State Officials Approve Land Conservation Purchase from Luxury Golf Developer
In a notable reversal from previous controversial land-swap proposals, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Attorney General James Uthmeier, and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson on Tuesday approved the direct purchase of 340 acres of forest land in Hernando County for conservation. The seller is Cabot Citrus, a luxury golf resort that had previously sought to acquire a similar amount of public land in exchange for other property. This outright purchase, which does not include a public land swap, comes after widespread outrage last August over the DeSantis administration's proposed developments in state parks and on public lands, including the initial Cabot Citrus proposal. Last year, the developer had sought to expand its high-end golf resort by swapping more than 300 acres of protected state land. That proposal generated intense public scrutiny, and Cabot quietly withdrew its controversial exchange offer. Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson lauded the shift, stating, "The process worked exactly the way it should. We paused, looked at alternatives, and ultimately arrived at a better path." Florida Forest Service director Rick Dolan affirmed the purchase would "increase the state forest’s ecological value" by bordering the Withlacoochee State Forest. The move marks a significant win for conservation advocates who have voiced skepticism amid recent land controversies. The exact purchase price for the Hernando County parcel has not yet been disclosed, but state officials emphasized that they will not pay more than the fair market value, pending appraisal.
Florida Child Welfare Agency Seeks to Silence Newspaper for Reporting on Hope Florida Scandal
Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) has sent a cease-and-desist letter to the Orlando Sentinel, demanding it stop contacting foster families for a story investigating the Hope Florida Foundation, a nonprofit associated with First Lady Casey DeSantis. The DCF, whose head is a gubernatorial appointee, accused the reporter of using threats to coerce negative statements about the foundation. Orlando Sentinel Executive Editor Roger Simmons vehemently denied the allegations, calling them "completely false." Simmons asserted the newspaper's commitment to free speech, stating, "We stand by our stories and reject the state’s attempt to chill free speech and encroach on our First Amendment right to report on an important issue." DCF maintained its stance, alleging harassment of foster families. This development occurs as prosecutors in Tallahassee have confirmed an ongoing investigation into the Hope Florida Foundation, which has faced scrutiny from even some Republican lawmakers over distributing $10 million from a state Medicaid settlement to political committees. Governor DeSantis has dismissed the investigation as politically motivated.
BayCare, Northwestern Medicine Partner to Expand Academic Health System in Tampa Bay
BayCare has announced a strategic collaboration with Northwestern Medicine, aligning the Tampa Bay-based nonprofit with one of the nation’s top academic health systems. The partnership between Tampa Bay’s largest health system and the renowned Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine will enhance access to advanced medical treatments, expand clinical research, and boost physician education across West Central Florida. BayCare President and CEO Stephanie Conners said the collaboration is a "critical step" in their long-term goal of becoming a leader in academic medicine. Securing $742 million in research funding last year, Northwestern Medicine, with 11 hospitals and over 200 centers, brings a strong reputation for integrating clinical care, research, and education. BayCare already partners with USF and FSU for residency training and plans to centralize academic efforts at a newly purchased 36-acre campus in West Tampa.
Florida AG Steps into Clearwater Land Dispute Involving Scientology
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has interjected into a local land dispute in downtown Clearwater, sending a letter to Mayor Bruce Rector cautioning against potential religious discrimination concerning the sale of a portion of South Garden Avenue. This intervention follows a tug-of-war between city officials, residents, and the Church of Scientology over the street, which the church initially sought to purchase. The Church of Scientology withdrew its purchase request in May after a counter-proposal emerged to memorialize African American history on the site. Uthmeier's letter, while not explicitly naming Scientology, suggested that Mayor Rector's comments indicated an "unconstitutional" stance against the church, noting that conditions on the potential land sale that may require the church to develop other downtown properties could violate state law. Mayor Rector stated he spoke with Uthmeier's office to clarify the situation, asserting that the facts in the letter were incorrect and that his office is not taking action. Critics argue the Church's nearly 200 downtown properties remain largely undeveloped, hindering growth and economic stimulation. Currently, the city council has no plans to vacate the active street for any entity.
Universal Orlando Unveils 2025 Halloween Horror Nights
Universal Orlando is already gearing up for Halloween, announcing a new haunted house based on the popular Prime Video series "Fallout" for its highly anticipated Halloween Horror Nights event. This marks Universal's first collaboration with the post-apocalyptic franchise. The "Fallout" house will immerse guests in the year 2296, venturing into the dangerous Wasteland outside underground Vaults. Visitors will encounter mutated creatures, Scavengers, Raiders, and iconic characters like the Ghoul and Maximus. Halloween Horror Nights 2025 will run from August 29 to November 2, featuring ten haunted houses, scare zones, and live shows. Single-night tickets are currently on sale, ranging from $83 to $108, with Express Passes also available for purchase. Another previously announced experience will be based on the horror film "Five Nights at Freddy's."
SeaWorld Orlando Debuts Rare Emperor Penguin Exhibit
SeaWorld Orlando is set to become the only location in the Western Hemisphere where guests can view emperor penguins up close, starting June 14. The 16 birds, relocated from SeaWorld San Diego, will be featured in the park’s upgraded Antarctica realm, which was retrofitted to replicate the penguins’ natural habitat, including 28-degree temperatures and seasonal lighting patterns. Passholders will get exclusive early access on June 13–14, with the exhibit opening to the public on Saturday. Emperor penguins, the world’s largest penguin species, are native to Antarctica and stand about 44 inches tall, weighing 60 to 90 pounds. SeaWorld Orlando Park President Jon Peterson called the opportunity to encounter the birds “incredibly rare and exciting.” The species, which can live up to 50 years in professional care, is classified as “near threatened,” facing potential risk due to climate change.
Florida Preserves Nearly 2,600 Acres of Farmland Across Three Counties
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson has announced the preservation of nearly 2,600 acres of working farmland across Bradford, Clay, and Putnam counties. The Tumlin Terwillegar Properties Project was finalized through the state’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, with support from the Governor and Cabinet. The preserved land includes a second-generation, 2,585-acre pine plantation located within the Florida Wildlife Corridor, creating a buffer against projected residential expansion. The protection of the land will also ensure the land remains used for agriculture and timber production—two key sectors of Florida’s rural economy. Commissioner Simpson emphasized that keeping land in the hands of farmers and ranchers is vital for the state’s food supply, environmental health, and overall economy. The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, established in 2001, has played a key role in maintaining Florida’s agricultural heritage and natural resources.
SeaWorld Orlando Announces Summer Concert Lineup
SeaWorld Orlando has unveiled the concert schedule for its upcoming Bands, Brew & BBQ event, featuring a mix of headliners and tribute acts across seven weekends this summer. The series kicks off on July 12, with tribute bands performing on Saturdays and country and rock artists taking the stage on Sundays. Notable acts include Blue Oyster Cult on July 20 and Lee Greenwood on August 24. Other performers include Joe Nichols (July 13), DOKKEN (July 27), Avery Anna (August 3), LoCash (August 10), and Fuel & Lit (August 17). Tribute acts honoring Journey, Toby Keith, Jason Aldean, Bon Jovi, Luke Bryan, Fleetwood Mac, and the Rolling Stones are also slated. Concerts, held at the Nautilus Theater, are included with regular park admission. Reserved seating options will be available for purchase, with details on pricing to be announced.
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