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FORMER BOOKER ELEMENTARY STUDENTS AND TEACHERS REFLECT ON 9-11
FROM WSLR
The events of Sept. 11 left an indelible mark on the young students who witnessed history firsthand. Andre Hobbs Jr, was a fifth-grader and was one of a select group of students chosen to assemble in the media center. "You can see in one of the clips ... when he addressed the nation about the terrorist attack, you can see me in the back—me and a couple of my classmates." Some of Hobbs’ classmates went on to enlist in the United States Armed Forces—a decision Hobbs believes was directly influenced by their presence on stage that morning. Now Hobbs works with youth and is raising children of his own. He finds himself passing down the historical memory to a generation born long after 2001.
READ/HEAR THE STORY HERE
RESIDENTS RALLY TO KEEP SHORT-TERM RENTALS OUT OF THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS
FROM EAST COUNTY OBSERVER
Manatee County residents fed up with short-term rentals bringing late-night parties, noise, trash and traffic to their neighborhoods are pressing county officials to enforce what they say is already in the law: a prohibition on transient lodging in areas zoned for single-family homes. The newly formed Manatee Concerned Residents, which has grown to more than 1,200 Facebook members, presented commissioners with a legal brief arguing that no new regulations are needed — just enforcement of existing zoning rules.
READ THE STORY HERE
FLORIDA'S PUBLIC SCHOOL ENROLLMENT FALLS WHILE VOUCHERS SOAR
FROM FLORIDA TRIB
The significant drop in enrollment is caused, in part, by the 2023 expansion of Florida’s Family Empowerment Scholarships, or voucher program, for home and private school students and students with disabilities, now available regardless of income. In major metropolitan school districts across the state, keeping students in public schools has become progressively challenging. Many have bled students in recent years, according to a collection of enrollment data.
READ THE STORY HERE
LAUREL MEADOWS RESIDENTS ASK JUDGE TO REINSTATE NEGLIGENCE CLAIM
FROM SARASOTA NEWS LEADER
Laurel Meadows residents are asking a judge to reinstate a negligence claim against Sarasota County over the devastating flooding of their neighborhood during Tropical Storm Debby in 2024. Circuit Judge Dana Moss dismissed that count of their lawsuit with prejudice last month, citing a state law that shields local governments from liability for certain stormwater-system failures. The residents’ attorney argues Florida law entitled them to amend the claim rather than have it permanently dismissed.
READ THE STORY HERE
MANATEE COUNTY DRAMA SPILLS INTO PUBLIC VIEW:
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COMMISSIONER, ADMINISTRATOR CLASH OVER MANATEE COUNTY HIRING PROCESS (EAST COUNTY OBSERVER): A Manatee County work session erupted into a heated exchange after commissioners Jason Bearden and Bob McCann questioned two new hires. County Administrator Charlie Bishop defended his staff and threaten Bearden, who accused Bishop of being absent from work for months. "Let's go at it," Bishop said. READ THE STORY HERE
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JASON BEARDEN GOES OFF ON MANATEE COUNTY SPECIAL INTERESTS FOLLOWING ASSISTANT’S DISMISSAL (THE BRADENTON TIMES): After the firing of County Administrator Charlie Bishop's executive assistant, Commissioner Jason Bearden took to Facebook to unload on what he described as powerful special interests influencing Manatee County government, broadening an already bitter dispute with county leadership into accusations about the forces shaping local politics. READ THE STORY HERE
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THREE MORE THOUGHTS ABOUT JASON BEARDEN’S TIRADE (BRADENTON JOURNAL): Bearden’s tirade raised some bigger questions about Manatee County politics, including whether his accusations of corruption and special-interest influence are backed by evidence, what his break with fellow Republicans means and whether his newfound willingness to speak out will last. READ THE STORY HERE
WHO OWNS THE BEACH? A HEATED BATTLE PLAYS OUT IN THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE
FROM NPR
Walton County boasts 26 miles of shoreline and is home to the tony beach towns of Seaside, WaterColor and Alys Beach, along state Scenic Highway 30A. It's known for emerald clear waters and white sand so soft and fine it squeaks underfoot. It has also become ground zero in a protracted battle over where personal property lines end and the public's right to set up a chair and umbrella begin.
READ THE STORY HERE
SARASOTA'S CARDINAL MOONEY GOLFERS ARE MAKING HISTORY ON A GLOBAL STAGES
FROM ABC7
For the first time in history, U.S. high school golfers will represent the nation in the World School Games in Scotland. The tournament runs from Sept. 14-17, and the players will get to play on the famed St. Andrews golf course during the tournament. “Very exciting, very exciting,” Cardinal Mooney High School Boys Golf Head Coach Robby Robertson said. “Nervous also, going over being the first. We don’t really know what we’re getting into, but we’re excited for the adventure.”
READ THE STORY HERE
AMENDMENT 3 COULD INCREASE HOME PRICES ACROSS FLORIDA — AND REAL ESTATE AGENTS LOVE IT
FROM SEEKING RENTS
A recent Realtor.com study found that deeply cutting Florida property taxes could immediately drive home prices up 7% to 9% statewide — a finding that may help explain why the Florida Association of Realtors, whose members earn commissions tied to home prices, is backing Amendment 3, the proposed constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would sharply reduce property taxes.
READ THE STORY HERE
PEOPLE WITH TOURETTE SYNDROME USE EVERYTHING IN THEIR POWER TO SUPPRESS TICS – THIS EXHAUSTING PROCESS IS KEY TO TREATMENT
FROM THE CONVERSATION
University of Florida neurologist Michael Okun uses Billie Eilish’s experience with Tourette syndrome to explain why people can sometimes suppress their tics — and why doing so can be exhausting. Okun, a distinguished professor at UF’s Norman Fixel Institute, explains that the ability to temporarily control tics doesn’t make them voluntary or the disorder any less real; in fact, understanding how tic suppression works has helped shape effective behavioral treatments.
READ THE STORY HERE
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