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Controversy Over Voucher Law

Yesterday's passing of the voucher law which will expand the number of tax credit vouchers for private schools has caused strong controversy for Florida. Some argue there will be too many students qualifying for vouchers, including those who have the means to pay. President of the Alachua County Education Association Gunnar Paulson says the law allows all kinds of students to qualify. Paulson warns this is not the time to increase spending if there is a shortfall in the budget and with the state the economy is in. Paulson believes the voucher law is going to take money from the public school system. On the other hand, Rock School Principal Bob Carter says the public school system collects the taxes people already pay. Carter believes people do not understand the law and need to know students who do not have an economic neccessity cannot get the tax credit voucher. Paulson says he is skeptical for who the money is really going to.
Carter says the law will not have a drastic increase in the number of students who attend his school. Currently, there are 27-thousand students who qualify for the program now and if the expansion continues, nearly 70,000 students will be able to enroll in by 2015.

]]> Yesterday's passing of the voucher law which will expand the number of tax credit vouchers for private schools has caused strong controversy for Florida. Some argue there will be too many students qualifying for vouchers, including those who have the means to pay.

Levy County Deputy Released from Shands

A Levy county sheriff's deputy was released from Shands at UF after being involved in a crash Thursday morning. Levy County Sheriff's Spokeman Lieutenant Evan Sullivan says in an attempt to stop a burglary, Dectective Martin was hit by a car. The sheriff's department is glad that Detective Martin survived and is only being treated for neck and back injuries. The Florida Highway Patrol investigated Martin's crash and issued a citation for Steven Fitch for pulling in the path of an emergency vehicle. Sullivan says as for the crime scene, an arrest was made. FHP says Martin had to be taken from his car by Levy County EMS. Neither Fitch nor his passenger, Steven Fitch were injured.

]]> A Levy county sheriff's deputy was released from Shands at UF after being involved in a crash Thursday morning. Levy County Sheriff's Spokeman Lieutenant Evan Sullivan says in an attempt to stop a burglary, Dectective Martin was hit by a car.

Wildfire Update

With warm temperatures among us and a lack of humidity, the conditions are perfect for wildfires. And even though the state of Florida has received an above normal amount of rain during the last few months official are still warning residents about the dangers of wildfires. According to officials Florida has already had13,457 acres destroyed by wildfires. Press Secretary for the Florida Department of Agriculture Tarrence McElroy says not to be to mislead by the unusual wet-weather, wildfires are still a possibility. McElroy also encourage residents to take caution with any fire-related objects. McElroy says even if a wildfire is accidently caused there are still major consequences in store for those responsible for the fire.Wildfire awareness week begins next week which enables residents to learn about fire-burning guidelines and how to prevent wildfires.

]]> With warm temperatures among us and a lack of humidity, the conditions are perfect for wildfires. And even though the state of Florida has received an above normal amount of rain during the last few months official are still warning residents about the dangers of wildfires.

UF President Machen Meets with Students

After a protest on Tuesday, students are demanding their voice be heard regarding the shooting of graduate student Kofi Adu-Brempong. A handful of students from Students for a Democratic Society met with University President Bernie Machen yesterday to discuss changes they would like to see regarding the shooting as well as changes they would like to see in the future. UF spokeswoman Janine Sikes says President Machen seems receptive to the students' demands which include a police review board as well as better mental health services. Sykes says the meeting was a result of efforts from students and special assitant to the president, Brian Beech. She also says the university is willing to cooperate with the decision by the state attorney's office of whether or not the charges against Adu-Brempon will be upheld. The meeting between students and President Machen demonstrates the true power of the democratic voice and Sykes says she feels that overall, the meeting was a success. She believes that the same group of students will meet with the president again in a week to further discuss future actions and demands.

]]> After a protest on Tuesday, students are demanding their voice be heard regarding the shooting of graduate student Kofi Adu-Brempong. A handful of students from Students for a Democratic Society met with University President Bernie Machen yesterday to discuss changes they would like to see regarding the shooting as well as changes they would like to see in the future.

New Gaming Bill for Florida

The Florida Legislature and the Seminole Tribe of Florida continue working on a state gambling compact that could get approval from Governor Charlie Crist as early as next week. The tribal council voted to approve the compact yesterday and as Tripe spokesman Gary Bitner says it means money coming to the state budget. Bitner says the proposed plan has support in Tallahassee as reflected in this morning's vote. The plan would give the tribe exclusive operation of blackjack at three Broward County casinos and casinos in Immokalee and Tampa. All seven tribe casinos in Florida would continue to operate Vegas-style slot machines but Ocala Poker and Jai-Ali president Brian Matthews says he's not exactly thrilled. Bitner says he's confident all the details will be taken care of in the upcoming months to help the state's economy. The new gambling agreement designates the minimum $1 billion in revenue over the next five years to go to the general budget and not specifically to education. The pact with the Seminoles must be approved by the Florida Legislature and the US Department of Interior.

]]> The Florida Legislature and the Seminole Tribe of Florida continue working on a state gambling compact that could get approval from Governor Charlie Crist as early as next week. The tribal council voted to approve the compact yesterday and as Tripe spokesman Gary Bitner says it means money coming to the state budget.

Changes In Store for Gainesville Drivers

Gainesville drivers may be noticing an easier commute around town and it's supposed to get even better. The City of Gainesville has been working on installing ethernet cameras at every intersection since 2007 and it's over half-way done. Traffic Operations Engineer for the City of Gainesville Matthew Weisman can view the camera feeds from the comfort of his office and change traffic flow with one click of a button he says the new technology will help improve the flow of traffic. Weisman says the cameras will help manage traffic during accidents or periods of high congestion. This plan to get the 230 traffic signals in Alachua County on a fiber optic network comes with a hefty price tag but Weisman says several local agencies pitched in to help fund the project. Weisman says the original budget was developed in the early 2000's and projected each camera to cost 85-hundred dollars but today, they cost only three thousand making the city's ultimate goal much more attainable. But what will all this monitoring mean for speeders? Weisman says those with a lead foot don't have to worry. Weisman says traffic cameras are installed at all the main corridors in Gainesville and the project should be finished within the next two years.

]]> Gainesville drivers may be noticing an easier commute around town and it's supposed to get even better. The City of Gainesville has been working on installing ethernet cameras at every intersection since 2007 and it's over half-way done.

Water Restrictions

Water is one of the most important commodities in the area, and the Saint John's Water District is taking steps to preserve and protect our supply. River Water Management Spokesman Teresa Monson says the restrictions in place are aimed at promoting conservation. The new water restrictions are not the only step the District has taken to conserve water.Monson says they will meet on April 16th to discuss more water conservation enhancements. They've already been working on helping homeowners in the area conserve water following the success of a program launched in 2006 to help people building new homes choose water-wise landscaping and appliances. The District is helping those with older homes be more water efficient. Monson says they are also working with the water supply companies to promote water conservation. Monson encourages anyone interested in reading about the water conservation enchancements to visit floridaswater.com

]]> Water is one of the most important commodities in the area, and the Saint John's Water District is taking steps to preserve and protect our supply. River Water Management Spokesman Teresa Monson says the restrictions in place are aimed at promoting conservation.

New Crime Rates for Alachua County

While the crime rate for the state of Florida saw a 6.4 percent decrease in 2009, the city of Gainesville didn't fair quite as well. The Gainesville Police Department reoprts a 7.6 percent hike in crime rates within the past year. This number includes a string of robberies that occurred last summer. GPD Corporal Tscharna Senn says there were a few key periods when the numbers spiked. Although the crime rates are reflect the time of year, Chief of Police Tony Jones set a goal to reduce crime by at least five percent for the 2010 year. Senn says over the past two months the numbers of crimes have gone down. Despite the budget cuts that hit G-P-D, Senn says they are still taking a proactive approach to protecting the Gainesville citizens.While the city of Gainesville saw an increase in crime rates, Alachua County as a whole dropped 4.3 percent. Alachua County Sheriff's Public Information Officer Art Forgey says although the jump was small, they are seeing a rise in drug-realted crimes. The Sheriff's Office is trying a new strategy to keep the crime rate low by targeting specific areas. Forgey says that way the depuites can focus on comminuty-oriented policing. The Sheriff's Office is not only working on the streets to help with crime prevention, but they are also working with local businesses and the media to ensure the safety of the Alachua County residents. Although the University Police Department is a smaller agency compared to the Sheriff's office or GPD, University Police did see an 18.5 percent decrease in the 2009.

]]> While the crime rate for the state of Florida saw a 6.4 percent decrease in 2009, the city of Gainesville didn't fair quite as well. The Gainesville Police Department reoprts a 7.6 percent hike in crime rates within the past year.

Education News

Florida House Representatives will vote on three highly-publicized education bills today. The first, Senate Bill Six would eliminate tenured teachers. Instead, if passed, it would tie together a teacher's salary with the performance of his or her students. University of South Florida Political Science Professor MacManus says this bill is very controversial. MacManus says those in favor of Senate Bill six want to improve Florida's education system. Governor Crist's reaction to this bill and whether to veto it or not is also an important factor of Senate Bill six. Another education bill currently in the House would ask the voters to approve changes to the Florida Constitution. MacManus says this class-size amendment would increase the maximum number of students allowed in each classroom. If this bill is passed kindergarten through fourth grade classrooms would increase from 18 to 21 students, fifth grade through eighth grade would increase from 21 to 27 and high school classrooms would increase the student cap per classroom from 25 to 30. The final bill would increase the standards required for students to graduate. Political scientist MacManus says these three public education bills all share one commonality. Public expectations are high with educational issues, but money is not there. The three education bills have already been passed by the Senate. The House Representatives are voting on the bills this afternoon.

]]> Florida House Representatives will vote on three highly-publicized education bills today. The first, Senate Bill Six would eliminate tenured teachers.

Deputies Will Patrol Cresent Beach

As warmer weather sets in, spring break approaches for local high school students. As teens flood to the beaches, the Alachua County Sheriff's office will send extra officers to patrol the Crescent beach area on the look out for underage drinking. Alachua County's Lieutenant Steven Maynard says their main goal during spring break is safety. Maynard also says that most problems arise from the illegal consumption of alcohol. Officers made recent visits to multiple high schools to inform students of potential dangers associated with underage drinking. Students caught underage drinking could face arrest as well as phone calls to parents. Maynard says that informing parents is one of the biggest tools used by officers. Despite the recent budget cuts, Maynard believes we cannot put a price on our young people's safety. The Alachua County Sheriff's Office will be responsible for the Crescent Beach area, although numerous police departments will patrol the beaches up and down the east coast. The county will also have extra officers locally to keep an eye on students who didn't travel for spring break. Maynard encourages students to have fun without the use of alcohol and hopes to see all students return safely.

]]> As warmer weather sets in, spring break approaches for local high school students. As teens flood to the beaches, the Alachua County Sheriff's office will send extra officers to patrol the Crescent beach area on the look out for underage drinking.

Ocala Train Accident Under Investigation

The Ocala Police Department has identified the victim who was killed in a train accident in Ocala last night. Sherrif's say 43 year old Lisa Marie Ellett was homeless and walking along the train tracks, celebrating a friend's birthday when she was hit by the train. Ocala Sheriff's Department Lieutanant Lou Biondi says the south bound CSX train did not have enough time to stop and save Ellett. The sheriff's department is investigating if Ellet may have committed suicide. Officers says Ellet's friend was not injured and could not provide an explanation as to why Ellet stood on the tracks as the train approached. Sherrif's will not know her cause of death until a proper autopsy has been completed. The train accident took place near the intersection of Northeast 17th Place and Northeast 14th Avenue. The victim's family has been notified about her death and police are still investigating the incident.

]]> The Ocala Police Department has identified the victim who was killed in a train accident in Ocala last night. Sherrif's say 43 year old Lisa Marie Ellett was homeless and walking along the train tracks, celebrating a friend's birthday when she was hit by the train.

President Obama Proposes Offshore Drilling

President Barack Obama issued a proposal Wednesday that would allow offshore drilling in Florida. If passed drilling could happen as close as 125 miles off the coast. The legislation would negate the current ban that keeps drilling off-limits 234 miles West of the coast of Tampa. President of Florida Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores Associations Jim Smith says offshore drilling will allow the US to gain energy independence. But Florida Sierra Club Organizer Phil Compton says exploring energy options other than nonrenewable resources is important. Compton also says investing in clean energy will help the US gain energy independence more than offshore drilling. Smith says President Obama's proposal will help the U-S more than it would hurt. Florida governor Charlie Crist supports Obama's decision to explore drilling options while respecting the environment. While the topic still remains controversial, this proposal is a big topic for both sides of the arguement.

]]> President Barack Obama issued a proposal Wednesday that would allow offshore drilling in Florida. If passed drilling could happen as close as 125 miles off the coast.

Relay For Life Kicks Off

Cancer survivors and American Cancer Society supporters are joining together for Relay for Life. The University of Florida Relay for Life begins at 5 PM to support the fight against cancer. Devon Richbell is one of the event's chairs, but she is also one of the cancer survivors that will be at the relay. Richberg is especially looking forward to one of the events at tonight's Relay for Life, the Survivor's Lap, to recognize and honor the survivors as they lap the track. Richberg says Relay for Life empowers the survivors. Relay Chair Jacki Klucharch is one of those people touched by cancer, and she says that is the reason why she relays.Klucharch says each participant helps bring the Gainesville community together. UF's Relay for Life begins at 5 PM in the University of Florida's O-Connell Center and is open to the public until midnight.

]]> Cancer survivors and American Cancer Society supporters are joining together for Relay for Life. The University of Florida Relay for Life begins at 5 PM to support the fight against cancer.

Rally Against Proposed State Budget Cuts

The state legislature continues to cut the budget during this year's session and important money to fund education could be in jeporady. Educators from across the state held a rally in Tallahassee today pleading lawmakers not to cut education money. Chairman for the Citizens for Strong Schools program Mark McGriff spoke earlier this afternoon at the event and says teachers were well in attendance. He also said teachers and state employees will be affected if the budget is passed. Florida Education Association spokesperson Mark Pudlow says if the proposed act is passed educators will get paid solely based on student performance. Pudlow says in addition to facing education budget cuts, the Deferred Retirement Option Program commonly known as DROP will face changes. This would mean workers would have to put in extra time before retiring as the retirement age would rise to 62 from 65. Should workers go into the DROP program they would have to after 33 years of working, up from the current years of 30. Also, pensions would be averaged from the highest five years of service to an average of total career service. The proposed bill is scheduled to be voted on in the House Governmental Affairs Policy Committee sometime next week. Changes could take effect as soon as July first of next year.

]]> The state legislature continues to cut the budget during this year's session and important money to fund education could be in jeporady. Educators from across the state held a rally in Tallahassee today pleading lawmakers not to cut education money.

University of Florida Warrington School of Business Earns Top Marks

The University of Florida's Warrington School of Business now has one more accolade to add to its reputation. The school's online distance learning program is one of only two schools to earn the top rank of "excellent" by The Economist magazine. Distance learning programs allow students to get a degree by taking online classes from the comfort of their own homes. The Economist magazine Business Education Editor Bill Ridgers researched distance learning programs world-wide and surveryed thousands of distance learning students to find out more about their respective programs. Ridgers believes that education should be a democratic process and should be readily available to all aspiring students regardless of their geographic location. He says that distance learning programs are ideal for those who already have a career or a family, where physically attending a campus would be next to impossible. He also says that the distance learning programs are just as beneficial as full-time degrees. The programs are respected by employers and gives the students in the program security knowing that their education is highly valuable. Ridgers says the University of Florida's Internet MBA and the International Excutive MBA offered by IE Business school in Spain are the two programs the study ranked as excellent, the highest ranking awarded by the magazine. Ridgers conducted the survey because he wanted to help students sort through the distance learning program possibilities and allow prospective students to see how each program measured up.

]]> The University of Florida's Warrington School of Business now has one more accolade to add to its reputation. The school's online distance learning program is one of only two schools to earn the top rank of "excellent" by The Economist magazine.