Florida
Florida House passes bill easing child labor laws
The big story: The issue of protecting children took center stage again in the Florida House on Thursday, as members debated legislation that would lessen restrictions placed on teens in the workplace.
The measure, which has not yet passed the Senate, would allow 16- and 17-year-olds to work past 11 p.m. on school nights, and permit them to carry more than 30 hours a week.
Democrats offered a series of amendments the argued would place guardrails on the rules, such as requiring water breaks on hot days. Using similar language that Republicans used when advancing social media limits on children under 16 — that kids should be allowed to be kids — they asked support for the proposals they said would protect children from being taken advantage of in the workplace.
More than one opponent noted that one year ago the Legislature approved a proposal requiring middle and high schools to begin classes later in the day to allow children more time for needed sleep. They suggested the current measure seemed to ignore the discussions leading to that law.
Republicans rebuffed each amendment, with the bill sponsor saying added regulations on businesses were not needed as lawmakers aimed to make it easier for teens to work more flexible hours, if they wish. Read more from Florida Politics, Associated Press, Tallahassee Democrat.
More Tallahassee action
Vouchers: The Florida House approved a bill aimed at expanding and refining the universal school voucher program enacted in 2023, Politico Florida reports. The measure has not yet made its way through the Senate.
Relief act: For the first time in more than a decade, Florida lawmakers advanced a bill seeking financial relief for a Pasco County resident who was injured in a major school bus crash in 2006, Florida Politics reports.
Artificial intelligence: A House committee moved legislation to create a task force that would study the potential implications of artificial intelligence in education, News Service of Florida reports.
Hot topics
Top teachers: Blake High School science teacher Clayton Nylund was named Hillsborough County 2024 Teacher of the Year. • Central School band director Christal Bennett is Santa Rosa County 2024 Teacher of the Year, the Pensacola News-Journal reports. • Palm Beach Public Elementary third grade teacher Katie Judge is Palm Beach County 2024 Teacher of the Year, WPEC reports. • Riviera Elementary sixth grade teacher Deborah Price is Brevard County 2024 Teacher of the Year, Space Coast Daily reports. • Antioch Elementary fourth grade teacher Amy Bowden was named Okaloosa County 2024 Teacher of the Year, Northwest Florida Daily News reports.
Superintendents: The Alachua County School Board is poised to consider terms of superintendent Shane Andrew’s contract, after having delayed a decision, the Gainesville Sun reports. • Monroe County superintendent Theresa Axford won a one-year contract extension, after which she plans to retire, WLRN reports.
School security: Four Palm Beach County high schools added metal detectors at entrances as the district expands its security measures, WPTV reports. More from the Palm Beach Post.
New College: The dean of students at New College has come under fire for a video showing him performing a comedy routine that some are calling “homophobic,” the Herald-Tribune reports.
Neighborhood schools: Residents of Hillsborough County’s Apollo Beach community are asking the school district to convert their local elementary school into a K-8, WFTS reports.
Moms for Liberty: Florida-based Moms for Liberty came on strong three years ago, but appears to be waning in influence, USA Today Florida Network reports.
Just say no: The St. Johns County school district has launched a new program to teach children about the dangers of drugs and violence, WJXT reports.
Discipline: Few Florida school districts use corporal punishment, but the ones that continue the practice do it often, WJAX reports.
Black History Month: Some Florida teachers are struggling to craft Black History Month lessons within the state’s restrictions on how to talk about race, Axios reports.
Attendance: Florida schools have seen an increase in chronic absenteeism among students, but not all areas of the state are affected equally, USA Today Florida Network reports.
From the court docket … A political operative pleaded guilty to seven counts of violating text message disclosure laws in a 2022 Polk County School Board campaign, WFLA reports.
Don’t miss a story. Yesterday’s roundup is just a click away.
Before you go … It’s Black History Month, which makes it a good time to remember that “Lift Evry Voice and Sing” was written and first performed in Florida. Here’s a lovely version from the Florida Memorial University Ambassador Chorale.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/4DLXMJBS6JDU3N75Q6AVJCW4H4.jpeg?w=400&resize=400,240&ssl=1 "Rubio, Scott call fast-tracking of Florida state park golf course plan ‘ridiculous’")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/4DLXMJBS6JDU3N75Q6AVJCW4H4.jpeg?w=80&resize=80,80&ssl=1 "Rubio, Scott call fast-tracking of Florida state park golf course plan ‘ridiculous’")
Florida
Florida leaders react to Sen. Lindsey Graham’s death, remembering his legacy of public service
Florida elected officials from both chambers of Congress, along with the state’s two U.S. senators, are mourning the death of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, praising his decades of military service, national security work and bipartisan efforts on immigration.
U.S. Sen. Rick Scott called Graham “a good friend and a dedicated public servant,” saying he and his wife, Anne, were “shocked and heartbroken” by the news.
“Lindsey was a good friend and a dedicated public servant for the people of South Carolina and the United States,” Scott said. “Through his time in the Air Force and in Congress, Lindsey dedicated his career to America’s national defense and freedom around the world. I was grateful to work with him. He will be greatly missed as a legislator and a friend.”
Florida’s other Republican senator, Ashley Moody, also honored Graham, describing him as a uniquely gifted communicator and lawmaker.
“My family and I mourn the sudden passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham,” Moody said. “There are people in this world who have the ability to change the air in a room through wit, humor, well-placed arguments, reason, or impassioned appeals. Lindsey Graham had the uncanny ability to pull them all off at once.”
South Florida lawmakers also reflected on Graham’s influence.
U.S. Rep. Carlos Giménez said Graham leaves behind “a legacy of dedicated public service, a commitment to national security, and an unwavering fight for freedom.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. María Elvira Salazar highlighted Graham’s years-long work on immigration reform, noting he played a key role in discussions surrounding bipartisan immigration proposals, including the DIGNITY Act of 2025.
“Few people in Washington fought longer or harder to fix our broken immigration system than Lindsey Graham,” Salazar said, adding that she was grateful for his counsel and commitment to finding a legislative solution.
Republican Congressman Byron Donalds, who is running for Florida governor, said Graham dedicated his life to serving the country both in the U.S. Air Force and in Congress.
“He was an incredibly effective lawmaker who always led with courage and deep conviction,” Donalds said. “He always did what he thought was right even if it wasn’t popular, leaving behind a massive legacy of leadership that won’t be forgotten.”
Miami-Dade’s tax collector honored Sen. Lindsey Graham, praising his steadfast support for freedom, democracy, and human rights, especially for his outspoken stance against Cuba’s communist dictatorship. The tribute, shared in both English and Spanish, thanked Graham for his leadership, his hope-inspiring words, and his unwavering commitment to liberty, saying his voice gave hope to millions dreaming of a free Cuba.
Graham served in the U.S. Senate for more than two decades after representing South Carolina in the U.S. House. Throughout his career, he became one of the Senate’s most influential voices on national security, foreign policy and immigration.
His death prompted an outpouring of condolences from lawmakers across the country, including many in Florida who worked alongside him on defense, immigration and other legislative priorities.
Florida
Forget Florida, Retire To This East Coast City With River Views, Festivals, And Endless Outdoor Fun – Islands
Most retirees clock out of their last day at work, grab their suitcases, and book a one-way flight to a place like Florida that has warm weather year-round. Yet, just along the U.S.-Canada border, a different lifestyle awaits — one that includes all four seasons, river views, and community-involved events. Welcome to Caribou, Maine: the “Most Northeastern City in the U.S.”
The Aroostook River (as seen above) cuts through the middle of town, highlighting gorgeous waterfront views, dense foliage, and natural beauty that offers an ever-evolving backdrop with every season. From snowy Januarys to blooming Junes, retirees and visitors can stay active rather than just lie at the beach as many do in the Sunshine State.
Beyond the scenery, Caribou keeps a packed calendar of fun festivals running nearly year-round, from a winter wonderland carnival to weekly summer concerts downtown. In between events, it’s easy to fit in a daily walk on multi-use trails, kayak or canoe the river, or pick strawberries at a local farm. Caribou is a great alternative to consider for a family-friendly environment and small-town charm, especially for travelers (and retirees) who are looking to trade crowded beaches for quieter, closer-knit surroundings.
Fun festivals in Caribou, Maine
While Florida has beach towns that can pass for the Caribbean, one thing many retirees eventually miss is a sense of community. Caribou offers plenty of opportunities to connect with locals with a packed year-round calendar of events and festivals. The fun kicks off in February with the Winter Carnival and Snowmobile Festival, bringing everyone together in the heart of winter with races, bonfires, and fireworks. In summer, the Mi’kmaq Nation’s Mawiomi of Tribes brings traditional dancing and drumming to town, educating visitors on the Native American lifestyle through traditional meals, sunrise blessing ceremonies, and dancing.
Fall rounds things out with the Caribou Craft Fair, where roughly 140 artisans set up shop. The season wraps up with Oktoberfest, celebrating Bavarian heritage through craft beer brewing, live music, and delicious food. Finally, the city’s annual grand finale is Christmas in Caribou, showcasing detailed light displays, a Christmas tree lighting, and the charming Christmas Market. While these are all one-off events, the town ensures that locals and visitors are mingling often. Once the snow melts,”Thursdays on Sweden Street” shuts down the center of town for weekly live music, food vendors, and a beer garden.
A short drive out of town extends the calendar even further. New Sweden, about 15 minutes northwest, hosts the Swedish-heritage Midsommar Festival in June, while Fort Fairfield, a 14-minute drive southeast, throws the Potato Blossom Festival every July. Presque Isle, roughly 20 minutes out, adds the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest, giving travelers a seasonal event that’s worth planning a trip around.
Things to do in Caribou, Maine
Caribou offers plenty of ground — and water — to cover for anyone craving variety in the great outdoors. The Aroostook River is a summer highway for paddlers, with canoes and kayaks a common sight. Anglers can fish from the shoreline with a single baited hook during the season, which runs from April 1 to September 30. A few miles away, Collins Pond Park’s 1.5-mile walking and biking path loops right along the water, with a playground on-site for visiting families with grandchildren.
For those wanting to cover more ground, the Aroostook Valley Trail is a 28-mile multi-use path connecting Caribou to nearby towns, popular for biking, walking, and snowmobiling depending on the season. Just outside town, at around 20 minutes by car, the Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge, dubbed Maine’s “green heart”, offers miles of trails for hiking, birdwatching, and cross-country skiing. Spectators can catch live music and races at the Spud Speedway Race Track and Event Center, and families can pick their own berries at McElwain’s Strawberry Farm.
To reach Caribou, visitors can fly into Presque Isle’s Northern Maine Regional Airport (PQI), a 20-minute drive south, or Bangor International Airport (BGR), about three hours away. A once-daily CYR Bus Line route connects Bangor, one of Maine’s lesser-known little cities, to Caribou directly for those skipping the rental car.
The Baltimore Orioles selected Florida signee Kevin Roberts Jr. with the 110th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2026 MLB draft.
Roberts, UF’s top-ranked signee, is expected to forgo his college career and is the only member of Florida’s signing class to not enroll for the summer. A slot value of $711,800 is a bit low for a highly touted high school recruit, but it would be a big whiff by the Orioles if they don’t get him signed.
Perfect Game ranks Roberts No. 19 overall and No. 8 among shortstops nationally. Most of that is because he is incredibly projectable at 6-foot-5-inch and 220 pounds with good speed. There’s good bat speed and solid pop in his bat, showing exit velocities in the mid-90s as a 16-year-old. Roberts is also very young. He won’t turn 18 for another two weeks, giving pro teams extra time to develop him.
The power is there, but he’ll need to refine the contact tool a bit. Still, with plus speed and a strong arm — he clocked fastballs at 94 mph when pitching — Roberts figures to make an easy transition to center field.
Of course, it would have been nice for Florida to get Roberts on campus, but Florida has plenty of options in the outfield, and Brendan Lawson is returning at shortstop next season. If this is the only loss from Florida’s 2026 signing class, it’s a big win for Kevin O’Sullivan and the Gators.
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