Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–July 10

Jul 10, 2008

 

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Pruitt’s introduction of tax swap amendment opponent in Palm City won’t be an endorsement

State Sen. President Ken Pruitt is introducing one of the most outspoken opponents of the tax swap amendment before a speech in Palm City on July 23.

Trial challenging funding for Marlins ballpark begins

The trial in the lawsuit filed by luxury auto dealer Norman Braman challenging the financing of a $515 million Florida Marlins ballpark at the site of the Orange Bowl and $3 billion in Miami projects, begins today in Miami-Dade Circuit Court.

Budget outline axes 112 jobs

Program cuts and dozens of layoffs could plug the $14.2 million hole in Hollywood’s budget.

Hollywood’s budget would be balanced with 21 fewer firefighters, 28 fewer police officers and dozens of layoffs and other program cuts under a proposed budget unveiled Wednesday.

Palm Beach sets property tax rate, likely to lower it

Town council members tentatively approved a property tax rate of $3.48 per $1,000 of taxable property value, while anticipating that rate will drop after they finish tweaking the proposed budget for the coming fiscal year.

PBC schools short despite freeze

To help offset a $34 million budget shortfall, the School District has extended a hiring freeze to include classroom teachers. But it may not be enough to balance the budget.

For area schools, a preview of tax cuts to come

Economists and politicians are still debating whether the nation is in recession. It’s not a debating point in Volusia and Flagler County schools.

New wrinkle in School Board’s tax cut deal

In 2004, Pasco voters and the School Board struck a bargain.

County OKs lower property tax

A proposed tax rate that is slightly lower than the current rate was given initial approval by the Alachua County Commission on Tuesday amid concerns that some parts of the budget will fall short of money.

Protesters upset with cuts to education

The hand-lettered signs being waved at drivers on NW 43rd Street Wednesday protested the pending cuts in Alachua County’s elementary school and music classes as well as other recent education spending cuts.

If Zimbabwe can do it, why not Pasco County?

County Commissioner Michael Cox recently returned from a vacation in Africa and jokingly brought back a solution to the county’s spending shortfall from property tax cuts.

Port St. Lucie Scores high with Seventh Largest Growth Rate in U.S.

With a 6.3 percent annual growth rate, Port St. Lucie was the seventh fastest-growing city in the nation between July 1, 2006, and July 1, 2007, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

  • 2007 Population Estimates

To look up 2007 population information by city, state or geography, click here. 

EDITORIAL: Kids at a major loss in Florida

Poor record on child well-being continues to fall behind most other states

Children love to come to Florida for its beaches and theme parks and for its outdoor, recreational lifestyle.

S. Florida falls short of federal standards for students

Schools in Broward and Miami-Dade have found success under a state grading system but struggle with more strict federal requirements.

Only about a third of schools in South Florida and a quarter statewide met federal government standards for student performance, the state Department of Education said Tuesday. That is fewer than in 2007. 

EDITORIAL:  A Decade Of School Grades Show Accountability Movement Delivers

It has been a decade since Florida started the controversial practice of grading schools and Tuesday’s release of school grades from the Florida Department of Education added a celebratory note to the milestone. The results indicate that school accountability is doing just what it was intended to do: revealing what progress is – and is not occurring – in our schools.

Palm Beach County teachers’ union demands pay raises

Teachers’ union leaders on Wednesday pleaded with the School Board to set aside money for raises for the coming school year.

Home rule

Leon County Commissioners, rarely a cohesive body, are on the right track in reasserting their responsibilities for ‘home rule’ and their obligation to respond to the voters who elected them.

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