Florida
New College of Florida shifts toward a Western-canon curriculum as DeSantis-backed board overhauls programs
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New College of Florida in Sarasota has moved to eliminate its gender studies program and adopt new “classical” curriculum elements, including required reading from Homer’s “Odyssey,” after Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed a new slate of trustees in 2023. The changes have drawn national attention and criticism, while state officials and supporters point to rising enrollment claims, new spending and facilities work, and expanded athletics as evidence the overhaul is working.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred voiced strong backing for a proposed new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays on February 3, 2026. The support came during a press conference at Hillsborough College in Tampa, the planned site for a mixed-use development anchored by the ballpark. This move aims to secure the franchise's future in the region amid past challenges with venue deals.
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Wawa, the East Coast convenience retailer, is stepping into ownership of Tesla-branded electric vehicle chargers for the first time. The first such site has opened in Alachua, Florida, where Wawa now handles branding, pricing, and operations. This move builds on a decade-long partnership with Tesla, positioning Wawa as the largest host of Tesla charging stalls.
The Trump administration has proposed expanding offshore oil drilling in the Eastern Gulf near Florida's coast, drawing strong opposition from key state Republicans. Governor Ron DeSantis and Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody are urging the administration to maintain a 2020 moratorium on offshore leasing off Florida and nearby states, citing risks to tourism, the environment, and military operations.
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Massive sargassum seaweed accumulations are creating significant barriers for sea turtle hatchlings on Florida's beaches, delaying their journey to the ocean and heightening risks from predators and heat. A new study from Florida Atlantic University examined the impact on three common species, revealing substantial slowdowns without immediate energy depletion. The findings underscore the growing threat to hatchling survival amid expanding seaweed deposits.
Florida announced measures to eliminate vaccine mandates in various sectors. This policy shift aims to address public health autonomy concerns. It was reported among top medical news stories for the week.