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Local Columns

In an abbreviated two-day special session on June 1-2 to discuss property tax reform, the Legislature passed the governor’s proposed state constitutional amendment to increase the existing property tax homestead exemption from the current $50,000 to an eventual $250,000. The amendment, which ...

I appreciate the perspective that investment and redevelopment will play an important role in Fort Myers Beach's recovery. Few would disagree that rebuilding after Hurricane Ian requires significant private investment, strong businesses, resilient infrastructure, and a healthy local ...

There’s a truth about Fort Myers Beach that everyone sees, but few are willing to say publicly. Everybody says they want recovery. Everybody says they want the island rebuilt after Hurricane Ian. They want stronger infrastructure, restored tourism, new businesses, resiliency improvements, and ...

Last week, the Florida Legislature met to discuss three issues during its Congressional Map Redistricting Special Session. The Legislature passed a new congressional map that creates four more Republican-leaning seats. The map could face a legal challenge as it may violate Florida’s 2010 ...

Why charter schools matter for parent choice

Each year, school choice enrollment season invites families to pause and ask an important question: What kind of education will best serve my child? In Lee County, where public school enrollment for student assignment programs runs from Jan. 20 through Feb. 27, families are once again ...

When unplugging leads to deeper learning

In today’s world, technology is everywhere. It is in our pockets, on our wrists and on our desks. For many students, screens have always been part of how they learn, communicate and interact with the world. Technology certainly has its place in education — but as an educator, I have come ...