Masks mandated for over half of Florida's public school students as more school districts defy DeSantis
Just over half of Florida’s 2.8 million public school students now face mandates to wear masks in classrooms, as at least 10 school boards making up some of the state's largest districts are now defying Gov. DeSantis' executive order banning mask mandates in schools.
Orange County School Board reinstates mask mandate with no opt-out
The Orange County School Board is reinstating a mask mandate following lengthy discussion and public comment on Tuesday. The mandate, which does not include an opt-out clause, is to be in place for 60 days and begins on Monday, Aug. 30.
Central Florida school to close for rest of week due to COVID-19
“The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted multiple students, teachers, and staff members at Celebration K-8 during this past week,” the school district said.
Visitors not allowed at Seminole Co. Schools until at least this date
This procedure will reportedly be reassessed at a later time given the circumstances around the COVID-19 delta variant.
School in Lake County directs all sixth-graders to quarantine due to COVID
Students at a Lake County charter school have been quarantined over COVID-19 concerns.
Florida judge hears arguments over mask mandates
A Leon County circuit judge began hearing arguments Monday in a high-profile lawsuit about whether Florida school districts should be able to set student mask requirements as COVID-19 continues to surge across the state..
Parents rally for, against mask mandates ahead of Lake County School Board meeting
A crowd of people rallied outside the Lake County School District building ahead of a board meeting Monday evening to voice concerns about masks in classrooms.
Seminole State College offering vaccine incentives to students, faculty
Seminole State College is offering $250 to students and faculty if they show proof they’re fully vaccinated.
Some US schools offering exemption letters, strategies to escape mask and vaccine mandates
Across the U.S., some public officials and other community leaders are trying to help people come up with ways to get exempted from having to wear masks or get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Florida judge hears arguments over DeSantis’ school mask-mandate ban
A Leon County circuit judge began hearing arguments Monday in a high-profile lawsuit about whether Florida school districts should be able to set student mask requirements as COVID-19 continues to surge across the state.
University of Central Florida to welcome students back to class
The university is returning to pre-pandemic operations and will offer free COVID testing and vaccine on campus.
Central Florida middle school shut down due to COVID-19
The school reportedly had two positive cases of COVID-19 at the school. 138 people have been quarantined due to possible exposure.
Osceola County begins mask mandate at schools with opt-out choice
The school board will require that K through 8 students wear masks for 30 days starting Monday. Parents will be able to opt their children out.
Schools in Florida’s capital city impose mask mandate
A hearing will begin Monday on a lawsuit challenging DeSantis’ interpretation of that law and whether the state has the right to overrule districts.
Florida orders school boards to relax mask rules or risk pay
School boards in Broward and Alachua counties received a warning Friday from the State Board of Education giving them 48 hours to walk back their decisions to require masks for all students.
Brevard County middle school closing for 2 days due to 'expanded cases of COVID-19'
A Brevard County middle school will be closed for two days next week due to "expanded cases of COVID-19 and to prevent further spread of the virus,” a spokesman for the school district said.
Ease your mask mandates or pay up, Fla. Board of Education warns districts
Florida’s commissioner of education says he’ll withhold the salaries of school board members in two districts found to be in violation of the governor’s executive order banning mask mandates, but the Biden administration says the districts can draw on federal funds.
State orders districts to follow governor's ban on mask mandates
Five school districts in Florida are now defying the governor's ban on mask mandates. Two of them already received a letter from the state telling them they have 48 hours to follow the rules or funding will be cut.
Kids getting home late; OCPS considers bonuses to attract bus drivers
Some parents of students enrolled in Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) are frustrated with late school bus pick-ups and drop-offs.
Jacobs: Orange County exploring school mask mandate with no opt-out
Four of the five largest school districts in Florida are now defying an executive order by Gov. Ron DeSantis barring them from imposing strict mask mandates in schools. Orange County may join that list when the school board convenes next Tuesday.