School Safety Funding: Catholic schools in Miami-Dade won $15 million in Florida’s 2026-27 state budget for security upgrades, though a broader statewide reimbursement plan for Catholic school security didn’t make the final deal. District Budget Strain: Orange County Public Schools warned that declining enrollment and rising costs are squeezing its budget, with 5,600 fewer students and $23M less state funding; officials also flagged health care costs and potential cuts to benefits, raises, and programs. Student Support: Okaloosa County’s “Stuff the Bus” drive will collect school supplies Aug. 1 at multiple Walmart sites, supporting the district’s Aug. 11 start. Special Education Oversight Fight: Parents are pushing back on a plan to shift special education oversight, arguing, “We didn’t want this to happen.” Campus Impact: A lightning strike destroyed the University of South Florida’s St. Petersburg marine science lab, wiping out decades of research and major equipment and forcing researchers to scramble for temporary space. Local Governance & Growth Pressure: Pasco County commissioners are moving toward a 12-month data center construction moratorium amid concerns about water, power, noise, and flooding risks.