By Jeffrey S. Solochek, Tampa Bay Times The Tribune Content Agency
The big story: Florida State University will reopen its student union for two hours today, nearly two weeks after it was the site of a deadly mass shooting.
The school will hold a moment of reflection at 3 p.m. before opening the doors.
President Richard McCullough said in a message to the school community that he did not arrive at the decision easily, acting only after speaking with many students.
"We understand the importance of the Student Union as a hub for connection, support, learning, and growth," McCullough wrote. "It is crucial that we continue to offer students the services, opportunities, and communal space that foster their development and well-being."
In an Instagram video, students said they want to reclaim the student union and not let it be taken by a senseless act of violence. McCullough stressed that no one is required to participate, and all should take the time they need to heal.
Read more from WFSU and Tallahassee Democrat.
Hot topics
University leadership: The University of Florida suspended its search for a liberal arts dean at the direction of Gov. Ron DeSantis' office, the Miami Herald reports. • Accusations are flying in the search for a new Florida A&M University president, the Tallahassee Democrat reports. • Leaders of two Central Florida colleges joined hundreds of others signing an open letter decrying rising political involvement in higher education, Spectrum 13 reports.
Superintendent searches: The Monroe County school board narrowed its superintendent search to four finalists, Keys Weekly reports. • The St. Johns County school board named four finalists in its superintendent search, Jacksonville Today reports.
Start times: Changes to school bell schedules in Lee County could require dramatic shifts in child care programs before and after classes, WBBH reports.
Preferred names: Support is growing for a Brevard County teacher fired for using a student's preferred name without parental permission, as the story spreads internationally, Florida Today reports.
New schools: The Polk County school district is entering its first public-private partnership deal to bring a new high school to the growing Poinciana area, the Ledger reports.
Degree programs: Jacksonville University trustees issued a letter supporting the administration's decision to cut several degree plans and let go 40 faculty members, WJXT reports.
Bus rides: Leon County schools are consolidating bus routes to counteract a driver shortage, the Tallahassee Democrat reports.
Budgets: Clay County school district officials say legislative proposals to cut add-on funding for advanced and career programs would cause reductions but no elimination of services, Clay Today reports.
Today in Tallahassee ... The Senate convenes at 1 p.m. Bills available on special order include SB 270 on Bright Futures, SB 614 on public education background checks, SB 1528 on education for military children, SB 1618 on education (train bill), SB 1590 on educator preparation, SB 1150 on school social workers, SB 1702 on education (train bill) and SB 1624 on higher education.
Don't miss a story. Here's the link to Friday's roundup.
Before you go ... Does music make you lose control?
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This story was originally published April 28, 2025 at 6:50 AM.
