Metro I-4 News

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“For years, school leaders juggled their budgets to prevent the state’s chronic money woes from creeping into the classroom. But they’re out of options now and scaling back popular programs for gifted students and troubled kids.” — Schools on a shoestring: Specialized programs cut to the core

“The sharp rise in gas prices has created a dilemma for the industry’s human-resource departments: How to keep commuting costs from eating up their workers’ wages.” — Businesses go extra mile to help workers save on gas

“Gov. Charlie Crist surprised few last week in announcing his support for Amendment 5, the proposed constitutional measure that would eliminate most school property taxes in Florida. What is surprising is the governor is so blinded by ideology that he will not acknowledge the ever-growing evidence that it would cause long-term economic and educational harm to our state.” — Tax- Swap Treachery

Bonus:

“In Central Florida, there are almost a quarter of a million swing voters, most of whom are Puerto Ricans or other Hispanics. Until now, they have remained a largely untapped resource. But both political campaigns are gearing up to target them during the next three months.” — Orlando-area Hispanics’ votes will be vital to campaigners

I’m actually surprised the Sentinel didn’t go for more cheesecake in the photo that accompanies: International crowd boosts ‘nakations’ to Orlando area

Speaking of tourists: A whole suitcase of challenges selling tourists on Florida visits

They call them Lexus Lanes. And you thought America was a classless society. Pay-as-you-go express lanes could be headed to Orlando area

Remember: If you cut property taxes, your officials will find the money somewhere else, or cut important important services: Property-tax rate headed for increase and Polk’s Schools Brace for Cuts

Bonus:

Lakeland to Hire Lawyer for Train Issues Ahead

Negligent Florida Let Criminals Infect Mortgage Industry

Don’t read this story with the AC turned up high: With solar power, the electric bill is just $3 a month

Obviously things have changed since I went to school. Packing any learning would have been helpful then: Orange County schools will pack more learning into same amount of time

If you have an unpaid parking fine or toll ticket, you’ll want to read this story. If you wonder how the government spends your tax money, you’ll want to read this story. If you’re read this far, why not just read: City of Orlando, road agencies scramble to address backlog of unpaid toll and parking tickets

Today’s bonus coverage: Florida Among 6 States To Write Own School Formulas

London has the Eye, now is the time for the Orlando “O,” a huge Ferris Wheel on International Drive. Developer to roll out plans for Great Orlando Wheel attraction

And in related news: Be prepared: Florida’s lightning season has arrived

Maybe those huge wheels could be placed all over the state and during off season used as classrooms? Schools Told to Be Ready for New Cuts

Clean up is aisles 1 to 12 with Grocery stores freshen up in Central Florida

There’s a better grocery store for those who help their community: Volunteer Spirit Merits Grocery Discount

Would this be a good idea for all cities? Mulberry Shortens Workweek

The key is: REO: Orlando-area mortgage-crisis misery has silver lining for buyers

Does shuffling school start times has ramifications? Well, of course it does. School schedule swap: A family’s story

It’s gettin’ hot up in here: Florida circa 2100: Global warming’s toll