Florida

Florida schools are grappling with significant disparities in the availability, quality and delivery of computer-science programming, but it should be a top priority given the state's burgeoning tech industry.

Amid an effort to expand domestic sources, some researchers assert that Florida’s phosphate deposits, mined by the fertilizer industry for over a century, could have a second life as a supplier of rare-earth minerals.

Public education researchers and policymakers are weighing the pros and cons of Florida House Bill 379, which took effect July 1. The other 49 states will be watching closely when classes resume next month.

Plus, one Florida city is launching a new digital navigators program; Nebraska names a new state broadband director; a Texas city is launching a digital inclusion art contest for students; and more.

Grant took over as the state’s chief information officer in 2020 after service as a state lawmaker and tech experience in the private sector. A state official has praised his work in streamlining state IT.

Hundreds of residents in the mostly rural areas of east Seminole County face excruciatingly slow and data-restricted Internet service because of the lack of reliable broadband options.

During the recent Florida’s Digital Government Summit, several government and industry experts shared their perspectives on the future of cybersecurity and the cloud and life-saving emergency management technology.

Digital twins, centered on several core pieces of technology, including the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence, are making a critical difference locally and nationally in the government technology landscape.

State lawmakers are assigning $25 million to help police departments replace their drone fleets after Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration forced local governments to stop using drone technology made in China.

New career and technical education programs, including associate's degrees and certificates in cybersecurity, data science and machine learning, are part of a statewide push to fill jobs in the technology sector.

A laptop-building seminar for younger Florida students is a highlight of Remake Learning Days, an initiative to bring computer literacy and other learning opportunities in STEM subjects to low-income communities.

Pending the governor’s signature, Florida House Bill 379 will require school districts to prohibit students from accessing social media platforms during school and develop curricula on social media safety.

The measure, null, and its companion, null, are headed for final votes. Both measures attempt to give consumers the right to opt out of sharing their data for targeted online ads.

Plus, more states announce new broadband deployment funding, the White House launches a $1.5 billion innovation fund related to the telecommunications supply chain, and more.

Millions of dollars in government aerial drones will be shelved under a rule that prevents agencies in the state from using drones manufactured by China-based Da Jiang Innovations.

As more state and local agencies turn to cloud computing for security, efficiency and flexibility, Polk County, Fla., offers a quick lesson about why that choice can be vital. In short, it’s about speed and transparency.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has proposed a bill to create a “digital bill of rights” aimed at curbing big tech “overreach and surveillance.” Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez announced millions in cybersecurity grants for local governments.

Citing concerns about potential influence of entities tied to the Chinese government, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a proposal that would block networks and devices from being able to access the social media platform.