PREPAID COLLEGE The cost for prepaid college plans were reduced last year, which meant some plans were paid off early and those individuals should get a refund. But over 30,000 families have yet to claim their refunds, to the tune of $200 million. Families may choose to transfer the balance to another student or put the money into another savings plan. The average refund is $4,700. You may find out if you are due a refund by logging into your prepaid college account.
MISSING STUDENTS Last fall, 88,000 students were absent from Florida’s public schools. This fall 19,000 students were not in classrooms, 2,432 of whom were identified as truant. That still leaves over 16,000 unaccounted for. Last year, the Legislature allocated $112 million to help find the missing students and, so far, only two districts have requested funding to help them, for a total of only $4,000.
BRIGHTLINE TRAINS Brightline, the high-speed rail that will eventually connect Orlando to Miami, has further outlined its business model by catering towards first and business class travelers. No economy class will be available. Seats are made of Italian leather with a wide 21-inch seat for first class and 19-inch seat for business class. Tickets will cost around $100 one way.
Brightline also announced that it is looking to expand its service from Orlando to Tampa, with a target date for completion by 2028. The major current roadblock would be the acquisition of right-of-way rights. There is considerable opposition of the preferred route, which would connect the airport to I-4.
FLORIDA JOB GROWTH GRANTS The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund recently awarded the following grants:
- The City of North Port – $1.69 million for the installation of water and wastewater infrastructure across 500 acres of the Panacea Activity Center.
- Collier County Public Schools – $5.8 million to open iTECH Glades Technical College in Moore Haven. The award will cover five years of startup costs for the technical college and will allow the campus to offer 12 career training programs.
- Northwest Florida State College – than $2.8 million to fund a new diesel mechanic technician training program.
- The City of Winter Haven – $9 million in awards for road improvements at the Intermodal Logistics Center.
VOLUNTEER FLORIDA Volunteer Florida announced $508,000 in grant funding to 24 nonprofit and service organizations throughout the State. Up to $1.275 million is available from the Florida Disaster Fund for organizations to apply for grants to address Hurricane Irma long-term recovery efforts. Applications are due November 15th. Details may be found here.