Local News
Community news from our local sources
Where do you want your news from?
Pick a place — we'll remember it on this device.

Important Update: Change to High School Graduation Requirements
Insert Date Subject: Important Update: Change to High School Graduation Requirements Dear Parents and Guardians, I want to inform you about an important change to Florida’s high school graduation policy that might affect some students this school year (2025–26). New state…

How to move J Hop forward
‘Some have said that if Principal Brittnee Scott fails, it should be because she is not up to the job, not due to undermining or a lack of supervisory and district support,’ said Dr. Goliath Davis. GOLIATH J. DAVIS, III, Ph.D. | Contributor ST. PETERSBURG — In my last column, I…

Helping young minds grow: The importance of social-emotional development in early childhood
Preschool children participate in a group storytelling activity that helps them identify and express emotions — a key part of social-emotional learning in early childhood programs. Early learning experts stress that emotional growth is just as vital as academic learning for young…

New principal at Fairmont Park Elementary
‘I am impressed by incoming Principal Anne Caparaso’s understanding of the nexus between elementary, middle and high school,’ said Dr. Goliath Davis. Goliath J. Davis, III, Ph.D. | Contributor ST. PETERSBURG — Like outgoing Principal Andrew Akapnitis, with whom I share experience…

J Hop is hopping
“I am confident that Principal Scott has the best interests of the J Hop staff, scholars, and parents at the forefront of her administration,” said Dr. Goliath Davis. BY GOLIATH J. DAVIS, III, Ph.D. | Contributor ST. PETERSBURG — Over the last two weeks, the community has been…

Meet the 2025 Woodson Warrior Scholars
ST. PETERSBURG — The Woodson African American Museum of Florida, led by Executive Director Terri Lipsey Scott, proudly announces the 2025 recipients of the prestigious Woodson Warrior Scholarship. This year’s class features 18 exceptional students recognized for excellence in…

Hendrick speaks
Dr. Goliath Davis presided over the September COQEBS meeting, which featured Pinellas County School Superintendent Kevin Hendrick addressing the lack of progress in the Bridging the Gap Plan. GOLIATH J. DAVIS, III, Ph.D. | Contributor ST. PETERSBURG — On Sept. 3, Pinellas County…

Garcia’s touch: The transformation of Hollywood High
Lakewood High School celebrated its 60th anniversary with students of yesteryear, current scholars, and incoming freshmen at its Diamond Celebration on Friday, Aug. 1. BY GOLIATH J. DAVIS, III, Ph.D. | Contributor ST. PETERSBURG — Principal Connisheia Garcia and her team are…

OP-ED: SAVE JOB CORPS!! (Local students speak out)
In any given year, Pinellas County Job Corps supports an average of between 250 to 350 students, with an average of 150 faculty members, including teachers, administrative staff members, facility maintenance, and cafeteria workers. Last week’s immediate and alarming closing of…

Comprehensive report on PCS failing Black students
Even after two lawsuits and the Bridging the Gap plan, the Pinellas County School District continues to fail Black children, and Dr. Goliath Davis has been telling you this for years. LYN JOHNSON | Publisher PINELLAS COUNTY – Former St. Petersburg Police Chief, Deputy Mayor and…

Undercover investigator targets educators and DEI: here’s what to know
April 15 – Today a press release from Accuracy in Media was shared with news outlets about a new task force that is using undercover investigators. The following is from today’s release: Accuracy in Media Video Exposes University of South Florida Administrator Bragging About…

Infinite Potential Learning Academy’s long-term strategy to impact south St. Pete
By J.A. Jones, Staff Writer ST. PETERSBURG – St. Petersburg native Twanna Monroe was a teacher for Pinellas County Schools, and after years in the system decided it was time to help create the change she wanted to see in the lives of children in her community. Realizing that many…