Bright Futures: The number of students in Florida's Bright Futures Scholarship program is forecast to grow by 5.7 percent this year,  by 3,223 to 99,483, with the projected costs rising from $545 million to $583 million, according to state economists. Students who qualify for the Bright Futures’ “academic scholars” program receive 100 percent of tuition and fees at state universities and colleges and $300 for books. Students must have a 3.5 grade point average and score at least a 1290 on the SAT or 29 on the ACT and complete 100 hours of community service to qualify for the program. News Service of Florida. Politico Florida.

Shooting panel report: The state's Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission is expected to issue a draft report this week that details its findings and recommendations. Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, chairman of the panel, says the initial recommendations are going to be practical, quick and cost-effective things to improve security in schools. "Physical site security will be a robust area for discussion because I believe there are immediate things that are absolutely essential to do that are low or no cost and don't require any substantial law or regulation that will greatly enhance the safety of the campuses," he says. Sun-Sentinel. Associated Press.  (more…)