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The University of Florida international student arrested near campus and sent to an immigration detention center has returned to Colombia, according to a new statement from his mother there.Felipe Zapata Velásquez, 27, was arrested March 28 for driving with a U.S. driver’s license that had been suspended since January 2024 and with an outdated vehicle registration. He was taken to Jacksonville by federal immigration agents after his arrest and told he could await his case’s resolution in jail in the United States or sign his self-deportation and return to Colombia, according to an interview on April 2 with his mother, Claudia Velásquez, by NTN24. The University of Florida international student arrested near campus and sent to an immigration detention center has returned to Colombia, according to a new statement from his mother there.Felipe Zapata Velásquez, 27, was arrested March 28 for driving with a U.S. driver’s license that had been suspended since January 2024 and with an outdated vehicle registration. He was taken to Jacksonville by federal immigration agents after his arrest and told he could await his case’s resolution in jail in the United States or sign his self-deportation and return to Colombia, according to an interview on April 2 with his mother, Claudia Velásquez, by NTN24. -
File/Lee Ann Anderson/Fresh Take FloridaA new cell phone ban could go into effect at the start of the next school year should the Lee County school board give an expected nod to the proposal when it meets Tuesday evening. -
In this installment from the StoryCorps Mobile Tour visit to Fort Myers in 2024, we hear Finzo Hall and his mother Marcia Robinson talk about immigrating from Jamaica to the U.S, Finzo’s determination to follow his dream of becoming a pilot, and helping other young people achieve their dreams through the powers of faith and resiliency. -
Lee high school graduation rates up, but still lagging; Gov. DeSantis declares school choice successThe School District of Lee County is proud to announce the graduation rate for the class of 2024 rose to 85.8%, setting a record high for the School District since new graduation standards were implemented in 2022. The 2019-2020 graduation rate was artificially inflated by the exemption for seniors from statewide, standardized assessment requirements stipulated in state law due to the COVID pandemic.
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Rivers and teachers have a lot in common. Strong, persistent, challenging, flexible, and calming. But, it's their ability to nourish that makes them essential. Especially, teachers. Especially, now. -
En español:- Propuestas de ley sobre seguro de propiedad, no se aprueban en la sesión legislativa de 2022 - No más pruebas estandarizadas para los estudiantes a partir del próximo año escolar, las escuelas públicas estatales cambiarán a un sistema de monitoreo de progreso -Lipman Family Farms está organizando una Carrera de Mochilas para recaudar dinero para su entrega anual de útiles escolares a la comunidad de Immokalee.This week we talk about:- Property insurance bills fail to pass in the 2022 legislative session- No more standardized testing for students starting next school year, state public schools will be switching to a progress monitoring system-Lipman Family Farms is hosting a 5K Run For Backpacks to raise money for their annual school supplies giveaway to the Immokalee community. -
A Republican-sponsored bill that passed the Florida House of Representatives could make the Lee County Superintendent of Schools a partisan, elected position. One Democratic Party official believes it's an attack on educators, while a co-sponsor of the bill calls it a way to increase accountability in district leadership. -
Pamela Ayers is a teacher whose job has been made even harder by the teacher shortage that is affecting all of Florida.Normally vacancies drop as a school year progresses, but this year the staff shortage has ballooned. The situation is even worse compared to this time last year, according to the Florida Education Association. -
A Leon County circuit court judge has ruled in favor of a group of parents challenging Gov. Ron DeSantis' executive order that blocks school districts from requiring students to wear masks. -
The 2021-2022 school year starts in only a few days. The School District of Lee County and Bonita Springs Middle Center for the Arts have this advice to help get students and parents back into the swing of things. -
With the 2021-2022 school year about to begin during a persisting pandemic, professionals share resources and advice for helping students cope with back-to-school anxiety, bullying, and more. -
As students, teachers, and staff prepare to get back into the familiarity of the classroom, Lehigh Acres Middle School is welcoming them all with some major upgrades, including a new location. -
The Florida State Board of Education could adopt a wide-ranging overhaul including guidelines for teaching civics and government courses and Holocaust education.
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Federal education officials questioned state leaders about teacher bonuses and holding back COVID-19 relief funds from school districts. -
DeSantis said it is "abundantly clear" that the state needs to do a better job of teaching civics. -
Florida is among 21 states that have not submitted plans to the U.S. Department of Education detailing how they intend to use the latest round of federal stimulus funds earmarked for schools.
