Weekly Roundup: Questionable spending? or big reform?

By JIM TURNER
News Service of Florida

TALLAHASSEE – Florida received some positive economic numbers this week. But as university students get ready to return to class, controversial spending at Florida’s flagship university drew widespread attention.
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office and state Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis on Thursday raised the possibility of looking into spending under former University of Florida President Ben Sasse.

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Brimner withdraws

Property appraiser will finish term in office, but drops reelection bid

By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor

Wakulla County Property Appraiser Ed Brimner announced in a press release on Friday morning that he was withdrawing his candidacy for re-election.

Brimner said in the press release that it was “personal reasons.” In a brief phone interview with the Sun on Friday, he acknowledged an incident with a county human resources employee in which he was “exceedingly rude” in front of his whole staff.

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FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Back to school

Monday, Aug. 12, started another school year, and students at Shadeville Elementary School were back in class. Superintendent of Schools Bobby Pearce said of the first day: “It was a good day. Good start.” He noted it appeared the district had unofficially increased enrollment by about 90 students. It was the first student increase since 2019. (Photo special to The Sun)