RIck Scott

The newest member of the powerful state board that regulates education in Florida is singularly focused on ousting the superintendent of the state's second-largest school district.

The father of a Parkland shooting victim who has been a high-profile conservative advocate for school safety has been tapped for the board that governs all K-12 schools and community colleges in Florida.

Outgoing Republican Gov. Rick Scott announced his pick of Andrew Pollack — whose daughter, Meadow, died at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School last February — for a seat on the state Board of Education. Pollack campaigned for Scott during his successful bid for U.S. Senate.

Activist Emma González, who became famous after giving an impassioned speech in Fort Lauderdale days after the shooting at her Parkland high school in February, stood on the steps of Florida's old state Capitol building on Monday and urged people to vote.

"Gun violence is on the ballot," González said. "Our lives are in the hands of the people that we elect. Vote in every election like it's your last, because it very well could be."

State lawmakers are scheduled to meet Friday to discuss the state's long-term financial outlook. Also notable is what's not on the agenda.

Gov. Rick Scott recently asked legislative leaders to give school districts another shot at money some of them rejected because they didn't want to arm school staff. The Joint Legislative Budget Commission — chaired by House and Senate leaders — won't consider his proposal.

Gov. Rick Scott is on a statewide tour touting his budget proposal for next year. But the Legislature is distracted, he said Thursday afternoon during a visit to a Miami elementary school.

Gov. Rick Scott wants to spend more money on enhancing security at Jewish schools next year following a spate of bomb threats and anti-Semitic hate crimes.

But his plan has attracted criticism from civil rights groups and representatives of other religions who argue it’s too narrow and exclusionary.

Technical problems this week delayed testing in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Testing didn't resume until three days later on Thursday.

The Florida Senate moved forward with a bill to limit testing.

Gov. Rick Scott gave an upbeat State of the State address in the midst of a challenging start to his administration's second term.

Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties' legislative delegations take their priority measures to Tallahassee.

The Miami International Film Festival kicks off today.

Note: This story was originally posted on Oct. 14. The audio is an updated version of the story.

Polls show Governor Rick Scott and former Governor Charlie Crist are polarizing. Voters are as likely to dislike the candidates as they are to approve of them.

So both candidates are talking about schools, colleges and scholarships -- to motivate their supporters.