A closer look at the major candidates for governor — and their finances — and Florida’s education commissioner calls out Hillsborough County on library content.
A look at governor candidates and their finances
Our top story tonight: A closer look at the major candidates for governor, and their finances.
GOP candidate Byron Donalds and Democratic candidate David Jolly both say they understand the squeeze on household budgets.
It’s no secret that it takes money to run for political office, especially at a statewide level.
What’s interesting is the intersection of their messaging, the reality of this economy, and how they are trying to portray themselves as voters.
Our Jason Delgado looked at what they’re saying on the campaign trial, and how their own finances compare.
Use the video link above to watch the report in tonight’s episode of Political Connections.
Education commissioner singles out Hillsborough County about library content
Florida’s education commissioner is calling out Hillsborough County.
He sent a to memo Florida school superintendents, reminding districts it’s their job to clean up content in school libraries. Commissioner Henry Mack pointed to Hillsborough County.
He said the district’s review hasn’t been good enough. Parents brought several examples of what they considered inappropriate books to a recent school board meeting — books they found in the school library.
“A review that remains incomplete, or that leaves parents to locate the next title, does not meet the duty required of you by statute,” Mack said.
We looked at data from the 2024-25 school year — the most recent available. Hillsborough County was one of more than 50 districts that had not banned any books that school year after a complaint by a parent with a student in the district.
We reached out to Hillsborough County for a response to Mack’s letter but haven’t heard back