TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) \u2014 Wednesday, August 12th: Below are the top stories WTXL ABC 27 is following around the Big Bend, South Georgia, nationally, and your forecast.<\/p>\n
1) Leon County students return to class as district focuses on reading education.<\/a> Superintendent Rocky Hanna says he hopes to build on the district’s “B” grade from the state with a focus on getting back to the basics.<\/p>\n Leon County Schools kicks off new school year with focus on reading and back-to-basics education<\/p>\n 2) Smart Dreams Academy prepares to open its doors for young adults aging out of foster care. <\/a>A new campus near FAMU will bring together housing, career support, mentorship, and life skills for young people transitioning out of foster care<\/p>\n Smart Dreams Academy prepares to open its doors for young adults aging out of foster care<\/p>\n 3) Tallahassee Parks and Rec seeks volunteer youth coaches.<\/a> The city’s parks and recreation department wants to grow its youth tackle football program this fall. They’re recruiting volunteer coaches to help lead teams across the city.<\/p>\n Tallahassee Parks and Recreation seeks volunteer coaches to help grow youth sports programs<\/p>\n 4) FDOT plans shared-use trail expansion on Ochlockonee Bay Bridge.<\/a> The trail would connect Alligator Drive in Franklin County to Surf Road and Mashes Sands Road in Wakulla County, adding a 10- to 12-foot path along the bridge for pedestrians and cyclists to cross without a vehicle.<\/p>\n Ochlockonee Bay Bridge expansion would add shared-use trail connecting Franklin and Wakulla counties<\/p>\n 5) VSU lauches new center to expand hands-on learning opportunities.<\/a> The center can connect students with internships, research opportunities, study abroad programs, and community partnerships through service learning.<\/p>\n Valdosta State University launches new center to expand hands-on learning opportunities for students<\/p>\n 6) Wednesday Forecast:<\/a> This midday we are in the upper 80s and low 90s, and that will climb into the upper 90s by the late afternoon. We are also in a Heat Advisory<\/a> again today until 7:00 p.m. First to Know Meteorologist Ryan Gold<\/a> has the details below.<\/p>\n First to Know Weather – The pattern remains (8-12-2026)<\/p>\n Want to see more local news? Visit the WTXL ABC 27 Website.<\/a><\/p>\n Stay in touch with us anywhere, anytime.<\/p>\n Like us on Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n Follow us on\u00a0Instagram <\/a>and X.<\/a><\/p>\n