Author: Carma Henry

Carma Lynn Henry Westside Gazette Newspaper 545 N.W. 7th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311 Office: (954) 525-1489 Fax: (954) 525-1861

    I also believe I have a role to play, as a writer, to help push our collective awareness beyond a public shrug over the cost and consequences of militarism: our trillion-dollar-plus military budget and ho-hum acceptance of the “collateral damage” that budget inevitably winds up creating . . . over there somewhere. This is simply assumed to be the nature of power. You know, dominance. It’s how we stay safe.

Today, the Florida Department of Education announced Bree O’Donnell, a fourth-grade math and science teacher at Dune Lakes Elementary School in Walton County, as one of five finalists for the 2027 Florida Teacher of the Year. The state finalists were chosen from 74 district teachers of the year. The 2027 Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year will be announced in July.

  Excitement, pride, and anticipation filled the air as students from the Class of 2026 celebrated Decision Day, officially announcing their college acceptances, career plans, and future pathways. The event highlighted the hard work, determination, and accomplishments of graduating seniors as they prepared to take the next step toward their dreams.

     The free community event will showcase hands-on assistive technology and local providers while celebrating accessibility for the visionally impaired, blind and broader disability community. Guests will network, hear inspiring disability stories, visit with vendors, learn about the tools and resources that support independence and experience hands-on assistive technology demonstrations.