Schools closed for storm: Schools across north-central and northwest Florida are closing because of Hurricane Michael, which is forecast to become a major hurricane by the time it hits somewhere in the Florida Panhandle Wednesday. Schools in Leon, Franklin, Gulf and Wakulla counties are closed today through Friday, as are several charter schools and universities in the Tallahassee area. Dixie, Gadsden, Suwannee, Madison, Liberty, Calhoun, Holmes and Taylor county schools are closed today through Thursday. Okaloosa, Citrus, Jackson, Jefferson, Gilchrist, Walton and Bay county schools are closed today and Wednesday, and Levy Wednesday and Thursday. Madison County schools are closed today. Schools in Escambia, Santa Rosa and Washington counties release early today and are closed Wednesday. Associated Press. Florida Department of Education. Tallahassee Democrat. WFSU. Pensacola News Journal. Northwest Florida Daily News. Panama City News Herald. WEAR. Foster Folly News. WXSR. Citrus County Chronicle. Ocala Star-Banner. Gainesville Sun. WJHG. WTXL. NorthEscambia.com. WCJB. WMBB. The approach of Hurricane Michael prompts the cancellation of this week's scheduled meetings of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission. Stoneman Douglas resource officer Scot Peterson was scheduled to testify. The next meetings are scheduled for Nov. 14-15. Sun-Sentinel.
Medical marijuana rules: While several Florida school districts have adopted policies to allow students to get legally prescribed medical marijuana treatments at schools, a policy adviser for several districts is recommending against districts creating such rules because the Florida statute violates federal law. In a letter to his district clients, Neola president Dick Clapp, writes that "Neola is concerned that if a district adopts a policy in response to (the Florida law) and the federal government decides to strictly enforce existing federal law, the district would be in a position to lose federal grant funds." Gradebook.
