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Dateline Florida

By TIMES WIRES
Published February 13, 2007

High schoolers pick up vibe of USF St. Petersburg

USF St. Petersburg is hot. Freshman applications have increased more than 63 percent, from 399 a year ago to 651 this year. Fall 2006 also set a record, the university said. Why the surge? "We're appealing to high school juniors and seniors who want to enjoy the benefits of a smaller institution with small classes and a chance for students to know their professor," said Holly Kickliter, regional associate vice chancellor of university relations. "We offer a campus with a private school feel and a public school price." The campus also opened its first dorm this fall, with 354 beds.

Proposal calls for Everglades to get its own sort of skyway

The Everglades would get its own skyway under a proposal backed by environmentalists and tourism boosters, the Miami Herald reports. The $350-million bridge would replace 11 miles of the Tamiami Trail. Environmentalists support the idea as a way to restore water flow now blocked by the highway. Tourism boosters see the skyway offering a unique, above-ground view for visitors. But the price tag could kill the idea. So for now, the Army Corps of Engineers plans to spend $128-million for a more traditional highway with a couple of smaller bridges.

This young politico is already giving businesses tax breaks

During the weekend, Hillsborough County high schoolers competed for the chance to pitch a law to the Legislature in March. And the winning idea is ... a corporate tax break! The judges - the county's legislative delegation - liked a proposal to give a tax break to businesses that offer student internships. The sponsor, Hillsborough High School's Jonathan Porat, clearly has a political future.

[Last modified February 13, 2007, 00:16:09]