Perez Discusses Handshake Snub

(Tallahassee, FL) -- Governor Ron DeSantis apparently still holds a grudge against a fellow Republican. Before yesterday's State of the State address in Tallahassee, DeSantis refused to shake the hand of House Speaker Daniel Perez. Perez was standing next to Senate President Ben Albritton when DeSantis approached. DeSantis shook Albritton's hand, but he refused to shake Perez's. All three are Republicans, but DeSantis and Perez had their differences in last year's legislative session over issues like spending and Hope Florida. Perez says other lawmakers noticed the handshake snub. DeSantis has not commented.

Escambia Clerk Questions Commissioners' Charitable Spending

Escambia County, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- Escambia County's clerk is pushing back on how commissioners spend their discretionary funds. Clerk Pam Childers says taxpayer money shouldn't go to nonprofits and charities because it doesn't serve a county purpose. She's denied several recent funding requests. But some commissioners disagree. Commissioner Lumon May says the denials hurt vulnerable residents who rely on those programs. Each of the five commissioners gets 50-thousand dollars a year in discretionary funding. Board Chair Ashlee Hofberger says the issue will go back before the full board for discussion.

Local Graduation Rates on the Rise

Pensacola, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- High school graduation rates are climbing in both Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. In Escambia County, 89.5 percent of students graduated this past school year — up more than 5 percentage points from the year before. West Florida High led the district at nearly 100 percent. Escambia's rate has jumped more than 34 percentage points since 2010. In Santa Rosa County, the graduation rate hit 93.1 percent, topping the statewide average of 92.9 percent. Superintendent Karen Barber credits dedicated educators and expanded career and technical education programs. The statewide graduation rate also improved, reaching just over 92 percent.