Gov. Scott appoints Parkland shooting victim's father to education board

Florida Gov. Rick Scott signs the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Act in the governor’s office at the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla., Friday, March 9, 2018. Scott is flanked by victims’ parents Gena Hoyer, left, Ryan Petty, second from left, Andrew Pollack, right, and his son Hunter Pollack, second from right. (Photo: Mark Wallheiser, AP)

Florida Gov. Rick Scott is appointing to the state’s education board the father of a teenager killed during a school shooting in Parkland.

Even though he is about to leave office, Scott announced nearly 80 appointments to various state boards on Friday. He appointed Andrew Pollack to the State Board of Education. The panel sets education policy and hires the state’s education commissioner.

Incoming Gov. Ron DeSantis has the power to withdraw most of the last-minute appointments made by Scott.

Pollack’s daughter Meadow was among 17 people gunned down last year at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Pollack endorsed Scott’s bid for the U.S. Senate in a television ad that aired last fall.

Scott won the race and will step down from the governor’s office early next week.

Local Headlines

Refreshing Tuesday morning, then a warm and sunny afternoon

The Weather Authority is tracking a cool Tuesday morning start with seasonal afternoon temperatures, bringing in suns and clouds.

Lehigh Acres crash temporarily closes Bell Boulevard South

A crash on Bell Boulevard South has shut down traffic in both directions, creating heavy traffic delays in Lehigh Acres.

2 dead following deadly motorcycle crash south of US-41

Two people are dead following a deadly motorcycle crash that occurred late Monday night south of US-41 in Fort Myers.

Observation Wheel proposed for Downtown Fort Myers

Councilman Johnny Streets is taking his vision for the city of Fort Myers to new heights. He’s asking the council to consider building an observation wheel downtown, similar to the ones seen in places like Miami or Myrtle Beach.

Woman injured during barge party honoring crash victim

The Matlacha community has endured much recently. Tragedy struck again over the weekend after a woman got injured during a barge party in honor of Mary-Lou Sharp.