JD Alexander Archives

Bill RuftyJuly 3, 2017

Remember former Sen. J.D. Alexander, the Lake Wales Republican who almost single-handedly created Florida Polytechnic University by use of his power as Senate Appropriations chair? Alexander has been out of the Senate for almost five years, but it would appear that the old power cell is still charged and ready to zap when needed. Polk […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 23, 2017

It’s never too early in the day to start fundraising. Sen. Denise Grimsley is scheduled to hold a fundraising reception for her 2018 bid for Agriculture Commissioner at 7:30 a.m. on March 7 at Florida Finance Strategies, 111-B East College Avenue in Tallahassee. The reception, according to a copy of the invitation, is hosted by […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 15, 2017

The Central Florida citrus industry appears to be coming out in full force to support Sen. Denise Grimsley’s bid for Agriculture Commissioner. Grimsley is scheduled to hold a fundraising reception Florida’s Natural Grove House in Lake Wales on Feb. 28. While the invitation notes a host committee is still being formed, the backers listed on […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 14, 2017

Not only is JD Alexander not running for Commissioner of Agriculture, he’s thrown his support behind state Sen. Denise Grimsley‘s bid for the office. Alexander, who was term limited out of the Florida Senate in 2012, is even hosting a “fundraising reception” for Grimsley at his Lake Wales home. The longtime lawmaker who spearheaded the creation […]

Jim RosicaAugust 8, 2016

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Florida Polytechnic University’s main building that looks a louvered flying saucer at rest “now ranks as one of the 16 “most breathtaking” buildings in the world, the school said in a Monday press release. “Business Insider’s ‘Tech Insider’ magazine surveyed 16 prominent architects, asking each to pick just one structure they fondly think of as […]

Jim RosicaJuly 25, 2016

Terry Parker has been named the new provost of Florida Polytechnic University, effective Sept. 1. President Randy K. Avent announced the appointment Monday. Parker, an engineering researcher, most recently served as provost and executive vice president of the Colorado School of Mines, according to a press release. “As provost at Florida Poly, Parker will oversee all aspects […]

Jim RosicaJune 20, 2016

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Florida Polytechnic University, the state’s newest institution of higher education, is on its way to full accreditation. The school announced Monday it was granted official “candidacy” status to be accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, or SACSCOC. It’s the “regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in […]

Bill RuftyMarch 9, 2016

Now in its second year of operation the state’s newest university, Florida Polytechnic in Lakeland, will receive money in this year’s state budget for its second major academic building and funding for a new program. In the budget, and approved earlier by the Board of Governors, are $5 million for the preliminary preparation and construction […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 29, 2016

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Florida Polytechnic University is taking another step toward becoming fully accredited, President Randy Avent told students, faculty and staff in an email Monday night. But that still means a handful of students may have to graduate this year from what is now an unaccredited school. One downside: Some employers hesitate or even decline to interview job candidates whose degrees are […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 3, 2016

The faculty of Florida Polytechnic University, founded by conservative former state Sen. JD Alexander, is petitioning the state to unionize, according to a Wednesday press release. The United Faculty of Florida said it will deliver signed cards from more than 60 percent of faculty members to the Florida Public Employees Relations Commission (PERC). Under state law, the commission […]

Tag: JD Alexander
Chris Christie. Image via AP.

J.D. Alexander rides again to save Polk County arts center

Bring on the orange juice: Denise Grimsley schedules breakfast fundraiser for March 7

Agriculture industry lining up behind Denise Grimsley for ag commissioner

JD Alexander not running for Ag. Commish, will back Denise Grimsley

Florida Poly ‘spaceship’ building is now ‘breathtaking’

Personnel Note: Terry Parker named provost of Florida Poly

Florida Poly one more step closer to accreditation

Once-controversial Florida Poly University gets expansion funds

Florida Poly accreditation will be too late for some grads

Florida Polytechnic University faculty asking to unionize