The Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability of the Florida State Legislature convened on March 11, 2025, to discuss a proposed amendment aimed at updating educational materials and geographic references in the state.
The primary focus of the meeting was an amendment that seeks to align Florida with President Trump's executive order, which emphasizes restoring names and honoring American greatness. The amendment proposes to change references from "Gulf of Mexico" to "Gulf of America" in various educational and instructional materials. This change is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, allowing school districts, boards, and charter schools to purchase materials that reflect this new terminology.
Additionally, the amendment includes the removal of the road designation of Tamiami Trail, further emphasizing the rebranding effort. The discussion highlighted the importance of updating these references to ensure that Floridians have access to current and relevant educational content.
The meeting concluded with a call for further consideration of the amendment, indicating that the committee will continue to evaluate its implications for the state's educational framework.