Aging is inevitable, and for many, it signals the beginning of a new chapter - one where you cross off bucket list items and live life to the fullest, on your own terms. However, for some men, aging is a horrible prospect, filled with chronic fatigue, irritability, and inability to perform in the bedroom. If you're concerned about life in middle age and beyond, we've got great news: there are easy, proven steps that you can take to help stop the negative effect of aging.
Global Life Rejuvenation was founded to give men a new lease on life - one that includes less body fat, fewer mood swings, and more energy as you age. If you're ready to look and feel younger, it's time to consider TRT (testosterone replacement therapy), and growth hormone peptides. These therapies for men are effective, safe, and customized to fit your goals, so you can keep loving life as you get older.
TRT, and growth hormone peptide therapies bridge the gap between your old life and the more vibrant, happier version of you. With a simple click or call, you can be well on your way to a brighter future. After all, you deserve to be the one in charge of your wellness and health. Now, you have the tools to do so - backed by science and applied by our team of TRT and HRT experts with more than 13 years of experience.
For men, getting older comes with its perks, like living life on their own terms and not having to "sweat the small stuff" day in and day out. At the same time, there are aspects of aging that men dread, like hormonal changes. Yes, you read that right – men, not just women, go through hormonal changes as they age. For men, the biggest change involves a drop in testosterone.
Lower levels of testosterone can wreak havoc on a male's mind and body and when left untreated, can result in symptoms like:
Those symptoms are concerning, but with testosterone replacement therapy and anti-aging medicine, many males improve their quality of life with age. The good news is that TRT and anti-aging meds aren't only reserved for "old guys." In fact, there's no magic age at which men should start thinking about hormone replacement therapy. Everyone's body is different, so if you're experiencing the above conditions in your mid-30s, TRT could be a viable solution when you consult with a doctor.
Testosterone is a crucial hormone for men and plays an important role throughout the male lifespan. Most of a male's testosterone is produced through the testicles. Also called the male sex hormone, testosterone starts playing its part during puberty.
When a male goes through puberty, testosterone helps males develop:
As boys turn to men and men grow older, testosterone levels deplete naturally. Sometimes, events like injuries and chronic health conditions like diabetes can lower testosterone levels. Unfortunately, when a man loses too much T, it results in hypogonadism. When this happens, the testosterone must be replaced, or the male will suffer from symptoms like muscle loss, low libido, and even depression.
TRT is exactly what it sounds like: a treatment option for men that replaces testosterone so that your body regulates hormones properly and restores balance to your life. Also called androgen replacement therapy, TRT alleviates the symptoms that men experience with low T.
Originally lab-synthesized in 1935, testosterone has grown in popularity since it was produced. Today, TRT and other testosterone treatments are among the most popular prescriptions in the U.S.
Without getting too deep into the science, TRT works by giving your body the essential testosterone it needs to function correctly. As the primary androgen for both males and females, testosterone impacts many of the body's natural processes – especially those needed for overall health. For example, men with low T are more prone to serious problems like cardiovascular disease and even type-2 diabetes.
When your body quits making enough testosterone, it causes your health to suffer until a solution is presented. That's where TRT and anti-aging medicine for men can help. TRT helps balance your hormones and replenish your depleted testosterone. With time, your body will begin to heal, and many symptoms like low libido and irritability begin to diminish.
For men, aging is the biggest contributor to lower testosterone levels, though there are other causes like obesity, drug abuse, testicular injuries, and certain prescribed medications. Sometimes, long-term health conditions like AIDS, cirrhosis of the liver, and kidney disease can lower testosterone levels.
When a man's testosterone levels drop significantly, it alters his body's ratio of estrogen and testosterone. Lower testosterone levels cause more abdominal fat, which in turn results in increased aromatase, which converts even more testosterone into estrogen.
If you're concerned that you might have low T, you're not alone. Millions of men in the U.S. feel the same way. The best way to find out if your testosterone is low is to get your levels tested.
For sustainable testosterone replacement therapy benefits, you must consult with hormone doctors and experts like those you can find at Global Life Rejuvenation. That way, you can find the root cause of your hormone problems, and our team can craft a personalized HRT plan tailored to your needs.
Are you used to blasting through a productive day and accomplishing all your daily goals? Do you find yourself losing muscle mass and the craving to be intimate with your partner? Does your partner complain about how irritable you have become? If you're not usually a curmudgeon, your body could be giving you a sign. It could be time to speak with a doctor about TRT and anti-aging medicine for men in Riviera Beach, FL.
If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, you might be battling against low testosterone:
One of the most common reasons that men choose TRT is because they have lost that "spark" with their partner. It's not easy for a man to hear that they're not performing like they used to. Intimacy is a powerful part of any relationship. When a once-healthy sex life dwindles, it can cause serious relationship issues.
The good news is that low libido doesn't have to be a permanent problem. TRT and anti-aging medicines help revert hormone levels back into their normal range. When this happens, many men have a more enjoyable life full of intimacy and sex drive.
Weak erections – it's an uncomfortable subject for many men in the U.S. to talk about. It's even worse to experience first-hand. You're in the midst of an intimate moment, and you can't do your part. Despite being perfectly normal, many men put blame and shame upon themselves when they can't achieve an erection. And while the inability to perform sexually can be caused by poor diet, obesity, and chronic health conditions, low testosterone is often a contributing factor.
Fortunately, weak erections are a treatable condition. The best way to regain your confidence and ability in bed is to speak with your doctor. Once any underlying conditions are discovered, options like TRT may be the best course of treatment.
Hair Loss
Do you find it harder and harder to work out and lift weights in the gym? Are you having problems lifting heavy items that you once had no problem lifting?
Recent studies show that when men are inactive, they lose .5% of muscle strength every year, from ages 25 to 60. After 60, muscle loss doubles every decade. While some muscle loss is common as men age, a significant portion can be tied to low testosterone levels. When a man's T levels drop, so does his muscle mass.
Testosterone is a much-needed component used in gaining and retaining muscle mass. That's why many doctors prescribe TRT Riviera Beach, FL, for men having problems with strength. One recent study found that men who increased their testosterone levels using TRT gained as much as 2.5 pounds of muscle mass.
Whether your gym performance is lacking, or you can't lift heavy items like you used to, don't blame it all on age. You could be suffering from hypogonadism.
If you're like millions of other men in their late 20s and 30s, dealing with hair loss is a reality you don't want to face. Closely related to testosterone decline and hormone imbalances, hair loss is distressing for many men. This common symptom is often related to a derivative of testosterone called DHT. Excess amounts of DHT cause hair follicles to halt their production, causing follicles to die.
Because hair located at the front and crown is more sensitive to DHT, it grows slower than other follicles and eventually stops growing permanently. Thankfully, TRT and anti-aging treatments for men in Riviera Beach, FL, is now available to address hair loss for good.
While it's true that you can't change your genes, you can change the effects of low testosterone on your body. Whether you're suffering from thinning hair or hair loss across your entire head, TRT and other hormone therapies can stop hair loss and even reverse the process.
Also called "man boobs," gynecomastia is essentially the enlargement of male breast tissue. This increase in fatty tissue is often caused by hormonal imbalances and an increase in estrogen. For men, estrogen levels are elevated during andropause. Also called male menopause, andropause usually happens because of a lack of testosterone.
If you're a man between the ages of 40 and 55, and you're embarrassed by having large breasts, don't lose hope. TRT is a safe, effective way to eliminate the underlying cause of gynecomastia without invasive surgery. With a custom HRT and fitness program, you can bring your testosterone and estrogen levels back to normal before you know it.
Decreased energy was once considered a normal part of aging. Today, many doctors know better. Advances in technology and our understanding of testosterone show that low T and lack of energy often go hand-in-hand.
If you're struggling to enjoy activities like playing with your kids or hiking in a park due to lack of energy, it could be a sign of low T. Of course, getting tired is perfectly normal for any man. But if you're suffering from continual fatigue, a lack of enjoyment, or a decrease in energy, it might be time to speak with a doctor.
Whether you're having a tough time getting through your day or can't finish activities you used to love, TRT could help.
A study from 2011 showed that men who lose a week's worth of sleep can experience lowered testosterone levels – as much as 15%, according to experts. Additional research into the topic found almost 15% of workers only get five hours of sleep (or less) per night. These findings suggest that sleep loss negatively impacts T levels and wellbeing.
The bottom line is that men who have trouble sleeping often suffer from lower testosterone levels as a result. If you find yourself exhausted at the end of the day but toss and turn all night long, you might have low T.
TRT and anti-aging medicines can restore your T levels back to normal, which can help you sleep better with proper diet and exercise.
You're feeling down about everything, and there's no solid explanation for why you're in such a crummy mood. Your daily life is great and full of success, but you can't help but feel unexcited and unmotivated. If you're experiencing symptoms like these, you may be depressed – and it may stem from low testosterone.
A research study from Munich found that men with depression also commonly had low testosterone levels. This same study also found that depressed men had cortisol levels that were 67% higher than other men. Because higher cortisol levels lead to lower levels of testosterone, the chances of severe depression increase.
Depression is a very real disorder and should always be diagnosed and treated by your doctor. One treatment option gaining in popularity is TRT for depression. Studies show that when TRT is used to restore hormone levels, men enjoy a lighter, more improved mood. That's great news for men who are depressed and have not had success with other treatments like anti-depression medicines, which alter the brain's chemistry.
Ask anyone over the age of 50 how their memory is, and they'll tell you it wasn't what it used to be. Memory loss and lack of concentration occur naturally as we age – these aren't always signs of dementia or Alzheimer's.
However, what many men consider a symptom of age may be caused by low testosterone. A 2006 study found that males with low T levels performed poorly on cognitive skill tests. These results suggest that low testosterone may play a part in reducing cognitive ability. If you're having trouble staying on task or remembering what your schedule is for the day, it might not be due to your age. It might be because your testosterone levels are too low. If you're having trouble concentrating or remembering daily tasks, it could be time to talk to your doctor.
Why? The aforementioned study found that participating men experienced improved cognitive skills when using TRT.
Even though today's society is more inclusive of large people, few adults enjoy gaining weight as they age. Despite their best efforts, many men just can't shed the extra pounds around their midsections, increasing their risk of heart disease and cancer.
Often, male weight gain is caused by hormone imbalances that slow the metabolism and cause weight to pile on. This phase of life is called andropause and happens when there is a lack of testosterone in the body. Couple that with high cortisol levels, and you've got a recipe for flabby guts and double chins.
Fortunately, TRT treatments and physician-led weight loss programs can correct hormone imbalances and lead to healthy weight loss for men.
The benefits of hormone replacement therapy for men are numerous. TRT not only grants relief from low-T symptoms but can help give protection against age-related diseases. Additionally, doctors now recognize male testosterone as an important role in alleviating depression.
Some of the most exciting benefits of TRT can include:
Because men do not go through a specific period of hormonal changes like women do (called menopause), many doctors refer to "male menopause" as androgen decline. This is just another term for low testosterone, but like female menopause, the symptoms can be serious and affect your quality of life.
The best way to fight back against male menopause is with male HRT treatment from Global Life Rejuvenation. We provide the following HRT treatments for men:
Our treatment options are personalized for your body and are available as creams, gels, injectables, and implantable pellets. To find out if testosterone replacement therapy is safe for you, contact Global Life Rejuvenation today to schedule your comprehensive testing and anti-aging treatment consultation.
Growth hormone peptides are an innovative therapy that boosts the natural human growth hormone production in a person's body. These exciting treatment options help slow down the aging process and give you a chance at restoring your youth.
Sermorelin is a synthetic hormone peptide, like GHRH, which triggers the release of growth hormones. When used under the care of a qualified physician, Sermorelin can help you lose weight, increase your energy levels, and help you feel much younger.
Human growth hormone (HGH) therapy has been used for years to treat hormone deficiencies. Unlike HGH, which directly replaces declining human growth hormone levels, Sermorelin addresses the underlying cause of decreased HGH, stimulating the pituitary gland naturally. This approach keeps the mechanisms of growth hormone production active.
Benefits of Sermorelin include:
Ipamorelin helps to release growth hormones in a person's body by mimicking a peptide called ghrelin. Ghrelin is one of three hormones which work together to regulate the growth hormone levels released by the pituitary gland. Because Ipamorelin stimulates the body to produce growth hormone, your body won't stop its natural growth hormone production, which occurs with synthetic HGH.
Ipamorelin causes growth hormone secretion that resembles natural release patterns rather than being constantly elevated from HGH. Because ipamorelin stimulates the natural production of growth hormone, our patients can use this treatment long-term with fewer health risks.
One of the biggest benefits of Ipamorelin is that it is suitable for both men and women. It provides significant short and long-term benefits in age management therapies, boosting patients' overall health, wellbeing, and outlook on life. When growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland using Ipamorelin, clients report amazing benefits.
Some of those benefits include:
Whether you are considering our TRT services, HRT for women, or our growth hormone peptide services, we are here to help. The first step to turning back the hand of time starts by contacting Global Life Rejuvenation.
Our friendly, knowledgeable TRT and HRT experts can help answer your questions and walk you through our procedures. From there, we'll figure out which treatments are right for you. Before you know it, you'll be well on your way to looking and feeling better than you have in years!
866-793-9933
Since the average price of car insurance in West Palm Beach is almost double the national average cost of car insurance at $3,331 per year for full coverage, or about $278 per month, and ...
Since the average price of car insurance in West Palm Beach is almost double the national average cost of car insurance at $3,331 per year for full coverage, or about $278 per month, and $1,204 per year on average for minimum coverage, or about $100 per month, it’s no wonder that shopping for cheaper insurance premiums is a top priority for many drivers in this resort city.
Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers.
Are you insuring multiple vehicles?
Yes No
Age
Save on auto insurance with quotes from trusted providers like:
Drivers switch & save an average of $750+/year
Are you overpaying for auto insurance?
Safe drivers choose Allstate®
Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
While drivers have numerous car insurance options to choose from in West Palm Beach, not all of them are affordable. Based on Bankrate’s analysis of average rate data, Geico offers some of the cheapest car insurance policies on average in West Palm Beach for drivers needing full coverage or minimum coverage insurance policies. Other car insurance companies offering cheaper than average prices on car insurance in this Florida city include State Farm, Allstate and Progressive, according to our research.
According to Bankrate’s analysis of average rate data from Quadrant Information Services, some of the cheapest car insurance companies in West Palm Beach include Geico, State Farm and Allstate. But while affordability matters for many drivers in Florida and across the nation, other factors may also play a role when shopping for the best car insurance company.
To help drivers find the best car insurance in Florida, and for West Palm Beach in particular, Bankrate assigned each insurance company a Bankrate Score — using a 5.0 scale — by analyzing factors like customer service, coverage options and availability, as well as pricing and other factors. Bankrate Scores also take into account the scores or rankings that insurance companies receive from J.D. Power, AM Best, and other third-party rating agencies.
Based on our thorough analysis, these are the best cheap car insurance companies in West Palm Beach.
| Insurance company | Bankrate Score | J.D. Power score(Florida region) | Average annual premium for full coverage | Average annual premium for minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geico | 4.4 | 833/1,000 | $2,339 | $721 |
| State Farm | 4.2 | 840/1,000 | $2,706 | $1,076 |
| Allstate | 3.8 | 849/1,000 | $3,071 | $1,148 |
| Progressive | 4.2 | 810/1,000 | $4,178 | $1,580 |
Geico’s average rate is the cheapest of the car insurance providers on our list in West Palm Beach. The average annual premium for full coverage from Geico is $2,339 per year, while the average cost of minimum car insurance coverage is $721 per year. In addition to low average rates, Geico is known to offer affordable average rates for high-risk drivers, and both their online and mobile app services are easy to navigate for policy changes, bill paying and claim submissions. While Geico may have fewer coverage options than many of its competitors, the discount selection is robust, with potential discounts for young drivers, student drivers, or driver training. Both active duty and retired military policyholders may be eligible for up to 15 percent off their car insurance, and policyholders can download the DriveEasy telematics app to potentially save money by displaying safe driving behaviors.
Learn more: Geico Insurance review
State Farm offers the second-cheapest full and minimum coverage rates on average of the providers on our list with, an average annual premium of $2,706 per year for full coverage car insurance, and an average annual cost of $1,076 for minimum coverage car insurance. The company is known for its robust mobile tools, offering easy policy management and a simple process when it comes time to file a claim. It also provides add-on coverage options, like car rental, travel expenses and emergency roadside service coverage. With programs like Drive Safe & Save and Steer Clear®, State Farm rewards safe drivers and also supports its student and young drivers with multiple potential discounts.
Learn more: State Farm Insurance review
Allstate offers cheap average car insurance rates for drivers in West Palm Beach, and it has the highest J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating out of all the companies on our list. With Allstate, the average cost of a full coverage car insurance policy is $3,071 annually, and the average cost of a minimum coverage car insurance policy is $1,114 per year. In addition to having local agents in every state available to help, Allstate provides policyholders with several optional coverage selections and specialty policies like sound system insurance, Mexico tourist auto insurance, and personal umbrella policies. Discount opportunities are plentiful too, with multiple potential payment discounts that include early signing, responsible payer and EZ pay plan discounts.
Learn more: Allstate Insurance review
When you are looking for specific or unique coverage, Progressive could be your best bet. While Progressive has the highest average annual premium on the list for both full coverage and minimum coverage insurance at $4,178 and $1,580 per year respectively, the car insurance provider offers West Palm Beach drivers options like coverage for pet injuries, custom parts and equipment value. If you are a driver for companies like Uber or Lyft, Progressive also offers rideshare coverage. In addition, drivers can potentially save on their premiums with multiple discount programs, such as the Name Your Price® Tool and its Snapshot telematics program.
Learn more: Progressive Insurance review
Finding the cheapest car insurance companies in West Palm Beach is one thing, but keeping the cheapest rates is another. Keep the following in mind as you are searching for the most affordable rates — and trying to keep those rates in check:
Florida ranked first in population growth nationwide last year, welcoming 1,218 new residents each day.Over 583,200 people traded in their out-of-state licenses at Florida DMVs in 2022, according to driver's license data collected by The Post earlier this year. And more than 13,000 of those Florida driver's licenses were issued in ...
Florida ranked first in population growth nationwide last year, welcoming 1,218 new residents each day.
Over 583,200 people traded in their out-of-state licenses at Florida DMVs in 2022, according to driver's license data collected by The Post earlier this year. And more than 13,000 of those Florida driver's licenses were issued in Palm Beach County.
In April, the phrase "move to Florida" hit its highest peak in Google searches since the pandemic-triggered migration to Florida in 2021.
Who's moving to Florida?What new driver's license data tells us
Miami-Dade and Broward counties held the two highest rankings in the state for population growth last year, but coming close behind in third place was Palm Beach County. In Palm Beach Gardens alone, 4,000 new luxury homes are being built for its emerging Avenir community. And at least 500 new luxury condo units are being built on waterfront properties in Jupiter, Tequesta and Palm Beach Gardens .
The consistency with most of Palm Beach County's new builds seems to be luxury. But as the population grows and luxury buildings crop up on historically quiet waterfronts in the county, the need for affordable housing is undeniable.
The influx of high-income residents from other states comes with demand for housing options that match their income, distracting from already minimal opportunities for workforce housing.
Affordable units ahead:The Spruce, a new Northwood Village eight-story building, will have workforce housing
How Palm Beach Gardens is growing:Avenir welcomes homes, hospital, golf and more
Palm Beach Gardens grows:Palm Beach Gardens annexes 300 acres of commercial land along Northlake near Avenir
Do more people bring more problems? Most Florida-born residents think so. The right amount of population growth can be great for a state's economy. A rise in a state's population means a rise in its workforce, which gives way for more money to be earned and sowed back into the economy.
How Wellington is growing:$22M aquatics complex OK'd for Village Park, complete with 4 pools
But too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. And healthy population growth can turn into overpopulation quickly. Overpopulation makes job opportunities and goods more scarce, causing prices to rise and create a prime environment for inflation. As prices rise, middle and lower class workers are forced to save less and spend more.
The gap in middle and upper class wages paired with the Desantis administration's new immigration laws are leaving Florida's new homes and other construction projects abandoned mid-build. Searching "Florida" on TikTok yields hundreds of videos showing empty construction sites, videos of stand-still traffic and lifelong Florida residents' video diaries on why they're choosing to leave their home state.
Lianna Norman covers trending news in Palm Beach County for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at [email protected] You can follow her reporting on social media @LiannaNorman on Twitter.
Nestled along the stunning shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Riviera Beach, FL, is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and vibrant outdoor adventures. With its pristine beaches, diverse marine life, and rich history, Riviera Beach is a destination that captivates the senses. In this article, we'll take you on a journey through the enchanting highlights and must-visit spots that make Riviera Beach a para...
Nestled along the stunning shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Riviera Beach, FL, is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and vibrant outdoor adventures. With its pristine beaches, diverse marine life, and rich history, Riviera Beach is a destination that captivates the senses. In this article, we'll take you on a journey through the enchanting highlights and must-visit spots that make Riviera Beach a paradise waiting to be discovered.
Sun, Sand, and Serenity: Riviera Beach's Pristine Beaches
Riviera Beach boasts some of the most pristine and unspoiled beaches in Florida. From the soft sands of Singer Island Beach to the tranquil shores of Ocean Reef Park, each beach offers its own unique charm. Bask in the warm sun, take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters, or indulge in exciting water activities such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, or jet skiing. Immerse yourself in the serenity and beauty of Riviera Beach's beaches, where you can unwind and create unforgettable memories.
A Marine Wonderland: Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Experience the wonders of the ocean at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, a renowned conservation and educational facility. Discover the fascinating world of sea turtles through interactive exhibits, educational programs, and up-close encounters with these gentle creatures. Take a guided tour of the center's state-of-the-art sea turtle hospital and learn about their rehabilitation efforts. The Loggerhead Marinelife Center is a must-visit destination that offers a unique and inspiring experience for visitors of all ages.
Dive into Underwater Adventures: Blue Heron Bridge
For diving enthusiasts, the Blue Heron Bridge is an underwater paradise that should not be missed. This world-renowned dive site is famous for its rich marine biodiversity, including colorful corals, seahorses, tropical fish, and even the occasional manatee or dolphin sighting. Whether you're an experienced diver or a beginner, the Blue Heron Bridge offers an unforgettable underwater adventure and a chance to explore a diverse ecosystem right at your fingertips.
History, Culture, and the Riviera Beach Marina Village
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Riviera Beach at the Riviera Beach Marina Village. Explore the vibrant waterfront district, where you'll find an array of dining options, eclectic shops, and live entertainment venues. Visit the Maritime Museum and delve into the city's maritime heritage, showcasing the rich history of Riviera Beach as a port and fishing community. Take a leisurely stroll along the marina and soak in the picturesque views of boats gently swaying in the breeze.
Riviera Beach, FL, is a hidden gem that beckons with its stunning beaches, mesmerizing marine life, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you're seeking tranquility on pristine shores, diving into underwater wonders, or immersing yourself in the city's vibrant culture, Riviera Beach has something to offer every visitor. Plan your getaway to this paradise waiting to be explored, and prepare to be captivated by the natural beauty and charm of Riviera Beach, where unforgettable experiences await at every turn.
When it comes to ceramic coating in West Palm BeachIronclad Paint Protection & Coatings is the name you can trust. We are committed to delivering exceptional results, protecting your vehicle's paint, and exceeding your expectations. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and discover how our ceramic coating West Palm Beach can transform and safeguard your beloved vehicle.
Call us now or visit our website to learn more about our ceramic coating services and take the first step towards giving your vehicle the ultimate protection and a head-turning finish it deserves.
Ironclad Paint Protection & Coatings7231 Haverhill Business Pkwy Ste 204 Riviera Beach FL 33407561-231-0589https://www.ironcladppc.com/
Palm Beach PostEditorials from The Palm Beach Post Editorial Board are the opinions of the Board, not of the Post newsroom.Every year Florida lawmakers leave their communities for Tallahassee to address issues affecting everything fromwhat schoolchildren learn and how people receive health care to what's needed to legally obtain a gun.The tallies shown here are final floor votes on bills that went to the governor's desk for signature. To hel...
Palm Beach Post
Editorials from The Palm Beach Post Editorial Board are the opinions of the Board, not of the Post newsroom.
Every year Florida lawmakers leave their communities for Tallahassee to address issues affecting everything fromwhat schoolchildren learn and how people receive health care to what's needed to legally obtain a gun.The tallies shown here are final floor votes on bills that went to the governor's desk for signature. To help our readers see where their state representatives and senators stood on these measures, over the next several weeks The Palm Beach Post Editorial Board is presenting a recap of key votes taken during the 2023 session, starting with:
One of the first things your lawmakers did this session was to pass legislation that expands use of school vouchers. The bill widens eligibility for Florida Tax Credit scholarships, to include any student who is a resident of Florida and is eligible to enroll in kindergarten through 12th grade. It also extends the authorized uses of the scholarship to include costs of home schooling and online instruction.
The Legislature approved the measure — 83 to 27 in the House and 26 to 12 in the Senate — without giving much thought to costs or impact on Florida public schools. The House estimated the voucher expansion would cost public schools $210 million. The Senate estimate was $646 million. The Florida Policy Institute, a progressive research organization, estimated it be $4 billion. Time will tell.
Our View:Editorial: Voucher plan a threat to public education
Related Story:School board pauses talks on a new Riviera Beach high school due to expanded vouchers
Here's how members of the Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation voted. The session may be over but the next time you see your legislator back in the district, ask why.
Rep. Joe Casello, D-Boynton Beach
More than 700 Palm Beach County high school seniors at risk of not graduating have earned a last-minute reprieve after some of the proposed stricter graduation requirements were delayed another year.Diplomas, however, remain in peril for more than 2,000 of the county's students, district officials r...
More than 700 Palm Beach County high school seniors at risk of not graduating have earned a last-minute reprieve after some of the proposed stricter graduation requirements were delayed another year.
Diplomas, however, remain in peril for more than 2,000 of the county's students, district officials reported Friday.
State legislators who were intent on raising the bar on minimum test scores needed to graduate have approved a bill that would delay some, but not all, of those changes. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law Tuesday — just two days before the first graduation ceremonies began in Palm Beach County.
For years, the state has given students who fail the state's exams in math and reading an alternate path to a diploma using the results, or so-called concordant scores, on other tests including the ACT or SAT college entrance exams.
Last month, Palm Beach County school leaders joined several districts across the state in a "Hail Mary" attempt to delay planned hikes in those concordant test score requirements. Nearly 3,000 local students were notified that they were at risk of not being able to walk across the stage, school district leaders said.
The fix, approved as an amendment to H.B. 1537, doesn't solve the issue for all students.
The amendment once again allows this year's seniors, who were freshmen at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, to qualify for a diploma using last year's ACT and SAT scores instead of passing scores on 10th grade assessments. They must score a 430 on the SAT or a 19 in the reading section of the ACT.
But despite pleas not to do so, legislators went forward with plans to raise the bar on what constitutes a passing score on Florida's Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) — meaning seniors taking the exam typically taken for the first time in 10th grade will need to score 114 instead of the previously accepted score of 97.
Previously:Why 2,800 seniors in Palm Beach County schools waiting to see if they'll graduate in weeks
From 2021:Florida's high school seniors face higher graduation bar with fewer ways to make it
Graduation dates:Palm Beach County schools announce high school graduation dates
District staff reported Friday that 710 seniors who were at risk of failing to graduate had since met the new requirements.
Superintendent Mike Burke has said the state's planned changes would create much bigger challenges for students trying to graduate than having to take a summer school class.
“It’s more challenging than just saying 'Hey, look Mike, you need a few more credits to graduate,'" Burke said. "This is 'You’ve got to pass this test,' and if we haven’t been able to get them to that level in four years, I’m not sure a summer term is going to do it.”
Roughy 13,000 seniors plan to graduate from Palm Beach County's 23 high schools in the coming weeks.
A majority of graduates will get their diplomas because they've met Florida's requirements: They've kept a 2.0 unweighted cumulative grade point average, completed course credit requirements and achieved passing scores on the 10th grade Florida Standards Assessment for English Language Arts and the Algebra 1 End-of-Course Assessment.
If a student does not pass the state reading or math tests, they can earn a “concordant," or comparative, score on the common college entrance exams and still earn their diploma.
But in an effort to increase academic rigor, the state Department of Education raised the graduation requirements before the class of 2023 was even in high school
The evidence-based reading and writing score for the SAT increased 50 points, from 430 to 480, and the required score for the ACT was set at 18 for both reading and English. Before, a student needed only a 19 in reading on the ACT.
Students were also able to take the PERT for math in place of the state math assessment. The new requirements prohibited students from using PERT scores to satisfy graduation requirements.
Legislators delayed the implementation of those new requirements due to impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, Palm Beach County teachers are frantically testing those at-risk seniors every day until the end of the year in hopes the students pass the PERT exams and graduate, according to at least educator who spoke with The Palm Beach Post.
Students who do not graduate could attempt to take classes over the summer to raise their SAT and ACT scores, or could pursue a high school equivalency diploma — a GED.
If a student does not graduate because of a test score, they are issued a certificate of completion that says they completed the coursework.
But it’s still not a diploma.
They can't go on to attend college, enroll in the military or check “yes” on a job application that asks if they have a high school diploma.
The Palm Beach Post is looking to speak with students whose plans have changed due to the new graduation requirements.
Please fill out the form below and a reporter will contact you. Your name and information will not be published without your permission and the permission of your parent or guardian.
Katherine Kokal is a journalist covering education at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at [email protected] Help support our work,subscribe today!
