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Baxter Troutman entering competitive Agriculture Commissioner race

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Former state Rep. Baxter Troutman of Winter Haven said he will run for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture. The grandson of the late citrus baron and one-time gubernatorial candidate, Ben Hill Griffin Jr., Troutman will enter the competitive race to succeed Adam Putnam, a Bartow Republican who is term-limited and is running for governor. “I will file either Friday or Monday at the latest,” Troutman said. “This isn’t a decision I came to lightly and it isn’t a step to advance to…

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4 Florida top-30 college baseball teams push toward post season

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Heading into the final weekend of regular season play, four Florida teams are ranked among the top 30 in college baseball. The Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) is one of the tools used to choose the 64-team NCAA Tournament field and barring any disasters, Florida, Florida State, South Florida and Central Florida should hear their names called on selection day in less than two weeks. In an unusual occurrence, Florida State fans must realize they have seen their team play at…

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Florida schools mostly do well in latest APR scores

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The NCAA’s Academic Progress Rate (APR) figures are in for the 2015-2016 school year with some good news and not-so-good news for some Florida schools. We learn from the APR that women’s tennis teams in particular, and female athletes in general, constitute the best performing college students. The NCAA fully explains the methodology. Three Florida Gator programs earned perfect scores (men’s and women’s tennis along with women’s golf.) Ever Gator program scored at least 970. “In athletics, we keep score,…

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St. Pete native, UCF star Shaquill Griffin’s story enters next chapter

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The Seattle Seahawks’ choice of Central Florida defensive back Shaquill Griffin in the third round of the NFL Draft wasn’t earth shattering, but it is a good story. From a relative unknown to a third-round selection, the Griffin story has several components. It doesn’t hurt that he is an outstanding football player as well. Not many knew all that much about the graduate of St. Petersburg’s Lakewood High. Coming out of high school, he made a vow that he would…

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NFL Draft: second and third round good for state collegians

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The second and third rounds of of the NFL Draft on Friday night saw plenty of action for players from Florida universities. It took two rounds and 41 picks, but Dalvin Cook has finally found an NFL home. The Minnesota Vikings traded up with the Cincinnati Bengals to acquire Florida State’s all-time leading rusher. “We started making some calls once we knew he was sliding into the second day,” said Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman. “We felt he was just…

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Florida schools’ in-state bowl wins will only help recruiting

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We are less than three weeks from National Signing Day for college football. Florida’s power schools will, of course, do well, while South Florida is a finalist for the biggest remaining prize. Florida, Florida State and Miami each posted impressive bowl game victories in their home state, something that can perhaps sway an undecided star player. Better yet, it can impress an in-state junior or sophomore enough to put your school on the list for a future signing day. The…

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Hurricane Matthew forces changes to state football games

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Hurricane Matthew has forced some Florida schools to find another day to play their scheduled games. It must be said at the beginning that people’s lives and well-being are what is most important. College football comes a bit further down the list. However, the games are scheduled and now rescheduled. As of Thursday afternoon, three games have been affected. Tulane had a Friday date with the Central Florida Knights in an American Conference matchup, but that game was postponed on…

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