The Figgers Foundation, a nonprofit that works to ensure quality education through effective technology and health access, is launching a new initiative providing free devices, three years of internet service and 4G LTE cell service to eligible Floridians in 18 counties.

Its new Florida Connect program is available to Floridians in the targeted counties who meet certain income requirements and who are enrolled in an eligible public assistance program. Recipients must be a student, job seeker, senior citizen or member of a low-income household to qualify. They must also demonstrate need for affordable internet access and devices and provide proof of residency.

The program is available in Bradford, DeSoto, Dixie, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Okeechobee, Putnam, Taylor and Union counties.

The program provides a modern, 5G device that includes front and rear cameras for video calls and with capabilities for large and easy-to-read displays. There are no activation fees, credit checks or hidden charges for participants, and tech support is available. After 36 months, participants are asked to return devices so other families may benefit from the program.

“Christmas is a time for helping our neighbors, and that’s why I’m excited for our Foundation to be part of the Florida Connect program. This is a cost-free program for eligible Floridians, and I hope we have many families checking our website to see if they are eligible today,” Figgers Foundation founder Freddie Figgers said.

“If these devices help one child with school or help one parent find a job, then this program is hitting the target. Our mission is to support those families most in need — especially during the holidays.”

The Florida Connect devices are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The 18 qualifying counties are located in underserved communities in the Tallahassee, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Tampa, Southwest Florida and Palm Beach areas.

Interested individuals can apply online, by filling out a form, adding a photo and validating residency. Eligible participants can then pick a device based on need, which will then be made available for pick up at a local site or delivered to the participant’s door.

The program aims to assist kids to stay in school or learn online and to help adults search jobs, build a résumé and connect with employers. Participants can also get help to stay healthy by accessing telehealth appointments.

Former Gulfport City Council member and longtime community staple Michael Fridovich has passed away.

His death was confirmed by condolences from family, friends and political colleagues on social media. It was first announced by his brother, Tony Fridovich, on a Monday morning Facebook post.

“My brother Michael passed away yesterday Dec 14, 2025. He was 78. Life was a struggle these last few weeks and his breathing and heart just couldn’t handle it anymore. He hoped he made a difference in the world. His wish is to be cremated and no funeral. So please have a cigar or drink in his memory. He will be missed,” Fridovich wrote.

Gulfport Florida Facebook group administrator Wolfgang Deininger wrote a simple “rest in peace” to Fridovich in his group. The post garnered 111 reactions and 38 comments within a few hours after it was published. The comments were filled with condolences and warm messages about his impact to the community.

Others took to their own timelines, or made posts on Fridovich’s Facebook profile.

“Michael Fridovich, (your death) is a loss for Florida, our city, my family. Michael was a fantastic friend, a committed booster of Gulfport, and an outspoken advocate for the underdog. Cynthia and I were brought to tears at the news of his passing. He was someone our family could count on and he will be deeply missed,” Former State Representative Jennifer Webb wrote on her timeline.

Treasure Island and Madeira Beach Chamber of Commerce President Barry Rubin expressed similar sentiments.

“Our community has lost a giant, and I have lost a friend. Former Gulfport City Councilman Michael Fridovich has passed away. Thank you, Michael, for your service to our country during the Vietnam War and for all that followed in a lifetime of leadership. Your legacy will live on. You will be deeply missed,” Rubin wrote on his timeline.

Florida Veterans Coalition President Robert Groover recalled the day he met Fridovich 10 years ago in a post on his timeline.

“Just learned a dear friend and US Army Infantry Vietnam Veteran just passed away. I met Michael Fridovich over 10 years ago at a Veteran homelessness fundraising event where he and I spent the night as neighbors sleeping in boxes outside a church. We spent the rest of the night smoking cigars and talking about the military and politics and becoming best friends,” Groover said.

“He served on just about every board of every organization I have worked for the last decade. What an amazing guy and I will definitely be smoking some cigars at his ‘office’ in his honor.”

Local pastor and Suncoast Tiger Bay Club Director JC Pritchett said Fridovich and his loved ones will be in his prayers.

“The family and friends of Michael Fridovich are in our thoughts and prayers. Michael was a member of our club, was elected to the Gulfport City Council and served our country during the Vietnam War,” Pritchett wrote on Fridovich’s profile.

Florida Polytechnic University is the best in the state when it comes to undergraduate computer science education, and it’s among the best in the nation in data science.

That’s according to new rankings from Research.com, an online higher education resource. The university’s computer science program ranked No. 1 in Florida among public universities, while its data science program ranked among the nation’s Top 20 for all public and private universities.

“These rankings underscore the high quality of our programs, as well as the talent and commitment of our faculty and students,” university President Devin Stephenson said. “At Florida Poly, we’re building one of the nation’s strongest STEM-focused universities, and recognitions like this show the growing impact of our work.”

The school’s data science program ranked No. 18 overall and No. 11 among public universities nationwide. It was also recognized as the No. 4 most affordable data science undergraduate program nationwide.

“We continually refine our academic programs to ensure students are acquiring knowledge in the most relevant, forward-looking technologies,” Florida Poly Provost Brad Thiessen said. “Being among the nation’s best and most affordable programs strengthens our ability to attract ambitious students who want to innovate and lead.”

The rankings were based on factors including overall university quality, student program views, cost, post-graduation earning potential and research strength.

The school’s computer science program, while tops in the state among all public universities, also ranked No. 2 when including private schools.

“These awards are a testament to the institution’s dedication to academic excellence and student satisfaction with their programs,” Research.com said on its webpage for the ranking.

The new Research.com rankings follow other accolades for Florida’s youngest state university. The most recent U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings put Florida Poly as the No. 1 public college in the South for the fifth consecutive year and No. 3 best value public school in the region.

The university also remains among the nation’s Top 30 public engineering programs without a Ph.D. for the fifth year in a row. In WalletHub’s 2026 College & University Rankings, Florida Poly ranked in the Top 10 nationally for overall career outcomes, No. 2 among public institutions and No. 5 among public universities for best cost and financing.